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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/14132-0.txt b/14132-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..21453b5 --- /dev/null +++ b/14132-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3739 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14132 *** + +[Illustration: W'm Gaston.] + + + + +THE + +BAY STATE MONTHLY. + +_A Massachusetts Magazine_. + +VOL. II. + +FEBRUARY, 1885. + +No. 5. + + + * * * * * + +WILLIAM GASTON. + +By ARTHUR P. DODGE. + + +Victor Hugo has written: "The historian of morals and ideas has a +mission no less austere than that of the historian of events. The latter +has the surface of civilization, the struggles of the crowns, the births +of princes, the marriages of Kings, the battles, the assemblies, the +great public men, the revolutions in the sunlight, all exterior; the +other historian has the interior, the foundation, the people who work, +who suffer and who wait ... Have these historians of hearts and souls +lesser duties than the historian of exterior facts?" + +There is much unwritten history of the Bay State: of the exterior, much +is recorded; of the interior, far less. Both are valuable to posterity. +It is believed that succeeding ages will hold of far greater value, and +the youth of our day be benefitted more by the study of the underlying +principles and causes of those events which are given a conspicuous +place in history, rather than by the mere record of the surface facts. + +It is profitable to study the habits and methods of individuals who +stand out in bold relief in history. To derive the greatest interest and +value from such lives it is well to follow them from early childhood. +Indeed it is profitable to trace back the ancestry and lineage from +which the man has descended, to study the characteristics peculiar to +each generation, and to note the result of racial mixtures tending to +the typical and representative American of to-day. + +Many prominent men received their first incentive to ambition and +industry and perseverence by reading--when their minds were immature, +but fresh and retentive--of the life and achievements of Benjamin +Franklin and such other grand models for the young. + +No history of a country or state is complete without studies of the +lives of those men who have made and are making history. + +William Gaston comes from an honored and distinguished ancestry on both +his paternal and maternal side as will be seen by the succeeding +genealogical notes. + +He was born at Killingly, Connecticut, October 3, 1820. + + GENEALOGY. + + Jean Gaston was born in France, probably about the year 1600. There + are traditions about the particular family to which he belonged, + but only little is definitely known. He was a Huguenot, and is said + to have been banished from France on account of his religion. His + property was confiscated. His brothers and family, although + Catholics, sent money to him in Scotland for his support. He is + said to have been forty years of age and unmarried when he went to + Scotland. Between 1662 and 1668, during a season of persecution in + Scotland, his sons, John, William, and Alexander, went over into + the north of Ireland, whither many of their friends were fleeing + for safety and religious freedom. There is some uncertainty as to + which of these three brothers was the founder of this branch of the + family, but numerous facts point almost conclusively to John as + such founder. One generation was born in Ireland. + + John Gaston had three sons born in Ireland: William, born about + 1680; lived at Caranleigh Clough Water; John, born 1703-4, died in + America 1783; Alexander, born 1714, died in America. + + The former lived all his days in Caranleigh Clough Water, Ireland, + where he died about 1770. John and Alexander came to New England + during or shortly prior to 1730. Tradition has it that they landed + at Marblehead. From this place they went soon, if not immediately, + to Connecticut. As their ancestors had done, so did they, seek + religious liberty in a foreign land. They were Separatists and + probably were drawn to Voluntown because a Church holding that + faith was there established. Alexander returned to Massachusetts a + few years later, residing in Richmond, where some of his + descendants now reside; but most of that branch of the family are + living in the western states. + + John Gaston was made a freeman of Voluntown at the organization of + its town government in 1736-7. He was a prominent member of the + Separatists Church in that town, the meeting for the settlement of + Reverend Alexander Miller, their pastor, being held at his house. + He was the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. His + three children were born in America: Margaret, born 1737, died + 1810; Alexander, born 1739, was a commissioned officer in the + French and Indian War; John, born 1750, died 1805. + + John Gaston married Ruth Miller, daughter of Reverend Alexander + Miller. Their children were Alexander, born in Voluntown, August 2, + 1772; Margaret, born December 13, 1781. The latter died in early + childhood. + + Alexander Gaston married Olive Dunlap, a daughter of Joshua Dunlap, + of Plainfield, Connecticut, who was born 1769, died in Killingly, + September 7, 1814. He married for his second wife in Killingly, in + April, 1816, Kezia Arnold, daughter of Aaron Arnold, born in + Burrillville, Rhode Island, November, 1779, died in Roxbury, + Massachusetts, January 30, 1856. His death occurred in Roxbury, + February 11, 1856. The children of first marriage: Esther, born + 1804, died 1860; John, born 1806, died 1824. William Gaston, of + whom this sketch is written, was the sole issue of the second + marriage. He was born at Killingly October 3, 1820. With his + parents he moved to Roxbury in the summer of 1838. On December 27, + 1830, was born at Boston, Louisa A. Beecher to whom Mr. Gaston was + married May 27, 1852. Mrs. Gaston is a daughter of Laban S. and + Frances A. (Lines) Beecher, both of whom were natives of New Haven, + Connecticut, and were direct descendants of the very first settlers + of Connecticut in 1638. The children of Governor and Mrs. Gaston + were: Sarah Howard, William Alexander, and Theodore Beecher. The + latter was born February 8, 1861; died July 16, 1869. + + The death of Theodore was a severe blow to his family. He was a + beautiful and promising boy. This sad calamity seemed like the + withdrawal of sunlight from the household, causing his loving + parents the keenest anguish. + + Of this branch of the family there are but very few relatives of + Governor Gaston. His son William is the only male representative of + his generation. It is, singularly enough, true that in his family + line of descent there have been three generations where each had + but one male representative, and two generations having but one + representative of either sex. Thus the Carolina Gastons are of the + nearest kindred to Governor Gaston's particular branch. + + Kezia (Arnold) Gaston, the mother of Governor Gaston, was a + daughter of Aaron Arnold and Rhoda (Hunt) Arnold, and a lineal + descendant of Thomas Arnold, who, with his brother William, came to + New England in 1636. William Arnold went to Rhode Island with Roger + Williams, being one of the fifty-four proprietors of that + Plantation. His brother Thomas followed him there in 1654. The + latter was born in England in 1599, probably in Leamington, that + being the birth-place of his brother William. His second wife was + Phoebe Parkhurst, daughter of George Parkhurst of Watertown, + Massachusetts. The family record is carried back to 1100, being + undoubtedly accurate to about the year 1570, when the name Arnold + was first used as a surname; possibly accurate throughout. + + The arms of the Family; Gules, a chevron ermine between three + Pheons, or; appear on the tombstone of Oliver Arnold, and of + William Arnold, the original settler. The same arms are on a tablet + in the Parish Church of Churcham in Gloucestershire, England, + placed there in memory of his ancestor John Arnold of Lanthony, + Monmouthshire, afterwards of Hingham, who acquired the manor of + Churcham in 1541. + + + TRADITIONS. + + The most ancient written record of the family which the writer has + consulted was written by John Roseborough, late Clerk of the + Circuit Court, Chester District, South Carolina. He was the son of + Alexander Roseborough and Martha Gaston, whose father, William + Gaston of Caranleigh Clough Water, Ireland, was grandson of Jean + Gaston, the Huguenot ancestor of the family. + + The statement is as follows, the words enclosed in parenthesis + being supplied by way of information. + + "Jean Gaston emigrated from France to Scotland on account of his + religion, as a persecution then raged against the Protestants. He + had two sons who emigrated from Scotland to Ireland between 1662 + and 1668 during a time of persecution in Scotland. There was a John + and a William, but which of them was the ancestor of our + grandfather is not known. William Gaston, my grandfather, lived at + Caranleigh Clough Water. He married Miss Lemmon and had four sons + and as many daughters: John Gaston (King's Justice) died on Fishing + Creek, near Cedar Shoal, Chester District, South Carolina; Rev. + Hugh Gaston, author of 'Concordance and Collections'; Dr. Alexander + Gaston, killed by the British at Newbern, South Carolina (father of + Judge William Gaston); Robert Gaston, and William Gaston." + + One fact is established, that many of Jean Gaston's descendants had + settled in America before the Revolution and were actively engaged + in that contest for liberty. + +Springing from such ancestry in which are joined the characteristics of +the French Huguenot, the Scotch Presbyterian, the Scotch-Irish patriot, +the follower of Roger Williams, the May Flower Pilgrim, one is not +surprised to find in William Gaston a strong man; a man who inherited as +a birthright the qualities of leadership. + +His father was a well known merchant of Connecticut, of sterling +integrity, and of remarkably strong force of character. He was +commissioned a Captain at the early age of twenty-two, and was for many +years in the Legislature. The father of the latter was also in the +Connecticut Legislature for many years. + +In early youth William gave promise of a superb manhood by displaying +those qualities which have since distinguished him. He was a studious +boy, eager for knowledge. He attended the Academy in Brooklyn, +Connecticut, and subsequently fitted for College at the Plainfield +Academy. At the age of fifteen he left his quiet village home for Brown +University, where his intellect was trained in a routine sanctioned by +the experience of centuries, and where contact with his fellows soon +roused his ambition and gave him confidence in his own ability to enter +the struggle with the world for place and honor. William, having a +married sister, who was many years his senior, residing in Providence, +his father decided to send him, then scarcely more than a lad, to Brown +University where he would be surrounded by family influences and enjoy +the social advantages offered by his sister's home. He maintained a high +rank, graduating with honors in 1840. + +For his life work he decided upon the legal profession--a wise choice as +subsequent time has shown his peculiar fitness therefor. He first +entered the office of Judge Francis Hilliard of Roxbury, remaining for a +time and then continued his legal studies with the distinguished +lawyers and jurists Charles P. and Benjamin R. Curtis of Boston, with +whom he remained until his admission to the Bar in 1844. + +At Roxbury in 1846 he opened his first law office, taking comparatively +soon a leading position at the Bar. He there continued his practice +until 1865 when he formed with the late Hon. Harvey Jewell and the since +associate justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, the Hon. Walbridge A. +Field, the famous and successful law firm, having offices at number 5 +Tremont street, of Jewell, Gaston and Field. This firm continued until +the election of Mr. Gaston to the gubernatorial chair of Massachusetts +in 1874. He was the Democratic candidate the year previous for this +office, his competitor being Mr. Washburn, who was elected but did not +long retain the chair of State, being elected to the United States +Senate. At the convention nominating William B. Washburn for Governor +there were four other candidates for the honor: Alexander H. Rice, +George B. Loring, Harvey Jewell and Benjamin F. Butler. The latter +created no little unquiet by the zeal and strength of his support. The +upshot was that there was a harmonious combination of the forces of the +four contestants of Butler upon Mr. Washburn. It is remembered that some +of the party organs were upon nettles, fearing that General Butler would +bolt the nomination, but he came out squarely and declared that as he +had staked his issues with the convention he would abide the result. + +In the canvass of 1874 Mr. Gaston was opposed by Hon. Thomas Talbot, +who, by reason of Governor Washburn's election to the Senate as stated, +was acting as Governor, having been elected Lieutenant Governor on the +ticket with Mr. Washburn. Governor Gaston's majority over Mr. Talbot was +7,033. In the following canvass of 1875, Mr. Gaston having been +re-nominated by the Democracy, his competitor was Hon. Alexander H. +Rice. By this time, that part of the country represented by the +strongly-intrenched Republican party, was fully aroused to the exigency +of the hour. The edict came from the political centre at Washington to +the effect that the Republican party could not stand another defeat in +Massachusetts, especially on the eve of a presidential campaign. The +national organization concentrated a wonderfully _efficient_ auxiliary +force in aid of the intense activity already exerted by the local +managers, who so well understood the popularity of Mr. Gaston and of the +strong hold he had upon the people. It seems now that the Democratic +managers accepted or anticipated failure as a foregone conclusion, and +no great fight was made; otherwise they would probably have won the +election, as Mr. Rice was elected by only the small plurality of 5,306 +votes. This is very significant, taken in connection with the fact that +General Grant carried Massachusetts in 1872 by 74,212 majority. + +In 1876, that memorable year--memorable as the year of the electoral +commission--Governor Gaston magnanimously declined the re-nomination, +which a large majority of the convention was undoubtedly eager to +confer. The nomination of Charles Francis Adams was to the rank and file +and to the party managers a disappointment, and the enthusiasm that he +was expected to arouse was not materialized. + +The press of the State justly commended Mr. Gaston's conduct in not +forcing his own nomination, a course so completely in accord with his +character, and his entire devotion to the party welfare. He did not +display the least semblance of self-seeking. + +He has seen not a little of public life, but with the exception of five +years, has succeeded in conducting his large and important professional +practice the entire period from his early beginning to this day. The +five years referred to were: two years, 1861 and 1862, while he was +Mayor of the city of Roxbury; the two years, 1871 and 1872, as Mayor of +Boston (this being after the annexation of Roxbury), and the year 1875 +when Governor. + +His mayoralty term of Roxbury antedated the years he was Mayor of Boston +by just ten years. While such Mayor of Roxbury in 1861-2 he was very +active in speechmaking and raising troops in preservation of the +American Union. He went to the front several times, and was +enthusiastically patriotic during the entire critical period. + +He was five years City Solicitor of Roxbuxy. In 1853 and 1854 he was +elected to the Legislature as a Whig, and in 1856 was re-elected by a +fusion of Whigs and Democrats in opposition to the Know-Nothing +candidate. In 1868, although the district was strongly Republican, he +was elected as a Democrat to the State Senate. + +In the fall of 1872 Mr. Gaston positively declined the further use of +his name in the Mayoralty election in Boston that year. He concluded to +be a candidate, however, upon the earnest solicitation of so many of the +best citizens, and of the press, and in consideration of the perfectly +unanimous action of the ward and city committee, in reporting in favor +of his re-nomination and speaking of him as a man pre-eminently +qualified for the duties which required "wisdom, discretion, firmness +and courage when needed, combined with the most exalted integrity and +unselfish devotion to the honor, welfare, and prosperity of the city." + +In commenting on this subject the _Post_ in an editorial, November 26, +1872, said in commendation of the above words of the committee: "The +language employed is none too strong or emphatic. The history of Mayor +Gaston's two administrations is an eminently successful one, so far as +he is personally responsible for them, and there is not the least room +to question that if he were to be re-elected and supported by a board of +aldermen of similar character and purpose the city would at once find +the uttermost requirements of its government satisfied." In that +election in December, 1872, for the year 1873 his opponent, Hon. Henry +L. Pierce, was declared elected Mayor by only seventy-nine plurality. +This fact indicates Mr. Gaston's popularity, as General Grant had +carried Boston the year previous by about 5,500 majority. As her +Representative, her presiding officer, her head of affairs, Mayor Gaston +was a success; an honor to the great city which honored him. + +In 1870 he was a candidate for Congress, but failed of an election, Hon. +Ginery Twitchell receiving a majority of the votes. + +In 1875 Harvard College and also his Alma Mater, Brown University, +conferred upon him the degree of LL.D. + +While he was Governor the somewhat notorious Jesse Pomeroy case was the +occasion of more or less criticism; the Governor himself receiving _pro_ +and _con_ his full share thereof. He was in some instances charged with +a lack of firmness, but time has completely vindicated his course. Many +of those alleging at the time the Governor's want of "back-bone" have +lived long enough to fully realize that his firmness consisted in +adhering with an honest persistency to his convictions, indicating the +identical course he pursued in that as in all other matters of public +import. + +Among those who know him best there exists the consciousness that Mr. +Gaston is not only an exceedingly cautious man, but consistently +conscientious. Bringing such lofty principles, together with a +discerning mind and sound judgement, into activity in the discharge of +his duty, his administration was, it was generally conceded, a wise one. +It should be borne in mind that he occupied a somewhat novel position, +there having been no Democratic Governor of the State for many years. +The scrutiny directed to him and his acts was intense. His success in +bringing his official relations as excessive to such a happy termination +is abundant proof of his being the man this paper endeavors to picture +him. + +It was during his term of office that the lamented Henry Wilson died. At +the State House, in Doric Hall, in November, 1875, Governor Gaston, on +receiving the sacred remains in behalf of the Commonwealth, said in his +address to the committee: "Massachusetts receives from you her +illustrious dead. She will see to it that he whose dead body you bear to +us, but whose spirit has entered upon its higher service, shall receive +honors befitting the great office which in life he held, and I need not +assure you that her people, with hearts full of respect, of love, and of +veneration, will not only guard and protect the body, the coffin, and +the grave, but will also ever cherish his name and fame. Gentlemen, for +the pious service which you have so kindly and tenderly rendered, accept +the thanks of a grateful Commonwealth." + +Among the appointments made by Governor Gaston were the following: that +of the late Hon. Otis P. Lord to be Associate Justice of the Supreme +Judicial Court; Honorable Waldo Colburn and Honorable William S. Gardner +to Associate Justiceships of the Superior Court. + +The writer has preserved in his scrap books various selections from Mr. +Gaston's public utterances, so excellent and so numerous that it would +be difficult to single out any of them for insertion here, even would +space permit so doing. + +It is incomparable, the duties he has performed, the labors he has +accomplished. His life is, and ever has been, a busy life. One marvels +to know how he accomplishes so much. + +In the political world, in literature, in the legal profession, +monuments have arisen in testimony of his toil. + +As a lawyer his successes have been such as have been vouchsafed to but +few. The word success is applied both where it ought to be applied and +where not deserved. Gaining great wealth, distinguished professional +standing, extensive political renown, pre-eminence in other avenues may +be, or may not be, in the highest sense, success. Most men of strong +points are sadly deficient in other and essential traits needed to +constitute a well-biased, grandly-rounded life. It is rare, indeed, that +a person is encountered possessing such well-proportioned, +evenly-balanced, distinguishing characteristics as it has been Mr. +Gaston's lot to enjoy. + +His steady, onward march over the rough places and up the hill in his +learned profession abundantly attest his greatness. No being can occupy, +nor even approach, the very foremost rank in the legal arena save he be +great. Of all representatives of human experiences the lawyer, and more +particularly the advocate, has the least opportunity to occupy falsely a +position of real prominence. Advocacy is the most jealous of +mistresses. Undoubtedly it is true that nowhere else must there be ever +present and ever ready to respond at a moment's notice such a happy +combination of those qualities already noted. + +It is not long ago that one of the most worthy of Boston's Judges +remarked to the writer: "You can count the really excellent advocates at +the Suffolk Bar upon the fingers of both hands." He began by naming the +subject of this sketch, following with the names of Honorable A.A. +Ranney, Honorable William G. Russell, Honorable Robert M. Morse, Jr., +and others. The learned Judge must, it seems, have had in mind a very +high standard of advocacy, for there are not a few among the something +like two thousand Boston lawyers who have well earned, and justly, the +right to be called able and eloquent. + +In his historical article entitled "The Bench and Bar," by Erastus +Worthington, and contained in the "History of Norfolk County, +Massachusetts," after writing of those eminent advocates, Ezra Wilkinson +and John J. Clarke, he refers to Governor Gaston and Judge Colburn in +the following words: "The successors to the leadership of the bar, after +the retirement of Mr. Wilkinson and Mr. Clarke, were William Gaston of +Roxbury, and Waldo Colburn of Dedham. Mr. Gaston was not admitted to +practice in this county, but he studied law with Mr. Clarke, and +practiced in this county for many years, and considered himself a +Norfolk lawyer. He was an eloquent and successful advocate and had an +excellent practice. He had removed to Boston prior to the annexation of +Roxbury. + +"Mr. Colburn practiced in Dedham until he was appointed an Associate +Justice of the Superior Court in 1875. He attained a high position in +his profession as a wise counsellor, an able trier of causes, and a +lawyer in whose hands the interests of his clients were always safe." + +On his election to the Governorship Mr. Gaston absolutely relinquished +his practice and gave his undivided attention to the duties of his +office. He had been quite unable to devote his customary labor to the +benefit of his law partnership and the good of their clientage during +the two years that he was Mayor of Boston. + +When he retired from the executive chair it is said that he had neither +a "case" nor a client. + +He took offices in Sears Building and it was not long before he was +again enjoying a large and lucrative practice. In 1879 he took into +partnership C.L.B. Whitney, Esq.; and last year William A. Gaston, Esq., +was admitted to the firm. + +An imperishable chain binds Ex-Governor Gaston to the bright side of the +history of the Commonwealth. His life and its renown are one and +inseparable. Such is the inevitable result of a life that has ever been +linked to honorable endeavors and principles. So thoroughly identified +with, and endeared to, her best interests, it is difficult to believe +that Massachusetts can claim him by adoption only. In private life Mr. +Gaston is all that can be desired. He is quiet, and remarkably modest +and unassuming. + +He enjoys the delightful home quietness away from his labors. But what +little time he has for such enjoyment! He seems to love work. How he has +performed so much of it is a wonder, although it is well known that he +inherits and enjoys remarkable powers of endurance. Among his favorite +authors are Scott and Burke. He is temperate, refined in his habits, has +the manners of a perfect gentleman, and deserves the blessed fruits of a +well directed life. + + * * * * * + +REMINISCENCES OF DANIEL WEBSTER. + +BY HON. GEORGE W. NESMITH, LL.D. + + +The following is a copy of a letter originally addressed to Rev. Mr. +Savage of Franklin, N.H. The original is dated October 10, 1852, +fourteen days before the decease of Mr. Webster. It was dictated to his +Clerk, C.J. Abbott, Esq. It was the same letter that gave rise to the +humorous anecdote, so well related by Mr. Curtice in his Biography of +Mr. Webster, vol. 2, page 683. + +We now present this letter to the public to show how worthily one of the +last days of Mr. Webster was employed. In this case he presented a +_Peace Offering_ to old friends, which proved effectual in preventing a +severe litigation and consequent loss of money and friendship: + + "MARSHFIELD, Oct. 10, 1852. + + MY DEAR SIR: I learn that there is likely to be a lawsuit between + Mr. Horace Noyes and his Mother respecting his father's will. + + This gives me great pain. Mr. Parker Noyes and myself have been + fast friends for near a half century. I have known his wife also + from a time before her marriage, and have always felt a warm regard + for her, and much respect for her connexions in Newburyport. Mr. + Horace Noyes and his wife I have long known. Her grandfather, Major + Nathan Taylor, late of Sanbornton, was an especial friend of my + father, and I learned to love everybody upon whom he set his + _Stamp_. + + These families during many years have been my most intimate friends + and neighbors whenever I have been in Franklin. It would wound me + exceedingly if any thing as a Lawsuit should now occur between + Mother and Son. It would very much destroy my interest in the + families, and whatever might be the result, it could not but cast + some degree of reflection upon the memory of Parker Noyes. I know + nothing of the circumstances except what I learn from Mr. John + Taylor, and I do not wish to express any judgement of my own as to + what ought to be done, at least without more full information, but + I do think it a case for Christian Intercession. And the particular + object of this Letter is to invite your attention, and that of the + members of the Church, to it in this aspect. Mr. Noyes is + understood to have left a very pretty property, but a controversy + about his Will would very likely absorb one half of it. My end is + accomplished, my dear Sir, when I have made these Suggestions to + you. You will give them such consideration, as you think they + deserve. It has given me pleasure to hope that I might write half a + dozen pages respecting Mr. Parker Noyes, and our long friendship, + but I could have no heart for this if a family feud after his death + was to come in, and overwhelm all pleasant recollections. + + I dictate this letter to my clerk, as the state of my eyes preclude + me from writing much with my own hand. + + Yours with sincere regard, + + DAN'L. WEBSTER. + REV. Mr. SAVAGE + FRANKLIN, N.H." + +This interesting letter produced the happy effect of reconciling the +contending parties, and bringing about an honorable and satisfactory +settlement of all difficulties between them. The letter was timely, +bringing healing in its wings. Here were "words fitly spoken, like +apples of gold in pictures of silver;" to the parties it soon was the +_voice_ from the _dead_, "proclaiming peace on earth, and good will +towards men." As adviser and counsel of the mother, my own exertions for +peace had proved impotent, but the letter of the eminent dying +statesman, containing the salutary advice of an old friend, proved +irresistible in its influence, and brought to the troubled waters +immediate quiet, without resort to the Church or other legal tribunal. + +Mr. Webster made allusion to the honored name of Taylor, then of +Sanbornton. Both father, and son were brave officers of Revolutionary +stock. The father, Captain Chase Taylor, commanded a company composed +chiefly of Sanbornton and Meredith men, at the battle of Bennington, on +the sixteenth of August, 1777, and was there severely wounded--his left +leg being broken, which disabled him for life. He died in 1805. In 1786 +he received a small pension from the State. His surgeon, Josiah Chase of +Canterbury, and his Colonel, Stickney of Concord, each furnishing their +certificates in his behalf. Early in the history of the Revolutionary +war the son, Nathan Taylor, was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the +Corps of Rangers, commanded by Colonel Whitcomb. Lieutenant Taylor had +the command of a small detachment of fourteen men. On the sixteenth day +of June, 1777, being stationed on the western bank of Lake Champlain, at +a place which has ever since been called _Taylor's Creek_, he was +surprised by a superior force of Indians. Taylor bravely resisted this +attack, and was successful in driving the enemy off, though at the +expense of a severe wound in his right shoulder. Three others of his +band were also wounded. Both father and son were confined at home in the +same house several months before recovery from their wounds. Lieutenant +Taylor returned to active service in the army. He afterwards received +the military title of Major, and occupied many civil offices after the +war in his own town, as well as in behalf of the State. He was member of +the House of Representatives, also of the Senate and Council, for a +number of years. He died in March, A.D. 1840, aged 85, much lamented. + +Then there was John Taylor of Revolutionary fame. He and many of his +descendants have occupied high and enviable stations in Sanbornton, and +their biography and good deeds have been ably commemorated by the +historian, Rev. M.T. Runnels. In adhering to the Taylor families Mr. +Webster obeyed the injunction of Solomon who said, "Thine own friend, +and thy _father's friend_ forsake not." Mr. Webster's letter furnishes +strong evidence, that he did not forsake "his own friend," _Parker +Noyes_. The friendship between these men commenced when Mr. Noyes +entered the _Law_ office of Thomas W. Thompson as early as 1798, and +continued intimate, cordial, unabated, "_fast_" during their lives. The +earthly existence of both terminated in the same year, Mr. Noyes having +deceased August, 19, 1852, and Mr. Webster on the twenty-fourth of the +succeeding October. + +The dwelling houses of both in Franklin were within the distance of +twenty rods; their intercourse was frequent during the last fifty-four +years of their lives. + +During the time Mr. Webster practiced law in New Hampshire they often +met at the same bar, and measured intellectual lances in various legal +contests. These meetings were most frequent when Mr. Webster first +settled in Boscawen in 1805, and for the next two years, before his +removal to Portsmouth. + +We were present in A.D. 1848, when these two friends met and recited +many of the interesting and humorous events that occurred in their early +practice. In those days, they often had for a veteran client a man who +then resided in West Boscawen, now Webster, by the name of Corser. He +was represented as one who loved the law, not for its pecuniary profits, +but for its exciting, stimulating effects. It was said of him, that at +the end of a term of the Court, once held at Hopkinton, he was found +near the Court House by a friend, shedding tears. The friend inquired +the cause of his great sorrow. His answer was, "I have _no longer_ a +_case in court._" The same Corser had been a Revolutionary soldier, and +belonged to the army when discharged by Washington at Newburg, at the +termination of the war. He had but little money to bear his expenses +home. When he reached Springfield, Massachusetts, his money was +exhausted, and he was obliged to resort to his talent at begging. +Accordingly he called at a farm house, and requested the good loyal lady +of the establishment to give him a pie, adding at the same time, that he +wanted _another_ for his _Brother Jonathan_. The lady well supposing +that his Brother Jonathan was then his companion in arms, and in the +street suffering with hunger, readily granted his request, when in truth +and in fact Jonathan was then at home cultivating his farm in Boscawen. + +Brother Jonathan, upon learning the conduct of his brother, rebuked him +for useing his name, instead of his own, thereby deceiving the good +woman. In justification of his conduct, the brother answered, "My hunger +was great. I contrived to satisfy it. The kind woman had my thanks; you +was not injured. At most, by strict morals, I committed only a _pious +fraud_ in getting two pies, instead of one." Mr. Webster remarked, that +he was once present when this case was stated, and argued by the two +brothers, and was much interested in the discussion of the celebrated +pie case. + + * * * * * + +THE DARK DAY. + +BY ELBIDGE H. GOSS. + + +The Spragues of Melrose, formerly North Malden, were one of the old +families. They descended from Ralph Sprague, who settled in Charlestown +in 1629. The first one, who came to Melrose about the year 1700, was +named Phineas. His grandson, also named Phineas, served during the +Revolutionary War, and a number of interesting anecdotes are told about +him. He was a slaveholder, and Artemas Barrett, Esq., a native of +Melrose, owns an original bill of sale of "a negro woman named Pidge, +with one negro boy;" also other documents, among which is Mr. Sprague's +diary, wherein he gives the following account of the wonderfully dark +day in 1780, a good reminder of which we experienced September 6, 1881, +a century later: + + FRIDA May the 19th 1780. + + This day was the most Remarkable day that ever my eyes beheld the + air had bin full of smoak to an uncommon degree so that wee could + scairce see a mountain at two miles distance for 3 or 4 days Past + till this day after Noon the smoak all went off to the South at + sunset a very black bank of a cloud appeared in the south and west + the Nex morning cloudey and thundered in the west about ten oclock + it began to Rain and grew vere dark and at 12 it was almost as dark + as Nite so that wee was obliged to lite our candels and Eate our + dinner by candel lite at noon day but between 1 and 2 oclock it + grew lite again but in the evening the cloud came, over us again, + the moon was about the full it was the darkest Nite that ever was + seen, by us in the world.[A] + +[Footnote A: This was printed in the sketch of Melrose in "History of +Middlesex County," vol. II.] + + * * * * * + +NAMES AND NICKNAMES. + +BY GILBERT NASH. + + +To the antiquarian, the historian, or the general scholar, there are few +more interesting studies than that of names. It is a pursuit of rare +delight to trace out the derivation of those with which we have been +long familiar, and to follow up the associations that have rendered them +dear, curious or ridiculous, as the case may be. The names themselves +may be of no value, but the spot or circumstance that gave them birth +cannot fail to throw around them an atmosphere of peculiar interest. The +subject is a broad one and may be, with time and inclination, +extensively cultivated; and, even in the limits of a short article, many +phases of it of general importance and interest may be satisfactorily +treated, and it is proposed in the following paragraphs to present only +a few of them. + +In the present rage for nicknames, pet names, diminutives and +contractions there is fair prospect of an abundant harvest of trouble +and perplexity to the genealogist and historian of the future. In fact, +the students of the present day are already beginning to realize, in no +small degree, the annoyance that arises from the custom. The changes are +so many and intricate that to understand them fully requires much +valuable time and the patience that could better be employed in more +important work. + +The difficulty arises, of course, from indifference, inadvertence or +carelessness, rather than from set purpose; yet the result is the same +in its evil effects. It is true there are some of these nicknames that +have been so long in use, and have become so common that no one is +disturbed by them and their employment, and they are readily understood. +Many of these, however, have served their turn and are gradually going +out of use, and will, in a short time, be only "dead words" to the +community. + +Of this class are the familiar favorites of our grandparents, such as +Sally, for Sarah; Polly or Molly, for Mary; Patty, for Martha, and +Peggy, for Margaret, representative names of the class. Some of these, +with perhaps slight changes, have become legitimatized, and their origin +has been nearly, or quite, forgotten. Of such we recognize Betsy, or its +modern equivalent, Bettie or Bessie, as a very proper name. Few, +perhaps, of our present generation would recognize in "Nancy," the +features of its parent, "Ann" or "Nan." + +Some of these old nicknames have already gone nearly or quite out of +use, so much so that many of our young people will be surprised to learn +that Patty was, not long ago, the vernacular for Martha, and would never +imagine that "Margaret" could ever have responded to the call of +"Peggy;" "Hitty" and "Kitty," for the staid and sober "Mehitable," and +the volatile Katherine, are more easily recognized, while it might +require several guesses to establish the relationship between "Milly" +and "Amelia," or "Emily." + +Stranger than either, perhaps because both the proper name and its +diminutive have become so uncommon, is that transformation which reduced +"Tabitha," to "Bertha," with the accent upon the first syllable, and its +vowel long. A curious instance of the change in this name, and the +further variation made in it in consequence of its forgotten +derivation, has recently occurred in the record of the death of an old +lady who was baptized "Tabitha," called in her youth "Bitha," and now in +her obituary styled Mrs. "Bertha," probably from the similarity of sound +to her youthful nickname. Her relatives of the present generation had +forgotten her real name and knew her only under that of an imitation of +her diminutive. The transition from "Bitha" to "Bertha" is easy, but how +is the perplexed genealogist to ascertain the original when he has only +the records for his guide? + +Such illustrations might be multiplied almost indefinitely, but those +already given are enough to show what an infinite amount of trouble has +come and must still come from their continued usage. They also serve +well to show with how much care and watchfulness the historian must +pursue his work; how constantly he must be upon his guard, and how +closely and critically he must scrutinize the names that pass under his +eye. + +Nor was this custom of nicknames confined to the daughters of the +family, but the boys, also, were among its subjects, perhaps in not so +great a variety, yet very general. Among the more common we only need +mention such as Bill, Ned, Jack, and Frank, to illustrate this. Nor were +there wanting among the masculine nicknames those whose derivations seem +very remote and far-fetched, as "El" for "Alphus;" "Hal" for "Henry;" +"Jot" for "Jonathan;" "Seph" for "Josephus;" "Nol" for "Oliver;" "Dick" +for "Richard," and a multitude of others equally well known. + +The instances named are old and have been in general use so long that +those who are called upon to deal with them are upon their guard and not +likely to be led astray by them, but the class of pet names, now, for a +few years in use, will necessarily be more misleading because they are +new, and in many cases very blind; in many instances the same nickname +being used to represent perhaps a dozen different proper names, so that +it is impossible to tell, from the nickname, what the real name is. +Among the most annoying of this class are those that not only represent +several names each, but are masculine or feminine, as occasion calls. + +Of the latter class are "Allie" for Alice, Albert or Alexander, and +"Bertie," used in place of so many that it is needless to specify, the +latter being the worst of its species, since it is wholly indefinite, +applying equally to boy or girl, and for a multitude of either sex, some +of which are so far-fetched that all possible connection is lost in the +journey of transmission. Most of the old fashioned nicknames indicate +the sex quite distinctly, and in this they have much the advantage of +some of their modern competitors. They were also much more expressive if +not so euphonious. A person need but glance at any of our town records +for the past few years to see how the use of these pet names has +increased, and it requires no prophet to foresee what confusion must +naturally arise from the continuance of the custom, and how difficult it +will be in the near future to follow the record accurately. + +Another and very different class of nicknames are those derived from +accident or local circumstance, and have no other connection with the +real name of the person to whom they are attached, and to whom they +cling as a foul excrescence long after the circumstances that called +them forth is forgotten. These sometimes originate at home in childhood, +at school among playmates, or after the arrival of the person at mature +age, and are oftentimes ridiculous in the extreme. They are nearly +always a source of great mortification to those who so unwillingly bear +them, who would give almost anything to rid themselves of the nuisance; +yet these, once fixed, seldom lose their hold, but must be borne with +the best grace possible. + +It will not be necessary to cite instances of this class, as every one +will recall many such that it might be highly improper to mention +publicly as being personal or taken to be so. Some are simply indicative +of temperament; some of a peculiarity of manner, or a locality in which +they happened to have first seen the light; and others, perhaps the most +unfortunate of all and the most mischievous, are derived from an +ill-timed word or act, said or done in a moment of passion or +thoughtlessness, which the individual would like to recall at almost any +price, but cannot. The saddest of all are those unfortunates, for there +are such, to whom their parents, they knew not why, gave such names. + +Another class are those given at first as a term of reproach or +disgrace, accepted without protest, and afterwards borne as a title of +honor. The name "Old Hickory" will at once suggest itself as such an +instance. Truly fortunate is the person who has the tact and is in +circumstances to do this, and thus turn the weapons of his enemies +against themselves. There are others, again, whose character and +position are such that they permit no familiarity, and every name of +reproach or ridicule rolls off like shot from the iron shell of the +monitor. The name of our Washington suggests such an individual. Whoever +for an instant thought of approaching him with familiarity, or of +applying to him a nickname as a term of reproach or ridicule, or even as +an expression of good nature. + +As will be readily seen, the evil resulting from this custom is wide +spread and alarming. It would also seem to be almost without remedy, +since it is the result of irresponsible action, committed by persons who +are not fully aware of what they are doing, by those who are +indifferent, as to what may follow, or by those who are actuated by +malice; against these there is no law except the steady, persistent +movement of the thinking public setting its face squarely against the +practice, with the passage of time, which usually brings about, we know +not always how, the remedy for such evils; but we are seldom willing to +wait for such a cure. + +As before intimated parents are sometimes guilty of this offence, and +thus place upon a child a stigma that will follow it through life. A +little care on their part will remedy the evil, to that extent, and they +surely should be willing to do their share in the work. Teachers and +those who have the charge of the young are sometimes thoughtless enough +to commit the same fault. Should it not be crime? For they have no right +to be thus inconsiderate, when a little restraint upon their part will +prevent the wrong as far as they are concerned. With these two +influences setting in the right direction, added to that of the thinking +community, a current may very likely be formed that shall obliterate +wholly the custom and deliver us from its attendant difficulties. + +Another practice now quite common, and one which bids fair to create +much confusion, is that which permits the wife to take the Christian +name of her husband: for instance, Mrs. Mary, wife of John Smith, signs +her name Mrs. John Smith, a name which has no legal existence, which she +is entitled to use only by courtesy, and which should be allowed in +none but necessary cases to distinguish her from some other bearing the +same name, or to address her when her own Christian name is not known. +Mrs. is but a general title to designate the class of persons to which +she belongs, and not a name, any more than Mr. or Esq. Who ever knew a +man to sign his name Mr. so and so, or so and so, Esq.? + +To show the absurdity and impropriety of this misuse of the name it will +be needful to mention but a single illustration. Suppose a note or check +is made payable to Mrs. John Smith. Mrs. being only a title, and no part +of the name, the endorsement would be plain John Smith, and nobody, not +even his wife, has any right to forge his signature. An instrument thus +drawn is a mistake, since no one can be authorized to execute it. + +The trouble to the genealogist and historian is of a somewhat different +nature, since he merely desires to identify the individual and cares +nothing about the money value of the document. Much the safer and better +way is for the wife always to sign and use her proper name and to add, +if she thinks it necessary to be more explicit, "wife of," using her +husband's name. By doing this a vast deal of perplexity would be +avoided, and sometimes a serious legal difficulty. + +Another custom, as common, and quite a favorite one with many married +ladies, is that which changes her middle name by substituting her maiden +surname; for example, Mary Jane Smith marries James Gray, and +immediately her name is assumed to be Mary Smith Gray, instead of Mary +Jane Gray, her legal name. The wife, if she so chooses, has the right by +general consent, if not by law, to retain her full name, adding her +husband's surname; but she has no right to use her own maiden surname in +place of her discarded middle name. Much confusion might arise from this +practice, as the following illustration will show. Mary Jane Gray +receives a check payable to her order, and she, being in the habit of +signing her name Mary Smith Gray, thus endorses it, and forwards it by +mail or otherwise for collection, and is surprised when it comes back to +her to be properly executed. + +Again, Mary Jane Gray has a little money which she deposits in the +savings bank, and, for the reason already given, takes out her book in +the name of Mary S. Gray. She dies and her administrator finding the +book tries to collect the money, but he being the administrator of Mary +Jane Gray and not of Mary S. Gray may find the Treasurer of the bank +unwilling to pay over the money until he is satisfied as to the identity +of the apparently two Mary Grays, which, under some circumstances, might +be a difficult process. + +These changes are usually made thoughtlessly, but the result is none the +less serious than though it were done with the intent to deceive or +mislead, and the mischief that often arises in consequence is very +great. These changes that have been noted from the nature of the case +can only occur with women, since men have no occasion to make them, and +in point of fact cannot; but there are those, quite analagous in +character, that are common to both sexes and should be avoided unless +the necessity is very apparent. Double names are sometimes very +convenient for purposes of identification, but they may also prove +fruitful sources of difficulty and trouble. As an illustration, Mary +Jane Smith is known at home by her family and to her acquaintances as +Mary. For some fanciful reason or local circumstance she wearies of +that name and becomes Jane. Both are equally hers, but her acquaintances +who knew her as Mary might well plead ignorance when asked about Jane +Smith; and the acquaintances of the latter might never surmise that Mary +Smith had ever existed. + +Again, James Henry Gray is known at home in his youth as James H. Gray, +and the name is very satisfactory to him; but as he arrives at manhood +he enters a new business and finds a new residence. For some reason he +thinks that a change of name also may be of benefit to him, and +therefore he signs himself J. Henry Gray, and henceforth is a stranger +to his former acquaintances. He has some money in bank at his old home +which he draws for under his new name, and wonders when his check comes +back to him dishonored, forgetting that he has never notified the +officers of his change of name. + +He finds it necessary, upon some occasion, to write to one of his former +friends for information of importance, and is surprised that his old +associate declines to give it to a stranger, for he does not remember, +that, while he may easily retain his own identity, under any change of +name, it may not be so easy to assure it to another at a distance. It +can thus be seen how easily, and at times, how unavoidably, a great deal +of vexation may be produced by this practice, and yet it is extensively +followed. + +Looking at the subject in another aspect, we find a grievance that has +borne and is now bearing with intolerable weight upon many an +individual, who would, at almost any sacrifice, relieve himself of it, +but it is saddled upon him in such a manner, and is surrounded by such +circumstances as to render it quite impossible for him to do so. It is a +practice, all too common, but none the less reprehensible, to give to +children legitimate names of such a character as to render them +veritable "old men of the sea," so graphically described by Sindbad. + +They are given for various reasons, sometimes simply for their oddity, +sometimes because the name has been borne by a relative or friend, or it +may have been borrowed from the pages of some favorite author, or +suggested by accidental circumstance. A boy whose Christian name was +Baring Folly, and we should not have far to go to find its counterpart +in real life, could hardly be expected to get through the world without +feeling severely the burden and ridicule of such a name, each part +proper and well enough in its place as a surname, but particularly +unfortunate when united and required to do duty as a Christian name. + +We ridicule, and it may be wisely, the old-fashioned custom of giving a +child a name merely because it happened to be found in the Scriptures, +where with its special meaning it was singularly appropriate, yet, when +used as a name without that special signification, it would be equally +inappropriate. But are we wholly free from the same fault in another +direction? How many children have been so burdened with a name that had +been made illustrious by the life and services of its original bearer +that they were always ashamed to hear it spoken; that very name of honor +becoming in its present position a reproach and a hindrance, rather than +a stimulus, because the bearers feel that they cannot sustain its +ancient renown, and therefore they become mere nothings, simply from the +fact of having been borne down to the dust under the burden of a great +name. + +Who can tell how many have become notorious, or have committed vagaries +which have rendered them ridiculous, and destroyed their usefulness, +from a sincere desire to bear worthily an honored name? Who shall say +that the eccentricities of a certain celebrity of acknowledged talent, +whose name would be quickly recognized, were not the result of the same +cause, the length, and weight of the name given him at his birth proving +too great an incumbrance for him to overcome. + +How many ignoble George Washingtons, Henry Clays, Patrick Henrys, and +other equally illustrious names, are wandering aimlessly about our +streets, shiftless, worthless, utterly unworthy the names they bear, +simply because they bear them, when, had they been given plain, honest, +common names, they might have been held in respect and esteem. The +burden is too great for them. A ship with a drag attached to her cannot +make progress, be she ever so swift without it. Even the eagle will +refuse his flight when burdened with excessive weight. + +A little lack of consideration or want of thought in this matter on the +part of parents often entail an immense amount of suffering upon those +who are wholly innocent as to its cause. Let the boy or girl be given +such a name, as shall be his or hers, worthy or unworthy, as the bearer +shall make. Give them all a fair show. We may not be able to tell in all +cases, perhaps not in many, how this affair of names has affected the +lives of their owners. Give a child a silly or ridiculous name and the +chances are that the child's character will correspond with that name. +Give a child a name already illustrious and the chances are also fair +that the burden will prove its ruin. + +It is unnecessary to extend the subject, the present purpose being +merely to call attention to those practices, and so to present them that +more natural and healthy customs will be sought after and followed, that +a true æsthetic taste may be cultivated, and thus alleviate or remove a +part, at least, of the burden under which society groans. + +It is also intended to illustrate some of the trials and perplexities +that beset the genealogist and historian in their researches, arising +from these unfortunate habits that pervade society. It would seem that +the evils produced by the practices, only need exposure to result in +reformation, and that no parent, with the full knowledge of the +possible, yes probable, and almost inevitable effect, would so thrust +upon his offspring an annoyance, to use the mildest possible term, which +should subject them to such disagreeable consequences all through life. + +It would seem, also, that no guardian, teacher, or other individual +having the care and oversight of children, could be so thoughtless and +inconsiderate, or allow a personal or private reason so to influence +him, as to assume for the child any name that would be liable to cause +it future shame or sorrow. Too much care cannot be taken in this regard, +and it is a duty owing to the child that its rights in this respect +shall be strictly guarded. + +It is the object of this paper simply to call attention to a few of the +more prominent points suggested by this subject in order that it may be +examined and discussed, and, if it may be, more judicious and wiser +practices introduced, that nature, art, and taste may combine to produce +a system of names that shall be at the same time, convenient, useful and +beautiful, and that shall carry no burden with them. + + * * * * * + +JOHN PRESCOTT, THE FOUNDER OF LANCASTER. + +1603 TO 1682. + +By HON. HENRY S. NOURSE. + + +The facts that have come down to us whereupon to build a biography of +John Prescott are scanty indeed, but enough to prove that he was that +rare type of man, the ideal pioneer. Not one of those famous +frontiersmen, whose figures stand out so prominently in early American +history, was better equipped with the manly qualities that win hero +worship in a new country, than was the father of the Nashaway +Plantation. Had Prescott like Daniel Boone been fortunate in the favor +of contemporary historians, to perpetuate anecdotes of his daily prowess +and fertility of resource, or had he had grateful successors withal to +keep his memory green, his name and romantic adventures would in like +manner adorn Colonial annals. Persecuted for his honest opinions, he +went out into the wilderness with his family to found a home, and for +forty years thought, fought and wrought to make that home the centre of +a prosperous community. Loaded from his first step with discouragements, +that soon appalled every other of the original co-partners in the +purchase of Nashaway from Showanon, Prescott alone, _tenax propositi_, +held to his purpose, and death found him at his post. His grave is in +the old "burial field" at Lancaster, yet not ten citizens can point it +out. Over it stands a rude fragment from some ledge of slate rock, +faintly incised with characters which few eyes can trace: + +JOHN PRESCOTT DESASED + +No date! no comment! That is his only memorial stone; his only epitaph +in the town of which, for its first forty years, he was the very heart +and soul, and for which he furnished a large share of the brains. This +fair township--now divided among nine towns--and all it has been and is +and is to be may be justly called his monument. The house of Deputies in +1652 voted it to be rightly his, and marked it by incorporative +enactment with his honored and honorable name, _Prescott_. +Unfortunately, however, some years before he had said something that +seemed to favor Doctor Robert Child's criticisms of the Provincial +system of taxation without representation; criticisms that grew and bore +good fruitage when the times were riper for individual freedom; when +Samuel Adams and James Otis took up the peoples' cause where Sir Henry +Vane and Robert Child had left it. Therefore when, in 1652, what had +been known as the Nashaway Plantation was fairly named for its founder +in accordance with the petition of its inhabitants, some one of +influence, whether magistrate or higher official, perhaps bethought +himself that no Governor of the Colony even had been so honored, and +that it might be well, before dignifying this busy blacksmith so much as +to name a town for him, to see if he could pass examination in the +catechism deemed orthodox at that date in Massachusetts Bay. Alas! John +Prescott was not a freeman. Having a conscience of his own, he had never +given public adhesion to the established church covenant and was +therefore debarred from holding any civil office, and even from the +privilege of voting for the magistrates. There was a year's delay, and, +in 1653, "Prescott" was expunged and _Lancaster_ began its history. + +As in the broad area of the township various centres of population grew +into villages and were one by one excised and made towns, it would be +supposed that each of them would have been eager to honor itself by +adopting so euphonious and appropriate a name as _Prescott_. But no! The +first candidate for a new designation, in 1732, chose the name of the +generous Charlestown clergyman, _Harvard_, for no appropriate local +reason now discoverable. Six years later another body corporate imported +the name--_Bolton_. Two years passed and a third district sought across +the ocean for its title _Leominster_. Then Woonksechocksett forgetful of +its benefactors and of the grand Indian names of its hills and waters +borrowed the title of a putative Scotch lord, who bravely fought for our +Independence, and, in adopting, paid him the poor compliment of +misspelling it--_Sterling_. The next seceder ambitiously chose the name +of a Prussian city--_Berlin_. The sixth perpetuated its early admiration +of the great small-pox inoculator, _Boylston_; and the last was +named--for a hotel. None so poor as to do Prescott reverence. But +surely, it would be thought, banks and manufactories, halls or at least +a fire engine, might with tardy respect have paid cheap tribute to his +name by bearing it. Is there any example! Yes, at last a short street +having little connection sentimental or real with the pioneer, bears his +name--this only in the aspiring town, almost a city, of which John +Prescott's old millstone is the visible foundation! _Clinton_. + +I have stated that Prescott was an ideal pioneer. Not that there was in +him anything of kinship to that race of frontiersmen now deployed along +the outer verge of American civilization, like the thread of froth +stranded along a beach outlining the extreme advance made by the last +wave of the tide. The frontiersmen of to-day, bibulous gamblers, +reckless duelists, blasphemous savages of mixed blood, had no prototype +in Colonial days, for even the human harvest then gathered to the +stocks, the whipping-post and the gallows, was of a far less obtrusive +class of offenders against morals and social decency. Prescott was a +Puritan soldier, a seeker of liberty not license; fiercely rebellious +against tyranny, but no contemner of moral law. It was no accident that +put him in the advance guard of Anglo-Saxon civilization, then just +starting on its westward march from the shores of Massachusetts Bay. The +position had awaited the man. When he set up his anvil and with skilful +blows hammered out the first plough-shares to compel the virgin soil of +the Nashaway valley to its proper fruitfulness, he was all unwittingly +helping to forge the destinies of this great republic;--was in his +humble sphere a true builder of the nation. His neighbors and friends, +John Tinker, Ralph Houghton, and Major Simon Willard, doubtless excelled +him in culture, but no neighbor surpassed him in natural personal force, +whether physical, mental or moral. Not only was he of commanding +stature, stern of mien and strong of limb, but he had a heart devoid of +fear, great physical endurance and an unbending will. These qualities +his savage neighbors early recognized and bowed before in deep respect, +and because of these no Lancaster enterprise but claimed him as its +leader. His manual skill and dexterity must have been great, his mental +capacity and business energy remarkable, for we find him not only a +farmer, trader, blacksmith and hunter, but a surveyor and builder of +roads, bridges and mills. The records of the town show that he was +seldom free from the conduct of some public labor. The greatest of his +benefactions to his neighbors were: His corn-mill erected in 1654, and +his saw-mill in 1659. The arrival of the first millstone in Lancaster +must have been an event of matchless interest to every man, woman and +child in the plantation. Till that began its tireless turning, the grain +for every loaf of bread had to be carried to Watertown mill, or ground +laboriously in a hand quern, or parched and brayed in a mortar, Indian +fashion. Before the starting of his saw-mill, the rude houses must have +been of logs, stone, and clay, for it was an impossibility to bring from +the lower towns on the existing "Bay road" and with the primitive +tumbril any large amount of sawn lumber. + +Of Prescott's wife we know only her name: Mary Platts. But her daughters +were sought for in marriage by men of whom we learn nothing that is not +praiseworthy, and her sons all honored their mother's memory, by useful +and unblemished lives. John Prescott was the youngest son of Ralph and +Ellen of Shevington, Lancashire, England. He was baptized in the Parish +of Standish in 1604-5 and married Mary Platts at Wigan, Lancashire, +January 21, 1629. He was a land owner in Shevington, but sold his +possessions there and took up his residence in Halifax Parish, Sowerby, +in Yorkshire. Leaving England to avoid religions persecutions, his first +haven was Barbadoes, where he is found a land owner in 1638. In 1640 he +landed in Boston, and immediately selected his home in Watertown, where +he became the possessor of six lots of land, aggregating one hundred and +twenty-six acres. In 1643, his name is found in association with Thomas +King of Watertown, Henry Symonds of Boston, and others, the first +proprietors of the Nashaway purchase. His children were eight in number +and all were married in due season. They were as follows: + +1. Mary, baptized at Halifax Parish February 24, 1630, married Thomas +Sawyer in 1648. The young couple selected their home lot adjoining +Prescott's in Lancaster and there eleven sons and daughters were born to +them. + +2. Martha, baptized at Halifax Parish March 11, 1632, married John Rugg +in 1655; and these twain began life together in sight of her paternal +home in Lancaster. She died with her twin babes in January 1656. + +3. John, baptized at Halifax Parish April 1, 1635, married Sarah Hayward +at Lancaster, November 11, 1668, and had five children. He was a farmer +and blacksmith, lived with his father, and succeeded him at the mills. + +4. Sarah, baptized in 1637, at Halifax Parish, married Richard Wheeler +at Lancaster, August 2, 1658, and lived in the immediate vicinity of +those before named. Wheeler was killed in the massacre of February 10, +1676, and the widowed Sarah married Joseph Rice of Marlborough. By her +first husband she had five children. + +5. Hannah, was probably born at Barbadoes in 1639. She became the second +wife of John Rugg May 4, 1660, and had eight children. She became a +widow in 1696, and was slain by the Indians in the massacre of September +11, 1697. + +6. Lydia, born at Watertown August 15, 1641, married Jonas Fairbank at +Lancaster, May 28, 1658. He owned the lands next south of Prescott's +home. Fairbank had seven children. In the massacre of February 10, 1676, +he and his son Joshua were victims. The widowed Lydia married Elias +Barron. + +7. Jonathan--if twenty three years old in 1670, as an unknown authority +has noted, or "about 38," November 6, 1683, as stated in a deposition of +that date--was probably born in Lancaster between 1645 and 1647. He was +a blacksmith and farmer, and married first Dorothy, August 3, 1670, in +Lancaster. She died in 1674, leaving a son Samuel, noted in the town +history as the unfortunate sentinel who, on November 6, 1704, killed by +mistake his neighbor, the beloved minister of Lancaster, Reverend Andrew +Gardner. Jonathan Prescott married second, Elizabeth, daughter of John +Hoar of Concord, who died in 1687 leaving six children. Jonathan's third +wife was Rebecca Bulkeley and his fourth Ruth, widow of Thomas Brown. He +did not reside in Lancaster after the massacre of 1676, but became an +influential citizen of Concord, which he served as representative for +nine years. He died December 5, 1721. + +8. Jonas, born June, 1648, in Lancaster, married Mary Loker of Sudbury, +December 14, 1672. The marriage took place in Lancaster and here their +first child was born, (they had twelve children in all), but later they +removed to Groton, where Jonas became Captain, Selectman and Justice. He +died in Groton, December 31, 1723. Of his more illustrious descendants +were Colonel William, and the historian William H. Prescott. + +In May 1644, John Winthrop records that "Many of Watertown and other +towns joined in a plantation at Nashaway "--and Reverend Timothy +Harrington in his Century Sermon states that the organization of this +company of planters was due to Thomas King. The immediate and final +disappearance of this original proprietor has seemed to previous writers +good warrant for charging that King and his partner Henry Symonds were +but land speculators, who bought the Indian's inheritance to retail by +the acre to adventurers. I believe this an unjust assumption. At the +date when Winthrop noted down the inception of the Nashaway Company, +Henry Symonds had already been dead seven months. He was that energetic +contractor of Boston noted as the leader in the project for establishing +tide mills at the Cove, and was no doubt the capitalist of the trading +firm of Symonds & King, who set up their "trucking house" as early as +1643 on the sunny slope of George Hill. Symond's widow a few months +after his death married Isaac Walker, who in 1645 was prominent among +the Nashaway proprietors. If King really sold his share of the Indian +purchase, may it not have been therefore because, his senior partner +being dead, he had no means to continue the enterprise? He too died +before the end of the year 1644, not yet thirty years of age. The +inventory of his estate sums but one hundred and fifty-eight pounds, +including his house and land in Watertown, his stock in trade, and +seventy-three pounds of debts due him from the Indians, John Prescott, +and sundry others. King's widow made haste to be consoled, and her +second husband, James Cutler, soon appears in the role of a Nashaway +proprietor. + +The direction of the company was at the outset in the hands of men whose +names were, or soon became, of some note throughout the Colony. Doctor +Robert Child, a scholar who had won the degrees of A.M. and M.D. at +Cambridge and Padua, a man of scientific acquirements, but inclined to +somewhat sanguine expectations of mineral treasure to be discovered in +the New England hills, seems to have been a leading spirit in the +adventure; and unfortunately so, since his political views about certain +inalienable rights of man, which now live, and are honored in the +Constitution of the Commonwealth, seemed vicious republicanism to the +ecclesiastical aristocracy then governing the Colony of the +Massachusetts Bay; and the odium that drove Child across the ocean, +attached also to his companion planters, and perhaps through the +prejudice of those in authority unfavorably affected for several years +the progress of the settlement on the Nashaway. Certainly such +prejudices found expression in all action or record of the government +respecting the proprietors and their petitions. The ecclesiastical +figure head--without which no body corporate could have grace within the +colony--was Nathaniel Norcross. Of him, if we can surmise aught from his +early return to England, it may be said, he was not imbued with the +martyr's spirit, and his defection was, some time later, more than made +good by the accession of the beloved Rowlandson. But far more important +to the enterprise than these two graduates from the English +University--Child the radical, and Norcross the preacher,--were two +mechanics, the restless planners and busy promoters of the company, both +workers in iron--Steven Day the locksmith and John Prescott the +blacksmith. Steven Day was the first in America, north of Mexico, to set +up a printing-press. The Colony had wisely recognized in him a public +benefactor, and sealed this recognition by substantial grant of lands. +He entered upon the Nashaway scheme with characteristic zeal and energy, +if we may believe his own manuscript testimony: but Day's zeal outran +his discretion, and his energy devoured his limited means, for in 1644 +we find him in jail for debt remonstrating piteously against the +injustice of a hard hearted creditor. He parted with all rights at +Nashaway before many years and finally delved as a journey man at the +press he had founded. + +John Prescott deserted of all his original co-partners was sufficient +for the emergency, a host in himself. He sells his one hundred and +twenty six acres and house at Watertown, puts his all into the venture, +prepares a rude dwelling in the wilderness, moves thither his cattle, +and chattels, and finally, mounting wife and children and his few +remaining goods upon horses' backs, bids his old neighbors good bye, and +threads the narrow Indian trail through the forest westward. The scorn +of men high in authority is to follow him, but now the most formidable +enemy in his path is the swollen Sudbury River and its bordering marsh. +We find the aristocratic scorn mingling with the story of Prescott's +dearly bought victory over this natural obstacle, told in Winthrop's +History of New England among what the author classes as remarkable +"special providences." + +"Prescot another favorer of the Petitioners lost a horse and his loading +in Sudbury river, and a week after his wife and children being upon +another horse were hardly saved from drowning." That the kindly hearted +Winthrop could coolly attribute the pitiable disaster of the brave +pioneer to the wrath of God towards the political philosophy of Robert +Child, pictures vividly the bigotry natural to the age and race, a +bigotry which culminated in the horrors of the persecution for +witchcraft. This Sudbury swamp was the lion in the path from the bay +westward during many a decade. In 1645, an earnest petition went up to +the council from Prescott and his associates, complaining that much time +and means had been spent in discovering Nashaway and preparing for the +settlement there, and that on account of the lack of bridge and causeway +at the Sudbury River, the proprietors could not pass to and from the +bay towns--"without exposing our persons to perill and our cattell and +goods to losse and spoyle; as yo'r petitioners are able to make prooffe +of by sad experience of what wee suffered there within these few dayes." +The General Court ordered the bridge and way to be made, "passable for +loaden horse," and allowed twenty pounds to Sudbury, "so it be donne +w'thin a twelve monthe." The twelve month passed and no bridge spanned +the stream. That the dangers and difficulties of the crossing were not +over-stated by the petitioners is proven by the fact that more than one +hundred years afterwards, the bridge and causeway at this place "half a +mile long"--were represented to the General Court as dangerous and in +time of floods impassable. Between 1759 and 1761, the proceeds of +special lotteries amounting to twelve hundred and twenty seven pounds +were expended in the improvement of the crossing. + +John Winthrop, writing of the Nashaway planters, tells us that "he whom +they had called to be their minister, [Norcross] left them for their +delays," but omits mention of the fact recorded by the planters +themselves in their petition, that the chief and sufficient cause of +their slow progress was in the inability or unwillingness of the +Governor and magistrates to afford effective aid in providing a passable +crossing over a small river. + +Prescott, at least, was chargeable with no delay. By June 1645, he and +his family had become permanent residents on the Nashaway. Richard +Linton, Lawrence Waters the carpenter, and John Ball the tailor, were +his only neighbors; these three men having been sent up to build, plant, +and prepare for the coming of other proprietors. But two houses had been +built. Linton probably lived with his son-in-law Waters, in his home +near the fording place in the North Branch of the Nashaway, contiguous +to the lot of intervale land which Harmon Garrett and others of the +first proprietors had fenced in to serve as a "night pasture" for their +cattle. Ball had left his children and their mother in Watertown; she +being at times insane. Prescott's first lot embraced part of the grounds +upon which the public buildings in Lancaster now stand, but this he soon +parted with, and took up his abode a mile to the south west, on the +sunny slope of George Hill, where, beside a little brooklet of pure cool +water, which then doubtless came rollicking down over its gravelly bed +with twice the flow it has to-day, there had been built, two years at +least before, the trucking house of Symonds & King. This trading post +was the extreme outpost of civilization; beyond was interminable forest, +traversed only by the Indian trails, which were but narrow paths, hard +to find and easy to lose, unless the traveller had been bred to the arts +of wood-craft. Here passed the united trails from Washacum, Wachusett, +Quaboag, and other Indian villages of the west, leading to the wading +place of the Nashaway River near the present Atherton Bridge, and so +down the "Bay Path" over Wataquadock to Concord. The little plateau half +way down the sheltering hill, with fertile fields sloping to the +southeast and its never failing springs, was and is an attractive spot; +but its material advantages to the pioneer of 1645 were far greater than +those apparent to the Lancastrian of this nineteenth century in the +changed conditions of life. With the privilege of first choice +therefore, it is not strange that Prescott and his sturdy sons-in-law +grasped the rich intervales, and warm easily tilled slopes, stretching +along the Nashaway south branch from the "meeting of the waters" to +"John's jump" on the east, and extending west to the crown of George +Hill; lands now covered by the village of South Lancaster. + +In 1650 John Prescott found himself the only member of the company +resident at Nashaway. Of the co-partners Symonds, King, and John Hill +were dead; Norcross and Child had gone to England; Cowdall had sold his +rights to Prescott; Chandler, Davis, Walker, and others had formally +abandoned their claims; Garrett, Shawe, Day, Adams, and perhaps two or +three others, retained their claims to allotments, making no +improvements, and contributing nothing by their presence or tithes to +the growth of the settlement, thus becoming effectual stumbling blocks +in the way of progress. Prescott, very reasonably, held this a +grievance, and having no other means of redress asked equitable judgment +in the matter from the magistrates, in a petition which cannot be found. +His answer was the following official snub: + +"Whereas John Prescot & others, the inhabitants of Nashaway p'ferd a +petition to this Courte desiringe power to recover all common charges of +all such as had land there, not residinge w'th them, for answer +whereunto this Court, understandinge that the place before mentioned is +not fit to make a plantation, (so a ministry to be erected and +mayntayned there,) which if the petitioners, before the end of the next +session of this Courte, shall not sufficiently make the sey'd place +appeare to be capable to answer the ends above mentioned doth order that +the p'ties inhabitinge there shalbe called there hence, & suffered to +live without the meanes, as they have done no longer." This dire threat +of the closing sentence may have been simply "sound and fury, signifying +nothing," or Prescott may have been able to prove to the authorities +that Nashaway was fit and waiting for its St. John, but found none +willing for the service. In fact, its St. John was then a junior at +Harvard College, writing a pasquinade to post upon the Ipswich +meeting-house, and Nashaway was "suffered to live without the meanes," +waiting for him until 1654. + +John Prescott retained possession of his early home,--the site of the +"trucking house," which he had purchased of John Cowdall,--as long as he +lived, but did not reside there many years. No sooner had the plantation +attained the dignity of a township under the classic name of Lancaster, +than its founder bent all his energies towards those enterprises best +calculated to promote the comfort and prosperity of its then +inhabitants, and to attract by material advantages, a desirable and +permanent immigration. His practical eye had doubtless long before +marked the best site for a mill in all the region round about, and on +the slope, scarce a gun shot away, he set up a new home, afterwards well +known to friend and savage foe as Prescott's Garrison. Those who remain +of the generation familiar with this region before the invention of the +power loom made such towns as Clinton possible, remember the depression +that told where Prescott dug his cellar. The oldest water mill in New +England was scarce twenty years old when Prescott contracted to grind +the com of the Nashaway planters. His "Covenant to build a Corne mill" +has been preserved through a copy made by Ralph Houghton, Lancaster's +first Clerk of the Writs, and is as follows: + + "Know all men by these presents that I John Prescott blackssmith, + hath Covenanted and bargained with Jno. ffounell of Charlestowne + for the building of a Corne mill, within the said Towne of + Lanchaster. This witnesseth that wee the Inhabitants of Lanchaster + for his encouragement in so good a worke for the behoofe of our + Towne, vpon condition that the said intended worke by him or his + assignes be finished, do freely and fully giue, grant, enfeoffe, & + confirme vnto the said John Prescott, thirty acres of intervale + Land lying on the north riuer, lying north west of Henry Kerly, and + ten acres of Land adjoyneing to the mill; and forty acres of Land + on the south east of the mill brooke, lying between the mill brooke + and Nashaway Riuer in such place as the said John Prescott shall + choose with all the priuiledges and appurtenances thereto + apperteyneing. To haue and to hold the said land and eurie parcell + thereof to the said John Prescott his heyeres & assignes for euer, + to his and their only propper vse and behoofe. Also wee do covenant + & promise to lend the said John Prescott fiue pounds in current + money one yeare for the buying of Irons for the mill. And also wee + do covenant and grant to and with the said John Prescott his heyres + and assignes that the said mill, with all the aboue named Land + thereto apperteyneing shall be freed from all com'on charges for + seauen yeares next ensueing, after the first finishing and setting + the said mill to worke. + + In witnes whereof wee haue herevnto put our hands this 20th day of + the 9mo. In the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred + fifty and three. + + THOMAS JAMES + WILL'M KERLY SEN'R LAWRENCE WATERS + JNO PRESCOTT EDMUND PARKER + JNO WHITE RICHARD LINTON + RALPH HOUGHTON RICHARD SMITH + JNO LEWIS JAMES ATHERTON + JACOB FARRER WILL'M KERLY JUN'R + + In six months from that date the mill was done, and Prescott "began + to grind corne the 23d day of the 3 mo, 1654." + +The commissioners, appointed by the General Court to oversee the +prudential management of the town, met at John Prescott's in 1657 and +confirmed "the imunityes provided for" in the above covenant specifying +that they "should continue and remayne to him the said Jno. Prescott his +heyres and assignes vntil the 23d of May, in the yeare of our Lord +sixteen hundred sixty and two." + +The corn mill was located a little lower upon the brook than the +extensive factory buildings now utilizing its water power. The half used +force of the rapid stream, and the giant pines of the virgin forest then +shadowed all the region about, were full of reproach to the restless +miller. His busy brain was soon planning a new benefaction to his fellow +citizens, and when his means grew sufficiently to warrant the +enterprise, his busy hands wrought its consummation. As before, a formal +agreement preceded the work: + + "Know all men by these presents that for as much as the Inhabitants + of Lanchaster, or the most part of them being gathered together on + a trayneing day, the 15th of the 9th mo, 1658, a motion was made by + Jno. Prescott blackesmith of the same towne, about the setting vp + of a saw mill for the good of the Towne, and y't he the said Jno + Prescott, would by the help of God set vp the saw mill, and to + supply the said Inhabitants with boords and other sawne worke, as + is afforded at other saw mills in the countrey. In case the Towne + would giue, grant, and confirms vnto the said John Prescott, a + certeine tract of Land, lying Eastward of his water mill, be it + more or less, bounded by the riuer east, the mill west the stake of + the mill land and the east end of a ledge of Iron Stone Rocks + southards, and forty acres of his owne land north, the said land to + be to him his heyres and assignes for euer, and all the said land + and eurie part thereof to be rate free vntill it be improued, or + any p't of it, and that his saws, & saw mill should be free from + any rates by the Towne, therefore know ye that the ptyes abouesaid + did mutually agree and consent each with other concerning the + aforementioned propositions as followeth: + + The towne on their part did giue, grant & confirme, vnto the said + John Prescott his heyres and assignes for euer, all the + aforementioned tract of land butted & bounded as aforesaid, to be + to him his heyres and asssignes for euer with all the priuiledges + and appurtenances thereon, and therevnto belonging to be to his and + their owne propper vse and behoofe as aforesaid, and the land and + eurie part of it to be free from all rates vntil it or any pt of it + be improued, and also his saw, sawes, and saw-mill to be free from + all town rates, or ministers rates, prouided the aforementioned + worke be finished & compleated as abouesaid for the good of the + towne, in some convenient time after this present contract covenant + and agrem't. + + And the said John Prescott did and doth by these prsents bynd + himself, his heyres and assignes to set vp a saw-mill as aforesaid + within the bounds of the aforesaid Towne, and to supply the Towne + with boords and other sawne worke as aforesaid and truly and + faithfully to performe, fullfill, & accomplish, all the + aforementioned p'misses for the good of the Towne as aforesaid. + + Therefore the Selectmen conceiving this saw-mill to be of great vse + to the Towne, and the after good of the place, Haue and do hereby + act to rattifie and confirme all the aforemencconed acts, + covenants, gifts, grants, & im'unityes, in respect of rates, and + what euer is aforementioned, on their owne pt, and in behalfe of + the Towne, and to the true performance hereof, both partyes haue + and do bynd themselves by subscribing their hands, this + twenty-fifth day of February, one thousand six hundred and fifty + nine. + + JOHN PRESCOTT. + + The worke above mencconed was finished according to this covenant + as witnesseth. + + RALPH HOUGHTON. + + Signed & Delivr'd In presence of, + + THOMAS WILDER + THOMAS SAWYER + RALPH HOUGHTON + +Monday, the seventeenth of February, 1659, "the Company granted him to +fall pines on the Com'ons to supply his saw-mill." + +In April 1659, Ensign Noyes came to make accurate survey of the eighty +square miles granted to the town, and John Prescott was deputed by the +townsmen at their March meeting to aid in the survey and "mark the +bounds." Among his varied accomplishments, natural and acquired, +Prescott seems to have had some practical skill in surveying, the laying +out of highways and the construction of bridges. In 1648 John Winthrop +records: "This year a new way was found out to Connecticut by Nashua +which avoided much of the hilly way." As appears by a later petition +Prescott was the pioneer of this new path. In 1657 he was appointed by +the government a member of a committee upon the building of bridges "at +Billirriky and Misticke." In 1658 he with his son-in-law Jonas Fairbank +was appointed to survey a farm of six hundred and fifty acres for +Captain Richard Davenport, upon which farm the chief part of West +Boylston now stands. + +To the General Court which met October 18, 1659, the following petition +was presented: + + "The humble petition of John Prescot of Lancaster humblye Sheweth, + That whereas yr petitioner about nine or ten yeares since, was + desired by the late hon'red Governour Mr. Winthrop, w'th other + Magistrates, as also by Mr. Wilson of Boston, Mr. Shephard of + Cambridge with many others, did lay & marke out a way at ye north + side of the great pond & soe by Lancaster, which then was taken by + Mr. Hopkins & many others to bee of great vse; This I did meerly + vpon the request of these honored gentlemen, to my great detrimt, + by being vpon it part of two summers not only myselfe but hiring + others alsoe to helpe mee, whereby my family suffered much: I doe + not question but many of ye Court remember the same, as alsoe that + this hath not laine dead all this while, but I haue formerly + mentioned it, but yet haue noe recompence for the same; the charge + whereof came at 2's p day to about 10'l; it is therefore the desire + of y'r petitioner yt you would bee pleased to grant him a farme in + some place vndisposed of which will engage him to you and encourage + him and others in publique occasions & y'r petitioner shall pray + etc." + +One hundred acres of land were granted him, and speedily laid out near +the Washacum ponds, where now stand the railroad buildings at Sterling +Junction. + +We get very few glimpses of Prescott from the meagre records of +succeeding years, but those serve to indicate that he was busy, +prosperous and annually honored by his neighbors with the public duties +for which his sturdy integrity, shrewd business tact, and wisely +directed energy peculiarly fitted him. He had taken the oath of fidelity +in 1652. Such owning of allegiance was by law prerequisite to the +holding of real estate. Refusing such oath he might better have been a +Nipmuck so far as civil rights or privileges were concerned. He was not +yet a member of the recognized church however, and therefore lacked the +political dignities of a freeman; although his intimate relations with +Master Joseph Rowlandson, and his personal connection with the earlier +cases of church discipline in Lancaster, sufficiently attest the +austerity of his puritanism. Doubtless Governor John Winthrop in his +hasty and harsh dictum respecting the Nashaway planters, classed John +Prescott among those "corrupt in judgment." But it must be remembered +that in Winthrop's visionary commonwealth there was no room for liberty +of conscience. All were esteemed corrupt in judgment or even profane +whose religious beliefs, when tested all about by the ecclesiastic +callipers, proved not to have been cast in the doctrinal mould +prescribed by the self-sanctified founders of the Massachusetts Bay +Colony. No known fact in any way warrants even the conjecture that +Prescott was not a sincere Christian earnestly pursuing his own +convictions of duty, without fear and without reproach. + +Prescott's mechanical skill and business ability had more than a local +reputation. In 1667, we find him contracting with the authorities of +Groton, to erect "a good and sufficient corne mill or mills, and the +same to finish so as may be fitting to grind the corne of the said +Towne." ... For the fulfillment of this agreement he received five +hundred and twenty acres of land, and mill and lands were exempted from +taxation for twenty years. Assistance towards the building of the mill +were also promised to the amount of "two days worke of a man for every +house lott or family within the limitts of the said Towne, and at such +time or times to be done or performed, as the said John Prescott shall +see meete to call for the same, vpon reasonable notice given." The +covenant was fulfilled by the completion of a mill at Nonacoiacus, then +in the southern part of Groton. The mill site is now in Harvard. +Prescott's youngest son, Jonas, was the first miller. The history of the +old mill is obscured by the shadows of two hundred years, but a bright +gleam of romantic tradition concerning the first miller is warm with +human interest now. Perhaps at points the romantic may infringe upon the +historic, but: + + _Se non e vero, + E ben trovato._ + +Down by the green meadows of Sudbury there dwelt a bewitchingly fair +maiden, the musical dissyllables of whose name were often upon the lips +of the young men in all the country round about, and whose smile could +awaken voiceless poetry in the heart of the most prosaic Puritan swain. +There is little of aristocratic sound in Mary Loker's name, but her +parents sat on Sunday at the meeting house in a "dignified" pew, and +were rich in fields and cattle. Whether pushed by pride of land or pride +of birth, in their plans and aspirations, this daughter was +predestinated to enhance the family dignity by an aristocratic alliance. +In Colonial days a maiden who added a handsome prospective dowry to her +personal witchery was rare indeed, and Mary Loker had, coming from far +and near, inflammable suitors perpetually burning at her shrine. From +among these the father and mother soon made their choice upon strictly +business principles, and shortly announced to Mary that a certain +ambitious gentleman of the legal profession had furnished the most +satisfactory credentials, and that nothing remained but for her to name +the day. Now the fourth commandment was very far from being the dead +letter in 1670 that it is in 1885, and it was matter for grave surprise +to the elders that their usually obedient daughter, when the lawyer +proceeded to plead, refused to hear, and peremptorily adjourned his +cause without day. Maternal expostulation and paternal threats availed +nothing. The because of Mary's contumacy was not far to seek. A stalwart +Vulcan in the guise of an Antinous, known as Jonas Prescott, had +wandered from his father's forge in Lancaster down the Bay Path to +Sudbury. Mary and he had met, and the lingering of their parting boded +ill for any predestination not stamped with their joint seal of consent. +With that lack of astuteness proverbially exhibited by parents +disappointed in match-making designs upon their children, the vexed +father and mother began a course of vigorous repression, and thereby +riveted more firmly than ever the chains which the errant young +blacksmith and his apprentice Cupid had forged. In due time, they +perforce learned that love's flame burns the brighter fed upon a bread +and water diet; and that confinement to an attic may be quite endurable +when Cupid's messages fly in and out of its lattice at pleasure. + +Finally Mary was secretly sent to an out-of-the-way neighborhood in the +vain hope that the chill of absence might hinder what home rule had only +served to help. But one day Jonas on a hunting excursion made the +acquaintance of some youth, who, among other chitchat, happened to break +into ecstatic praise of the graces of a certain fair damsel who had +recently come to live in a farm-house near their home. Of course the +anvil missed Jonas for the next day, and the next, and the next, while +he experienced the hospitalities of his new-found friends--and their +neighbors. It was time for a recognition of the inevitable by all +concerned, but when, and with what grace Mary's stubborn parents +yielded, if at all, is not recorded. But what mattered that? Old John +Prescott installed Jonas at the Nonacoicus Mill, and endowed him with +all his Groton lands, and in Lancaster, December 14, 1672, Jonas and +Mary were married. For over fifty years fortunes railed upon their +union. Four sons and eight daughters graced their fireside, and the +father was trusted and clothed with local dignities. In after time the +memory of Jonas and Mary has been honored by many worthy descendants, +and especially by the gallant services of Colonel William Prescott at +Bunker Hill, and the literary renown of William Hickling Prescott, the +historian. + +In 1669, John Prescott was proclaimed a Freeman. He may have been long a +Church member, or may not even at this date have yielded the +conscientious scruples that had a quarter of a century earlier subjected +him to the reproach of an ecclesiastical oligarchy. The laws concerning +Freemen, in reluctant obedience to the letter of Charles II., were so +changed in 1665 that those not Church members could become Freemen, if +freeholders of a sufficient estate, and guaranteed by the local minister +"to be Orthodox and not vicious in their lives." Prescott had the true +Englishman's love of landed possessions, and about this time added a +large tract to his acreage by purchase from his Indian neighbors. This +transaction gave cause for the following petition: + + _To the honorable the Gov'r the Deputy Gov'r mag'tr & Deputy es + assembled in the gen'rall Court_: + + The Petition of Jno Prescott of Lanchaster, In most humble wise + sheweth. Whereas ye Petition'r hath purchased an Indian right to a + small parcell of Land, occasioned and circumstanced for quantity & + quality according to the deed of sale herevnto annexed and a pt. + thereof not being legally setled vpon piee vnlesse I may obteyne + the favor of this Court for the Confirmation thereof, These are + humbly to request the Court's favor for that end, the Lord hauing + dealt graciously with mee in giueing mee many children I account it + my duty to endeauor their provission & setling and do hope that + this may be of some vse in yt kind. I know not any claime made to + the said land by any towne, or any legall right y't any other + persons haue therein, and therefore are free for mee to occupy & + subdue as any other, may I obteyne the Court's approbation. I shall + not vse further motiues, my condition in other respecks & w't my + trouble & expenses haue been according to my poor ability in my + place being not altogether vnknowne to some of ye Court. That ye + Lord's prsence may be with & his blessing accompany all yo'r psons, + Counsells, & endeauors for his honor & ye weale of his poor people + is ye pray'r of + + Yo'r supplliant + + JOHN PRESCOTT SEN'R. + +This request was referred to a special committee, composed of Edward +Tyng, George Corwin and Humphrey Davie, who reported as follows: + + "In Reference to this Petition the Comittee being well informed + that the Pet'r is an ancient Planter and hath bin a vseful helpfull + and publique spirited man doinge many good offices ffor the + Country, Relatinge to the Road to Conecticott, marking trees, + directinge of Passengers &c, and that the Land Petitioned for + beinge but about 107 Acres & Lyinge not very Convenient for any + other Plantation, and only accomoclable for the Pet'r, we judge it + reasonable to Confirme the Indian Grant to him & his heyers if ye + honored Court see meete." + +This report was approved. James Wiser _alias_ Quanapaug, the Christian +Nashaway Chief, who appears as grantor of the land, was a warrior whose +bravery had been tested in the contest between the Nipmucks and the +Mohawks; and was so firm a friend of his white neighbors at Lancaster, +that when Philip persuaded the tribe with its Sagamore Sam, to go upon +the war path, James refused to join them. He even served as a spy and +betrayed Philip's plans to the English at imminent risk of his life, +doing his utmost to save Lancaster from destruction. General Daniel +Gookin acknowledged that Quanapaug's information would have averted the +horrible massacre of February 10, 1676, had it been duly heeded. The +fact of the friendly relations existing between Prescott and the tribe +whose fortified residence stood between the two Washacum ponds is +interesting and confirms tradition. It is related that at his first +coming he speedily won the respect of the savages, not only by his +fearlessness and great physical strength, but by the power of his eye +and his dignity of mien. They soon learned to stand in awe of his long +musket and unerring skill as a marksman. He had brought with him from +England a suit of mail, helmet and cuirass such as were worn by the +soldiers of Cromwell. Clothed with these, his stately figure seemed to +the sons of the forest something almost supernatural. One day some +Indians, having taken away a horse of his, he put on his armor, pursued +them alone, and soon overtook them. The chief of the party seeing him +approach unsupported, advanced menacingly with uplifted tomahawk. +Prescott dared him to strike, and was immediately taken at his word, but +the rude weapon glanced harmless from the helmet, to the amazement of +the red men. Naturally the Indian desired to try upon his own head so +wonderful a hat, and the owner obligingly gratified him claiming the +privilege, however, of using the tomahawk in return. The helmet proving +a scant fit, or its wearer neglecting to bring it down to its proper +bearings, Prescott's vengeful blow not only astounded him but left very +little cuticle on either side of his head, and nearly deprived him of +ears. Prescott was permitted to jog home in peace upon his horse. + +After hostilities began, it is said that at one time the savages set +fire to his barn, but fled when he sallied out clad in armor with his +dreaded gun; and thus he was enabled to save his stock, though the +building was consumed. More than once attempts were made to destroy the +mill, but a sight of the man in mail with the far reaching gun was +enough to send them to a safe distance and rescue the property. Many +stories have been told of Prescott's prowess, but some bear so close a +resemblance to those credibly historic in other localities and of other +heroes, that there attaches to them some suspicions of adaptation at +least. Such perhaps is the story that in an assault upon the town "he +had several muskets but no one in the house save his wife to assist him. +She loaded the guns and he discharged them with fatal effect. The +contest continued for nearly half an hour, Mr. Prescott all the while +giving orders as if to soldiers, so loud that the Indians could hear +him, to load their muskets though he had no soldiers but his wife. At +length they withdrew carrying off several of their dead and wounded." + +In 1673 Prescott had nearly attained the age of three score and ten. The +weight of years that had been full of exposure, anxiety and toil rested +heavily upon even his rugged frame, and some sharp touch of bodily +ailment warning him of his mortality, he made his will. It is signed +with "his mark," although he evidently tried to force his unwilling hand +to its accustomed work, his peculiar J being plainly written and +followed by characters meant for the remaining letters of his first +name. To earlier documents he was wont to affix a simple neat signature, +and although not a clerkly penman like his friends John Tinker, Master +Joseph Rowlandson and Ralph Houghton, his writing is superior to that of +Major Simon Willard. + + JOHN PRESCOTT'S WILL. + + Theis presents witneseth that John Prescott of Lancaster in the + Countie of Midlesex in New England Blaksmith being vnder the + sencible decayes of nature and infirmities of old age and at + present vnder a great deale of anguish and paine but of a good and + sound memorie at the writing hereof being moved vpon considerations + aforesaid togather with advis of Christian friends to set his house + in order in Reference to the dispose of those outward good things + the lord in mercie hath betrusted him with, theirfore the said John + Prescott doth hereby declare his last will and testament to be as + followeth, first and cheifly Comiting and Contending his soule to + almightie god that gaue it him and his bodie to the comon burying + place here in Lancaster, and after his bodie being orderly and + decently buryed and the Charge theirof defrayed togather with all + due debts discharged, the Rest of his Lands and estate to be + disposed of as followeth: first in Reference to the Comfortable + being of his louing wife during the time of her naturall Life, it + is his will that his said wife haue that end of the house where he + and shee now dwelleth togather with halfe the pasture and halfe the + fruit of the aple trees and all the goods in the house, togather + with two cowes which shee shall Chuse and medow sufisiant for + wintering of them, out of the medowes where she shall Chuse, the + said winter pvision for the two cowes to be equaly and seasonably + pvided by his two sons John and Jonathan. And what this may fall + short in Reference to convenient food and cloathing and other + nesesaries for her comfort in sicknes and in health, to be equaly + pvided by the aforesaid John and Jonathan out of the estate. And at + the death of his aforesaid louing wife it is his will that the said + cowes and household goods be equally deuided betwene his two sons + aforesaid, and the other part of the dwelling house, out housing, + pasture and orchard togather with the term acres of house lott + lying on Georges hill which was purchased of daniell gains to be + equaly deuided betwene the said John and Jonathan and alsoe that + part of the house and outhousing what is Convenient for the two + Cowes and their winter pvision pasture and orchard willed to his + louing wife during her life, at her death to be equaly deuided + alsoe betwene the said John and Jonathan. And furthermore it is his + will that John Prescott his eldest son haue the Intervaile land at + John's Jumpe, the lower Mille and the land belonging to it and + halfe the saw mille and halfe the land belonging to it and all the + house and barne theire erected, and alsoe the house and farme at + Washacomb pond, and all the land their purchased from the indians + and halfe the medowes in all deuisions in the towne acept sum litle + part at bar hill wh. is after willed to James Sawyer and one halfe + of the Comon Right in the towne, and in Reference to second + deuision land, that part of it which lyeth at danforths farme both + vpland and interuaile is willed to Jonathan and sixtie acres of + that part at Washacom litle pond to James Sawyer and halfe of sum + brushie land Capable of being made medow at the side of the great + pine plain to be within the said James Sawyers sixtie acres and all + the Rest of the second deuision land both vpland and Interuaile to + be equaly deuided betwene John Prescott and Jonathan aformentioned. + And Jonathan Prescott his second son to haue the Ryefeild and all + the interuaile lott at Nashaway Riuer that part which he hath in + posesion and the other part joyneing to the highway and alsoe his + part of second deuision land aforementioned and alsoe one halfe of + all the medowes in all deuisions in the towne not willed to John + Prescott and James Sawyer aformentioned, and alsoe the other halfe + of the saw mille and land belonging to it, and it is to be + vnderstood that all timber on the land belonging to both Corne + Mille and Saw Mille be Comon to the vse of the Saw Mille. And in + Reference to his third son Jonas Prescott it is herby declared that + he hath Received a full childs portion at nonecoicus in a Corne + mille and Lands and other goods. And James Sawyer his granchild and + Servant it is his will that he haue the sixtie acres of vpland + aformentioned and the two peices of medow at bare hill one being + part of his second deuision the upermost peic on the brook and the + other being part of his third deuision lying vpon Nashaway River + purchased of goodman Allin. Prouided the Said James Sawyer carie it + beter then he did to his said granfather in his time and carie so + as becoms an aprentic & vntil he be one and twentie years of age + vnto the executors of this will namly John Prescott and Jonathan + Prescott who are alsoe herby engaged to pforme vnto the said James + what was pmised by his said granfather, which was to endeuor to + learne him the art and trade of a blaksmith. And in Case the said + James doe not pforme on his part as is afor expresed to the + satisfaction of the overseers of this will, or otherwise, If he doe + not acept of the land aformentioned, then the said land and medow + to be equaly deuided betwene the aforsaid John and Jonathan. And in + Reference to his three daughters, namly Marie, Sara and Lydia they + to haue and Receive eurie of them fiue pounds to be paid to them by + the executors to eurie of them fiftie shillings by the yeare two + years after the death of theire father to be paid out of the + mouables and Martha Ruge his granchild to haue a cow at the choic + of her granmother. And it is the express will and charge of the + testator to his wife and all his Children that they labor and + endeuor to prescrue loue and unitie among themselves and the + vpholding of Church and Comonwealth. And to the end that this his + last will and testament may be truly pformed in all the parts of + it, the said testator hath and herby doth constitut and apoynt his + two sons namly John Prescott and Jonathan Prescott Joynt executors + of this his last will. And for the preuention of after trouble + among those that suruiue about the dispose of the estate acording + to this his will he hath hereby Chosen desired and apoynted the + Reuerend Mr. Joseph Rowlandson, deacon Sumner and Ralph Houghton + overseers of this his will; vnto whom all the parties concerned in + this his will in all dificult Cases are to Repaire, and that + nothing be done without their Consent and aprobation. And + furthermore in Reference to the mouables it is his will that his + son John have his anvill and after the debts and legacies + aformentioned be truly paid and fully discharged by the executors + and the speciall trust pformed vnto my wife during her life and at + her death, in Respect of, sicknes funerall expences, the Remainder + of the movables to be equaly deuided betwene my two sons John and + Jonathan aforementioned. And for a further and fuller declaration + and confirmation of this will to be the last will and testament of + the afornamed John Prescott he hath herevnto put his hand and + seale this 8 of 2 month one thousand six hundred seaventie three. + + JOHN PRESCOTT, + + his _John_ mark. + + Sealed signed owned to be the Last will and testament of the + testator afornamed In the presence of + + JOSEPH ROWLANDSON, + ROGER SUMNER, + RALPH HOUGHTON. + + April 4: 82. + + ROGER SUMNER, } + RALPH HOUGHTON, } Appearing in Court + made oath to the above s'd will, + + JONATHAN REMINGTON, _Cleric_." + +But John Prescott's pilgrimage was far from ended, and severer +chastenings than any yet experienced awaited him. He had survived to see +the settlement that called him father, struggle upward from discouraging +beginnings, to become a thriving and happy community of over fifty +families. Where at his coming all had been pathless woods, now fenced +fields and orchards yielded annually their golden and ruddy harvests; +gardens bloomed; mechanic's plied their various crafts; herds wandered +in lush meadows; bridges spanned the rivers, and roads wound through the +landscape from cottage to cottage and away to neighboring towns. All +this fair scene of industry and rural content, of which he might in +modest truth say "_Magna pars fui_," he lived to see in a single day +made more desolate than the howling wilderness from which it had been +laboriously conquered. He was spared to see dear neighbors and kindred +massacred in every method of revolting atrocity, and their wives and +children carried into loathsome captivity by foes more relentlessly +cruel than wolves. When now weighed down with age and bodily +infirmities, the rest he had thought won was to be denied him, and he +and his were driven from the ashes of pleasant homes--about which +clustered the memories of thirty years' joys and sorrows--to beg shelter +from the charity of strangers. For more than three years his enforced +banishment endured. In October 1679, John Prescott with his sons John +and Jonathan, his sons-in-law Thomas Sawyer and John Rugg, his grand-son +Thomas Sawyer, Jr. and his neighbor's John Moore, Thomas Wilder, and +Josiah White, petitioned the Middlesex Court for permission to resettle +the town, and their prayer was granted. Soon most of the inhabitants who +had survived the massacre and exile, were busily building new homes, +some upon the cinders of the old, others upon their second division +lands east of the rivers where they were less exposed to the stealthy +incursions of their savage enemies. The two John Prescotts rebuilt the +mills and dwelt there. Whether the pioneer's life long helpmate died +before their settlement, in exile, or shortly after the return, has not +been ascertained, but it would seem that he survived her. Jonathan +having married a second wife remained in Concord. For two years the old +man lived with his eldest son, seeing the Nashaway Valley blooming with +the fruits of civilized labor; seeing new families filling the woeful +gaps made in the old by Philip's warriors; seeing children and +grandchildren grasping the implements that had fallen from the nerveless +hold of the earliest bread-winners, with hopeful and pertinacious +purpose to extend the paternal domain; seeing too, may we not trust, +from the Pisgah height of prophetic vision the glorious promise awaiting +this his Canaan; these softly rounded hills and broad valleys dotted +with the winsome homes of thousands of freemen; churches and schools, +shops of artisans, and busy marts of trade clustered about his mill +site; and, above all, seeing the assertion of political freedom and +liberty of conscience which Governor John Winthrop had reproached him +for favoring in the petition of Robert Child, become the corner stone of +a giant republic. + +No record of John Prescott's death is found; but when upon his death +bed, feeling that the changed condition of his own and his son +Jonathan's affairs required some modification of the will made in 1673, +he summoned two of his townsmen to hear his nuncupative codicil to that +document. From the affidavit, here appended, it is certain that his +death occurred about the middle of December, 1681. + + "The Deposition of Thos: Wilder aged 37 years sworn say'th that + being with Jno: Prescott Sen'r About six hours before he died he ye + s'd Jno. Prescott gaue to his eldest sonn Jno: Presscott his house + lott with all belonging to ye same & ye two mills, corn mill & saw + mill with ye land belonging thereto & three scor Acors of land nere + South medow and fourty Acors of land nere Wonchesix & a pece of + enteruile caled Johns Jump & Bridge medow on both sids ye Brook. + Cyprian Steevens Testifieth to all ye truth Aboue writen. + + DECEM. 20. 81. + + Sworn in Court. J.R.C." + +Though two or more years short of fourscore at the time of his death he +was Lancaster's oldest inhabitant. His fellow pioneer, Lawrence Waters, +who was the elder by perhaps a years, till survived, though blind and +helpless; but he dwelt with a son in Charlestown, after the destruction +of his home, and never returned to Lancaster. John and Ralph Houghton, +much younger men, were now the veterans of the town. + + * * * * * + +A GLIMPSE. + +BY MARY H. WHEELER. + + We met but once; 'twas many years ago. + I walked, with others, idly through the grounds + Where thou did'st minister in daily rounds. + I knew thee by thy garb, all I might know, + Sister of Charity, in hood like snow. + My heart was weary with the sight and sounds + Of sick and suffering soldiers in the wards below. + Disgusted with my thoughts of war and wounds. + 'Twas then, by sudden chance, I met thine eyes, + What saw I there? A light from heaven above, + A gleam of calm, self-sacrificing love, + A smile that fill'd my heart with glad surprise, + Reflected in my breast an answering glow, + And haunts me still, wherever I may go. + + * * * * * + +EARLY HISTORY OF THE BERMUDA ISLANDS. + +By JAMES H. STARK. + + +The singular collection of islands known as the Bermudas are situated +about seven hundred miles from Boston, in a southeast direction, and +about the same distance from Halifax, or Florida. The nearest land to +Bermuda is Cape Hatteras, distant 625 miles. + +Within sixty-five hours' sail from New York it is hardly possible to +find so complete a change in government, climate, scenery and +vegetation, as Bermuda offers; and yet these islands are strangely +unfamiliar to most well-informed Americans. + +Speaking our own language, having the same origin, with manners, which +in many ways illustrate those prevalent in New England a century ago, +the people are bound to us by many natural ties; and it is only now that +these islands, having come to the front as a winter resort, have led us +to inquire into their history and resources. Settled in 1612, Virginia +only of the English colonies outdating it, life in Bermuda has been as +placid as its lovely waters on a summer day; no agitation of sufficient +occurrence having occurred to attract the attention of the outside +world, from which it is so absolutely isolated. + +The only communication with the mainland is by the Quebec Steamship +Company, who dispatch a steamer every alternate Thursday between New +York and Hamilton, Bermuda, the fare for the round trip, including meals +and stateroom, is fifty dollars. During the crop season, in the months +of April, May and June, steamers are run weekly. + +The Cunard Company also have a monthly service between Halifax, Bermuda, +Turks Island and Jamaica, under contract with the Admiralty. + +The Bermudas were first discovered in 1515 by a Spanish vessel, called +La Garza, on a voyage from Spain to Cuba, with a cargo of hogs, and +commanded by Juan Bermudez, and having on board Gonzalez Oviedo, the +historian of the Indies, to whom we are indebted for the first account +of these islands. They approached near to the islands, and from the +appearance of the place concluded that it was uninhabited. They resolved +to send a boat ashore to make observations, and leave a few hogs, which +might breed and be afterwards useful. When, however, they were preparing +to debark a strong contrary gale arose, which obliged them to sheer off +and be content with the view already obtained. The islands were named by +the Spaniards indifferently, La Garza from the ship and Bermuda from the +captain, but the former term is long since disused. + +[Illustration: INSCRIPTION ON SPANISH ROCK] + +It does not appear that the Spaniards made any attempt to settle there, +although Philip II. granted the islands to one Ferdinand Camelo, a +Portuguese, who never improved his gift, beyond taking possession by the +form of landing in 1543, and carving on a prominent cliff on the +southern shore of the island[A] the initials of his name and the year, +to which, in conformity with the practical zeal of the times, he +super-added a cross, to protect his acquisition from the encroachments +of roving heretics and the devil, for the stormy seas and dangerous +reefs gave rise to so many disasters as to render the group exceedingly +formidable in the eyes of the most experienced navigators. It was even +invested in their imagination with superstitious terrors, being +considered as unapproachable by man, and given up in full dominion to +the spirits of darkness. The Spaniards therefore called them "Los +Diabolos," the Devil's Islands. + +[Footnote A: This inscription is still in existence, the engraving shown +herewith is a good representation of it, as it appears at the present +time.] + +[Illustration: Fac-simile reproduction of a Map of Bermuda made in 1614 +by Captain John Smith.] + +[Illustration: View of the State House and reference as to location of +the fort, bridges, etc., shown herewith on Smith's map of 1614. +(Fac-simile reproduction.)] + +These islands were first introduced to the notice of the English by a +dreadful shipwreck. In 1591 Henry May sailed to the East Indies, along +with Captain Lancaster, on a buccaneering expedition. Having reached the +coast of Sumatra and Malacca, they scoured the adjacent seas, and made +some valuable captures. In 1593 they again doubled the Cape of Good Hope +and returned to the West Indies for supplies, which they much needed. +They first came in sight of Trinidad, but did not dare to approach a +coast which was in possession of the Spaniards, and their distress +became so great that it was with the utmost difficulty that the men +could be prevented from leaving the ship. They shortly afterwards fell +in with a French buccaneer, commanded by La Barbotiere, who kindly +relieved their wants by a gift of bread and provisions. Their stores +were soon again exhausted, and, coming across the French ship the second +time, application was made to the French Captain for more supplies, but +he declared that his own stock was so much reduced that he could spare +but little, but the sailors persuaded themselves that the Frenchman's +scarcity was feigned, and also that May, who conducted the negotiations, +was regailing himself with good cheer on board without any trouble about +their distress. Among these men, inured to bold and desperate deeds, a +company was formed to seize the French pinnace, and then to capture the +large vessel with its aid. They succeeded in their first object, but the +French Captain, who observed their actions, sailed away at full speed, +and May, who was dining with him on board at the time, requested that he +might stay and return home on the vessel so that he could inform his +employers of the events of the voyage and the unruly behavior of the +crew. As they approached Bermuda strict watch was kept while they +supposed themselves to be near that dreaded spot, but when the pilot +declared that they were twelve leagues south of it they threw aside all +care and gave themselves up to carousing. Amid their jollity, about +midnight, the ship struck with such violence that she immediately filled +and sank. They had only a small boat, to which they attached a +hastily-constructed raft to be towed along with it; room, however, was +made for only twenty-six, while the crew exceeded fifty. In the wild and +desperate struggle for existence that ensued May fortunately got into +the boat. They had to beat about nearly all the next day, dragging the +raft after them, and it was almost dark before they reached the shore; +they were tormented with thirst, and had nearly despaired of finding a +drop of water when some was discovered in a rock where the rain waters +had collected. + +[Illustration: St. George's and Warwick Fort in 1614. (Fac-simile of +Smith's engraving.)] + +The land was covered with one unbroken forest of cedar. Here they would +have to remain for life unless a vessel could be constructed. They made +a voyage to the wreck and secured the shrouds, tackles and carpenters' +tools, and then began to cut down the cedars, with which they +constructed a vessel of eighteen tons. For pitch they took lime, +rendered adhesive by a mixture of turtle oil, and forced it into the +seams, where it became hard as stone. + +During a residence of five months here May had observed that Bermuda, +hitherto supposed to be a single island, was broken up into a number of +islands of different sizes, enclosing many fine bays, and forming good +harbors. The vessel being finished they set sail for Newfoundland, +expecting to meet fishing vessels there, on which they could obtain +passage to Europe. On the eleventh of May they found themselves with joy +clear of the islands. They had a very favorable voyage, and on the +twentieth arrived at Cape Breton. May arrived in England in August, +1594, where he gave a description of the islands; he stated that they +found hogs running wild all over the islands, which proves that this was +not the first landing made there. + +It was owing to a shipwreck that Bermuda again came under the view of +the English, and that led England to appropriate these islands. + +In 1609, during the most active period of the colonization of Virginia, +an expedition of nine ships, commanded by Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George +Somers and Captain Newport, bound for Virginia, was dispersed by a great +storm. One of the vessels, the Sea Adventure, in which were Gates, +Somers and Newport, seems to have been involved in the thickest of the +tempest. The vessel sprung aleak, which it was found impossible to stop. +All hands labored at the pumps for life, even the Governor and Admiral +took their turns, and gentlemen who had never had an hour's hard work in +their life toiled with the rest. The water continued to gain on them, +and when about to give up in despair, Sir George Somers, who had been +watching at the poop deck day and night, cried out land, and there in +the early dawn of morning could be seen the welcome sight of land. +Fortunately they lighted on the only secure entrance through the reefs. +The vessel was run ashore and wedged between two rocks, and thereby was +preserved from sinking, till by means of a boat and skiff the whole crew +of one hundred and fifty, with provisions, tackle and stores, reached +the land. At that time the hogs still abounded, and these, with the +turtle, birds and fish which they caught, afforded excellent food for +the castaways. The Isle of Devils Sir George Somers and party found "the +richest, healthfulest and pleasantest" they ever saw. + +Robert Walsingham and Henry Shelly discovered two bays abounding in +excellent fish; these bays are still called by their names. Gates and +Somers caused the long boat to be decked over, and sent Raven, the mate, +with eight men, to Virginia to bring assistance to them, but nothing was +ever heard of them afterwards, and after waiting six months all hopes +were then given up. The chiefs of the expedition then determined to +build two vessels of cedar, one of eighty tons and one of thirty. Their +utmost exertions, however, did not prevent disturbances, which nearly +baffled the enterprise. These were fomented by persons noted for their +religious zeal, of Puritan principles and the accompanying spirit of +independence. They represented that the recent disaster had dissolved +the authority of the Governor, and their business was now to provide, as +they best could, for themselves and their families. They had come out in +search of an easy and plentiful subsistence, which could nowhere be +found in greater perfection and security than here, while in Virginia +its attainment was not only doubtful, but attended with many hardships. +These arguments were so convincing with the larger number of the men +that, had it rested with them, they would have lived and died on the +islands. + +[Illustration: Entrance to St. George Harbor, between Smith's and +Paget's Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving. 1614.)] + +Two successive conspiracies were formed by large parties to separate +from the rest and form a colony. Both were defeated by the vigilance of +Gates, who allowed the ringleaders to escape with a slight punishment. +This lenity only emboldened the malcontents, and a third plot was formed +to seize the stores and take entire possession of the islands. It was +determined to make an example of one of the leaders named Payne; He was +condemned to be hanged, but, on the plea of being a gentleman, his +sentence was commuted into that of being shot, which was immediately +done. This had a salutary effect, and prevented any further trouble. + +[Illustration: View of ancient forts. (Re-produced from Smith's +engraving, 1614)] + +Two children, a boy and girl, were born during this period; the former +was christened Bermudas and the latter Bermuda; they were probably the +first human beings born on these islands. + +Before leaving the islands Gates caused a cross to be made of the wood +saved from the wreck of his ship, which he secured to a large cedar; a +silver coin with the king's head was placed in the middle of it, +together with an inscription on a copper plate describing what had +happened--That the cross was the remains of a ship of three hundred +tons, called the Sea Venture, bound with eight more to Virginia; that +she contained two knights, Sir Thomas Gates, governor of the colony, and +Sir George Summers, admiral of the seas, who, together with her captain, +Christopher Newport, and one hundred and fifty mariners and passengers +besides, had got safe ashore, when she was lost, July 28, 1609. + +On the tenth of May, 1610, they sailed with a fair wind, and, before +reaching the open sea, they struck on a rock and were nearly wrecked the +second time. On the twenty-third they arrived safely at Jamestown. This +settlement they found in a most destitute condition on their arrival, +and it was determined to abandon the place, but Sir George Summers, +"whose noble mind ever regarded the general good more than his own +ends," offered to undertake a voyage to the Bermudas for the purpose of +forming a settlement, from which supplies might be obtained for the +Jamestown colony. He accordingly sailed June 19, in his cedar vessel, +and his name was then given to the islands, though Bermuda has since +prevailed. + +[Illustration: Entrance to Castle Harbor, between Castle and +Southhampton Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving, +1614.)] + +Contrary winds and storms carried him to the northward, to the vicinity +of Cape Cod. Somers persevered and reached the islands, but age, anxiety +and exertion contributed to produce his end. Perceiving the approach of +death he exhorted his companions to continue their exertions for the +benefit of the plantations, and to return to Virginia. Alarmed at the +untimely fate of their leader, the colonists embalmed his body, and +disregarding his dying injunction, sailed for England. Three only of the +men volunteered to remain, and for some time after their companions left +they continued to cultivate the soil, but unfortunately they found some +ambergris, and they fell into innumerable quarrels respecting its +possession. They at length resolved to build a boat and sail for +Newfoundland with their prize, but, happily for them, they were +prevented by the arrival of a ship from Europe. An extraordinary +interest was excited in England by the relation of Captain Mathew +Somers, the nephew and heir of Sir George. The usual exaggerations were +published, and public impressions were heightened by contrast with the +dark ideas formerly prevalent concerning these islands. A charter was +obtained of King James I., and one hundred and twenty gentlemen detached +themselves from the Virginia company and formed a company under the name +and style of the Governor and Company of the City of London, for the +plantation of the Somer Islands. + +On the twenty-eighth of April, 1612, the first ship was sent out with +sixty emigrants, under the charge of Richard Moore, who was appointed +the Governor of the colony. They met the boat containing the three men +left on the island, who were overjoyed at seeing the ship, and conducted +her into the harbor. It was not long before intelligence of the +discovery of the ambergris reached the Governor; he promptly deprived +the three men of it. One of them named Chard, who denied all knowledge +of it, and caused considerable disturbance, which at one time seemed +likely to result in a sanguinary encounter, was condemned to be hanged, +and was only reprieved when on the ladder. + +The Governor now applied himself actively to his duties. He had +originally landed on Smith's Island, but he soon removed to the spot +where St. George's now stands, and built the town which was named after +Sir George Somers, and which became, and remained for two centuries, the +capital of Bermuda. He laid the foundation of eight or nine forts for +the defence of the harbor, and also trained the men to arms in order +that they might defend the infant colony from attack. This proved +necessary, for, in 1614, two Spanish ships attempted to enter the +harbor; the forts were promptly manned and two shots fired at the enemy, +who, finding them better prepared than they imagined, bore away. + +Before the close of 1615 six vessels had arrived with three hundred and +forty passengers, among whom were a Marshall and one Bartlett, who were +sent out expressly to divide the colony into tribes or shares; but the +Governor finding no mention of any shares for himself, and the persons +with him, as had been agreed on, forbade his proceeding with his survey. +The survey was afterward made by Richard Norwood, which divided the land +into tribes, now parishes; these shares form, the foundation of the land +tenure of the islands, even to this day, the divisional lines in many +cases yet remaining intact. Moore, whose time had expired, went back to +England in 1615, leaving the administration of the government to six +persons, who were to rule, each in turn, one month. They proceeded to +elect by lot their first ruler, the choice falling upon Charles +Caldicot, who then went, with a crew of thirty-two men, in a vessel to +the West Indies for the purpose of procuring plants, goats and young +cattle for the islands. The vessel was wrecked there, and the crew were +indebted to an English pirate for being rescued from a desert island on +which they had been cast. + +For a time the colony was torn by contention and discord, as well as by +scarcity of food. The news of these dissensions having reached England +the company sent out Daniel Tucker as Governor. Tucker was a stern, hard +master, and he enforced vigorous measures to compel the people to work +for the company. The provisions and stores he issued in certain +quantities, and paid each laborer a stated sum in brass coin, struck by +the proprietor for the purpose, having a hog on one side, in +commemoration of the abundance of those animals found by the first +settlers, and on the reverse a ship. Pieces of this curious hog money, +as it is called, is frequently found, and it brings a high price. + +[Illustration: HOG MONEY.] + +Shortly after Governor Tucker arrived he sent to the West Indies for +plants and fruit trees. The vessel returned with figs, pine-apples, +sugar-cane, plantain and paw-paw, which were all planted and rapidly +multiplied. This vessel also brought the first slaves into the colony, +an Indaian and a negro. + +The company dispatched a small bark, called the Hopewell, with supplies +for the colony, under the command of Captain Powell. On his way he met a +Portuguese vessel homeward bound from Brazil, with a cargo of sugar, +and, as Smith adds, "liked the sugar and passengers so well" he made a +prize of her. Fearing to face Governor Tucker after this piratical act +he directed his course to the West Indies. On his arrival there he met a +French pirate, who pretended to have a warm regard for him, and invited +him, with his officers, to an entertainment. Suspecting nothing he +accepted the invitation, but no sooner had they been well seated at the +table than they were all seized and threated with instant death, unless +they surrendered their prize. This Powell was, of course, compelled to +do, and finding his provisions failing him he put the Portuguese crew on +shore and sailed for Bermuda, where he managed to excuse himself to the +Governor. Powell again went to the West Indies pirating, and in May he +arrived with three prizes, laden with meal, hides, and ammunition. +Tucker received him kindly and treated him with consideration, until he +had the goods in his own possession, when he reproached the Captain with +his piratical conduct and called him to account for his proceedings. The +unlucky buccaneer was, in the end, glad to escape to England, leaving +his prizes in the hands of the Governor. + +The discipline and hard labor required of the people reduced them to a +condition but little better than that of slaves, and caused many to make +desperate efforts to escape from the islands. Five persons, neither of +whom were sailors, built a fishing boat for the Governor, and when +completed they borrowed a compass from their preacher, for whom they +left a farewell epistle. In this they reminded him how often he had +exhorted them to patience under ill-treatment, and had told them how +Providence would pay them, if man did not. They trusted, therefore, that +he would now practice what he had so often preached. + +[Illustration: Reproduction of Smith's engraving, 1614, showing his coat +of arms with the three Turk heads.] + +These brave men endured great hardships in their boat of three tons +during their rash voyage; but at the end of about forty-two days they +arrived at Ireland, where their exploit was considered so wonderful that +the Earl of Thomond caused them to be received and entertained, and hung +up their boat as a monument of this extraordinary voyage. The Governor +was greatly exasperated at their escape, and threatened to hang the +whole of them if they returned. + +Another party of three, one of whom was a lady, attempted in a like +manner to reach Virginia, but were never afterwards heard of. Six others +were discovered before they effected their departure, and one was +executed. John Wood, who was found guilty of speaking "many distasteful +and mutinous speeches against the Governor," was also condemned and +executed. + +As there were at that time only about five hundred inhabitants on these +islands, it would appear from Captain Smith's History that Tucker hanged +a good percentage of them. Many were the complaints that were forwarded +to England concerning the tyrannical government of Tucker, and he, +fearing to be recalled, at last returned to England of his own accord, +having appointed a person named Kendall as his deputy. + +Kendall was disposed to be attentive to his office, but wanted energy, +and the company took an early opportunity to relieve him; this was not +very agreeable to the people, but they did not offer any resistance. + +Governor Butler arrived with four ships and five hundred men on the +twentieth of October, 1619, which raised the number of the colonists to +1000, and at his departure three years later, it had increased to 1500. + +On the first of August, 1620, in conformity with instructions sent out +by the company, the Governor summoned the first general assembly at St. +George's for the dispatch of public business. It consisted of the +Governor, Council, Bailiffs, Burgesses, Secretary, and Clerk. It appears +that they all sat in one house, which was probably the "State House" +shown on Smith's engraving. Most of the Acts passed on this occasion +were creditable to the new legislators. + +Governor Butler, as Moore had done before him, turned his chief +attention to the building of forts and magazines; he also finished the +cedar Church at St. George's, and caused the assembly to pass an Act for +the building of three bridges, and then initiated the useful project of +connecting together the principal islands. When Governor Butler returned +to England he left the islands in a greatly improved condition. But in +his time, also, there were such frequent mutinies and discontent, that +at last "he longed for deliverance from his thankless and troublesome +employment." It was probably during Governor Butler's administration +that Captain[A] John Smith had a map and illustrations of the "Summer +Ils" made, for in it we find the three bridges, numerous +well-constructed forts, and the State House at St. George's. The map and +illustrations were published in "Smith's General Historic of Virginia, +New England and the Summer Ils" 1624; they are of the greatest value and +importance, as they show accurately the class of buildings and forts +erected on these islands at that early period; such details even are +entered into as the showing of the stocks in the market place of St. +George's, and the architecture and the substantial manner in which the +buildings were constructed is remarkable, especially so when it is +considered that previous to 1620 the Puritans had not settled at +Plymouth, and it was ten years from that date before the settlement of +Boston: in fact, with the exception of Jamestown in Virginia, the +English had not secured a foot-hold in North America at the time these +buildings and forts were constructed. There are very few copies of this +rare print in existence, even in Smith's history it is usually found +wanting, and it was only after considerable trouble and expense that the +writer succeeded in obtaining a reproduction of it. + +[Footnote A: Captain John Smith was never in Bermuda. He derived all his +information from his opportunities as a member of the Virginia Company, +and from correspondence or personal narratives of returned planters. +This was his habitual way, as is shown by the number of authorities that +he quotes. He probably obtained the sketches, from which these +illustrations were made, from Richard Norwood, the schoolmaster.] + +The early history of Bermuda is in many important points similar to that +of New England. Like motives had in most instances induced emigration, +and the distinguished characteristics of those people were repeated +here. + +Like the Salem and Boston colonists they had their witchcraft delusions, +anticipating that, however, some twenty years, Christian North was +tried for it in 1668, but was acquited. Somewhat later a negro woman, +Sarah Basset, was burned at Paget for the same offence. The Quakers were +persecuted by fines, imprisonment, and banishment, by the stem and +dark-souled Puritans, who had emigrated to this place to escape +oppression, and to enjoy religious toleration, but were not willing to +grant to others who differed from them in their religious belief the +same privileges as they themselves enjoyed. + +The company discovered by degrees that the Bermudas were not the +Eldorado which they had fondly imagined them to be. The colonists were +now numerous, and every day showed a strong disposition to break away +from the control of the company. The company had issued an order +forbidding the inhabitants to receive any ships but such as were +commissioned by them. The company complained against the quality of +tobacco shipped to London, as well as the quantity. + +The people were forbidden to cut cedar without a special license, and as +they were in the habit of exporting oranges in chests made of this wood, +the regulation operated very materially to the injury of the place. +Previous to this order many homeward-bound West Indiamen arrived at +Castle Harbor to load with this fruit for the English market. Whaling +was claimed as an exclusive privilege, and was conducted for the sole +benefit of the proprietors. Numerous attempts were made to boil sugar, +but the company directed the Governor to prevent it, as it would require +too much wood for fuel. + +In consequence of instructions from England Governor Turner called upon +all the inhabitants of the islands to take the oath of supremacy and +allegiance to his majesty, but as the Puritans had left their native +country on account of their republican sentiments, they refused to +comply, and the prisons were soon filled to overflowing. + +The rapid change of affairs in England during the civil war, in which +the Puritans were victorious, and Cromwell was elevated to the +Protectorship, opened the doors of the prisons, and stopped all further +persecutions, both political and religious. + +It must be said in favor of the company that they had, at an early +period, established schools throughout the colony, and appropriated +lands in most of the tribes or parishes, for the maintainance of the +teachers. + +From 1630 to 1680 many negro and Indian slaves were brought to the +colony; the negroes from Africa and the West Indies, and a large number +of Indians from Massachusetts, prisoners taken in the Pequot and King +Philip's wars. The traces of their Indian ancestry can readily be seen +in many of the colored people of these islands at the present time. + +In October, 1661, the Protestant inhabitants were alarmed by rumors of a +proposed combination between the negroes and the Irish. The plan was to +arm themselves and massacre the whites who were not Catholics. +Fortunately the plot was discovered in time, and measures adopted to +disarm the slaves and the disaffected. + +The proprietary form of government continued until 1685, with a long +succession of good, bad, and indifferent Governors. + +Many acts of piracy were perpetrated at different times by the +inhabitants of these islands. In 1665 Captain John Wentworth made a +descent upon the island of Tortola and brought off about ninety slaves, +the property of the Governor of the place. Governor Seymour received a +letter from him in which he stated that "upon the ninth day of July +there came hither against me a pirate or sea robber, named John +Wentworth, the which over-run my lands, and that against the will of +mine owne inhabits, and shewed himself a tyrant, in robbing and firing, +and took my negroes from my Isle, belonging to no man but myself. And +likewise I doe understand that this said John Wentworth, a sea robber, +is an indweller with you, soe I desire that you would punish this rogue, +according to your good law. I desire you, soe soon as you have this +truth of mine, if you don't of yourself, restore all my negroes againe, +whereof I shall stay here three months, and in default of this, soe be +assured, that wee shall speake together very shortly, and then I shall +be my owne judge." + +This threatening letter caused great consternation, and immediately +steps were taken to place the colony in the best posture for defence, +reliance being had on the impregnability of the islands, instead of +delivering up the plunder, especially as Captain Wentworth held a +commission from the Governor and Council, and acted under their +instructions. + +Isaac Richier, who became Governor of the colony in 1691, was another +celebrated freebooter. The account of his reign reads like a romance. +The love of gold, and the determination to possess it, was the one idea +of his statesmanship. He was a pirate at sea and a brigand on land. +Nevertheless, it does not appear that any of his misdeeds, such as +hanging innocent people, and robbing British ships, as well as others, +led to his recall, or caused any degree of indignation which such +conduct usually arouses. The fact appears to be that, although Governor +Richier was a bold, bad man, yet few of his subjects were entitled to +throw the first stone at his excellency. + +Benjamin Bennett became Governor of the colony in 1701. At this time the +Bahama Islands had become a rendezvous for pirates, and a few years +later, King George the First issued a proclamation for their +dislodgment. Governor Bennett accordingly dispatched a sloop, ordering +the marauders to surrender. Those who were on shore on his arrival +gladly accepted the opportunity to escape, and declared that they did +not doubt but that their companions who were at sea would follow their +example. Captain Henry Jennings and fifteen others sailed for Bermuda, +and were soon followed by four other Captains--Leslie, Nichols, +Hornigold, and Burges, with one hundred men, who all surrendered. + +In 1710 the Spaniards made a descent on Turk's Island, which had been +settled by the Bermudians for the purpose of gathering salt, and took +possession of the island, making prisoners of the people. The +Bermudians, at their own expense and own accord, dispatched a force +under Captain Lewis Middleton to regain possession of the Bahama Cays. +The expedition was successful, and a victory gained over the Spaniards, +and they were driven from the islands; they still, however, continued to +make predatory attacks on the salt-rakers at the ponds, and on the +vessels going for and carrying away salt. To repel these aggressions and +afford security to their trade, the Bermudians went to the expense of +arming their vessels. + +In 1775 the discontent in the American provinces had broken out into +open opposition to the crown, and the people were forbidden to trade +with their late fellow subjects. Bermuda suffered great want in +consequence, for at this period, instead of exporting provisions the +island had become dependent on the continent for the means of +subsistence. This, together with the fact that many of the people +possessed near relatives engaged in the struggle with the crown, tended +to destroy good feelings towards the British government. These +circumstances must be considered in order to judge fairly of the +following transaction, which has always been regarded to have cast a +stain upon the patriotism and loyalty of the Bermudians. + +At the outbreak of the American Revolution, two battles were fought in +the vicinity of Boston--Lexington and Bunker Hill, after which all +intercourse with the surrounding country ceased, and Boston was reduced +to a state of siege. Civil war commenced in all its horrors; the +sundering of social ties; the burning of peaceful homes; the butchery of +kindred and friends. + +Washington was appointed by the Continental Congress, Commander-in-Chief +of the American forces, and on July 3, 1775, two weeks after the battle +of Bunker Hill, he took formal command of the army at Cambridge. In a +letter to the President of Congress notifying him of his safe arrival +there, he made the following statement. "Upon the article of ammunition, +I must re-echo the former complaints on this subject. We are so +exceedingly destitute that our artillery will be of little use without a +supply both large and seasonable. What we have must be reserved for the +small arms, and that well managed with the utmost frugality." A few +weeks later General Washington wrote the following letter on the same +subject.[A] + +[Footnote A: Writings of George Washington, by J. Sparks, vol. iii, page +47.] + + TO GOVERNOR COOKE, OF RHODE ISLAND. + + Camp at Cambridge, 4 August, 1775. + + Sir, + + I am now, Sir, in strict confidence, to acquaint you, that our + necessities in the articles of powder and lead are so great, as to + require an immediate supply. I must earnestly entreat that you will + fall upon some measure to forward every pound of each in your + colony that can possibly be spared. It is not within the propriety + or safety of such a correspondence to say what I might on this + subject. It is sufficient that the case calls loudly for the most + strenuous exertions of every friend of his country, and does not + admit of the least delay. No quantity, however small, is beneath + notice, and, should any arrive, I beg it may be forwarded as soon + as possible. + + But a supply of this kind is so precarious, not only from the + danger of the enemy, but the opportunity of purchasing, that I have + revolved in my mind every other possible chance, and listened to + every proposition on the subject which could give the smallest + hope. Among others I have had one mentioned which has some weight + with me, as well as the other officers to whom I have proposed it. + A Mr. Harris has lately come from Bermuda, where there is a very + considerable magazine of powder in a remote part of the island; and + the inhabitants are well disposed, not only to our cause in + general, but to assist in this enterprise in particular. We + understand there are two armed vessels in your province, commanded + by men of known activity and spirit; one of which, it is proposed + to despatch on this errand with such assistance as may be + requisite. Harris is to go along, as the conductor of the + enterprise, that we may avail ourselves of his knowledge of the + island; but without any command. I am very sensible, that at first + view the project may appear hazardous; and its success must depend + on the concurrence of many circumstances; but we are in a + situation, which requires us to run all risks. No danger is to be + considered, when put in competition with the magnitude of the + cause, and the absolute necessity we are under of increasing our + stock. Enterprises, which appear chimerical, often prove successful + from that very circumstance. Common sense and prudence will suggest + vigilance and care, where the danger is plain and obvious; but + where little danger is apprehended, the more the enemy will be + unprepared; and consequently there is the fairest prospect of + success. + + Mr. Brown has been mentioned to me as a very proper person to be + consulted upon this occasion. You will judge of the propriety of + communicating it to him in part or the whole, and as soon as + possible favor me with your sentiments, and the steps you may have + taken to forward it. If no immediate and safe opportunity offers, + you will please to do it by express. Should it be inconvenient to + part with one of the armed vessels, perhaps some other might be + fitted out, or you could devise some other mode of executing this + plan; so that, in case of a disappointment, the vessel might + proceed to some other island to purchase. + + I am, Sir, + Your most obedient, humble servant, + G. Washington. + +This plan was approved by the Governor and Committee of Rhode Island, +and Captain Abraham Whipple agreed to engage in the affair, provided +General Washington would give him a certificate under his own hand, that +in case the Bermudians would assist the undertaking, he would recommend +to the Continental Congress to permit the exportation of provisions to +those islands from the colonies. + +General Washington accordingly sent the following address to the +Bermudians.[A] + +[Footnote A: Writings of George Washington, by J. Sparks, vol. iii., +page 77.] + + TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA. + + Camp at Cambridge, 6 September, 1775. + Gentlemen: + + In the great conflict, which agitates this continent, I cannot + doubt but the assertors of freedom and the rights of the + constitution are possessed of your most favorable regards and + wishes for success. As descendants of freemen, and heirs with us of + the same glorious inheritance, we flatter ourselves, that, though + divided by our situation, we are firmly united in sentiment. The + cause of virtue and liberty is confined to no continent or climate. + It comprehends, within its capacious limits, the wise and good, + however dispersed and separated in space or distance. + + You need not be informed that the violence and rapacity of a + tyrannic ministry have forced the citizens of America, your brother + colonist, into arms. We equally detest and lament the prevalence of + those counsels, which have led to the effusion of so much human + blood, and left us no alternative but a civil war, or a base + submission. The wise Disposer of all events has hitherto smiled + upon our virtuous efforts. Those mercenary troops, a few of whom + lately boasted of subjugating this vast continent, have been + checked in their earliest ravages, and now actually encircled + within a small space; their arms disgraced, and themselves + suffering all the calamities of a siege. The virtue, spirit, and + union of the provinces leave them nothing to fear, but the want of + ammunition. The application of our enemies to foreign states, and + their vigilance upon our coasts, are the only efforts they have + made against us with success. + + Under these circumstances, and with these sentiments, we have + turned our eyes to you, Gentlemen, for relief. We are informed, + that there is a very large magazine in your island under a very + feeble guard. We would not wish to involve you in an opposition, in + which, from your situation, we should be unable to support you; we + knew not, therefore, to what extent to solicit your assistance, in + availing ourselves of this supply; but, if your favor and + friendship to North America and its liberties have not been + misrepresented, I persuade myself you may, consistently with your + own safety, promote and further this scheme, so as to give it the + fairest prospect of success. Be assured, that, in this case, the + whole power and exertion of my influence will be made with the + honorable Continental Congress, that your island may not only be + supplied with provisions, but experience every other mark of + affection and friendship, which the grateful citizens of a free + country can bestow on its brethren and benefactors. I am, + Gentlemen, + + With much esteem, + Your humble servant, + + [Illustration: Signature G Washington] + +Captain Whipple had scarcely sailed from Providence before an account +appeared in the newspapers of one hundred barrels of powder having been +taken from Bermuda by a vessel supposed to be from Philadelphia, and +another from South Carolina. This was the same powder that Captain +Whipple had gone to procure. General Washington and Governor Cooke were +both of the opinion it was best to countermand his instructions. The +other armed vessel of Rhode Island was immediately dispatched in search +of the Captain with orders to return. + +But it was too late; he reached Bermuda and put in at the west end of +the island. The inhabitants were at first alarmed, supposing him to +command a king's armed vessel, and the women and children fled from that +vicinity; but when he showed them his commission and instructions they +treated him with much cordiality and friendship, and informed him that +they had assisted in removing the powder, which was made known to +General Gage, and he had sent a sloop of war to the island. They +professed themselves hearty friends to the American cause. Captain +Whipple being defeated in the object of his voyage returned to +Providence. + +Soon after the inhabitants of Bermuda petitioned Congress for relief, +representing their great distress in consequence of being deprived of +the supplies that usually came from the colonies. In consideration of +their being friendly to the cause of America, it was resolved by +Congress that provisions in certain quantities might be exported to +them.[A] + +[Footnote A: Journal of Congress, November 22, 1775.] + +The powder procured from the Bermudians led to the first great victory +gained by Washington in the Revolutionary war, the evacuation of Boston +by the British army. After the arrival of the powder Washington caused +numerous batteries to be erected in the immediate vicinity of the town. +On the night of March 4, 1776, Dorchester Heights were taken possession +of and works erected there, which commanded Boston, and the British +Fleet lying at anchor in the harbor. This caused the town to be +evacuated, and General Howe with his army and about one thousand +loyalists went aboard of the fleet and sailed for Halifax, March 17, +1776. + +Nothing could exceed the indignation of Governor Bruere when he received +intelligence of the plundering of the magazine; he promptly called upon +the legislature to take active measures for bringing the delinquents to +justice. No evidence could ever be obtained, and the whole transaction +is still enveloped in mystery. The Governor let no opportunity escape +him to accuse the Bermudians of disloyality, and no doubt severe +punishment would have been inflicted on the delinquents could they have +been discovered. + +Two American brigs under Republican colors arrived shortly after this +and remained some weeks at the west end of the islands unmolested, and +Governor Bruere complained bitterly of this to the assembly.[A] + +[Footnote A: These were probably the vessels sent out from Rhode Island +under the command of Captain Whipple.] + +Governor George James Bruere died in 1780, and the administration +devolved on the Honorable Thomas Jones, who was relieved by George +Bruere as Lieutenant Governor, in October, 1780. + +Governor Bruere was soon openly at variance with the assembly, and did +not hesitate to accuse the people of treason in supplying the revolted +provinces with salt, exchanging it for provisions. Mr. Bruere extremely +exasperated at their trading, which he considered to be treasonable +conduct, commented on it in his message to the assembly in no measured +terms. Some intercepted correspondence with the rebels added fuel to the +flame, and on the fifteenth of August, 1781, he addressed them in a +speech which could not fail to be offensive, although it contained much +sound argument. This was followed by a message more bitter and +acrimonious, all of which they treated with silent contempt, until the +twenty-eight of September, when they discharged their wrath in an +address, in which the Governor was handled most roughly for his attacks +on the inhabitants of these islands. In return he addressed a message, +equally uncourteous in its tone, and dissolved the house. + +The arrival of William Browne, whose administration commenced the fourth +of January, 1782, put an end to Mr. Bruere's rule. + +The high character of the new Governor had preceded him in the colony, +and he was joyfully received on his arrival. He was a native of Salem, +Massachusetts, and was high in office previous to the Revolution, was +Colonel of the Essex regiment, judge of the Supreme Court, and Mandamus +Counselor. After the passage of the Boston Port bill, he was waited on +by a committee of the Essex delegates, to inform him, that "it was with +grief that the country had viewed his exertions for carrying into +execution certain acts of parliament calculated to enslave and ruin his +native land; that while the country would continue the respect for +several years paid him, it resolved to detach, from every future +connection, all such as shall persist in supporting or in any way +countenancing the late arbitrary acts of Parliament; that the delegates +in the name of the country requested him to excuse them from the painful +necessity of considering and treating him as an enemy to his country, +unless he resigned his office as Counsellor and Judge." Colonel Browne +replied as follows: + +"As a judge and in every other capacity, I intend to act with honor and +integrity and to exert my best abilities; and be assured that neither +persuasion can allure me, nor menaces compel me, to do anything +derogatory to the character of a Counselor of his Majesty's province of +Massachusetts."--William Browne. + +Colonel Browne was esteemed among the most opulent and benevolent +individuals of that province prior to the Revolution; and so great was +his popularity that the gubernatorial chair of Massachusetts was offered +him by the "committee of safety," as an inducement for him to remain and +join the "sons of liberty." But he felt it a duty to adhere to +government; even at the expense of his great landed estate, both in +Massachusetts and Connecticut, the latter comprising fourteen valuable +farms, all of which were afterwards confiscated. + +By preferring to remain on the side representing law and authority, and +unwilling to adopt the course of the revolutionists, this courtly +representative of an ancient and honorable family, this sincere lover of +his country, this skilled man of affairs, this upright and merciful +judge, once so beloved by his fellow townsmen, drew upon himself their +wrath, and he fled from his native country never to return again. First +he sought refuge in Boston in 1774, then in Halifax, and from there he +went to England in 1776, where he remained till 1781, when he was +appointed Governor of Bermuda, as a slight return for his great +sacrifices and important services in behalf of the Crown. Colonel Browne +married his cousin, the daughter of Governor Wanton, of Rhode Island, +and was doubly connected with the Winthrop family; the wives of the +elder Browne and Governor Wanton being daughters of John Winthrop, great +grandson of the first Governor of Massachusetts. Colonel Browne's son +William was an officer in the British service at the siege of Gibralter +in 1784. + +Under the judicious management of Governor Browne the colony continued +to steadily flourish; he conducted the business of the colony in the +greatest harmony with the different branches of the legislature. He +found the financial affairs of the islands in a confused and ruinous +state, and left them flourishing. In 1778 he left for England, deeply +and sincerely regretted by the people, and was succeeded by Henry +Hamilton as Lieutenant Governor, during whose administration the town of +Hamilton was built and named in compliment of him. + +Near the close of the American Revolution a plan was on foot to take +Bermuda, in order to make it "a nest of hornets" for the annoyance of +British trade, but the war closed, and it was abandoned. It, however, +proved a nest of hornets to the United States during the late civil war. +At that time St. George's was a busy town, and was one of the hot-beds +of secession. Being a great resort for blockade runners, which were +hospitably welcomed here, immense quantities of goods were purchased in +England, and brought here on large ocean steamers, and then transferred +to swift-sailing blockade runners, waiting to receive it. These ran the +blockade into Charleston, Wilmington and Savannah. + +It was a risky business, but one that was well followed, and many made +large fortunes there during the first year of the war, but many were +bankrupt, or nearly so at its close. + +Here, too, was concocted the fiendish plot of Dr. Blackburn, a +Kentuckian, for introducing yellow fever into northern cities, by +sending thither boxes of infected clothing. + +[The foregoing article on the history of Bermuda was compiled by the +author of "Stark's Illustrated Bermuda Guide," published by the +Photo-Electrotype Company, of 63 Oliver Street, Boston. The work +contains about two hundred pages and is embellished with sixteen +photo-prints, numerous engravings, and a new map of Bermuda made from +the latest surveys.--ED.] + + * * * * * + +HEART AND I. + +BY MARY HELEN BOODEY. + + Singing, singing through the valleys; + Singing, singing up the hills; + Peace that comes, and Love that tarries, + Hope that cheers, and Faith that thrills, + Heart and I, are we not blest + At the thought of coming rest? + + Singing, singing 'neath the shadow; + Singing, singing in the light; + Plucking flowerets from the meadow, + Seeing beauty up the height, + Heart and I, are we not gay + Thinking of unclouded day? + + Singing, singing through the summer; + Singing, singing in the snow; + Glad to hear the brooklets murmur, + Patient when the wild winds blow, + Heart and I, can we do this? + Yes, because of future bliss. + + Singing, singing up to Heaven; + Singing, singing down to earth; + Unto all some good is given. + Unto all there cometh worth; + Heart and I, we sing to know + That the good God loves us so. + + * * * * * + + +ELIZABETH. + +A ROMANCE OF COLONIAL DAYS. + +BY FRANCES C. SPARHAWK, Author of "A Lazy Man's Work." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +DEPARTURE. + + +With suppressed ejaculations and outspoken condolences the party broke +up. It was not until the last one had gone that Mrs. Eveleigh, leaving +her post of observation in the corner, swept out to find Elizabeth who +disappeared after Stephen Archdale had gone with Katie. She found her in +her bed-room trying to put her things into her box. Her face was +flushed, and her hands cold and trembling. + +"Why have you waited so long?" she began. "We must go at once. Have you +sent for a carriage? We shall meet ours on the way." + +"My dear," answered the other seating herself, "that is impossible. They +will not turn you out, if you have made a mistake. You can not go until +to-morrow, of course; nobody will expect it. I am very sorry for poor +Archdale and the young lady, but I dare say it will turn out all right." + +Elizabeth raised herself from the box over which she had been stooping +throwing in her things in an agony of haste. She opened her lips, but +words failed her. The amazement and indignation of her look turned +slowly to an appealing glance that few could have resisted. She had been +used to Mrs. Eveleigh's not comprehending nice distinctions, but now it +seemed as if to be a woman would make one understand. If her father were +with her now! She turned away sharply. + +"Will you see that some conveyance is here within half an hour?" she +said. "If it is a cart I will not refuse to go in it. But leave here at +once I will, if it must be on foot. For yourself, do as you choose, only +give my order." + +There was something in Elizabeth's gesture, and a desperation in her +face that made Mrs. Eveleigh go away and leave her without a word. In a +moment she came back. + +"I met James in the hall and sent him off in hot haste," she said. Her +tones showed that she had recovered the equanimity which the girl's +unexpected conduct had disturbed. She seated herself again with no less +complacency and with more deliberation than before. + +"I brought you up to be polite, Elizabeth," she said. "Things do +sometimes happen that are very trying, to be sure, but we should not +give way to irritation. Why, where should I have been if I had? Think +how it would have distressed your dear mother to have you show such +temper." + +The girl looked up sharply, looked down again, her hands moving faster +than ever, though everything grew indistinct to her for a minute. + +"Are you going with me?" she asked after a pause. + +"I? O, my dear child, you will not go at all this way. Perhaps it is as +well to pack up and show your dignity, but they will not let you go, you +know, your father's daughter, and all,--I told James to tell them,--it +would be shameful, I should never forgive them." + +"The question is whether they will ever forgive me, whether I have not +killed Katie. Sometimes I think of it only that way, and sometimes--." + +She was silent again and busy. Then all at once she stopped and walked +to the window. Her hands grasped the sash and she stood looking out at +the sky that had not gathered a cloud from all this darkness of her +life. At length she began to walk up and down as if every footstep took +her away from the house. + +"I always thought it must be a dreadful thing to marry a man you did not +want," she said speaking out her thoughts as if alone; "but to marry a +man who does not want you,--that is the most terrible thing in the +world. I have done both." And she covered her face with her hands. + +"Poor girl," answered Mrs. Eveleigh, "it _is_ hard. But you gave him as +good as he sent, that's a fact. Governor Wentworth spoke about it after +you left." Elizabeth had raised her head and was looking steadily at her +companion. "When young Archdale looked at you as he passed out, I mean," +she went on. "'Great Heavens!' cried the Governor, 'did you see that +exchange of looks, scorn and hatred on both sides, and they may be +husband and wife? The Lord pity them. And poor Katie!'" + +"He said that?" + +"Exactly that. Why, everybody noticed it, of course. What did you say?" +she added at a faint sound from her listener. + +"Nothing." + +And Elizabeth said nothing until ten minutes later when the sound of +wheels sent her to the window to see that a conveyance at least fairly +comfortable had been found for them. Her bonnet and wraps were already +on. + +"Are you coming?" she said to the other abruptly. "I shall start in five +minutes." + +"For Heaven's sake, more time, my dear. I have not changed my dress yet. +I suppose I cannot let you go alone, I should not feel happy about it, +and your father would never forgive me in the world." + +A half smile of contempt touched the girl's lips. Mrs. Eveleigh knew +what was for her own comfort too well to get herself out of Mr. Royal's +good graces, and not to be devoted to his daughter would have been to +him the unpardonable sin. But nobody would have been more astonished +than this same lady to be told that she had not a thoroughly +conscientious care of Elizabeth. She combined duty and interest as +skilfully as the most Cromwellian old Presbyter among her ancestors. + +In the hall Elizabeth met her hostess. + +"May I speak to Katie?" she asked timidly. + +Mrs. Archdale hesitated a moment, nodded in silence and went on to the +library, the girl following. Mr. Archdale was there, and the Colonel and +his wife. Stephen sat by the great chair in which Katie was propped, +holding her hand and sometimes speaking softly to her, or looking into +her face with eyes that gave no comfort. Elizabeth seemed to see no one +but her friend, she went up to the chair, and said to her softly, +pleadingly, + +"Good by, Katie." + +But Katie turned away her head. + +The door closed, Elizabeth had gone. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +FORECASTINGS. + + +Gerald Edmonson, Esquire, and Lord Bulchester drove leisurely through +the streets of the London of 1743. They found in it that same element +that makes the fascination of the London of to-day; for the streets, +dim, narrower, and less splendid than now, were full of this same charm +of human life, and yet, human isolation. Then, as now, might a man +wander homeless and lost, or these grim houses might open their doors to +him and reveal the splendors beyond them; and whether he were desolate, +or shone brilliant as a star depended upon so many chances and changes +that this Fortune's-Wheel drew him toward itself like a magnet. + +"I tell you," said Edmonson to his companion as they went along, "there +is not a shadow of a chance for me. When a woman says, 'no,' you can +tell by her eyes if she means it, and if there had been the least sign +of relenting or a possibility of it in Lady Grace's eyes, do you think I +would have given up? She has led me a sorry chase, that pretty sister of +yours." + +"Her beauty would not have taken you ten steps out of your way, if she +had not been such an heiress," retorted Bulchester. + +"Don't be so blunt, my friend. Is it my fault that I am obliged to look +out for money? If a man has only a tenth of the income he needs to live +upon, what is he going to do? It is well enough for you to be above +sordidness, so could I be with your purse and your prospects. Besides, +you know that I told you frankly I found Lady Grace charming. I wonder," +he asked turning sharply round, "if you have been playing me false?" + +But Bulchester laughed. A laugh at such a time, and a laugh so full of +simplicity and amusement brought the other to his bearings again. + +"You know I favored the match," added the nobleman. "Hang it! I don't +see why my sister could not have had my taste. She does not know all +your deviltries as I do, but yet I think you the most fascinating fellow +in England." + +"Perhaps that is the reason, because she does not know," laughed +Edmonson. "But, then, you have not been very far beyond England, except +to the land of the frog, and nobody expects to delight in the messieurs +anywhere but on the point of the bayonet, as we had them lately at +Dettengen." In a moment, however, he added gravely, "I am afraid my suit +to your sister has damaged my prospects in another quarter, at least the +matrimonial part of them, and I can hardly expect to be so successful +otherwise as to enable me to marry a lady whose face is her fortune." + +"Hardly, with your tastes," said Bulchester. "But, for my part, I am +glad that I can afford to be sentimental if I like. For that very reason +I shall probably be extremely sensible." + +Edmonson smiled, half in amusement, half in contempt. + +"Suppose the lady should be so too?" he asked slyly; then added, "I hope +she will, Bulchester, and take you. I don't know her name yet." + +"Nor I. But I don't want to consider only the rent-roll of the future +Lady Bulchester." + +"My lord, I shall be devotion itself to Mistress Edmonson, and I assure +you that the young lady I have chosen, I having failed to win your +adorable sister, is not a nonentity, though I cannot say that she is +charming. But you will see her. Her father was very gracious to me when +I was in Boston last winter, and regretted that I was obliged to leave +in the spring on affairs of importance. How was he to know, he or the +fair Elizabeth, that the business was a love suit? That would not have +done. The old gentleman would not think the king himself too good for +his daughter; if he dreamed that she was second fiddle, he would want me +to find the door faster than he could shew me there. So, if you fall in +love with her and want to supersede me, there's your chance." + +"I'm Jonathan to your David," returned the smaller man, "the kingdom is +for you, Edmonson." And the speaker looked at his companion with an +admiration that was deep in proportion as he felt himself unable to +imitate that mixture of good nature, strong will, and audacity that in +Edmonson fascinated him. "Is she handsome?" he added. + +"No," said the other decidedly. "She has a smile that lights up her face +well, and occasionally she says good things, but half the time in +company she seems not to be attending to what is going on about her, she +is away off in a dream about something that nobody cares a pin for, and +of course, it gives her a peculiar manner. I could see I interested her +more than anybody else did, but I had hard work sometimes to know how to +answer her queer sayings, for I could scarcely tell what she was talking +about." + +"You don't like that," suggested Bulchester. "You like ladies who lead +in society." + +"Well," assented Edmonson, "I know. But she will have to set up for an +oddity, and, you see, she has money enough to be able to afford it. A +fortune in her own right, and large expectations from the old gentleman +who began with money and has never made a bad investment in his life. +Think of it! Gerald Edmonson will keep open house and live rather +differently from at present in his bachelor quarters; and all his old +friends will be welcome." + +"What do you say to those we are going to meet to-night, who are to give +us our farewell supper; you would not ask a set like that to a lady's +table?" + +Edmonson laughed. + +"Why, and if I did," he answered, "Elizabeth Royal would never fathom +them. She might think they drank somewhat too much, and discover that +they were noisy; but as to the wild pranks we have played, yes, you and +I, Bulchester, I out of pure enjoyment of them, you, I do believe, more +than half not to be behind other men of fashion, why, you might tell +them to her safely, for she would never comprehend. One can't get along +so well with her on the little nothings one says to other women, to be +sure, but she has the greatest simplicity in the world, and that touch +of evil that spices life is entirely beyond her. But however that might +be, I tell you this, my lord: Gerald Edmonson is always master, and +always will be." + +"Yes," assented his hearer. + +"I only hope the extent of my impecuniosity will not cross the water +with me. I have never pretended to be rich, but I have said that my +expectations were excellent. So they are; for you know, Bulchester, the +heiress is not all my errand to these outlandish colonies. I have +expectations there. Rather strange ones, to be sure, so strange, and to +be come at so strangely, that if I can make anything out of them I shall +enjoy it a thousand times more than by any stupid old way of +inheritance." + +"It strikes me, though, you would not object to the stupid if a good +plum should fall down on your head from an ancestral tree." + +Edmonson laughed. + +"You have me there, Bul," he said. "But, on your honor, you are not to +betray my plans, or I have no chance at all," he added, suddenly facing +his companion. + +"What do you take me for, a traitor?" + +"No," exclaimed Edmonson with an oath. + +"For a tattler, then?" + +"No," came the answer again. "Only, inadvertence is sometimes as +mischievous in its results." + +"I, inadvertent?" cried Bulchester. + +His listener smiled slyly. The other felt that caution was his strong +point, and Edmonson's diplomacy would not assault this vigorously; his +aim had been merely to warn Bulchester and strengthen the defences. Soon +after this they reached the inn, where they were boisterously greeted by +their companions, who had been waiting for them in what was then one of +the fashionable public houses of London, though long since fallen out of +date and forgotten. + +"Don't be flattered," said Edmonson aside, "all this welcome is not for +us; the feast is to begin now that we have arrived." And a cynical smile +flashed over his handsome face. + +It was hours after this. The high revel had gone on with jest, and +laugh, and song, with play, too, and some purses were empty that before +had been none too well filled. Through it all Edmonson, the life of the +party, kept the control over himself that many had lost. There was no +credit due to him for the fact that he could drink more wine without +being overcome than any other man there. His face was flushed with it, +his eyes somewhat blood-shot and his fair hair disordered as, at last, +looking at his opposite neighbor, he nodded to him, leaned across the +table and touched glasses with him. Then, "Let us drink this toast +standing," he said, rising as he spoke; and at the movement ten other +young men, full of the effrontery of a long carousal, pushed back their +chairs noisily and rose, exclaiming in tones varying in degrees of +intoxication: + +"We pledge." + +"Yes," returned the man opposite Edmonson, repeating the pledge that +they all without exception would meet one hundred years from that night +to pledge each other again. + +A shout, more of drunken acquiescence than of comprehension went up in +chorus from all but one of the revelers; he held his glass silently a +moment, disposed to put it untasted on the table. + +"Bulchester's backing out," cried Edmonson giving him a scornful glance. + +"Oh, ho! Backing out!" echoed nine derisive voices. + +"We have made it too hot for him," called out Edmonson again. + +At which remark another shout arose, and the glasses were tossed off +with bravado, Bulchester's also being set down empty. + +After this the party broke up boisterously, Edmonson and Bulchester +receiving the good wishes of the company for their prosperous voyage. + +Leaving the inn, they went out into the night again, in which the +October moon veiled in clouds was doing its best to light the streets +now almost deserted. Bulchester looked with disapprobation at his +smiling companion. It was for the first time in their acquaintance, but +the compact into which the earl had so unwillingly entered had sobered +him, and was still ringing in his ears, giving him a sort of horror. He +said this to Edmonson, who burst out laughing. + +"A mere drunken freak, Bul, that counts for nothing. You will be an +angel sitting on a cold cloud singing psalms long before that time. I'll +warrant it. You are a good fellow. Don't bother your brains about such +nonsense." + +The third of November, Edmonson and Lord Bulchester sailed from +Liverpool in the "Ariel" for Boston. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +TWO WHO WOULD EXCHANGE PLACES. + + +The winds were baffling, and Edmonson and Lord Bulchester had a longer +voyage than they had counted upon. They found it tedious, and it was +with satisfaction that they at last set foot on land and drove through +the streets of Boston to the Royal Exchange. Edmonson's projects +inspired him rather than made him anxious. It was, of course, possible +that Elizabeth Royal might refuse him, but in his heart he had the +attitude of a Londoner toward provincials and was not burdened with +doubts as to the result of his wooing, and so the one necessary grain of +uncertainty only gave flavor to the whole affair. + +A few hours after his arrival he left the house to try his fortune. + +"I may not be home until late," he said to Bulchester. "I shall tackle +pater-familias first, then the young lady herself. It is possible they +will invite me to tea, you know. Don't wait for me if you find anything +to do or anywhere to go in this puritanical hole." And the young man, in +all the tasteful splendor of attire that the times allowed, closed the +door behind him and left Lord Bulchester looking at the oaken panels +which had suddenly taken the place in which his friend had been +standing, and seeing, not these, but Edmonson's fine figure and his bold +smile. + +"No woman can resist his wooing," the nobleman said to himself with a +sigh at the thought of his own indifferent appearance. Therefore it was +with amazement that two hours later coming home from a stroll he learned +that the other had returned, and going to his room found him prone on +the sofa. + +"Why! What is the--," he began, then checked himself, considering that +since only failure could be the matter, this was hardly a generous +question. + +"Headache," growled Edmonson. "No," he cried with an oath, "that is a +lie," and springing up, turned blood-shot eyes upon his companion. "I am +mad, Bulchester," he cried, "raving mad. It is all over with me in that +quarter." + +"She has refused you? Or the father has?" + +"Hang it! they couldn't do anything else, either of them. I did not see +Mistress Royal, Mistress Archdale, rather. Yes, married!" as Bulchester +echoed the name. "There's been an interesting drama with one knave and +two fools. If I could only catch the knave! Perhaps it is as well to let +the fools go, since I can't help it." He was silent a moment. Then after +a moment he added. "Well! what is the use of cursing one's luck?" "There +are several others I know of doing the same thing at this moment, and I +like to be original. I declare, if he didn't stand in my way, I should +be tempted to pity young Archdale. He wishes himself in my shoes as +much, and I suspect a good deal more, than I do myself in his. I don't +wonder that the young lady keeps herself retired for a time. I did not +see her, as I told you. Mr. Royal made as light of the matter as +possible, merely saying that something which might prove to have been a +real marriage ceremony, though he thought not, had taken place in a joke +between his daughter and Stephen Archdale, that the matter was to be +thoroughly investigated at once, and if it turned out that Elizabeth was +not Mistress Archdale, I had his permission to receive her answer from +her own lips. He was guarded enough; but on the way home I met Clinton +who had been one of the guests at Mistress Katie's attempted wedding +last week. He gave me details. Here they are." And these details lost +nothing through Edmonson's racy recital of them. "No, Bulchester," he +finished, "out of six people that I could name mixed up in this affair, +on the whole, I am the best off." + +"Six?" + +"Yes; counting in the love-lorn Waldo; that knave Harwin, who ought to +swing for it; the poor little bride that lost her bridegroom; and the +bridegroom; the young lady that got him when she didn't want him, and +missed me, whom, perhaps (without too much vanity) she did want a +little; and last on the list of wounded spirits, your humble servant. +How wise that man was who said that one sinner destroyed much good. By +the way, Bulchester, who was he? It is an excellent thing to quote in +regard to this affair, and I should like to know where it comes from." + +An anxious expression crossed the other's face as he cried: + +"Good heavens! Edmonson, if you go to quoting the Bible and asking where +the quotation comes from, you will get into awful disgrace with this +strictest-sect-of-our-religion people, and then what will become of the +other scheme that is bound to pull through?" + +"True, most sapient counsellor, and I will be on my guard. To show how I +profit by your sageness, let us drop all thought of this royal maiden +who is probably out of my reach, and attend to the other business. It is +good to have a sympathetic friend, Bul." + +They talked for nearly an hour after this, but not about Edmonson's +wooing. When Bulchester left, the other sat looking after him a moment. + +"Yes," he said to himself, "it is well to have a sympathetic creature +like that sometimes, but not if one tell him all his heart. I hid my +rage well, I passed it off for mere spleen. But we are not a race to get +over things in that way. It is hate, _hate_, I say," And he ground his +teeth, and again threw himself upon the sofa his face downward and +buried in his hands as if he were meditating deeply. + +Edmonson told his friend of having met one of the guests at Katie +Archdale's wedding, but he did not say to him that coming out of Mr. +Royal's house and walking quickly down the street, he had met the +bridegroom himself, and had returned Archdale's bow with a politeness +equally cold, while anger had leaped up within him. Was Archdale going +to call upon his wife? + +Stephen Archdale had come to Boston to collect whatever facts he could +about Harwin, and about the places and the people that the confession +referred to. Nothing was farther from his thoughts than any such visit. +It was his wish that Elizabeth and himself need never meet again, and he +knew that it was hers. Indeed, so far from thinking of the woman who was +perhaps his wife, he was living over again the glimpse he had had of the +one from whom he had been separated. Three days ago he had taken his gun +early in the morning and had gone out hunting, made more miserable than +before by something he had perceived in his father's mind. The Colonel +was not in sympathy with him; he was consoling himself that, after all, +Elizabeth Royal was a richer woman than Katie Archdale. At his light +insinuation of this to his son, the young man had flamed out into a heat +of passion and declared that one golden hair of Katie's head was worth +both Elizabeth and her fortune. He had rushed out of the house with the +wish for destroying something in his mind. As he stopped in the hall to +snatch his gun, the flintlock caught, and tore a hole in the tapestry +hanging. He saw it, pushed the great stag's antlers that the gun had +been swung on a little aside, and covered the torn place. Then he forgot +the accident almost as soon as this was done, left the house and went +striding over the fields, not so much to chase the foxes, as to be +alone. And when that point was gained he would have gone a step further +if he could and escaped from himself also. But he was only all the more +with his own thoughts as he wandered aimlessly through great stretches +of pine trees with the light snow of the night before still white on +their lower boughs, except when in some opening it had melted into +dewdrops in the December sun, and still clung to the trees, ready when +the sun had passed by them towards its setting to turn into filmy +icicles. The sky was brilliant; the long winter already upon the earth +smiled gently, as if to say that its reign would be mild. Stephen went +along so much preoccupied that only the baying of his hound made him +notice the light fox-prints by the roadside. Then the instinct of the +hunter stirred within him, and he followed on, listening now and then to +the distant bark while pursued and the pursuer were going farther away. +He waited, knowing fox nature well and that there were a hundred chances +to one that the creature would come back near the spot from which it was +started. As he waited close by the road which here led through the +woods, two men passed along it without seeing him. They were talking as +they went. Stephen knew them; one was an old man who used to be a +servant in the family when Colonel Archdale was a boy. He had married +long ago and was now living in a little house not far from his old home. +The young man with him was his son. Stephen was in no mood even for a +passing word, and he stood still, perceiving that a clump of bushes hid +him. A few sentences of the conversation reached him through the +stillness, but it meant nothing to him; he was not conscious even of +listening until Katie's name caught his ear. They were talking of this +marriage then, as every body was; he was the gossip of the very +servants. But his attention once caught was held until the speakers +passed out of hearing. Surely they knew nothing about the matter that he +did not. + +"She is such a pretty young lady," said the elder man, "and any girl +would feel it to miss the handsome young master for a husband." + +"Um!" assented the son. "Well, I suppose she will miss the sight of him +if her heart is set upon him, but there is many a young man nicer to my +thinking, and not so proud in his ways." + +"Has he ever been unjust or overbearing to you, Nathan?" inquired the +old man severely. + +"Oh, no, he has been uncommonly civil, he would think it beneath him to +be anything else. I know the cut of him; if he had any spite he would +take it out on a gentleman. He thinks we are made of different clay from +him." And the embryo republican threw back his shoulders impatiently. + +"So we are," returned the other, with the Englishman's ingrained belief +in caste; "but, to be sure, you feel it with some more than with others, +with the young man more than with his father. But I like it better than +the softly way the Colonel has. Stephen is more like his grandfather." + +"His grandfather!" echoed the son. "Why, he was a--." + +"Hush!" cried the other so suddenly and sharply that if the word had +been, uttered at all Stephen lost it, though, now he was listening +eagerly enough. "Do you remember you swore that you would never speak +that word?" + +"Well," returned the young man in a sullen tone, "if I did, what harm in +saying it here with not a soul but you around? And my feeling is," he +went on, "that this broken-off wedding is a judgment for his +grandfather's--." He hesitated. + +"When you learned it by accident, Nathan," returned his father, "you +swore to satisfy me, that you would never speak the word in connection +with him. Who knows what person may be round?" And he glanced cautiously +about him. Stephen half resolved to confront him and force him to tell +this secret. But the very quality in himself which the men had been +discussing held him back until the opportunity had passed. "No, I don't +want you to name it at all, Nathan. That is what you swore," continued +the old man. + +"You have said enough about it," retorted the younger. "I will keep my +word, of course; you know that." His tone was loud with anger. + +"Yes, yes, I know," said his companion, "But, you see, I was fond of the +young master if he was a bit wild; he was a fine, free gentleman, though +he changed very much after this--this accident and his coming over to +the Colonies, which wasn't no ways suited to him like London, only he +found it a good place to get rich in. You see, Nathan, it all happened +this way; he told me about it his own self with tears in his eyes, as I +might say, for his family,--he--." + +But it was in vain that Stephen strained his ears, the voices that had +not been drowned in the noise of footsteps had been growing fainter with +distance, and now were lost altogether. + +So there had been something in the family, thought Stephen, that he knew +nothing about, something that his grandfather had done which this man, +the son of his grandfather's butler, considered had brought down +vengeance on Katie and himself as the grandchildren. The very suggestion +oppressed him in this land of the Puritans, although he told himself +that he believed neither in the vengeance nor even in the crime itself. +But he had not dreamed of anything, anything at all, which had even +shadowed the fair fame of the Archdales. Did his father know of it? +Nothing that Stephen had ever seen in him looked like such knowledge, +but that did not make the son quite sure, for the old butler's remark +about the Colonel's suavity was just; his elaborate manners made Stephen +almost brusque at times, and aroused a secret antagonism in both, so +that they sometimes met one another with armor on, and Stephen's keen +thrust would occasionally penetrate the shield which his father +skilfully interposed between that and some fact. + +That morning Stephen sank down upon a rock near by while his mind ranged +over his recollections to find some clue to this mystery. But he found +none. He was sure that his grandfather had never been referred to as +being connected with anything secret, still less, disgraceful, or +perhaps criminal. It was impossible to imagine where the old butler's +idea came from, but it could not be founded upon truth. Yet, this snatch +of talk which Stephen had heard made him curious and uncomfortable. And +he knew that he must resign himself to feeling so; he could ask his +father, to be sure, but he would get no satisfaction out of that; either +the Colonel did not know, or, evidently he had resolved that there +should seem to be nothing to tell. After all, it did not matter very +much. His thoughts came back to his own position with almost wonder that +anything could have drawn them away from it. While he sat there the +baying of the hound drew nearer, and suddenly a rabbit started up from +a bush on his right. He raised his gun, but instantly lowered it again. +He had not moved, so it had not been he that had startled the rabbit, +but the larger game that was following it. The little creature scampered +away, and in another moment the fox which his dog had started ran past +him. Again he raised his gun and took aim with a hand accustomed to +bring down what he sighted. But to-day the gun dropped once more at his +side, for here was a creature that wanted its life, that was straining +for it. "Let him have the worthless gift if he values it," thought +Archdale, feeling that the gun had better have been turned the other way +in his hands. The fox disappeared after the rabbit, and in another +moment Stephen rose with a sneer at himself, and turned toward home. +Evidently, he could accomplish nothing that day, matters must have gone +hard with him to make him lose even the nerve of a hunter. He whistled +to his dog, but the hound had no intention of giving up the chase as his +master had done, and rushed past in full cry. The young man left him to +follow home at his pleasure, and walked along the road with a sombre +face. Soon the sound of distant bells reached him. A minute after a +sleigh appeared coming toward him from the vanishing point of the road +that here ran straight through the woods for some distance. It made no +difference to Stephen who was in the sleigh. As it came nearer and +nearer he never even glanced at it, until as it was passing, some +instinct, or perhaps eyes fixed upon him, made him look up. He started, +stopped, bowed low, took off his fur cap with deference, holding it in +his hand until the sleigh had gone slowly by. Then he turned and stood +looking after it, the flush that had come suddenly to his face fading +away as his eyes followed Katie Archdale's figure until it was lost to +sight. He could see her clinging to her father's arm; he seemed to see +her face before him for days, her face pale and sad, and so lovely. +Neither had spoken. Mr. Archdale had not waited; what had they to say? +Stephen had not really wished it; every thought was deeper than speech, +and probably Katie, too, had preferred to go on. And yet to pass in this +way--it was like their lives. + +That afternoon he started for Boston. It was doing something. Edmonson +who met him just arrived, need not have feared that he was going to +Elizabeth. He was in the city only to prove that the frolic of that +summer evening had been frolic merely, and that he was still free to +follow that charming face that had passed him by, so reluctantly, he +knew, in the woods. + +[TO BE CONTINUED.] + + * * * * * + +WENDELL PHILLIPS. + + +While delivering an address in Faneuil Hall, in 1875, the late +distinguished Wendell Phillips declared that he had never cast a ballot +in his life. + +Such a confession, coming from the liberty-loving champion of the rights +and freedom of all people, was not a little startling. + +Months later he was requested to explain what seemed to be a serious +inconsistency, as bearing on the question--how can an American citizen +wilfully refrain from the high prerogative of exercising his right and +duty to vote? + +The following is a copy of his letter stating the reason why he had not +voted. + +The letter hitherto has never been made public. It is of historical +value. + + 7 Aug't '76. + + DEAR SIR: + + I am in receipt of your kind note. This is the explanation: + Premising that I entirely agree with you as to the transcendant + importance of the vote and the duty of every citizen to use it--to + let no slight obstacle prevent his voting. + + The few years after I came of age I was moving about and it + happened, curiously enough, that I never lived in one town long + enough to get the vote there and never could be, at the proper + time, in the town where I had the right. + + Then soon I became an abolitionist and conscientiously refused to + vote or accept citizenship under a constitution which ordered the + return of fugitive slaves. + + The XVth. amendment was the first release from this bar, as I + judged. Since that, I have never voted but once. Absence from the + city &c prevented my doing so. _I should have taken special care_ + to be at home if living in a ward where my vote would have availed + anything, or if candidates were such as I could trust. + + Truly, + + WENDELL PHILLIPS. + + * * * * * + +EASY CHAIR. + +BY ELBRIDGE H. GOSS. + + +This is an age of magazines. Every guild, every issue, has its monthly +or quarterly. If a new athletic exercise should be evolved to-morrow, a +new magazine, in its interest, would follow; and there seems to be a +field for every new venture. + +Among our older magazines, Harper's "New Monthly" still pursues its +popular course. In June, 1850, I bought the first number, and from that +day to this it has been one of my household treasures. A complete set, +sixty nine (69) volumes, forms a most excellent library in itself; a +fair compendium of the world's history for the last thirty odd years. +Story, essay, and event, has filled these sixty thousand pages. In +October, 1851, the department called the "Editor's Easy Chair," was +established by Donald G. Mitchell, the genial "Ik: Marvel." Here are his +first words: + +"After our more severe Editorial work is done--the scissors laid in our +drawer, and the monthly record, made as full as our pages will bear, of +history--we have a way of throwing ourselves back into an old red-back +_Easy Chair_, that has long been an ornament of our dingy office, and +indulging in an easy, and careless overlook of the gossiping papers of +the day, and in such chit chat with chance visitors, as keeps us +informed of the drift of the towntalk, while it relieves greatly the +monotony of our office hours." Here is the well remembered flavor of the +"Reveries of a Bachelor" and "Dream-Life"! + +A year or so afterward, George William Curtis became a co-writer of a +part of the articles for this department, and soon after he became the +sole occupant of the now famous "Easy Chair;" and each month, as +regularly as the appearance of the magazine itself, these very +interesting, most readable, and instructive notelets upon the current +topics of the time have appeared. Their pure style, graceful and +delicate humor, and the vast range of culture and observation, give them +a distinctively personal characteristic. He would have made one of our +first novelists; but he has chosen to give the strength of his powers to +journalism, and the study of political affairs. + +It is safe to say that each number of the magazine has had an average of +at least five pages of "Easy Chair," making very nearly or quite two +thousand (2,000) pages in all; or a quantity more than sufficient to +fill two and a half volumes of the sixty nine (69) thus far issued, each +volume containing eight hundred and sixty four (864) pages. Before +beginning to write these delectable tid-bits, he had published "Nile +notes of a Howadji," "The Howadji in Syria," and "Lotus Eating;" soon +after appeared "Potiphar Papers," "Prue and I," and "Tramps." For twenty +years he was constantly on the lecture platform; and for twenty one +years he has been the political editor of "Harper's Weekly." Although +offered missions to the courts of England and Germany, and other +positions of trust and honor, he never accepted; his nearest approach to +the holding of any political office was the accepting of an appointment, +for a while, of the chairmanship of the "Civil Service Advisory Board." +As has been well said by George Parsons Lathrop, "The idea often occurs +to one that he, more than any one else, continues the example which +Washington Irving set: an example of kindliness and good nature blended +with indestructible dignity, and a delicately imaginative mind +consecrating much of its energy to public service." + +As for the "Easy Chair," with me, its leaves are first cut in each fresh +number; and while enjoying the last one, I wondered why some deft hand +had not culled some of the choicest specimens, and that the Harpers had +not given them to the world in a volume by themselves. They are most +certainly worthy of it. A few passages taken here and there, from these +rich fields, will prove this assertion. The subjects treated in the +whole "Easy Chair" number nearly or quite twenty-five hundred +(2,500),--reminiscences of Emerson and Longfellow--first presentation of +a new Oratorios--a celebrated painting--the visit of a Lord Chief +Justice of England,--a vast range of topics. Consult the nine closely +printed octavo pages of their titles in the "Index to the first Sixty +Volumes"--from "Abbott, Commodore, xiii. 271," to "Zurich, University +of, xlviii. 443," and one will be amazed at the great number and variety +of themes upon which the "Easy Chair" has had its say. And it would seem +that its occupant has had some similar thoughts to these, for, in a +recent number there is a retrospective glance--a wondering as to what +future generations may have to say, and wish to know regarding matters +and things of this generation about which it has discoursed: + +"The Easy Chair, mindful of posterity, and of that future loiterer in +the retired alcoves of coming libraries who will turn to the pages of an +old magazine to catch some glimpse of the daily aspect and the homely +fact of our day, which will be then a kind of quaint remembrance, like +the 'Augustan age' of Anne to Victorian epoch, puts here upon record for +his unborn reader--whom he salutes with hope and Godspeed--that the +winter of 1883-4 in the city of New York was a gray and gloomy season +almost beyond precedent, during which the persistent fogs and mists +appeared half to have obliterated the sun." + +Here are a few excerpts which may be called "Gems for the Easy Chair;" +but those given are no better than thousands of others that are +scattered through these many volumes. + +A Madonna. Once in Dresden the Easy Chair climbed into a little room +where an engraver was finishing a picture which is now famous. He had +worked long and faithfully upon it. It was truly a work of love, and it +had cost him his most precious and essential possession for his art--his +eyesight. The engraver was Steinla, and the picture was the Madonna di +Sisto.... It can be seen only by those who go to Dresden. Among pictures +there is none more justly famous, and the devoted engraver toiled long +and patiently, and at such enormous sacrifice to re-produce it, so far +as lines could do it, from the same love and instinct that produced the +picture. + + * * * * * + +PUBLISHERS' DEPARTMENT. + +NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. + + +MIDDLESEX COUNTY MANUAL. By CHARLES COWLEY. LL.D. Penhallow Printing +Company, Lowell, Mass. + +In this handy volume, the "Historical Sketch of the County of +Middlesex," Judge Cowley has made a valuable contribution to the +recorded history of our Commonwealth. He has traced in a clear and +concise manner the important events of Middlesex County from 1643, the +year of its incorporation, down to Shay's Rebellion. + + +REMINISCENCES OF JAMES COOK AVER AND THE TOWN OF AVER. By CHARLES +COWLEY, LL.D. + +This work is one of many for which the public are indebted to Judge +Cowley. It presents many facts of great historical value, and in the +usual pungent and agreeable style of their author. + + +SHOPPELL'S BUILDING PLANS FOR MODERN LOW COST HOUSES. The Co-operative +Building Plan Association, New York. Price, 50 cents. + +This book contains a mass of information to builders and would-be _home +owners_. Its many and varied plans are for the construction of neat, +comfortable and very attractive buildings at very reasonable cost. + + * * * * * + +CORRECTION. + +In the sketch of Saugus in the December number of the BAY STATE MONTHLY, +line 14, on page 149, should read "as early as 1828" instead of +1848.--E.P.R. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. No. 5, +February, 1885, by Various + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14132 *** diff --git a/14132-8.txt b/14132-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a688ccd --- /dev/null +++ b/14132-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4130 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. No. 5, +February, 1885, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. No. 5, February, 1885 + A Massachusetts Magazine + +Author: Various + +Release Date: November 23, 2004 [EBook #14132] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAY STATE MONTHLY *** + + + + +Produced by Joshua Hutchinson, Josephine Paolucci, Cornell University +and the PG Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + +[Illustration: W'm Gaston.] + + + + +THE + +BAY STATE MONTHLY. + +_A Massachusetts Magazine_. + +VOL. II. + +FEBRUARY, 1885. + +No. 5. + + + * * * * * + +WILLIAM GASTON. + +By ARTHUR P. DODGE. + + +Victor Hugo has written: "The historian of morals and ideas has a +mission no less austere than that of the historian of events. The latter +has the surface of civilization, the struggles of the crowns, the births +of princes, the marriages of Kings, the battles, the assemblies, the +great public men, the revolutions in the sunlight, all exterior; the +other historian has the interior, the foundation, the people who work, +who suffer and who wait ... Have these historians of hearts and souls +lesser duties than the historian of exterior facts?" + +There is much unwritten history of the Bay State: of the exterior, much +is recorded; of the interior, far less. Both are valuable to posterity. +It is believed that succeeding ages will hold of far greater value, and +the youth of our day be benefitted more by the study of the underlying +principles and causes of those events which are given a conspicuous +place in history, rather than by the mere record of the surface facts. + +It is profitable to study the habits and methods of individuals who +stand out in bold relief in history. To derive the greatest interest and +value from such lives it is well to follow them from early childhood. +Indeed it is profitable to trace back the ancestry and lineage from +which the man has descended, to study the characteristics peculiar to +each generation, and to note the result of racial mixtures tending to +the typical and representative American of to-day. + +Many prominent men received their first incentive to ambition and +industry and perseverence by reading--when their minds were immature, +but fresh and retentive--of the life and achievements of Benjamin +Franklin and such other grand models for the young. + +No history of a country or state is complete without studies of the +lives of those men who have made and are making history. + +William Gaston comes from an honored and distinguished ancestry on both +his paternal and maternal side as will be seen by the succeeding +genealogical notes. + +He was born at Killingly, Connecticut, October 3, 1820. + + GENEALOGY. + + Jean Gaston was born in France, probably about the year 1600. There + are traditions about the particular family to which he belonged, + but only little is definitely known. He was a Huguenot, and is said + to have been banished from France on account of his religion. His + property was confiscated. His brothers and family, although + Catholics, sent money to him in Scotland for his support. He is + said to have been forty years of age and unmarried when he went to + Scotland. Between 1662 and 1668, during a season of persecution in + Scotland, his sons, John, William, and Alexander, went over into + the north of Ireland, whither many of their friends were fleeing + for safety and religious freedom. There is some uncertainty as to + which of these three brothers was the founder of this branch of the + family, but numerous facts point almost conclusively to John as + such founder. One generation was born in Ireland. + + John Gaston had three sons born in Ireland: William, born about + 1680; lived at Caranleigh Clough Water; John, born 1703-4, died in + America 1783; Alexander, born 1714, died in America. + + The former lived all his days in Caranleigh Clough Water, Ireland, + where he died about 1770. John and Alexander came to New England + during or shortly prior to 1730. Tradition has it that they landed + at Marblehead. From this place they went soon, if not immediately, + to Connecticut. As their ancestors had done, so did they, seek + religious liberty in a foreign land. They were Separatists and + probably were drawn to Voluntown because a Church holding that + faith was there established. Alexander returned to Massachusetts a + few years later, residing in Richmond, where some of his + descendants now reside; but most of that branch of the family are + living in the western states. + + John Gaston was made a freeman of Voluntown at the organization of + its town government in 1736-7. He was a prominent member of the + Separatists Church in that town, the meeting for the settlement of + Reverend Alexander Miller, their pastor, being held at his house. + He was the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. His + three children were born in America: Margaret, born 1737, died + 1810; Alexander, born 1739, was a commissioned officer in the + French and Indian War; John, born 1750, died 1805. + + John Gaston married Ruth Miller, daughter of Reverend Alexander + Miller. Their children were Alexander, born in Voluntown, August 2, + 1772; Margaret, born December 13, 1781. The latter died in early + childhood. + + Alexander Gaston married Olive Dunlap, a daughter of Joshua Dunlap, + of Plainfield, Connecticut, who was born 1769, died in Killingly, + September 7, 1814. He married for his second wife in Killingly, in + April, 1816, Kezia Arnold, daughter of Aaron Arnold, born in + Burrillville, Rhode Island, November, 1779, died in Roxbury, + Massachusetts, January 30, 1856. His death occurred in Roxbury, + February 11, 1856. The children of first marriage: Esther, born + 1804, died 1860; John, born 1806, died 1824. William Gaston, of + whom this sketch is written, was the sole issue of the second + marriage. He was born at Killingly October 3, 1820. With his + parents he moved to Roxbury in the summer of 1838. On December 27, + 1830, was born at Boston, Louisa A. Beecher to whom Mr. Gaston was + married May 27, 1852. Mrs. Gaston is a daughter of Laban S. and + Frances A. (Lines) Beecher, both of whom were natives of New Haven, + Connecticut, and were direct descendants of the very first settlers + of Connecticut in 1638. The children of Governor and Mrs. Gaston + were: Sarah Howard, William Alexander, and Theodore Beecher. The + latter was born February 8, 1861; died July 16, 1869. + + The death of Theodore was a severe blow to his family. He was a + beautiful and promising boy. This sad calamity seemed like the + withdrawal of sunlight from the household, causing his loving + parents the keenest anguish. + + Of this branch of the family there are but very few relatives of + Governor Gaston. His son William is the only male representative of + his generation. It is, singularly enough, true that in his family + line of descent there have been three generations where each had + but one male representative, and two generations having but one + representative of either sex. Thus the Carolina Gastons are of the + nearest kindred to Governor Gaston's particular branch. + + Kezia (Arnold) Gaston, the mother of Governor Gaston, was a + daughter of Aaron Arnold and Rhoda (Hunt) Arnold, and a lineal + descendant of Thomas Arnold, who, with his brother William, came to + New England in 1636. William Arnold went to Rhode Island with Roger + Williams, being one of the fifty-four proprietors of that + Plantation. His brother Thomas followed him there in 1654. The + latter was born in England in 1599, probably in Leamington, that + being the birth-place of his brother William. His second wife was + Phoebe Parkhurst, daughter of George Parkhurst of Watertown, + Massachusetts. The family record is carried back to 1100, being + undoubtedly accurate to about the year 1570, when the name Arnold + was first used as a surname; possibly accurate throughout. + + The arms of the Family; Gules, a chevron ermine between three + Pheons, or; appear on the tombstone of Oliver Arnold, and of + William Arnold, the original settler. The same arms are on a tablet + in the Parish Church of Churcham in Gloucestershire, England, + placed there in memory of his ancestor John Arnold of Lanthony, + Monmouthshire, afterwards of Hingham, who acquired the manor of + Churcham in 1541. + + + TRADITIONS. + + The most ancient written record of the family which the writer has + consulted was written by John Roseborough, late Clerk of the + Circuit Court, Chester District, South Carolina. He was the son of + Alexander Roseborough and Martha Gaston, whose father, William + Gaston of Caranleigh Clough Water, Ireland, was grandson of Jean + Gaston, the Huguenot ancestor of the family. + + The statement is as follows, the words enclosed in parenthesis + being supplied by way of information. + + "Jean Gaston emigrated from France to Scotland on account of his + religion, as a persecution then raged against the Protestants. He + had two sons who emigrated from Scotland to Ireland between 1662 + and 1668 during a time of persecution in Scotland. There was a John + and a William, but which of them was the ancestor of our + grandfather is not known. William Gaston, my grandfather, lived at + Caranleigh Clough Water. He married Miss Lemmon and had four sons + and as many daughters: John Gaston (King's Justice) died on Fishing + Creek, near Cedar Shoal, Chester District, South Carolina; Rev. + Hugh Gaston, author of 'Concordance and Collections'; Dr. Alexander + Gaston, killed by the British at Newbern, South Carolina (father of + Judge William Gaston); Robert Gaston, and William Gaston." + + One fact is established, that many of Jean Gaston's descendants had + settled in America before the Revolution and were actively engaged + in that contest for liberty. + +Springing from such ancestry in which are joined the characteristics of +the French Huguenot, the Scotch Presbyterian, the Scotch-Irish patriot, +the follower of Roger Williams, the May Flower Pilgrim, one is not +surprised to find in William Gaston a strong man; a man who inherited as +a birthright the qualities of leadership. + +His father was a well known merchant of Connecticut, of sterling +integrity, and of remarkably strong force of character. He was +commissioned a Captain at the early age of twenty-two, and was for many +years in the Legislature. The father of the latter was also in the +Connecticut Legislature for many years. + +In early youth William gave promise of a superb manhood by displaying +those qualities which have since distinguished him. He was a studious +boy, eager for knowledge. He attended the Academy in Brooklyn, +Connecticut, and subsequently fitted for College at the Plainfield +Academy. At the age of fifteen he left his quiet village home for Brown +University, where his intellect was trained in a routine sanctioned by +the experience of centuries, and where contact with his fellows soon +roused his ambition and gave him confidence in his own ability to enter +the struggle with the world for place and honor. William, having a +married sister, who was many years his senior, residing in Providence, +his father decided to send him, then scarcely more than a lad, to Brown +University where he would be surrounded by family influences and enjoy +the social advantages offered by his sister's home. He maintained a high +rank, graduating with honors in 1840. + +For his life work he decided upon the legal profession--a wise choice as +subsequent time has shown his peculiar fitness therefor. He first +entered the office of Judge Francis Hilliard of Roxbury, remaining for a +time and then continued his legal studies with the distinguished +lawyers and jurists Charles P. and Benjamin R. Curtis of Boston, with +whom he remained until his admission to the Bar in 1844. + +At Roxbury in 1846 he opened his first law office, taking comparatively +soon a leading position at the Bar. He there continued his practice +until 1865 when he formed with the late Hon. Harvey Jewell and the since +associate justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, the Hon. Walbridge A. +Field, the famous and successful law firm, having offices at number 5 +Tremont street, of Jewell, Gaston and Field. This firm continued until +the election of Mr. Gaston to the gubernatorial chair of Massachusetts +in 1874. He was the Democratic candidate the year previous for this +office, his competitor being Mr. Washburn, who was elected but did not +long retain the chair of State, being elected to the United States +Senate. At the convention nominating William B. Washburn for Governor +there were four other candidates for the honor: Alexander H. Rice, +George B. Loring, Harvey Jewell and Benjamin F. Butler. The latter +created no little unquiet by the zeal and strength of his support. The +upshot was that there was a harmonious combination of the forces of the +four contestants of Butler upon Mr. Washburn. It is remembered that some +of the party organs were upon nettles, fearing that General Butler would +bolt the nomination, but he came out squarely and declared that as he +had staked his issues with the convention he would abide the result. + +In the canvass of 1874 Mr. Gaston was opposed by Hon. Thomas Talbot, +who, by reason of Governor Washburn's election to the Senate as stated, +was acting as Governor, having been elected Lieutenant Governor on the +ticket with Mr. Washburn. Governor Gaston's majority over Mr. Talbot was +7,033. In the following canvass of 1875, Mr. Gaston having been +re-nominated by the Democracy, his competitor was Hon. Alexander H. +Rice. By this time, that part of the country represented by the +strongly-intrenched Republican party, was fully aroused to the exigency +of the hour. The edict came from the political centre at Washington to +the effect that the Republican party could not stand another defeat in +Massachusetts, especially on the eve of a presidential campaign. The +national organization concentrated a wonderfully _efficient_ auxiliary +force in aid of the intense activity already exerted by the local +managers, who so well understood the popularity of Mr. Gaston and of the +strong hold he had upon the people. It seems now that the Democratic +managers accepted or anticipated failure as a foregone conclusion, and +no great fight was made; otherwise they would probably have won the +election, as Mr. Rice was elected by only the small plurality of 5,306 +votes. This is very significant, taken in connection with the fact that +General Grant carried Massachusetts in 1872 by 74,212 majority. + +In 1876, that memorable year--memorable as the year of the electoral +commission--Governor Gaston magnanimously declined the re-nomination, +which a large majority of the convention was undoubtedly eager to +confer. The nomination of Charles Francis Adams was to the rank and file +and to the party managers a disappointment, and the enthusiasm that he +was expected to arouse was not materialized. + +The press of the State justly commended Mr. Gaston's conduct in not +forcing his own nomination, a course so completely in accord with his +character, and his entire devotion to the party welfare. He did not +display the least semblance of self-seeking. + +He has seen not a little of public life, but with the exception of five +years, has succeeded in conducting his large and important professional +practice the entire period from his early beginning to this day. The +five years referred to were: two years, 1861 and 1862, while he was +Mayor of the city of Roxbury; the two years, 1871 and 1872, as Mayor of +Boston (this being after the annexation of Roxbury), and the year 1875 +when Governor. + +His mayoralty term of Roxbury antedated the years he was Mayor of Boston +by just ten years. While such Mayor of Roxbury in 1861-2 he was very +active in speechmaking and raising troops in preservation of the +American Union. He went to the front several times, and was +enthusiastically patriotic during the entire critical period. + +He was five years City Solicitor of Roxbuxy. In 1853 and 1854 he was +elected to the Legislature as a Whig, and in 1856 was re-elected by a +fusion of Whigs and Democrats in opposition to the Know-Nothing +candidate. In 1868, although the district was strongly Republican, he +was elected as a Democrat to the State Senate. + +In the fall of 1872 Mr. Gaston positively declined the further use of +his name in the Mayoralty election in Boston that year. He concluded to +be a candidate, however, upon the earnest solicitation of so many of the +best citizens, and of the press, and in consideration of the perfectly +unanimous action of the ward and city committee, in reporting in favor +of his re-nomination and speaking of him as a man pre-eminently +qualified for the duties which required "wisdom, discretion, firmness +and courage when needed, combined with the most exalted integrity and +unselfish devotion to the honor, welfare, and prosperity of the city." + +In commenting on this subject the _Post_ in an editorial, November 26, +1872, said in commendation of the above words of the committee: "The +language employed is none too strong or emphatic. The history of Mayor +Gaston's two administrations is an eminently successful one, so far as +he is personally responsible for them, and there is not the least room +to question that if he were to be re-elected and supported by a board of +aldermen of similar character and purpose the city would at once find +the uttermost requirements of its government satisfied." In that +election in December, 1872, for the year 1873 his opponent, Hon. Henry +L. Pierce, was declared elected Mayor by only seventy-nine plurality. +This fact indicates Mr. Gaston's popularity, as General Grant had +carried Boston the year previous by about 5,500 majority. As her +Representative, her presiding officer, her head of affairs, Mayor Gaston +was a success; an honor to the great city which honored him. + +In 1870 he was a candidate for Congress, but failed of an election, Hon. +Ginery Twitchell receiving a majority of the votes. + +In 1875 Harvard College and also his Alma Mater, Brown University, +conferred upon him the degree of LL.D. + +While he was Governor the somewhat notorious Jesse Pomeroy case was the +occasion of more or less criticism; the Governor himself receiving _pro_ +and _con_ his full share thereof. He was in some instances charged with +a lack of firmness, but time has completely vindicated his course. Many +of those alleging at the time the Governor's want of "back-bone" have +lived long enough to fully realize that his firmness consisted in +adhering with an honest persistency to his convictions, indicating the +identical course he pursued in that as in all other matters of public +import. + +Among those who know him best there exists the consciousness that Mr. +Gaston is not only an exceedingly cautious man, but consistently +conscientious. Bringing such lofty principles, together with a +discerning mind and sound judgement, into activity in the discharge of +his duty, his administration was, it was generally conceded, a wise one. +It should be borne in mind that he occupied a somewhat novel position, +there having been no Democratic Governor of the State for many years. +The scrutiny directed to him and his acts was intense. His success in +bringing his official relations as excessive to such a happy termination +is abundant proof of his being the man this paper endeavors to picture +him. + +It was during his term of office that the lamented Henry Wilson died. At +the State House, in Doric Hall, in November, 1875, Governor Gaston, on +receiving the sacred remains in behalf of the Commonwealth, said in his +address to the committee: "Massachusetts receives from you her +illustrious dead. She will see to it that he whose dead body you bear to +us, but whose spirit has entered upon its higher service, shall receive +honors befitting the great office which in life he held, and I need not +assure you that her people, with hearts full of respect, of love, and of +veneration, will not only guard and protect the body, the coffin, and +the grave, but will also ever cherish his name and fame. Gentlemen, for +the pious service which you have so kindly and tenderly rendered, accept +the thanks of a grateful Commonwealth." + +Among the appointments made by Governor Gaston were the following: that +of the late Hon. Otis P. Lord to be Associate Justice of the Supreme +Judicial Court; Honorable Waldo Colburn and Honorable William S. Gardner +to Associate Justiceships of the Superior Court. + +The writer has preserved in his scrap books various selections from Mr. +Gaston's public utterances, so excellent and so numerous that it would +be difficult to single out any of them for insertion here, even would +space permit so doing. + +It is incomparable, the duties he has performed, the labors he has +accomplished. His life is, and ever has been, a busy life. One marvels +to know how he accomplishes so much. + +In the political world, in literature, in the legal profession, +monuments have arisen in testimony of his toil. + +As a lawyer his successes have been such as have been vouchsafed to but +few. The word success is applied both where it ought to be applied and +where not deserved. Gaining great wealth, distinguished professional +standing, extensive political renown, pre-eminence in other avenues may +be, or may not be, in the highest sense, success. Most men of strong +points are sadly deficient in other and essential traits needed to +constitute a well-biased, grandly-rounded life. It is rare, indeed, that +a person is encountered possessing such well-proportioned, +evenly-balanced, distinguishing characteristics as it has been Mr. +Gaston's lot to enjoy. + +His steady, onward march over the rough places and up the hill in his +learned profession abundantly attest his greatness. No being can occupy, +nor even approach, the very foremost rank in the legal arena save he be +great. Of all representatives of human experiences the lawyer, and more +particularly the advocate, has the least opportunity to occupy falsely a +position of real prominence. Advocacy is the most jealous of +mistresses. Undoubtedly it is true that nowhere else must there be ever +present and ever ready to respond at a moment's notice such a happy +combination of those qualities already noted. + +It is not long ago that one of the most worthy of Boston's Judges +remarked to the writer: "You can count the really excellent advocates at +the Suffolk Bar upon the fingers of both hands." He began by naming the +subject of this sketch, following with the names of Honorable A.A. +Ranney, Honorable William G. Russell, Honorable Robert M. Morse, Jr., +and others. The learned Judge must, it seems, have had in mind a very +high standard of advocacy, for there are not a few among the something +like two thousand Boston lawyers who have well earned, and justly, the +right to be called able and eloquent. + +In his historical article entitled "The Bench and Bar," by Erastus +Worthington, and contained in the "History of Norfolk County, +Massachusetts," after writing of those eminent advocates, Ezra Wilkinson +and John J. Clarke, he refers to Governor Gaston and Judge Colburn in +the following words: "The successors to the leadership of the bar, after +the retirement of Mr. Wilkinson and Mr. Clarke, were William Gaston of +Roxbury, and Waldo Colburn of Dedham. Mr. Gaston was not admitted to +practice in this county, but he studied law with Mr. Clarke, and +practiced in this county for many years, and considered himself a +Norfolk lawyer. He was an eloquent and successful advocate and had an +excellent practice. He had removed to Boston prior to the annexation of +Roxbury. + +"Mr. Colburn practiced in Dedham until he was appointed an Associate +Justice of the Superior Court in 1875. He attained a high position in +his profession as a wise counsellor, an able trier of causes, and a +lawyer in whose hands the interests of his clients were always safe." + +On his election to the Governorship Mr. Gaston absolutely relinquished +his practice and gave his undivided attention to the duties of his +office. He had been quite unable to devote his customary labor to the +benefit of his law partnership and the good of their clientage during +the two years that he was Mayor of Boston. + +When he retired from the executive chair it is said that he had neither +a "case" nor a client. + +He took offices in Sears Building and it was not long before he was +again enjoying a large and lucrative practice. In 1879 he took into +partnership C.L.B. Whitney, Esq.; and last year William A. Gaston, Esq., +was admitted to the firm. + +An imperishable chain binds Ex-Governor Gaston to the bright side of the +history of the Commonwealth. His life and its renown are one and +inseparable. Such is the inevitable result of a life that has ever been +linked to honorable endeavors and principles. So thoroughly identified +with, and endeared to, her best interests, it is difficult to believe +that Massachusetts can claim him by adoption only. In private life Mr. +Gaston is all that can be desired. He is quiet, and remarkably modest +and unassuming. + +He enjoys the delightful home quietness away from his labors. But what +little time he has for such enjoyment! He seems to love work. How he has +performed so much of it is a wonder, although it is well known that he +inherits and enjoys remarkable powers of endurance. Among his favorite +authors are Scott and Burke. He is temperate, refined in his habits, has +the manners of a perfect gentleman, and deserves the blessed fruits of a +well directed life. + + * * * * * + +REMINISCENCES OF DANIEL WEBSTER. + +BY HON. GEORGE W. NESMITH, LL.D. + + +The following is a copy of a letter originally addressed to Rev. Mr. +Savage of Franklin, N.H. The original is dated October 10, 1852, +fourteen days before the decease of Mr. Webster. It was dictated to his +Clerk, C.J. Abbott, Esq. It was the same letter that gave rise to the +humorous anecdote, so well related by Mr. Curtice in his Biography of +Mr. Webster, vol. 2, page 683. + +We now present this letter to the public to show how worthily one of the +last days of Mr. Webster was employed. In this case he presented a +_Peace Offering_ to old friends, which proved effectual in preventing a +severe litigation and consequent loss of money and friendship: + + "MARSHFIELD, Oct. 10, 1852. + + MY DEAR SIR: I learn that there is likely to be a lawsuit between + Mr. Horace Noyes and his Mother respecting his father's will. + + This gives me great pain. Mr. Parker Noyes and myself have been + fast friends for near a half century. I have known his wife also + from a time before her marriage, and have always felt a warm regard + for her, and much respect for her connexions in Newburyport. Mr. + Horace Noyes and his wife I have long known. Her grandfather, Major + Nathan Taylor, late of Sanbornton, was an especial friend of my + father, and I learned to love everybody upon whom he set his + _Stamp_. + + These families during many years have been my most intimate friends + and neighbors whenever I have been in Franklin. It would wound me + exceedingly if any thing as a Lawsuit should now occur between + Mother and Son. It would very much destroy my interest in the + families, and whatever might be the result, it could not but cast + some degree of reflection upon the memory of Parker Noyes. I know + nothing of the circumstances except what I learn from Mr. John + Taylor, and I do not wish to express any judgement of my own as to + what ought to be done, at least without more full information, but + I do think it a case for Christian Intercession. And the particular + object of this Letter is to invite your attention, and that of the + members of the Church, to it in this aspect. Mr. Noyes is + understood to have left a very pretty property, but a controversy + about his Will would very likely absorb one half of it. My end is + accomplished, my dear Sir, when I have made these Suggestions to + you. You will give them such consideration, as you think they + deserve. It has given me pleasure to hope that I might write half a + dozen pages respecting Mr. Parker Noyes, and our long friendship, + but I could have no heart for this if a family feud after his death + was to come in, and overwhelm all pleasant recollections. + + I dictate this letter to my clerk, as the state of my eyes preclude + me from writing much with my own hand. + + Yours with sincere regard, + + DAN'L. WEBSTER. + REV. Mr. SAVAGE + FRANKLIN, N.H." + +This interesting letter produced the happy effect of reconciling the +contending parties, and bringing about an honorable and satisfactory +settlement of all difficulties between them. The letter was timely, +bringing healing in its wings. Here were "words fitly spoken, like +apples of gold in pictures of silver;" to the parties it soon was the +_voice_ from the _dead_, "proclaiming peace on earth, and good will +towards men." As adviser and counsel of the mother, my own exertions for +peace had proved impotent, but the letter of the eminent dying +statesman, containing the salutary advice of an old friend, proved +irresistible in its influence, and brought to the troubled waters +immediate quiet, without resort to the Church or other legal tribunal. + +Mr. Webster made allusion to the honored name of Taylor, then of +Sanbornton. Both father, and son were brave officers of Revolutionary +stock. The father, Captain Chase Taylor, commanded a company composed +chiefly of Sanbornton and Meredith men, at the battle of Bennington, on +the sixteenth of August, 1777, and was there severely wounded--his left +leg being broken, which disabled him for life. He died in 1805. In 1786 +he received a small pension from the State. His surgeon, Josiah Chase of +Canterbury, and his Colonel, Stickney of Concord, each furnishing their +certificates in his behalf. Early in the history of the Revolutionary +war the son, Nathan Taylor, was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the +Corps of Rangers, commanded by Colonel Whitcomb. Lieutenant Taylor had +the command of a small detachment of fourteen men. On the sixteenth day +of June, 1777, being stationed on the western bank of Lake Champlain, at +a place which has ever since been called _Taylor's Creek_, he was +surprised by a superior force of Indians. Taylor bravely resisted this +attack, and was successful in driving the enemy off, though at the +expense of a severe wound in his right shoulder. Three others of his +band were also wounded. Both father and son were confined at home in the +same house several months before recovery from their wounds. Lieutenant +Taylor returned to active service in the army. He afterwards received +the military title of Major, and occupied many civil offices after the +war in his own town, as well as in behalf of the State. He was member of +the House of Representatives, also of the Senate and Council, for a +number of years. He died in March, A.D. 1840, aged 85, much lamented. + +Then there was John Taylor of Revolutionary fame. He and many of his +descendants have occupied high and enviable stations in Sanbornton, and +their biography and good deeds have been ably commemorated by the +historian, Rev. M.T. Runnels. In adhering to the Taylor families Mr. +Webster obeyed the injunction of Solomon who said, "Thine own friend, +and thy _father's friend_ forsake not." Mr. Webster's letter furnishes +strong evidence, that he did not forsake "his own friend," _Parker +Noyes_. The friendship between these men commenced when Mr. Noyes +entered the _Law_ office of Thomas W. Thompson as early as 1798, and +continued intimate, cordial, unabated, "_fast_" during their lives. The +earthly existence of both terminated in the same year, Mr. Noyes having +deceased August, 19, 1852, and Mr. Webster on the twenty-fourth of the +succeeding October. + +The dwelling houses of both in Franklin were within the distance of +twenty rods; their intercourse was frequent during the last fifty-four +years of their lives. + +During the time Mr. Webster practiced law in New Hampshire they often +met at the same bar, and measured intellectual lances in various legal +contests. These meetings were most frequent when Mr. Webster first +settled in Boscawen in 1805, and for the next two years, before his +removal to Portsmouth. + +We were present in A.D. 1848, when these two friends met and recited +many of the interesting and humorous events that occurred in their early +practice. In those days, they often had for a veteran client a man who +then resided in West Boscawen, now Webster, by the name of Corser. He +was represented as one who loved the law, not for its pecuniary profits, +but for its exciting, stimulating effects. It was said of him, that at +the end of a term of the Court, once held at Hopkinton, he was found +near the Court House by a friend, shedding tears. The friend inquired +the cause of his great sorrow. His answer was, "I have _no longer_ a +_case in court._" The same Corser had been a Revolutionary soldier, and +belonged to the army when discharged by Washington at Newburg, at the +termination of the war. He had but little money to bear his expenses +home. When he reached Springfield, Massachusetts, his money was +exhausted, and he was obliged to resort to his talent at begging. +Accordingly he called at a farm house, and requested the good loyal lady +of the establishment to give him a pie, adding at the same time, that he +wanted _another_ for his _Brother Jonathan_. The lady well supposing +that his Brother Jonathan was then his companion in arms, and in the +street suffering with hunger, readily granted his request, when in truth +and in fact Jonathan was then at home cultivating his farm in Boscawen. + +Brother Jonathan, upon learning the conduct of his brother, rebuked him +for useing his name, instead of his own, thereby deceiving the good +woman. In justification of his conduct, the brother answered, "My hunger +was great. I contrived to satisfy it. The kind woman had my thanks; you +was not injured. At most, by strict morals, I committed only a _pious +fraud_ in getting two pies, instead of one." Mr. Webster remarked, that +he was once present when this case was stated, and argued by the two +brothers, and was much interested in the discussion of the celebrated +pie case. + + * * * * * + +THE DARK DAY. + +BY ELBIDGE H. GOSS. + + +The Spragues of Melrose, formerly North Malden, were one of the old +families. They descended from Ralph Sprague, who settled in Charlestown +in 1629. The first one, who came to Melrose about the year 1700, was +named Phineas. His grandson, also named Phineas, served during the +Revolutionary War, and a number of interesting anecdotes are told about +him. He was a slaveholder, and Artemas Barrett, Esq., a native of +Melrose, owns an original bill of sale of "a negro woman named Pidge, +with one negro boy;" also other documents, among which is Mr. Sprague's +diary, wherein he gives the following account of the wonderfully dark +day in 1780, a good reminder of which we experienced September 6, 1881, +a century later: + + FRIDA May the 19th 1780. + + This day was the most Remarkable day that ever my eyes beheld the + air had bin full of smoak to an uncommon degree so that wee could + scairce see a mountain at two miles distance for 3 or 4 days Past + till this day after Noon the smoak all went off to the South at + sunset a very black bank of a cloud appeared in the south and west + the Nex morning cloudey and thundered in the west about ten oclock + it began to Rain and grew vere dark and at 12 it was almost as dark + as Nite so that wee was obliged to lite our candels and Eate our + dinner by candel lite at noon day but between 1 and 2 oclock it + grew lite again but in the evening the cloud came, over us again, + the moon was about the full it was the darkest Nite that ever was + seen, by us in the world.[A] + +[Footnote A: This was printed in the sketch of Melrose in "History of +Middlesex County," vol. II.] + + * * * * * + +NAMES AND NICKNAMES. + +BY GILBERT NASH. + + +To the antiquarian, the historian, or the general scholar, there are few +more interesting studies than that of names. It is a pursuit of rare +delight to trace out the derivation of those with which we have been +long familiar, and to follow up the associations that have rendered them +dear, curious or ridiculous, as the case may be. The names themselves +may be of no value, but the spot or circumstance that gave them birth +cannot fail to throw around them an atmosphere of peculiar interest. The +subject is a broad one and may be, with time and inclination, +extensively cultivated; and, even in the limits of a short article, many +phases of it of general importance and interest may be satisfactorily +treated, and it is proposed in the following paragraphs to present only +a few of them. + +In the present rage for nicknames, pet names, diminutives and +contractions there is fair prospect of an abundant harvest of trouble +and perplexity to the genealogist and historian of the future. In fact, +the students of the present day are already beginning to realize, in no +small degree, the annoyance that arises from the custom. The changes are +so many and intricate that to understand them fully requires much +valuable time and the patience that could better be employed in more +important work. + +The difficulty arises, of course, from indifference, inadvertence or +carelessness, rather than from set purpose; yet the result is the same +in its evil effects. It is true there are some of these nicknames that +have been so long in use, and have become so common that no one is +disturbed by them and their employment, and they are readily understood. +Many of these, however, have served their turn and are gradually going +out of use, and will, in a short time, be only "dead words" to the +community. + +Of this class are the familiar favorites of our grandparents, such as +Sally, for Sarah; Polly or Molly, for Mary; Patty, for Martha, and +Peggy, for Margaret, representative names of the class. Some of these, +with perhaps slight changes, have become legitimatized, and their origin +has been nearly, or quite, forgotten. Of such we recognize Betsy, or its +modern equivalent, Bettie or Bessie, as a very proper name. Few, +perhaps, of our present generation would recognize in "Nancy," the +features of its parent, "Ann" or "Nan." + +Some of these old nicknames have already gone nearly or quite out of +use, so much so that many of our young people will be surprised to learn +that Patty was, not long ago, the vernacular for Martha, and would never +imagine that "Margaret" could ever have responded to the call of +"Peggy;" "Hitty" and "Kitty," for the staid and sober "Mehitable," and +the volatile Katherine, are more easily recognized, while it might +require several guesses to establish the relationship between "Milly" +and "Amelia," or "Emily." + +Stranger than either, perhaps because both the proper name and its +diminutive have become so uncommon, is that transformation which reduced +"Tabitha," to "Bertha," with the accent upon the first syllable, and its +vowel long. A curious instance of the change in this name, and the +further variation made in it in consequence of its forgotten +derivation, has recently occurred in the record of the death of an old +lady who was baptized "Tabitha," called in her youth "Bitha," and now in +her obituary styled Mrs. "Bertha," probably from the similarity of sound +to her youthful nickname. Her relatives of the present generation had +forgotten her real name and knew her only under that of an imitation of +her diminutive. The transition from "Bitha" to "Bertha" is easy, but how +is the perplexed genealogist to ascertain the original when he has only +the records for his guide? + +Such illustrations might be multiplied almost indefinitely, but those +already given are enough to show what an infinite amount of trouble has +come and must still come from their continued usage. They also serve +well to show with how much care and watchfulness the historian must +pursue his work; how constantly he must be upon his guard, and how +closely and critically he must scrutinize the names that pass under his +eye. + +Nor was this custom of nicknames confined to the daughters of the +family, but the boys, also, were among its subjects, perhaps in not so +great a variety, yet very general. Among the more common we only need +mention such as Bill, Ned, Jack, and Frank, to illustrate this. Nor were +there wanting among the masculine nicknames those whose derivations seem +very remote and far-fetched, as "El" for "Alphus;" "Hal" for "Henry;" +"Jot" for "Jonathan;" "Seph" for "Josephus;" "Nol" for "Oliver;" "Dick" +for "Richard," and a multitude of others equally well known. + +The instances named are old and have been in general use so long that +those who are called upon to deal with them are upon their guard and not +likely to be led astray by them, but the class of pet names, now, for a +few years in use, will necessarily be more misleading because they are +new, and in many cases very blind; in many instances the same nickname +being used to represent perhaps a dozen different proper names, so that +it is impossible to tell, from the nickname, what the real name is. +Among the most annoying of this class are those that not only represent +several names each, but are masculine or feminine, as occasion calls. + +Of the latter class are "Allie" for Alice, Albert or Alexander, and +"Bertie," used in place of so many that it is needless to specify, the +latter being the worst of its species, since it is wholly indefinite, +applying equally to boy or girl, and for a multitude of either sex, some +of which are so far-fetched that all possible connection is lost in the +journey of transmission. Most of the old fashioned nicknames indicate +the sex quite distinctly, and in this they have much the advantage of +some of their modern competitors. They were also much more expressive if +not so euphonious. A person need but glance at any of our town records +for the past few years to see how the use of these pet names has +increased, and it requires no prophet to foresee what confusion must +naturally arise from the continuance of the custom, and how difficult it +will be in the near future to follow the record accurately. + +Another and very different class of nicknames are those derived from +accident or local circumstance, and have no other connection with the +real name of the person to whom they are attached, and to whom they +cling as a foul excrescence long after the circumstances that called +them forth is forgotten. These sometimes originate at home in childhood, +at school among playmates, or after the arrival of the person at mature +age, and are oftentimes ridiculous in the extreme. They are nearly +always a source of great mortification to those who so unwillingly bear +them, who would give almost anything to rid themselves of the nuisance; +yet these, once fixed, seldom lose their hold, but must be borne with +the best grace possible. + +It will not be necessary to cite instances of this class, as every one +will recall many such that it might be highly improper to mention +publicly as being personal or taken to be so. Some are simply indicative +of temperament; some of a peculiarity of manner, or a locality in which +they happened to have first seen the light; and others, perhaps the most +unfortunate of all and the most mischievous, are derived from an +ill-timed word or act, said or done in a moment of passion or +thoughtlessness, which the individual would like to recall at almost any +price, but cannot. The saddest of all are those unfortunates, for there +are such, to whom their parents, they knew not why, gave such names. + +Another class are those given at first as a term of reproach or +disgrace, accepted without protest, and afterwards borne as a title of +honor. The name "Old Hickory" will at once suggest itself as such an +instance. Truly fortunate is the person who has the tact and is in +circumstances to do this, and thus turn the weapons of his enemies +against themselves. There are others, again, whose character and +position are such that they permit no familiarity, and every name of +reproach or ridicule rolls off like shot from the iron shell of the +monitor. The name of our Washington suggests such an individual. Whoever +for an instant thought of approaching him with familiarity, or of +applying to him a nickname as a term of reproach or ridicule, or even as +an expression of good nature. + +As will be readily seen, the evil resulting from this custom is wide +spread and alarming. It would also seem to be almost without remedy, +since it is the result of irresponsible action, committed by persons who +are not fully aware of what they are doing, by those who are +indifferent, as to what may follow, or by those who are actuated by +malice; against these there is no law except the steady, persistent +movement of the thinking public setting its face squarely against the +practice, with the passage of time, which usually brings about, we know +not always how, the remedy for such evils; but we are seldom willing to +wait for such a cure. + +As before intimated parents are sometimes guilty of this offence, and +thus place upon a child a stigma that will follow it through life. A +little care on their part will remedy the evil, to that extent, and they +surely should be willing to do their share in the work. Teachers and +those who have the charge of the young are sometimes thoughtless enough +to commit the same fault. Should it not be crime? For they have no right +to be thus inconsiderate, when a little restraint upon their part will +prevent the wrong as far as they are concerned. With these two +influences setting in the right direction, added to that of the thinking +community, a current may very likely be formed that shall obliterate +wholly the custom and deliver us from its attendant difficulties. + +Another practice now quite common, and one which bids fair to create +much confusion, is that which permits the wife to take the Christian +name of her husband: for instance, Mrs. Mary, wife of John Smith, signs +her name Mrs. John Smith, a name which has no legal existence, which she +is entitled to use only by courtesy, and which should be allowed in +none but necessary cases to distinguish her from some other bearing the +same name, or to address her when her own Christian name is not known. +Mrs. is but a general title to designate the class of persons to which +she belongs, and not a name, any more than Mr. or Esq. Who ever knew a +man to sign his name Mr. so and so, or so and so, Esq.? + +To show the absurdity and impropriety of this misuse of the name it will +be needful to mention but a single illustration. Suppose a note or check +is made payable to Mrs. John Smith. Mrs. being only a title, and no part +of the name, the endorsement would be plain John Smith, and nobody, not +even his wife, has any right to forge his signature. An instrument thus +drawn is a mistake, since no one can be authorized to execute it. + +The trouble to the genealogist and historian is of a somewhat different +nature, since he merely desires to identify the individual and cares +nothing about the money value of the document. Much the safer and better +way is for the wife always to sign and use her proper name and to add, +if she thinks it necessary to be more explicit, "wife of," using her +husband's name. By doing this a vast deal of perplexity would be +avoided, and sometimes a serious legal difficulty. + +Another custom, as common, and quite a favorite one with many married +ladies, is that which changes her middle name by substituting her maiden +surname; for example, Mary Jane Smith marries James Gray, and +immediately her name is assumed to be Mary Smith Gray, instead of Mary +Jane Gray, her legal name. The wife, if she so chooses, has the right by +general consent, if not by law, to retain her full name, adding her +husband's surname; but she has no right to use her own maiden surname in +place of her discarded middle name. Much confusion might arise from this +practice, as the following illustration will show. Mary Jane Gray +receives a check payable to her order, and she, being in the habit of +signing her name Mary Smith Gray, thus endorses it, and forwards it by +mail or otherwise for collection, and is surprised when it comes back to +her to be properly executed. + +Again, Mary Jane Gray has a little money which she deposits in the +savings bank, and, for the reason already given, takes out her book in +the name of Mary S. Gray. She dies and her administrator finding the +book tries to collect the money, but he being the administrator of Mary +Jane Gray and not of Mary S. Gray may find the Treasurer of the bank +unwilling to pay over the money until he is satisfied as to the identity +of the apparently two Mary Grays, which, under some circumstances, might +be a difficult process. + +These changes are usually made thoughtlessly, but the result is none the +less serious than though it were done with the intent to deceive or +mislead, and the mischief that often arises in consequence is very +great. These changes that have been noted from the nature of the case +can only occur with women, since men have no occasion to make them, and +in point of fact cannot; but there are those, quite analagous in +character, that are common to both sexes and should be avoided unless +the necessity is very apparent. Double names are sometimes very +convenient for purposes of identification, but they may also prove +fruitful sources of difficulty and trouble. As an illustration, Mary +Jane Smith is known at home by her family and to her acquaintances as +Mary. For some fanciful reason or local circumstance she wearies of +that name and becomes Jane. Both are equally hers, but her acquaintances +who knew her as Mary might well plead ignorance when asked about Jane +Smith; and the acquaintances of the latter might never surmise that Mary +Smith had ever existed. + +Again, James Henry Gray is known at home in his youth as James H. Gray, +and the name is very satisfactory to him; but as he arrives at manhood +he enters a new business and finds a new residence. For some reason he +thinks that a change of name also may be of benefit to him, and +therefore he signs himself J. Henry Gray, and henceforth is a stranger +to his former acquaintances. He has some money in bank at his old home +which he draws for under his new name, and wonders when his check comes +back to him dishonored, forgetting that he has never notified the +officers of his change of name. + +He finds it necessary, upon some occasion, to write to one of his former +friends for information of importance, and is surprised that his old +associate declines to give it to a stranger, for he does not remember, +that, while he may easily retain his own identity, under any change of +name, it may not be so easy to assure it to another at a distance. It +can thus be seen how easily, and at times, how unavoidably, a great deal +of vexation may be produced by this practice, and yet it is extensively +followed. + +Looking at the subject in another aspect, we find a grievance that has +borne and is now bearing with intolerable weight upon many an +individual, who would, at almost any sacrifice, relieve himself of it, +but it is saddled upon him in such a manner, and is surrounded by such +circumstances as to render it quite impossible for him to do so. It is a +practice, all too common, but none the less reprehensible, to give to +children legitimate names of such a character as to render them +veritable "old men of the sea," so graphically described by Sindbad. + +They are given for various reasons, sometimes simply for their oddity, +sometimes because the name has been borne by a relative or friend, or it +may have been borrowed from the pages of some favorite author, or +suggested by accidental circumstance. A boy whose Christian name was +Baring Folly, and we should not have far to go to find its counterpart +in real life, could hardly be expected to get through the world without +feeling severely the burden and ridicule of such a name, each part +proper and well enough in its place as a surname, but particularly +unfortunate when united and required to do duty as a Christian name. + +We ridicule, and it may be wisely, the old-fashioned custom of giving a +child a name merely because it happened to be found in the Scriptures, +where with its special meaning it was singularly appropriate, yet, when +used as a name without that special signification, it would be equally +inappropriate. But are we wholly free from the same fault in another +direction? How many children have been so burdened with a name that had +been made illustrious by the life and services of its original bearer +that they were always ashamed to hear it spoken; that very name of honor +becoming in its present position a reproach and a hindrance, rather than +a stimulus, because the bearers feel that they cannot sustain its +ancient renown, and therefore they become mere nothings, simply from the +fact of having been borne down to the dust under the burden of a great +name. + +Who can tell how many have become notorious, or have committed vagaries +which have rendered them ridiculous, and destroyed their usefulness, +from a sincere desire to bear worthily an honored name? Who shall say +that the eccentricities of a certain celebrity of acknowledged talent, +whose name would be quickly recognized, were not the result of the same +cause, the length, and weight of the name given him at his birth proving +too great an incumbrance for him to overcome. + +How many ignoble George Washingtons, Henry Clays, Patrick Henrys, and +other equally illustrious names, are wandering aimlessly about our +streets, shiftless, worthless, utterly unworthy the names they bear, +simply because they bear them, when, had they been given plain, honest, +common names, they might have been held in respect and esteem. The +burden is too great for them. A ship with a drag attached to her cannot +make progress, be she ever so swift without it. Even the eagle will +refuse his flight when burdened with excessive weight. + +A little lack of consideration or want of thought in this matter on the +part of parents often entail an immense amount of suffering upon those +who are wholly innocent as to its cause. Let the boy or girl be given +such a name, as shall be his or hers, worthy or unworthy, as the bearer +shall make. Give them all a fair show. We may not be able to tell in all +cases, perhaps not in many, how this affair of names has affected the +lives of their owners. Give a child a silly or ridiculous name and the +chances are that the child's character will correspond with that name. +Give a child a name already illustrious and the chances are also fair +that the burden will prove its ruin. + +It is unnecessary to extend the subject, the present purpose being +merely to call attention to those practices, and so to present them that +more natural and healthy customs will be sought after and followed, that +a true æsthetic taste may be cultivated, and thus alleviate or remove a +part, at least, of the burden under which society groans. + +It is also intended to illustrate some of the trials and perplexities +that beset the genealogist and historian in their researches, arising +from these unfortunate habits that pervade society. It would seem that +the evils produced by the practices, only need exposure to result in +reformation, and that no parent, with the full knowledge of the +possible, yes probable, and almost inevitable effect, would so thrust +upon his offspring an annoyance, to use the mildest possible term, which +should subject them to such disagreeable consequences all through life. + +It would seem, also, that no guardian, teacher, or other individual +having the care and oversight of children, could be so thoughtless and +inconsiderate, or allow a personal or private reason so to influence +him, as to assume for the child any name that would be liable to cause +it future shame or sorrow. Too much care cannot be taken in this regard, +and it is a duty owing to the child that its rights in this respect +shall be strictly guarded. + +It is the object of this paper simply to call attention to a few of the +more prominent points suggested by this subject in order that it may be +examined and discussed, and, if it may be, more judicious and wiser +practices introduced, that nature, art, and taste may combine to produce +a system of names that shall be at the same time, convenient, useful and +beautiful, and that shall carry no burden with them. + + * * * * * + +JOHN PRESCOTT, THE FOUNDER OF LANCASTER. + +1603 TO 1682. + +By HON. HENRY S. NOURSE. + + +The facts that have come down to us whereupon to build a biography of +John Prescott are scanty indeed, but enough to prove that he was that +rare type of man, the ideal pioneer. Not one of those famous +frontiersmen, whose figures stand out so prominently in early American +history, was better equipped with the manly qualities that win hero +worship in a new country, than was the father of the Nashaway +Plantation. Had Prescott like Daniel Boone been fortunate in the favor +of contemporary historians, to perpetuate anecdotes of his daily prowess +and fertility of resource, or had he had grateful successors withal to +keep his memory green, his name and romantic adventures would in like +manner adorn Colonial annals. Persecuted for his honest opinions, he +went out into the wilderness with his family to found a home, and for +forty years thought, fought and wrought to make that home the centre of +a prosperous community. Loaded from his first step with discouragements, +that soon appalled every other of the original co-partners in the +purchase of Nashaway from Showanon, Prescott alone, _tenax propositi_, +held to his purpose, and death found him at his post. His grave is in +the old "burial field" at Lancaster, yet not ten citizens can point it +out. Over it stands a rude fragment from some ledge of slate rock, +faintly incised with characters which few eyes can trace: + +JOHN PRESCOTT DESASED + +No date! no comment! That is his only memorial stone; his only epitaph +in the town of which, for its first forty years, he was the very heart +and soul, and for which he furnished a large share of the brains. This +fair township--now divided among nine towns--and all it has been and is +and is to be may be justly called his monument. The house of Deputies in +1652 voted it to be rightly his, and marked it by incorporative +enactment with his honored and honorable name, _Prescott_. +Unfortunately, however, some years before he had said something that +seemed to favor Doctor Robert Child's criticisms of the Provincial +system of taxation without representation; criticisms that grew and bore +good fruitage when the times were riper for individual freedom; when +Samuel Adams and James Otis took up the peoples' cause where Sir Henry +Vane and Robert Child had left it. Therefore when, in 1652, what had +been known as the Nashaway Plantation was fairly named for its founder +in accordance with the petition of its inhabitants, some one of +influence, whether magistrate or higher official, perhaps bethought +himself that no Governor of the Colony even had been so honored, and +that it might be well, before dignifying this busy blacksmith so much as +to name a town for him, to see if he could pass examination in the +catechism deemed orthodox at that date in Massachusetts Bay. Alas! John +Prescott was not a freeman. Having a conscience of his own, he had never +given public adhesion to the established church covenant and was +therefore debarred from holding any civil office, and even from the +privilege of voting for the magistrates. There was a year's delay, and, +in 1653, "Prescott" was expunged and _Lancaster_ began its history. + +As in the broad area of the township various centres of population grew +into villages and were one by one excised and made towns, it would be +supposed that each of them would have been eager to honor itself by +adopting so euphonious and appropriate a name as _Prescott_. But no! The +first candidate for a new designation, in 1732, chose the name of the +generous Charlestown clergyman, _Harvard_, for no appropriate local +reason now discoverable. Six years later another body corporate imported +the name--_Bolton_. Two years passed and a third district sought across +the ocean for its title _Leominster_. Then Woonksechocksett forgetful of +its benefactors and of the grand Indian names of its hills and waters +borrowed the title of a putative Scotch lord, who bravely fought for our +Independence, and, in adopting, paid him the poor compliment of +misspelling it--_Sterling_. The next seceder ambitiously chose the name +of a Prussian city--_Berlin_. The sixth perpetuated its early admiration +of the great small-pox inoculator, _Boylston_; and the last was +named--for a hotel. None so poor as to do Prescott reverence. But +surely, it would be thought, banks and manufactories, halls or at least +a fire engine, might with tardy respect have paid cheap tribute to his +name by bearing it. Is there any example! Yes, at last a short street +having little connection sentimental or real with the pioneer, bears his +name--this only in the aspiring town, almost a city, of which John +Prescott's old millstone is the visible foundation! _Clinton_. + +I have stated that Prescott was an ideal pioneer. Not that there was in +him anything of kinship to that race of frontiersmen now deployed along +the outer verge of American civilization, like the thread of froth +stranded along a beach outlining the extreme advance made by the last +wave of the tide. The frontiersmen of to-day, bibulous gamblers, +reckless duelists, blasphemous savages of mixed blood, had no prototype +in Colonial days, for even the human harvest then gathered to the +stocks, the whipping-post and the gallows, was of a far less obtrusive +class of offenders against morals and social decency. Prescott was a +Puritan soldier, a seeker of liberty not license; fiercely rebellious +against tyranny, but no contemner of moral law. It was no accident that +put him in the advance guard of Anglo-Saxon civilization, then just +starting on its westward march from the shores of Massachusetts Bay. The +position had awaited the man. When he set up his anvil and with skilful +blows hammered out the first plough-shares to compel the virgin soil of +the Nashaway valley to its proper fruitfulness, he was all unwittingly +helping to forge the destinies of this great republic;--was in his +humble sphere a true builder of the nation. His neighbors and friends, +John Tinker, Ralph Houghton, and Major Simon Willard, doubtless excelled +him in culture, but no neighbor surpassed him in natural personal force, +whether physical, mental or moral. Not only was he of commanding +stature, stern of mien and strong of limb, but he had a heart devoid of +fear, great physical endurance and an unbending will. These qualities +his savage neighbors early recognized and bowed before in deep respect, +and because of these no Lancaster enterprise but claimed him as its +leader. His manual skill and dexterity must have been great, his mental +capacity and business energy remarkable, for we find him not only a +farmer, trader, blacksmith and hunter, but a surveyor and builder of +roads, bridges and mills. The records of the town show that he was +seldom free from the conduct of some public labor. The greatest of his +benefactions to his neighbors were: His corn-mill erected in 1654, and +his saw-mill in 1659. The arrival of the first millstone in Lancaster +must have been an event of matchless interest to every man, woman and +child in the plantation. Till that began its tireless turning, the grain +for every loaf of bread had to be carried to Watertown mill, or ground +laboriously in a hand quern, or parched and brayed in a mortar, Indian +fashion. Before the starting of his saw-mill, the rude houses must have +been of logs, stone, and clay, for it was an impossibility to bring from +the lower towns on the existing "Bay road" and with the primitive +tumbril any large amount of sawn lumber. + +Of Prescott's wife we know only her name: Mary Platts. But her daughters +were sought for in marriage by men of whom we learn nothing that is not +praiseworthy, and her sons all honored their mother's memory, by useful +and unblemished lives. John Prescott was the youngest son of Ralph and +Ellen of Shevington, Lancashire, England. He was baptized in the Parish +of Standish in 1604-5 and married Mary Platts at Wigan, Lancashire, +January 21, 1629. He was a land owner in Shevington, but sold his +possessions there and took up his residence in Halifax Parish, Sowerby, +in Yorkshire. Leaving England to avoid religions persecutions, his first +haven was Barbadoes, where he is found a land owner in 1638. In 1640 he +landed in Boston, and immediately selected his home in Watertown, where +he became the possessor of six lots of land, aggregating one hundred and +twenty-six acres. In 1643, his name is found in association with Thomas +King of Watertown, Henry Symonds of Boston, and others, the first +proprietors of the Nashaway purchase. His children were eight in number +and all were married in due season. They were as follows: + +1. Mary, baptized at Halifax Parish February 24, 1630, married Thomas +Sawyer in 1648. The young couple selected their home lot adjoining +Prescott's in Lancaster and there eleven sons and daughters were born to +them. + +2. Martha, baptized at Halifax Parish March 11, 1632, married John Rugg +in 1655; and these twain began life together in sight of her paternal +home in Lancaster. She died with her twin babes in January 1656. + +3. John, baptized at Halifax Parish April 1, 1635, married Sarah Hayward +at Lancaster, November 11, 1668, and had five children. He was a farmer +and blacksmith, lived with his father, and succeeded him at the mills. + +4. Sarah, baptized in 1637, at Halifax Parish, married Richard Wheeler +at Lancaster, August 2, 1658, and lived in the immediate vicinity of +those before named. Wheeler was killed in the massacre of February 10, +1676, and the widowed Sarah married Joseph Rice of Marlborough. By her +first husband she had five children. + +5. Hannah, was probably born at Barbadoes in 1639. She became the second +wife of John Rugg May 4, 1660, and had eight children. She became a +widow in 1696, and was slain by the Indians in the massacre of September +11, 1697. + +6. Lydia, born at Watertown August 15, 1641, married Jonas Fairbank at +Lancaster, May 28, 1658. He owned the lands next south of Prescott's +home. Fairbank had seven children. In the massacre of February 10, 1676, +he and his son Joshua were victims. The widowed Lydia married Elias +Barron. + +7. Jonathan--if twenty three years old in 1670, as an unknown authority +has noted, or "about 38," November 6, 1683, as stated in a deposition of +that date--was probably born in Lancaster between 1645 and 1647. He was +a blacksmith and farmer, and married first Dorothy, August 3, 1670, in +Lancaster. She died in 1674, leaving a son Samuel, noted in the town +history as the unfortunate sentinel who, on November 6, 1704, killed by +mistake his neighbor, the beloved minister of Lancaster, Reverend Andrew +Gardner. Jonathan Prescott married second, Elizabeth, daughter of John +Hoar of Concord, who died in 1687 leaving six children. Jonathan's third +wife was Rebecca Bulkeley and his fourth Ruth, widow of Thomas Brown. He +did not reside in Lancaster after the massacre of 1676, but became an +influential citizen of Concord, which he served as representative for +nine years. He died December 5, 1721. + +8. Jonas, born June, 1648, in Lancaster, married Mary Loker of Sudbury, +December 14, 1672. The marriage took place in Lancaster and here their +first child was born, (they had twelve children in all), but later they +removed to Groton, where Jonas became Captain, Selectman and Justice. He +died in Groton, December 31, 1723. Of his more illustrious descendants +were Colonel William, and the historian William H. Prescott. + +In May 1644, John Winthrop records that "Many of Watertown and other +towns joined in a plantation at Nashaway "--and Reverend Timothy +Harrington in his Century Sermon states that the organization of this +company of planters was due to Thomas King. The immediate and final +disappearance of this original proprietor has seemed to previous writers +good warrant for charging that King and his partner Henry Symonds were +but land speculators, who bought the Indian's inheritance to retail by +the acre to adventurers. I believe this an unjust assumption. At the +date when Winthrop noted down the inception of the Nashaway Company, +Henry Symonds had already been dead seven months. He was that energetic +contractor of Boston noted as the leader in the project for establishing +tide mills at the Cove, and was no doubt the capitalist of the trading +firm of Symonds & King, who set up their "trucking house" as early as +1643 on the sunny slope of George Hill. Symond's widow a few months +after his death married Isaac Walker, who in 1645 was prominent among +the Nashaway proprietors. If King really sold his share of the Indian +purchase, may it not have been therefore because, his senior partner +being dead, he had no means to continue the enterprise? He too died +before the end of the year 1644, not yet thirty years of age. The +inventory of his estate sums but one hundred and fifty-eight pounds, +including his house and land in Watertown, his stock in trade, and +seventy-three pounds of debts due him from the Indians, John Prescott, +and sundry others. King's widow made haste to be consoled, and her +second husband, James Cutler, soon appears in the role of a Nashaway +proprietor. + +The direction of the company was at the outset in the hands of men whose +names were, or soon became, of some note throughout the Colony. Doctor +Robert Child, a scholar who had won the degrees of A.M. and M.D. at +Cambridge and Padua, a man of scientific acquirements, but inclined to +somewhat sanguine expectations of mineral treasure to be discovered in +the New England hills, seems to have been a leading spirit in the +adventure; and unfortunately so, since his political views about certain +inalienable rights of man, which now live, and are honored in the +Constitution of the Commonwealth, seemed vicious republicanism to the +ecclesiastical aristocracy then governing the Colony of the +Massachusetts Bay; and the odium that drove Child across the ocean, +attached also to his companion planters, and perhaps through the +prejudice of those in authority unfavorably affected for several years +the progress of the settlement on the Nashaway. Certainly such +prejudices found expression in all action or record of the government +respecting the proprietors and their petitions. The ecclesiastical +figure head--without which no body corporate could have grace within the +colony--was Nathaniel Norcross. Of him, if we can surmise aught from his +early return to England, it may be said, he was not imbued with the +martyr's spirit, and his defection was, some time later, more than made +good by the accession of the beloved Rowlandson. But far more important +to the enterprise than these two graduates from the English +University--Child the radical, and Norcross the preacher,--were two +mechanics, the restless planners and busy promoters of the company, both +workers in iron--Steven Day the locksmith and John Prescott the +blacksmith. Steven Day was the first in America, north of Mexico, to set +up a printing-press. The Colony had wisely recognized in him a public +benefactor, and sealed this recognition by substantial grant of lands. +He entered upon the Nashaway scheme with characteristic zeal and energy, +if we may believe his own manuscript testimony: but Day's zeal outran +his discretion, and his energy devoured his limited means, for in 1644 +we find him in jail for debt remonstrating piteously against the +injustice of a hard hearted creditor. He parted with all rights at +Nashaway before many years and finally delved as a journey man at the +press he had founded. + +John Prescott deserted of all his original co-partners was sufficient +for the emergency, a host in himself. He sells his one hundred and +twenty six acres and house at Watertown, puts his all into the venture, +prepares a rude dwelling in the wilderness, moves thither his cattle, +and chattels, and finally, mounting wife and children and his few +remaining goods upon horses' backs, bids his old neighbors good bye, and +threads the narrow Indian trail through the forest westward. The scorn +of men high in authority is to follow him, but now the most formidable +enemy in his path is the swollen Sudbury River and its bordering marsh. +We find the aristocratic scorn mingling with the story of Prescott's +dearly bought victory over this natural obstacle, told in Winthrop's +History of New England among what the author classes as remarkable +"special providences." + +"Prescot another favorer of the Petitioners lost a horse and his loading +in Sudbury river, and a week after his wife and children being upon +another horse were hardly saved from drowning." That the kindly hearted +Winthrop could coolly attribute the pitiable disaster of the brave +pioneer to the wrath of God towards the political philosophy of Robert +Child, pictures vividly the bigotry natural to the age and race, a +bigotry which culminated in the horrors of the persecution for +witchcraft. This Sudbury swamp was the lion in the path from the bay +westward during many a decade. In 1645, an earnest petition went up to +the council from Prescott and his associates, complaining that much time +and means had been spent in discovering Nashaway and preparing for the +settlement there, and that on account of the lack of bridge and causeway +at the Sudbury River, the proprietors could not pass to and from the +bay towns--"without exposing our persons to perill and our cattell and +goods to losse and spoyle; as yo'r petitioners are able to make prooffe +of by sad experience of what wee suffered there within these few dayes." +The General Court ordered the bridge and way to be made, "passable for +loaden horse," and allowed twenty pounds to Sudbury, "so it be donne +w'thin a twelve monthe." The twelve month passed and no bridge spanned +the stream. That the dangers and difficulties of the crossing were not +over-stated by the petitioners is proven by the fact that more than one +hundred years afterwards, the bridge and causeway at this place "half a +mile long"--were represented to the General Court as dangerous and in +time of floods impassable. Between 1759 and 1761, the proceeds of +special lotteries amounting to twelve hundred and twenty seven pounds +were expended in the improvement of the crossing. + +John Winthrop, writing of the Nashaway planters, tells us that "he whom +they had called to be their minister, [Norcross] left them for their +delays," but omits mention of the fact recorded by the planters +themselves in their petition, that the chief and sufficient cause of +their slow progress was in the inability or unwillingness of the +Governor and magistrates to afford effective aid in providing a passable +crossing over a small river. + +Prescott, at least, was chargeable with no delay. By June 1645, he and +his family had become permanent residents on the Nashaway. Richard +Linton, Lawrence Waters the carpenter, and John Ball the tailor, were +his only neighbors; these three men having been sent up to build, plant, +and prepare for the coming of other proprietors. But two houses had been +built. Linton probably lived with his son-in-law Waters, in his home +near the fording place in the North Branch of the Nashaway, contiguous +to the lot of intervale land which Harmon Garrett and others of the +first proprietors had fenced in to serve as a "night pasture" for their +cattle. Ball had left his children and their mother in Watertown; she +being at times insane. Prescott's first lot embraced part of the grounds +upon which the public buildings in Lancaster now stand, but this he soon +parted with, and took up his abode a mile to the south west, on the +sunny slope of George Hill, where, beside a little brooklet of pure cool +water, which then doubtless came rollicking down over its gravelly bed +with twice the flow it has to-day, there had been built, two years at +least before, the trucking house of Symonds & King. This trading post +was the extreme outpost of civilization; beyond was interminable forest, +traversed only by the Indian trails, which were but narrow paths, hard +to find and easy to lose, unless the traveller had been bred to the arts +of wood-craft. Here passed the united trails from Washacum, Wachusett, +Quaboag, and other Indian villages of the west, leading to the wading +place of the Nashaway River near the present Atherton Bridge, and so +down the "Bay Path" over Wataquadock to Concord. The little plateau half +way down the sheltering hill, with fertile fields sloping to the +southeast and its never failing springs, was and is an attractive spot; +but its material advantages to the pioneer of 1645 were far greater than +those apparent to the Lancastrian of this nineteenth century in the +changed conditions of life. With the privilege of first choice +therefore, it is not strange that Prescott and his sturdy sons-in-law +grasped the rich intervales, and warm easily tilled slopes, stretching +along the Nashaway south branch from the "meeting of the waters" to +"John's jump" on the east, and extending west to the crown of George +Hill; lands now covered by the village of South Lancaster. + +In 1650 John Prescott found himself the only member of the company +resident at Nashaway. Of the co-partners Symonds, King, and John Hill +were dead; Norcross and Child had gone to England; Cowdall had sold his +rights to Prescott; Chandler, Davis, Walker, and others had formally +abandoned their claims; Garrett, Shawe, Day, Adams, and perhaps two or +three others, retained their claims to allotments, making no +improvements, and contributing nothing by their presence or tithes to +the growth of the settlement, thus becoming effectual stumbling blocks +in the way of progress. Prescott, very reasonably, held this a +grievance, and having no other means of redress asked equitable judgment +in the matter from the magistrates, in a petition which cannot be found. +His answer was the following official snub: + +"Whereas John Prescot & others, the inhabitants of Nashaway p'ferd a +petition to this Courte desiringe power to recover all common charges of +all such as had land there, not residinge w'th them, for answer +whereunto this Court, understandinge that the place before mentioned is +not fit to make a plantation, (so a ministry to be erected and +mayntayned there,) which if the petitioners, before the end of the next +session of this Courte, shall not sufficiently make the sey'd place +appeare to be capable to answer the ends above mentioned doth order that +the p'ties inhabitinge there shalbe called there hence, & suffered to +live without the meanes, as they have done no longer." This dire threat +of the closing sentence may have been simply "sound and fury, signifying +nothing," or Prescott may have been able to prove to the authorities +that Nashaway was fit and waiting for its St. John, but found none +willing for the service. In fact, its St. John was then a junior at +Harvard College, writing a pasquinade to post upon the Ipswich +meeting-house, and Nashaway was "suffered to live without the meanes," +waiting for him until 1654. + +John Prescott retained possession of his early home,--the site of the +"trucking house," which he had purchased of John Cowdall,--as long as he +lived, but did not reside there many years. No sooner had the plantation +attained the dignity of a township under the classic name of Lancaster, +than its founder bent all his energies towards those enterprises best +calculated to promote the comfort and prosperity of its then +inhabitants, and to attract by material advantages, a desirable and +permanent immigration. His practical eye had doubtless long before +marked the best site for a mill in all the region round about, and on +the slope, scarce a gun shot away, he set up a new home, afterwards well +known to friend and savage foe as Prescott's Garrison. Those who remain +of the generation familiar with this region before the invention of the +power loom made such towns as Clinton possible, remember the depression +that told where Prescott dug his cellar. The oldest water mill in New +England was scarce twenty years old when Prescott contracted to grind +the com of the Nashaway planters. His "Covenant to build a Corne mill" +has been preserved through a copy made by Ralph Houghton, Lancaster's +first Clerk of the Writs, and is as follows: + + "Know all men by these presents that I John Prescott blackssmith, + hath Covenanted and bargained with Jno. ffounell of Charlestowne + for the building of a Corne mill, within the said Towne of + Lanchaster. This witnesseth that wee the Inhabitants of Lanchaster + for his encouragement in so good a worke for the behoofe of our + Towne, vpon condition that the said intended worke by him or his + assignes be finished, do freely and fully giue, grant, enfeoffe, & + confirme vnto the said John Prescott, thirty acres of intervale + Land lying on the north riuer, lying north west of Henry Kerly, and + ten acres of Land adjoyneing to the mill; and forty acres of Land + on the south east of the mill brooke, lying between the mill brooke + and Nashaway Riuer in such place as the said John Prescott shall + choose with all the priuiledges and appurtenances thereto + apperteyneing. To haue and to hold the said land and eurie parcell + thereof to the said John Prescott his heyeres & assignes for euer, + to his and their only propper vse and behoofe. Also wee do covenant + & promise to lend the said John Prescott fiue pounds in current + money one yeare for the buying of Irons for the mill. And also wee + do covenant and grant to and with the said John Prescott his heyres + and assignes that the said mill, with all the aboue named Land + thereto apperteyneing shall be freed from all com'on charges for + seauen yeares next ensueing, after the first finishing and setting + the said mill to worke. + + In witnes whereof wee haue herevnto put our hands this 20th day of + the 9mo. In the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred + fifty and three. + + THOMAS JAMES + WILL'M KERLY SEN'R LAWRENCE WATERS + JNO PRESCOTT EDMUND PARKER + JNO WHITE RICHARD LINTON + RALPH HOUGHTON RICHARD SMITH + JNO LEWIS JAMES ATHERTON + JACOB FARRER WILL'M KERLY JUN'R + + In six months from that date the mill was done, and Prescott "began + to grind corne the 23d day of the 3 mo, 1654." + +The commissioners, appointed by the General Court to oversee the +prudential management of the town, met at John Prescott's in 1657 and +confirmed "the imunityes provided for" in the above covenant specifying +that they "should continue and remayne to him the said Jno. Prescott his +heyres and assignes vntil the 23d of May, in the yeare of our Lord +sixteen hundred sixty and two." + +The corn mill was located a little lower upon the brook than the +extensive factory buildings now utilizing its water power. The half used +force of the rapid stream, and the giant pines of the virgin forest then +shadowed all the region about, were full of reproach to the restless +miller. His busy brain was soon planning a new benefaction to his fellow +citizens, and when his means grew sufficiently to warrant the +enterprise, his busy hands wrought its consummation. As before, a formal +agreement preceded the work: + + "Know all men by these presents that for as much as the Inhabitants + of Lanchaster, or the most part of them being gathered together on + a trayneing day, the 15th of the 9th mo, 1658, a motion was made by + Jno. Prescott blackesmith of the same towne, about the setting vp + of a saw mill for the good of the Towne, and y't he the said Jno + Prescott, would by the help of God set vp the saw mill, and to + supply the said Inhabitants with boords and other sawne worke, as + is afforded at other saw mills in the countrey. In case the Towne + would giue, grant, and confirms vnto the said John Prescott, a + certeine tract of Land, lying Eastward of his water mill, be it + more or less, bounded by the riuer east, the mill west the stake of + the mill land and the east end of a ledge of Iron Stone Rocks + southards, and forty acres of his owne land north, the said land to + be to him his heyres and assignes for euer, and all the said land + and eurie part thereof to be rate free vntill it be improued, or + any p't of it, and that his saws, & saw mill should be free from + any rates by the Towne, therefore know ye that the ptyes abouesaid + did mutually agree and consent each with other concerning the + aforementioned propositions as followeth: + + The towne on their part did giue, grant & confirme, vnto the said + John Prescott his heyres and assignes for euer, all the + aforementioned tract of land butted & bounded as aforesaid, to be + to him his heyres and asssignes for euer with all the priuiledges + and appurtenances thereon, and therevnto belonging to be to his and + their owne propper vse and behoofe as aforesaid, and the land and + eurie part of it to be free from all rates vntil it or any pt of it + be improued, and also his saw, sawes, and saw-mill to be free from + all town rates, or ministers rates, prouided the aforementioned + worke be finished & compleated as abouesaid for the good of the + towne, in some convenient time after this present contract covenant + and agrem't. + + And the said John Prescott did and doth by these prsents bynd + himself, his heyres and assignes to set vp a saw-mill as aforesaid + within the bounds of the aforesaid Towne, and to supply the Towne + with boords and other sawne worke as aforesaid and truly and + faithfully to performe, fullfill, & accomplish, all the + aforementioned p'misses for the good of the Towne as aforesaid. + + Therefore the Selectmen conceiving this saw-mill to be of great vse + to the Towne, and the after good of the place, Haue and do hereby + act to rattifie and confirme all the aforemencconed acts, + covenants, gifts, grants, & im'unityes, in respect of rates, and + what euer is aforementioned, on their owne pt, and in behalfe of + the Towne, and to the true performance hereof, both partyes haue + and do bynd themselves by subscribing their hands, this + twenty-fifth day of February, one thousand six hundred and fifty + nine. + + JOHN PRESCOTT. + + The worke above mencconed was finished according to this covenant + as witnesseth. + + RALPH HOUGHTON. + + Signed & Delivr'd In presence of, + + THOMAS WILDER + THOMAS SAWYER + RALPH HOUGHTON + +Monday, the seventeenth of February, 1659, "the Company granted him to +fall pines on the Com'ons to supply his saw-mill." + +In April 1659, Ensign Noyes came to make accurate survey of the eighty +square miles granted to the town, and John Prescott was deputed by the +townsmen at their March meeting to aid in the survey and "mark the +bounds." Among his varied accomplishments, natural and acquired, +Prescott seems to have had some practical skill in surveying, the laying +out of highways and the construction of bridges. In 1648 John Winthrop +records: "This year a new way was found out to Connecticut by Nashua +which avoided much of the hilly way." As appears by a later petition +Prescott was the pioneer of this new path. In 1657 he was appointed by +the government a member of a committee upon the building of bridges "at +Billirriky and Misticke." In 1658 he with his son-in-law Jonas Fairbank +was appointed to survey a farm of six hundred and fifty acres for +Captain Richard Davenport, upon which farm the chief part of West +Boylston now stands. + +To the General Court which met October 18, 1659, the following petition +was presented: + + "The humble petition of John Prescot of Lancaster humblye Sheweth, + That whereas yr petitioner about nine or ten yeares since, was + desired by the late hon'red Governour Mr. Winthrop, w'th other + Magistrates, as also by Mr. Wilson of Boston, Mr. Shephard of + Cambridge with many others, did lay & marke out a way at ye north + side of the great pond & soe by Lancaster, which then was taken by + Mr. Hopkins & many others to bee of great vse; This I did meerly + vpon the request of these honored gentlemen, to my great detrimt, + by being vpon it part of two summers not only myselfe but hiring + others alsoe to helpe mee, whereby my family suffered much: I doe + not question but many of ye Court remember the same, as alsoe that + this hath not laine dead all this while, but I haue formerly + mentioned it, but yet haue noe recompence for the same; the charge + whereof came at 2's p day to about 10'l; it is therefore the desire + of y'r petitioner yt you would bee pleased to grant him a farme in + some place vndisposed of which will engage him to you and encourage + him and others in publique occasions & y'r petitioner shall pray + etc." + +One hundred acres of land were granted him, and speedily laid out near +the Washacum ponds, where now stand the railroad buildings at Sterling +Junction. + +We get very few glimpses of Prescott from the meagre records of +succeeding years, but those serve to indicate that he was busy, +prosperous and annually honored by his neighbors with the public duties +for which his sturdy integrity, shrewd business tact, and wisely +directed energy peculiarly fitted him. He had taken the oath of fidelity +in 1652. Such owning of allegiance was by law prerequisite to the +holding of real estate. Refusing such oath he might better have been a +Nipmuck so far as civil rights or privileges were concerned. He was not +yet a member of the recognized church however, and therefore lacked the +political dignities of a freeman; although his intimate relations with +Master Joseph Rowlandson, and his personal connection with the earlier +cases of church discipline in Lancaster, sufficiently attest the +austerity of his puritanism. Doubtless Governor John Winthrop in his +hasty and harsh dictum respecting the Nashaway planters, classed John +Prescott among those "corrupt in judgment." But it must be remembered +that in Winthrop's visionary commonwealth there was no room for liberty +of conscience. All were esteemed corrupt in judgment or even profane +whose religious beliefs, when tested all about by the ecclesiastic +callipers, proved not to have been cast in the doctrinal mould +prescribed by the self-sanctified founders of the Massachusetts Bay +Colony. No known fact in any way warrants even the conjecture that +Prescott was not a sincere Christian earnestly pursuing his own +convictions of duty, without fear and without reproach. + +Prescott's mechanical skill and business ability had more than a local +reputation. In 1667, we find him contracting with the authorities of +Groton, to erect "a good and sufficient corne mill or mills, and the +same to finish so as may be fitting to grind the corne of the said +Towne." ... For the fulfillment of this agreement he received five +hundred and twenty acres of land, and mill and lands were exempted from +taxation for twenty years. Assistance towards the building of the mill +were also promised to the amount of "two days worke of a man for every +house lott or family within the limitts of the said Towne, and at such +time or times to be done or performed, as the said John Prescott shall +see meete to call for the same, vpon reasonable notice given." The +covenant was fulfilled by the completion of a mill at Nonacoiacus, then +in the southern part of Groton. The mill site is now in Harvard. +Prescott's youngest son, Jonas, was the first miller. The history of the +old mill is obscured by the shadows of two hundred years, but a bright +gleam of romantic tradition concerning the first miller is warm with +human interest now. Perhaps at points the romantic may infringe upon the +historic, but: + + _Se non e vero, + E ben trovato._ + +Down by the green meadows of Sudbury there dwelt a bewitchingly fair +maiden, the musical dissyllables of whose name were often upon the lips +of the young men in all the country round about, and whose smile could +awaken voiceless poetry in the heart of the most prosaic Puritan swain. +There is little of aristocratic sound in Mary Loker's name, but her +parents sat on Sunday at the meeting house in a "dignified" pew, and +were rich in fields and cattle. Whether pushed by pride of land or pride +of birth, in their plans and aspirations, this daughter was +predestinated to enhance the family dignity by an aristocratic alliance. +In Colonial days a maiden who added a handsome prospective dowry to her +personal witchery was rare indeed, and Mary Loker had, coming from far +and near, inflammable suitors perpetually burning at her shrine. From +among these the father and mother soon made their choice upon strictly +business principles, and shortly announced to Mary that a certain +ambitious gentleman of the legal profession had furnished the most +satisfactory credentials, and that nothing remained but for her to name +the day. Now the fourth commandment was very far from being the dead +letter in 1670 that it is in 1885, and it was matter for grave surprise +to the elders that their usually obedient daughter, when the lawyer +proceeded to plead, refused to hear, and peremptorily adjourned his +cause without day. Maternal expostulation and paternal threats availed +nothing. The because of Mary's contumacy was not far to seek. A stalwart +Vulcan in the guise of an Antinous, known as Jonas Prescott, had +wandered from his father's forge in Lancaster down the Bay Path to +Sudbury. Mary and he had met, and the lingering of their parting boded +ill for any predestination not stamped with their joint seal of consent. +With that lack of astuteness proverbially exhibited by parents +disappointed in match-making designs upon their children, the vexed +father and mother began a course of vigorous repression, and thereby +riveted more firmly than ever the chains which the errant young +blacksmith and his apprentice Cupid had forged. In due time, they +perforce learned that love's flame burns the brighter fed upon a bread +and water diet; and that confinement to an attic may be quite endurable +when Cupid's messages fly in and out of its lattice at pleasure. + +Finally Mary was secretly sent to an out-of-the-way neighborhood in the +vain hope that the chill of absence might hinder what home rule had only +served to help. But one day Jonas on a hunting excursion made the +acquaintance of some youth, who, among other chitchat, happened to break +into ecstatic praise of the graces of a certain fair damsel who had +recently come to live in a farm-house near their home. Of course the +anvil missed Jonas for the next day, and the next, and the next, while +he experienced the hospitalities of his new-found friends--and their +neighbors. It was time for a recognition of the inevitable by all +concerned, but when, and with what grace Mary's stubborn parents +yielded, if at all, is not recorded. But what mattered that? Old John +Prescott installed Jonas at the Nonacoicus Mill, and endowed him with +all his Groton lands, and in Lancaster, December 14, 1672, Jonas and +Mary were married. For over fifty years fortunes railed upon their +union. Four sons and eight daughters graced their fireside, and the +father was trusted and clothed with local dignities. In after time the +memory of Jonas and Mary has been honored by many worthy descendants, +and especially by the gallant services of Colonel William Prescott at +Bunker Hill, and the literary renown of William Hickling Prescott, the +historian. + +In 1669, John Prescott was proclaimed a Freeman. He may have been long a +Church member, or may not even at this date have yielded the +conscientious scruples that had a quarter of a century earlier subjected +him to the reproach of an ecclesiastical oligarchy. The laws concerning +Freemen, in reluctant obedience to the letter of Charles II., were so +changed in 1665 that those not Church members could become Freemen, if +freeholders of a sufficient estate, and guaranteed by the local minister +"to be Orthodox and not vicious in their lives." Prescott had the true +Englishman's love of landed possessions, and about this time added a +large tract to his acreage by purchase from his Indian neighbors. This +transaction gave cause for the following petition: + + _To the honorable the Gov'r the Deputy Gov'r mag'tr & Deputy es + assembled in the gen'rall Court_: + + The Petition of Jno Prescott of Lanchaster, In most humble wise + sheweth. Whereas ye Petition'r hath purchased an Indian right to a + small parcell of Land, occasioned and circumstanced for quantity & + quality according to the deed of sale herevnto annexed and a pt. + thereof not being legally setled vpon piee vnlesse I may obteyne + the favor of this Court for the Confirmation thereof, These are + humbly to request the Court's favor for that end, the Lord hauing + dealt graciously with mee in giueing mee many children I account it + my duty to endeauor their provission & setling and do hope that + this may be of some vse in yt kind. I know not any claime made to + the said land by any towne, or any legall right y't any other + persons haue therein, and therefore are free for mee to occupy & + subdue as any other, may I obteyne the Court's approbation. I shall + not vse further motiues, my condition in other respecks & w't my + trouble & expenses haue been according to my poor ability in my + place being not altogether vnknowne to some of ye Court. That ye + Lord's prsence may be with & his blessing accompany all yo'r psons, + Counsells, & endeauors for his honor & ye weale of his poor people + is ye pray'r of + + Yo'r supplliant + + JOHN PRESCOTT SEN'R. + +This request was referred to a special committee, composed of Edward +Tyng, George Corwin and Humphrey Davie, who reported as follows: + + "In Reference to this Petition the Comittee being well informed + that the Pet'r is an ancient Planter and hath bin a vseful helpfull + and publique spirited man doinge many good offices ffor the + Country, Relatinge to the Road to Conecticott, marking trees, + directinge of Passengers &c, and that the Land Petitioned for + beinge but about 107 Acres & Lyinge not very Convenient for any + other Plantation, and only accomoclable for the Pet'r, we judge it + reasonable to Confirme the Indian Grant to him & his heyers if ye + honored Court see meete." + +This report was approved. James Wiser _alias_ Quanapaug, the Christian +Nashaway Chief, who appears as grantor of the land, was a warrior whose +bravery had been tested in the contest between the Nipmucks and the +Mohawks; and was so firm a friend of his white neighbors at Lancaster, +that when Philip persuaded the tribe with its Sagamore Sam, to go upon +the war path, James refused to join them. He even served as a spy and +betrayed Philip's plans to the English at imminent risk of his life, +doing his utmost to save Lancaster from destruction. General Daniel +Gookin acknowledged that Quanapaug's information would have averted the +horrible massacre of February 10, 1676, had it been duly heeded. The +fact of the friendly relations existing between Prescott and the tribe +whose fortified residence stood between the two Washacum ponds is +interesting and confirms tradition. It is related that at his first +coming he speedily won the respect of the savages, not only by his +fearlessness and great physical strength, but by the power of his eye +and his dignity of mien. They soon learned to stand in awe of his long +musket and unerring skill as a marksman. He had brought with him from +England a suit of mail, helmet and cuirass such as were worn by the +soldiers of Cromwell. Clothed with these, his stately figure seemed to +the sons of the forest something almost supernatural. One day some +Indians, having taken away a horse of his, he put on his armor, pursued +them alone, and soon overtook them. The chief of the party seeing him +approach unsupported, advanced menacingly with uplifted tomahawk. +Prescott dared him to strike, and was immediately taken at his word, but +the rude weapon glanced harmless from the helmet, to the amazement of +the red men. Naturally the Indian desired to try upon his own head so +wonderful a hat, and the owner obligingly gratified him claiming the +privilege, however, of using the tomahawk in return. The helmet proving +a scant fit, or its wearer neglecting to bring it down to its proper +bearings, Prescott's vengeful blow not only astounded him but left very +little cuticle on either side of his head, and nearly deprived him of +ears. Prescott was permitted to jog home in peace upon his horse. + +After hostilities began, it is said that at one time the savages set +fire to his barn, but fled when he sallied out clad in armor with his +dreaded gun; and thus he was enabled to save his stock, though the +building was consumed. More than once attempts were made to destroy the +mill, but a sight of the man in mail with the far reaching gun was +enough to send them to a safe distance and rescue the property. Many +stories have been told of Prescott's prowess, but some bear so close a +resemblance to those credibly historic in other localities and of other +heroes, that there attaches to them some suspicions of adaptation at +least. Such perhaps is the story that in an assault upon the town "he +had several muskets but no one in the house save his wife to assist him. +She loaded the guns and he discharged them with fatal effect. The +contest continued for nearly half an hour, Mr. Prescott all the while +giving orders as if to soldiers, so loud that the Indians could hear +him, to load their muskets though he had no soldiers but his wife. At +length they withdrew carrying off several of their dead and wounded." + +In 1673 Prescott had nearly attained the age of three score and ten. The +weight of years that had been full of exposure, anxiety and toil rested +heavily upon even his rugged frame, and some sharp touch of bodily +ailment warning him of his mortality, he made his will. It is signed +with "his mark," although he evidently tried to force his unwilling hand +to its accustomed work, his peculiar J being plainly written and +followed by characters meant for the remaining letters of his first +name. To earlier documents he was wont to affix a simple neat signature, +and although not a clerkly penman like his friends John Tinker, Master +Joseph Rowlandson and Ralph Houghton, his writing is superior to that of +Major Simon Willard. + + JOHN PRESCOTT'S WILL. + + Theis presents witneseth that John Prescott of Lancaster in the + Countie of Midlesex in New England Blaksmith being vnder the + sencible decayes of nature and infirmities of old age and at + present vnder a great deale of anguish and paine but of a good and + sound memorie at the writing hereof being moved vpon considerations + aforesaid togather with advis of Christian friends to set his house + in order in Reference to the dispose of those outward good things + the lord in mercie hath betrusted him with, theirfore the said John + Prescott doth hereby declare his last will and testament to be as + followeth, first and cheifly Comiting and Contending his soule to + almightie god that gaue it him and his bodie to the comon burying + place here in Lancaster, and after his bodie being orderly and + decently buryed and the Charge theirof defrayed togather with all + due debts discharged, the Rest of his Lands and estate to be + disposed of as followeth: first in Reference to the Comfortable + being of his louing wife during the time of her naturall Life, it + is his will that his said wife haue that end of the house where he + and shee now dwelleth togather with halfe the pasture and halfe the + fruit of the aple trees and all the goods in the house, togather + with two cowes which shee shall Chuse and medow sufisiant for + wintering of them, out of the medowes where she shall Chuse, the + said winter pvision for the two cowes to be equaly and seasonably + pvided by his two sons John and Jonathan. And what this may fall + short in Reference to convenient food and cloathing and other + nesesaries for her comfort in sicknes and in health, to be equaly + pvided by the aforesaid John and Jonathan out of the estate. And at + the death of his aforesaid louing wife it is his will that the said + cowes and household goods be equally deuided betwene his two sons + aforesaid, and the other part of the dwelling house, out housing, + pasture and orchard togather with the term acres of house lott + lying on Georges hill which was purchased of daniell gains to be + equaly deuided betwene the said John and Jonathan and alsoe that + part of the house and outhousing what is Convenient for the two + Cowes and their winter pvision pasture and orchard willed to his + louing wife during her life, at her death to be equaly deuided + alsoe betwene the said John and Jonathan. And furthermore it is his + will that John Prescott his eldest son haue the Intervaile land at + John's Jumpe, the lower Mille and the land belonging to it and + halfe the saw mille and halfe the land belonging to it and all the + house and barne theire erected, and alsoe the house and farme at + Washacomb pond, and all the land their purchased from the indians + and halfe the medowes in all deuisions in the towne acept sum litle + part at bar hill wh. is after willed to James Sawyer and one halfe + of the Comon Right in the towne, and in Reference to second + deuision land, that part of it which lyeth at danforths farme both + vpland and interuaile is willed to Jonathan and sixtie acres of + that part at Washacom litle pond to James Sawyer and halfe of sum + brushie land Capable of being made medow at the side of the great + pine plain to be within the said James Sawyers sixtie acres and all + the Rest of the second deuision land both vpland and Interuaile to + be equaly deuided betwene John Prescott and Jonathan aformentioned. + And Jonathan Prescott his second son to haue the Ryefeild and all + the interuaile lott at Nashaway Riuer that part which he hath in + posesion and the other part joyneing to the highway and alsoe his + part of second deuision land aforementioned and alsoe one halfe of + all the medowes in all deuisions in the towne not willed to John + Prescott and James Sawyer aformentioned, and alsoe the other halfe + of the saw mille and land belonging to it, and it is to be + vnderstood that all timber on the land belonging to both Corne + Mille and Saw Mille be Comon to the vse of the Saw Mille. And in + Reference to his third son Jonas Prescott it is herby declared that + he hath Received a full childs portion at nonecoicus in a Corne + mille and Lands and other goods. And James Sawyer his granchild and + Servant it is his will that he haue the sixtie acres of vpland + aformentioned and the two peices of medow at bare hill one being + part of his second deuision the upermost peic on the brook and the + other being part of his third deuision lying vpon Nashaway River + purchased of goodman Allin. Prouided the Said James Sawyer carie it + beter then he did to his said granfather in his time and carie so + as becoms an aprentic & vntil he be one and twentie years of age + vnto the executors of this will namly John Prescott and Jonathan + Prescott who are alsoe herby engaged to pforme vnto the said James + what was pmised by his said granfather, which was to endeuor to + learne him the art and trade of a blaksmith. And in Case the said + James doe not pforme on his part as is afor expresed to the + satisfaction of the overseers of this will, or otherwise, If he doe + not acept of the land aformentioned, then the said land and medow + to be equaly deuided betwene the aforsaid John and Jonathan. And in + Reference to his three daughters, namly Marie, Sara and Lydia they + to haue and Receive eurie of them fiue pounds to be paid to them by + the executors to eurie of them fiftie shillings by the yeare two + years after the death of theire father to be paid out of the + mouables and Martha Ruge his granchild to haue a cow at the choic + of her granmother. And it is the express will and charge of the + testator to his wife and all his Children that they labor and + endeuor to prescrue loue and unitie among themselves and the + vpholding of Church and Comonwealth. And to the end that this his + last will and testament may be truly pformed in all the parts of + it, the said testator hath and herby doth constitut and apoynt his + two sons namly John Prescott and Jonathan Prescott Joynt executors + of this his last will. And for the preuention of after trouble + among those that suruiue about the dispose of the estate acording + to this his will he hath hereby Chosen desired and apoynted the + Reuerend Mr. Joseph Rowlandson, deacon Sumner and Ralph Houghton + overseers of this his will; vnto whom all the parties concerned in + this his will in all dificult Cases are to Repaire, and that + nothing be done without their Consent and aprobation. And + furthermore in Reference to the mouables it is his will that his + son John have his anvill and after the debts and legacies + aformentioned be truly paid and fully discharged by the executors + and the speciall trust pformed vnto my wife during her life and at + her death, in Respect of, sicknes funerall expences, the Remainder + of the movables to be equaly deuided betwene my two sons John and + Jonathan aforementioned. And for a further and fuller declaration + and confirmation of this will to be the last will and testament of + the afornamed John Prescott he hath herevnto put his hand and + seale this 8 of 2 month one thousand six hundred seaventie three. + + JOHN PRESCOTT, + + his _John_ mark. + + Sealed signed owned to be the Last will and testament of the + testator afornamed In the presence of + + JOSEPH ROWLANDSON, + ROGER SUMNER, + RALPH HOUGHTON. + + April 4: 82. + + ROGER SUMNER, } + RALPH HOUGHTON, } Appearing in Court + made oath to the above s'd will, + + JONATHAN REMINGTON, _Cleric_." + +But John Prescott's pilgrimage was far from ended, and severer +chastenings than any yet experienced awaited him. He had survived to see +the settlement that called him father, struggle upward from discouraging +beginnings, to become a thriving and happy community of over fifty +families. Where at his coming all had been pathless woods, now fenced +fields and orchards yielded annually their golden and ruddy harvests; +gardens bloomed; mechanic's plied their various crafts; herds wandered +in lush meadows; bridges spanned the rivers, and roads wound through the +landscape from cottage to cottage and away to neighboring towns. All +this fair scene of industry and rural content, of which he might in +modest truth say "_Magna pars fui_," he lived to see in a single day +made more desolate than the howling wilderness from which it had been +laboriously conquered. He was spared to see dear neighbors and kindred +massacred in every method of revolting atrocity, and their wives and +children carried into loathsome captivity by foes more relentlessly +cruel than wolves. When now weighed down with age and bodily +infirmities, the rest he had thought won was to be denied him, and he +and his were driven from the ashes of pleasant homes--about which +clustered the memories of thirty years' joys and sorrows--to beg shelter +from the charity of strangers. For more than three years his enforced +banishment endured. In October 1679, John Prescott with his sons John +and Jonathan, his sons-in-law Thomas Sawyer and John Rugg, his grand-son +Thomas Sawyer, Jr. and his neighbor's John Moore, Thomas Wilder, and +Josiah White, petitioned the Middlesex Court for permission to resettle +the town, and their prayer was granted. Soon most of the inhabitants who +had survived the massacre and exile, were busily building new homes, +some upon the cinders of the old, others upon their second division +lands east of the rivers where they were less exposed to the stealthy +incursions of their savage enemies. The two John Prescotts rebuilt the +mills and dwelt there. Whether the pioneer's life long helpmate died +before their settlement, in exile, or shortly after the return, has not +been ascertained, but it would seem that he survived her. Jonathan +having married a second wife remained in Concord. For two years the old +man lived with his eldest son, seeing the Nashaway Valley blooming with +the fruits of civilized labor; seeing new families filling the woeful +gaps made in the old by Philip's warriors; seeing children and +grandchildren grasping the implements that had fallen from the nerveless +hold of the earliest bread-winners, with hopeful and pertinacious +purpose to extend the paternal domain; seeing too, may we not trust, +from the Pisgah height of prophetic vision the glorious promise awaiting +this his Canaan; these softly rounded hills and broad valleys dotted +with the winsome homes of thousands of freemen; churches and schools, +shops of artisans, and busy marts of trade clustered about his mill +site; and, above all, seeing the assertion of political freedom and +liberty of conscience which Governor John Winthrop had reproached him +for favoring in the petition of Robert Child, become the corner stone of +a giant republic. + +No record of John Prescott's death is found; but when upon his death +bed, feeling that the changed condition of his own and his son +Jonathan's affairs required some modification of the will made in 1673, +he summoned two of his townsmen to hear his nuncupative codicil to that +document. From the affidavit, here appended, it is certain that his +death occurred about the middle of December, 1681. + + "The Deposition of Thos: Wilder aged 37 years sworn say'th that + being with Jno: Prescott Sen'r About six hours before he died he ye + s'd Jno. Prescott gaue to his eldest sonn Jno: Presscott his house + lott with all belonging to ye same & ye two mills, corn mill & saw + mill with ye land belonging thereto & three scor Acors of land nere + South medow and fourty Acors of land nere Wonchesix & a pece of + enteruile caled Johns Jump & Bridge medow on both sids ye Brook. + Cyprian Steevens Testifieth to all ye truth Aboue writen. + + DECEM. 20. 81. + + Sworn in Court. J.R.C." + +Though two or more years short of fourscore at the time of his death he +was Lancaster's oldest inhabitant. His fellow pioneer, Lawrence Waters, +who was the elder by perhaps a years, till survived, though blind and +helpless; but he dwelt with a son in Charlestown, after the destruction +of his home, and never returned to Lancaster. John and Ralph Houghton, +much younger men, were now the veterans of the town. + + * * * * * + +A GLIMPSE. + +BY MARY H. WHEELER. + + We met but once; 'twas many years ago. + I walked, with others, idly through the grounds + Where thou did'st minister in daily rounds. + I knew thee by thy garb, all I might know, + Sister of Charity, in hood like snow. + My heart was weary with the sight and sounds + Of sick and suffering soldiers in the wards below. + Disgusted with my thoughts of war and wounds. + 'Twas then, by sudden chance, I met thine eyes, + What saw I there? A light from heaven above, + A gleam of calm, self-sacrificing love, + A smile that fill'd my heart with glad surprise, + Reflected in my breast an answering glow, + And haunts me still, wherever I may go. + + * * * * * + +EARLY HISTORY OF THE BERMUDA ISLANDS. + +By JAMES H. STARK. + + +The singular collection of islands known as the Bermudas are situated +about seven hundred miles from Boston, in a southeast direction, and +about the same distance from Halifax, or Florida. The nearest land to +Bermuda is Cape Hatteras, distant 625 miles. + +Within sixty-five hours' sail from New York it is hardly possible to +find so complete a change in government, climate, scenery and +vegetation, as Bermuda offers; and yet these islands are strangely +unfamiliar to most well-informed Americans. + +Speaking our own language, having the same origin, with manners, which +in many ways illustrate those prevalent in New England a century ago, +the people are bound to us by many natural ties; and it is only now that +these islands, having come to the front as a winter resort, have led us +to inquire into their history and resources. Settled in 1612, Virginia +only of the English colonies outdating it, life in Bermuda has been as +placid as its lovely waters on a summer day; no agitation of sufficient +occurrence having occurred to attract the attention of the outside +world, from which it is so absolutely isolated. + +The only communication with the mainland is by the Quebec Steamship +Company, who dispatch a steamer every alternate Thursday between New +York and Hamilton, Bermuda, the fare for the round trip, including meals +and stateroom, is fifty dollars. During the crop season, in the months +of April, May and June, steamers are run weekly. + +The Cunard Company also have a monthly service between Halifax, Bermuda, +Turks Island and Jamaica, under contract with the Admiralty. + +The Bermudas were first discovered in 1515 by a Spanish vessel, called +La Garza, on a voyage from Spain to Cuba, with a cargo of hogs, and +commanded by Juan Bermudez, and having on board Gonzalez Oviedo, the +historian of the Indies, to whom we are indebted for the first account +of these islands. They approached near to the islands, and from the +appearance of the place concluded that it was uninhabited. They resolved +to send a boat ashore to make observations, and leave a few hogs, which +might breed and be afterwards useful. When, however, they were preparing +to debark a strong contrary gale arose, which obliged them to sheer off +and be content with the view already obtained. The islands were named by +the Spaniards indifferently, La Garza from the ship and Bermuda from the +captain, but the former term is long since disused. + +[Illustration: INSCRIPTION ON SPANISH ROCK] + +It does not appear that the Spaniards made any attempt to settle there, +although Philip II. granted the islands to one Ferdinand Camelo, a +Portuguese, who never improved his gift, beyond taking possession by the +form of landing in 1543, and carving on a prominent cliff on the +southern shore of the island[A] the initials of his name and the year, +to which, in conformity with the practical zeal of the times, he +super-added a cross, to protect his acquisition from the encroachments +of roving heretics and the devil, for the stormy seas and dangerous +reefs gave rise to so many disasters as to render the group exceedingly +formidable in the eyes of the most experienced navigators. It was even +invested in their imagination with superstitious terrors, being +considered as unapproachable by man, and given up in full dominion to +the spirits of darkness. The Spaniards therefore called them "Los +Diabolos," the Devil's Islands. + +[Footnote A: This inscription is still in existence, the engraving shown +herewith is a good representation of it, as it appears at the present +time.] + +[Illustration: Fac-simile reproduction of a Map of Bermuda made in 1614 +by Captain John Smith.] + +[Illustration: View of the State House and reference as to location of +the fort, bridges, etc., shown herewith on Smith's map of 1614. +(Fac-simile reproduction.)] + +These islands were first introduced to the notice of the English by a +dreadful shipwreck. In 1591 Henry May sailed to the East Indies, along +with Captain Lancaster, on a buccaneering expedition. Having reached the +coast of Sumatra and Malacca, they scoured the adjacent seas, and made +some valuable captures. In 1593 they again doubled the Cape of Good Hope +and returned to the West Indies for supplies, which they much needed. +They first came in sight of Trinidad, but did not dare to approach a +coast which was in possession of the Spaniards, and their distress +became so great that it was with the utmost difficulty that the men +could be prevented from leaving the ship. They shortly afterwards fell +in with a French buccaneer, commanded by La Barbotiere, who kindly +relieved their wants by a gift of bread and provisions. Their stores +were soon again exhausted, and, coming across the French ship the second +time, application was made to the French Captain for more supplies, but +he declared that his own stock was so much reduced that he could spare +but little, but the sailors persuaded themselves that the Frenchman's +scarcity was feigned, and also that May, who conducted the negotiations, +was regailing himself with good cheer on board without any trouble about +their distress. Among these men, inured to bold and desperate deeds, a +company was formed to seize the French pinnace, and then to capture the +large vessel with its aid. They succeeded in their first object, but the +French Captain, who observed their actions, sailed away at full speed, +and May, who was dining with him on board at the time, requested that he +might stay and return home on the vessel so that he could inform his +employers of the events of the voyage and the unruly behavior of the +crew. As they approached Bermuda strict watch was kept while they +supposed themselves to be near that dreaded spot, but when the pilot +declared that they were twelve leagues south of it they threw aside all +care and gave themselves up to carousing. Amid their jollity, about +midnight, the ship struck with such violence that she immediately filled +and sank. They had only a small boat, to which they attached a +hastily-constructed raft to be towed along with it; room, however, was +made for only twenty-six, while the crew exceeded fifty. In the wild and +desperate struggle for existence that ensued May fortunately got into +the boat. They had to beat about nearly all the next day, dragging the +raft after them, and it was almost dark before they reached the shore; +they were tormented with thirst, and had nearly despaired of finding a +drop of water when some was discovered in a rock where the rain waters +had collected. + +[Illustration: St. George's and Warwick Fort in 1614. (Fac-simile of +Smith's engraving.)] + +The land was covered with one unbroken forest of cedar. Here they would +have to remain for life unless a vessel could be constructed. They made +a voyage to the wreck and secured the shrouds, tackles and carpenters' +tools, and then began to cut down the cedars, with which they +constructed a vessel of eighteen tons. For pitch they took lime, +rendered adhesive by a mixture of turtle oil, and forced it into the +seams, where it became hard as stone. + +During a residence of five months here May had observed that Bermuda, +hitherto supposed to be a single island, was broken up into a number of +islands of different sizes, enclosing many fine bays, and forming good +harbors. The vessel being finished they set sail for Newfoundland, +expecting to meet fishing vessels there, on which they could obtain +passage to Europe. On the eleventh of May they found themselves with joy +clear of the islands. They had a very favorable voyage, and on the +twentieth arrived at Cape Breton. May arrived in England in August, +1594, where he gave a description of the islands; he stated that they +found hogs running wild all over the islands, which proves that this was +not the first landing made there. + +It was owing to a shipwreck that Bermuda again came under the view of +the English, and that led England to appropriate these islands. + +In 1609, during the most active period of the colonization of Virginia, +an expedition of nine ships, commanded by Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George +Somers and Captain Newport, bound for Virginia, was dispersed by a great +storm. One of the vessels, the Sea Adventure, in which were Gates, +Somers and Newport, seems to have been involved in the thickest of the +tempest. The vessel sprung aleak, which it was found impossible to stop. +All hands labored at the pumps for life, even the Governor and Admiral +took their turns, and gentlemen who had never had an hour's hard work in +their life toiled with the rest. The water continued to gain on them, +and when about to give up in despair, Sir George Somers, who had been +watching at the poop deck day and night, cried out land, and there in +the early dawn of morning could be seen the welcome sight of land. +Fortunately they lighted on the only secure entrance through the reefs. +The vessel was run ashore and wedged between two rocks, and thereby was +preserved from sinking, till by means of a boat and skiff the whole crew +of one hundred and fifty, with provisions, tackle and stores, reached +the land. At that time the hogs still abounded, and these, with the +turtle, birds and fish which they caught, afforded excellent food for +the castaways. The Isle of Devils Sir George Somers and party found "the +richest, healthfulest and pleasantest" they ever saw. + +Robert Walsingham and Henry Shelly discovered two bays abounding in +excellent fish; these bays are still called by their names. Gates and +Somers caused the long boat to be decked over, and sent Raven, the mate, +with eight men, to Virginia to bring assistance to them, but nothing was +ever heard of them afterwards, and after waiting six months all hopes +were then given up. The chiefs of the expedition then determined to +build two vessels of cedar, one of eighty tons and one of thirty. Their +utmost exertions, however, did not prevent disturbances, which nearly +baffled the enterprise. These were fomented by persons noted for their +religious zeal, of Puritan principles and the accompanying spirit of +independence. They represented that the recent disaster had dissolved +the authority of the Governor, and their business was now to provide, as +they best could, for themselves and their families. They had come out in +search of an easy and plentiful subsistence, which could nowhere be +found in greater perfection and security than here, while in Virginia +its attainment was not only doubtful, but attended with many hardships. +These arguments were so convincing with the larger number of the men +that, had it rested with them, they would have lived and died on the +islands. + +[Illustration: Entrance to St. George Harbor, between Smith's and +Paget's Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving. 1614.)] + +Two successive conspiracies were formed by large parties to separate +from the rest and form a colony. Both were defeated by the vigilance of +Gates, who allowed the ringleaders to escape with a slight punishment. +This lenity only emboldened the malcontents, and a third plot was formed +to seize the stores and take entire possession of the islands. It was +determined to make an example of one of the leaders named Payne; He was +condemned to be hanged, but, on the plea of being a gentleman, his +sentence was commuted into that of being shot, which was immediately +done. This had a salutary effect, and prevented any further trouble. + +[Illustration: View of ancient forts. (Re-produced from Smith's +engraving, 1614)] + +Two children, a boy and girl, were born during this period; the former +was christened Bermudas and the latter Bermuda; they were probably the +first human beings born on these islands. + +Before leaving the islands Gates caused a cross to be made of the wood +saved from the wreck of his ship, which he secured to a large cedar; a +silver coin with the king's head was placed in the middle of it, +together with an inscription on a copper plate describing what had +happened--That the cross was the remains of a ship of three hundred +tons, called the Sea Venture, bound with eight more to Virginia; that +she contained two knights, Sir Thomas Gates, governor of the colony, and +Sir George Summers, admiral of the seas, who, together with her captain, +Christopher Newport, and one hundred and fifty mariners and passengers +besides, had got safe ashore, when she was lost, July 28, 1609. + +On the tenth of May, 1610, they sailed with a fair wind, and, before +reaching the open sea, they struck on a rock and were nearly wrecked the +second time. On the twenty-third they arrived safely at Jamestown. This +settlement they found in a most destitute condition on their arrival, +and it was determined to abandon the place, but Sir George Summers, +"whose noble mind ever regarded the general good more than his own +ends," offered to undertake a voyage to the Bermudas for the purpose of +forming a settlement, from which supplies might be obtained for the +Jamestown colony. He accordingly sailed June 19, in his cedar vessel, +and his name was then given to the islands, though Bermuda has since +prevailed. + +[Illustration: Entrance to Castle Harbor, between Castle and +Southhampton Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving, +1614.)] + +Contrary winds and storms carried him to the northward, to the vicinity +of Cape Cod. Somers persevered and reached the islands, but age, anxiety +and exertion contributed to produce his end. Perceiving the approach of +death he exhorted his companions to continue their exertions for the +benefit of the plantations, and to return to Virginia. Alarmed at the +untimely fate of their leader, the colonists embalmed his body, and +disregarding his dying injunction, sailed for England. Three only of the +men volunteered to remain, and for some time after their companions left +they continued to cultivate the soil, but unfortunately they found some +ambergris, and they fell into innumerable quarrels respecting its +possession. They at length resolved to build a boat and sail for +Newfoundland with their prize, but, happily for them, they were +prevented by the arrival of a ship from Europe. An extraordinary +interest was excited in England by the relation of Captain Mathew +Somers, the nephew and heir of Sir George. The usual exaggerations were +published, and public impressions were heightened by contrast with the +dark ideas formerly prevalent concerning these islands. A charter was +obtained of King James I., and one hundred and twenty gentlemen detached +themselves from the Virginia company and formed a company under the name +and style of the Governor and Company of the City of London, for the +plantation of the Somer Islands. + +On the twenty-eighth of April, 1612, the first ship was sent out with +sixty emigrants, under the charge of Richard Moore, who was appointed +the Governor of the colony. They met the boat containing the three men +left on the island, who were overjoyed at seeing the ship, and conducted +her into the harbor. It was not long before intelligence of the +discovery of the ambergris reached the Governor; he promptly deprived +the three men of it. One of them named Chard, who denied all knowledge +of it, and caused considerable disturbance, which at one time seemed +likely to result in a sanguinary encounter, was condemned to be hanged, +and was only reprieved when on the ladder. + +The Governor now applied himself actively to his duties. He had +originally landed on Smith's Island, but he soon removed to the spot +where St. George's now stands, and built the town which was named after +Sir George Somers, and which became, and remained for two centuries, the +capital of Bermuda. He laid the foundation of eight or nine forts for +the defence of the harbor, and also trained the men to arms in order +that they might defend the infant colony from attack. This proved +necessary, for, in 1614, two Spanish ships attempted to enter the +harbor; the forts were promptly manned and two shots fired at the enemy, +who, finding them better prepared than they imagined, bore away. + +Before the close of 1615 six vessels had arrived with three hundred and +forty passengers, among whom were a Marshall and one Bartlett, who were +sent out expressly to divide the colony into tribes or shares; but the +Governor finding no mention of any shares for himself, and the persons +with him, as had been agreed on, forbade his proceeding with his survey. +The survey was afterward made by Richard Norwood, which divided the land +into tribes, now parishes; these shares form, the foundation of the land +tenure of the islands, even to this day, the divisional lines in many +cases yet remaining intact. Moore, whose time had expired, went back to +England in 1615, leaving the administration of the government to six +persons, who were to rule, each in turn, one month. They proceeded to +elect by lot their first ruler, the choice falling upon Charles +Caldicot, who then went, with a crew of thirty-two men, in a vessel to +the West Indies for the purpose of procuring plants, goats and young +cattle for the islands. The vessel was wrecked there, and the crew were +indebted to an English pirate for being rescued from a desert island on +which they had been cast. + +For a time the colony was torn by contention and discord, as well as by +scarcity of food. The news of these dissensions having reached England +the company sent out Daniel Tucker as Governor. Tucker was a stern, hard +master, and he enforced vigorous measures to compel the people to work +for the company. The provisions and stores he issued in certain +quantities, and paid each laborer a stated sum in brass coin, struck by +the proprietor for the purpose, having a hog on one side, in +commemoration of the abundance of those animals found by the first +settlers, and on the reverse a ship. Pieces of this curious hog money, +as it is called, is frequently found, and it brings a high price. + +[Illustration: HOG MONEY.] + +Shortly after Governor Tucker arrived he sent to the West Indies for +plants and fruit trees. The vessel returned with figs, pine-apples, +sugar-cane, plantain and paw-paw, which were all planted and rapidly +multiplied. This vessel also brought the first slaves into the colony, +an Indaian and a negro. + +The company dispatched a small bark, called the Hopewell, with supplies +for the colony, under the command of Captain Powell. On his way he met a +Portuguese vessel homeward bound from Brazil, with a cargo of sugar, +and, as Smith adds, "liked the sugar and passengers so well" he made a +prize of her. Fearing to face Governor Tucker after this piratical act +he directed his course to the West Indies. On his arrival there he met a +French pirate, who pretended to have a warm regard for him, and invited +him, with his officers, to an entertainment. Suspecting nothing he +accepted the invitation, but no sooner had they been well seated at the +table than they were all seized and threated with instant death, unless +they surrendered their prize. This Powell was, of course, compelled to +do, and finding his provisions failing him he put the Portuguese crew on +shore and sailed for Bermuda, where he managed to excuse himself to the +Governor. Powell again went to the West Indies pirating, and in May he +arrived with three prizes, laden with meal, hides, and ammunition. +Tucker received him kindly and treated him with consideration, until he +had the goods in his own possession, when he reproached the Captain with +his piratical conduct and called him to account for his proceedings. The +unlucky buccaneer was, in the end, glad to escape to England, leaving +his prizes in the hands of the Governor. + +The discipline and hard labor required of the people reduced them to a +condition but little better than that of slaves, and caused many to make +desperate efforts to escape from the islands. Five persons, neither of +whom were sailors, built a fishing boat for the Governor, and when +completed they borrowed a compass from their preacher, for whom they +left a farewell epistle. In this they reminded him how often he had +exhorted them to patience under ill-treatment, and had told them how +Providence would pay them, if man did not. They trusted, therefore, that +he would now practice what he had so often preached. + +[Illustration: Reproduction of Smith's engraving, 1614, showing his coat +of arms with the three Turk heads.] + +These brave men endured great hardships in their boat of three tons +during their rash voyage; but at the end of about forty-two days they +arrived at Ireland, where their exploit was considered so wonderful that +the Earl of Thomond caused them to be received and entertained, and hung +up their boat as a monument of this extraordinary voyage. The Governor +was greatly exasperated at their escape, and threatened to hang the +whole of them if they returned. + +Another party of three, one of whom was a lady, attempted in a like +manner to reach Virginia, but were never afterwards heard of. Six others +were discovered before they effected their departure, and one was +executed. John Wood, who was found guilty of speaking "many distasteful +and mutinous speeches against the Governor," was also condemned and +executed. + +As there were at that time only about five hundred inhabitants on these +islands, it would appear from Captain Smith's History that Tucker hanged +a good percentage of them. Many were the complaints that were forwarded +to England concerning the tyrannical government of Tucker, and he, +fearing to be recalled, at last returned to England of his own accord, +having appointed a person named Kendall as his deputy. + +Kendall was disposed to be attentive to his office, but wanted energy, +and the company took an early opportunity to relieve him; this was not +very agreeable to the people, but they did not offer any resistance. + +Governor Butler arrived with four ships and five hundred men on the +twentieth of October, 1619, which raised the number of the colonists to +1000, and at his departure three years later, it had increased to 1500. + +On the first of August, 1620, in conformity with instructions sent out +by the company, the Governor summoned the first general assembly at St. +George's for the dispatch of public business. It consisted of the +Governor, Council, Bailiffs, Burgesses, Secretary, and Clerk. It appears +that they all sat in one house, which was probably the "State House" +shown on Smith's engraving. Most of the Acts passed on this occasion +were creditable to the new legislators. + +Governor Butler, as Moore had done before him, turned his chief +attention to the building of forts and magazines; he also finished the +cedar Church at St. George's, and caused the assembly to pass an Act for +the building of three bridges, and then initiated the useful project of +connecting together the principal islands. When Governor Butler returned +to England he left the islands in a greatly improved condition. But in +his time, also, there were such frequent mutinies and discontent, that +at last "he longed for deliverance from his thankless and troublesome +employment." It was probably during Governor Butler's administration +that Captain[A] John Smith had a map and illustrations of the "Summer +Ils" made, for in it we find the three bridges, numerous +well-constructed forts, and the State House at St. George's. The map and +illustrations were published in "Smith's General Historic of Virginia, +New England and the Summer Ils" 1624; they are of the greatest value and +importance, as they show accurately the class of buildings and forts +erected on these islands at that early period; such details even are +entered into as the showing of the stocks in the market place of St. +George's, and the architecture and the substantial manner in which the +buildings were constructed is remarkable, especially so when it is +considered that previous to 1620 the Puritans had not settled at +Plymouth, and it was ten years from that date before the settlement of +Boston: in fact, with the exception of Jamestown in Virginia, the +English had not secured a foot-hold in North America at the time these +buildings and forts were constructed. There are very few copies of this +rare print in existence, even in Smith's history it is usually found +wanting, and it was only after considerable trouble and expense that the +writer succeeded in obtaining a reproduction of it. + +[Footnote A: Captain John Smith was never in Bermuda. He derived all his +information from his opportunities as a member of the Virginia Company, +and from correspondence or personal narratives of returned planters. +This was his habitual way, as is shown by the number of authorities that +he quotes. He probably obtained the sketches, from which these +illustrations were made, from Richard Norwood, the schoolmaster.] + +The early history of Bermuda is in many important points similar to that +of New England. Like motives had in most instances induced emigration, +and the distinguished characteristics of those people were repeated +here. + +Like the Salem and Boston colonists they had their witchcraft delusions, +anticipating that, however, some twenty years, Christian North was +tried for it in 1668, but was acquited. Somewhat later a negro woman, +Sarah Basset, was burned at Paget for the same offence. The Quakers were +persecuted by fines, imprisonment, and banishment, by the stem and +dark-souled Puritans, who had emigrated to this place to escape +oppression, and to enjoy religious toleration, but were not willing to +grant to others who differed from them in their religious belief the +same privileges as they themselves enjoyed. + +The company discovered by degrees that the Bermudas were not the +Eldorado which they had fondly imagined them to be. The colonists were +now numerous, and every day showed a strong disposition to break away +from the control of the company. The company had issued an order +forbidding the inhabitants to receive any ships but such as were +commissioned by them. The company complained against the quality of +tobacco shipped to London, as well as the quantity. + +The people were forbidden to cut cedar without a special license, and as +they were in the habit of exporting oranges in chests made of this wood, +the regulation operated very materially to the injury of the place. +Previous to this order many homeward-bound West Indiamen arrived at +Castle Harbor to load with this fruit for the English market. Whaling +was claimed as an exclusive privilege, and was conducted for the sole +benefit of the proprietors. Numerous attempts were made to boil sugar, +but the company directed the Governor to prevent it, as it would require +too much wood for fuel. + +In consequence of instructions from England Governor Turner called upon +all the inhabitants of the islands to take the oath of supremacy and +allegiance to his majesty, but as the Puritans had left their native +country on account of their republican sentiments, they refused to +comply, and the prisons were soon filled to overflowing. + +The rapid change of affairs in England during the civil war, in which +the Puritans were victorious, and Cromwell was elevated to the +Protectorship, opened the doors of the prisons, and stopped all further +persecutions, both political and religious. + +It must be said in favor of the company that they had, at an early +period, established schools throughout the colony, and appropriated +lands in most of the tribes or parishes, for the maintainance of the +teachers. + +From 1630 to 1680 many negro and Indian slaves were brought to the +colony; the negroes from Africa and the West Indies, and a large number +of Indians from Massachusetts, prisoners taken in the Pequot and King +Philip's wars. The traces of their Indian ancestry can readily be seen +in many of the colored people of these islands at the present time. + +In October, 1661, the Protestant inhabitants were alarmed by rumors of a +proposed combination between the negroes and the Irish. The plan was to +arm themselves and massacre the whites who were not Catholics. +Fortunately the plot was discovered in time, and measures adopted to +disarm the slaves and the disaffected. + +The proprietary form of government continued until 1685, with a long +succession of good, bad, and indifferent Governors. + +Many acts of piracy were perpetrated at different times by the +inhabitants of these islands. In 1665 Captain John Wentworth made a +descent upon the island of Tortola and brought off about ninety slaves, +the property of the Governor of the place. Governor Seymour received a +letter from him in which he stated that "upon the ninth day of July +there came hither against me a pirate or sea robber, named John +Wentworth, the which over-run my lands, and that against the will of +mine owne inhabits, and shewed himself a tyrant, in robbing and firing, +and took my negroes from my Isle, belonging to no man but myself. And +likewise I doe understand that this said John Wentworth, a sea robber, +is an indweller with you, soe I desire that you would punish this rogue, +according to your good law. I desire you, soe soon as you have this +truth of mine, if you don't of yourself, restore all my negroes againe, +whereof I shall stay here three months, and in default of this, soe be +assured, that wee shall speake together very shortly, and then I shall +be my owne judge." + +This threatening letter caused great consternation, and immediately +steps were taken to place the colony in the best posture for defence, +reliance being had on the impregnability of the islands, instead of +delivering up the plunder, especially as Captain Wentworth held a +commission from the Governor and Council, and acted under their +instructions. + +Isaac Richier, who became Governor of the colony in 1691, was another +celebrated freebooter. The account of his reign reads like a romance. +The love of gold, and the determination to possess it, was the one idea +of his statesmanship. He was a pirate at sea and a brigand on land. +Nevertheless, it does not appear that any of his misdeeds, such as +hanging innocent people, and robbing British ships, as well as others, +led to his recall, or caused any degree of indignation which such +conduct usually arouses. The fact appears to be that, although Governor +Richier was a bold, bad man, yet few of his subjects were entitled to +throw the first stone at his excellency. + +Benjamin Bennett became Governor of the colony in 1701. At this time the +Bahama Islands had become a rendezvous for pirates, and a few years +later, King George the First issued a proclamation for their +dislodgment. Governor Bennett accordingly dispatched a sloop, ordering +the marauders to surrender. Those who were on shore on his arrival +gladly accepted the opportunity to escape, and declared that they did +not doubt but that their companions who were at sea would follow their +example. Captain Henry Jennings and fifteen others sailed for Bermuda, +and were soon followed by four other Captains--Leslie, Nichols, +Hornigold, and Burges, with one hundred men, who all surrendered. + +In 1710 the Spaniards made a descent on Turk's Island, which had been +settled by the Bermudians for the purpose of gathering salt, and took +possession of the island, making prisoners of the people. The +Bermudians, at their own expense and own accord, dispatched a force +under Captain Lewis Middleton to regain possession of the Bahama Cays. +The expedition was successful, and a victory gained over the Spaniards, +and they were driven from the islands; they still, however, continued to +make predatory attacks on the salt-rakers at the ponds, and on the +vessels going for and carrying away salt. To repel these aggressions and +afford security to their trade, the Bermudians went to the expense of +arming their vessels. + +In 1775 the discontent in the American provinces had broken out into +open opposition to the crown, and the people were forbidden to trade +with their late fellow subjects. Bermuda suffered great want in +consequence, for at this period, instead of exporting provisions the +island had become dependent on the continent for the means of +subsistence. This, together with the fact that many of the people +possessed near relatives engaged in the struggle with the crown, tended +to destroy good feelings towards the British government. These +circumstances must be considered in order to judge fairly of the +following transaction, which has always been regarded to have cast a +stain upon the patriotism and loyalty of the Bermudians. + +At the outbreak of the American Revolution, two battles were fought in +the vicinity of Boston--Lexington and Bunker Hill, after which all +intercourse with the surrounding country ceased, and Boston was reduced +to a state of siege. Civil war commenced in all its horrors; the +sundering of social ties; the burning of peaceful homes; the butchery of +kindred and friends. + +Washington was appointed by the Continental Congress, Commander-in-Chief +of the American forces, and on July 3, 1775, two weeks after the battle +of Bunker Hill, he took formal command of the army at Cambridge. In a +letter to the President of Congress notifying him of his safe arrival +there, he made the following statement. "Upon the article of ammunition, +I must re-echo the former complaints on this subject. We are so +exceedingly destitute that our artillery will be of little use without a +supply both large and seasonable. What we have must be reserved for the +small arms, and that well managed with the utmost frugality." A few +weeks later General Washington wrote the following letter on the same +subject.[A] + +[Footnote A: Writings of George Washington, by J. Sparks, vol. iii, page +47.] + + TO GOVERNOR COOKE, OF RHODE ISLAND. + + Camp at Cambridge, 4 August, 1775. + + Sir, + + I am now, Sir, in strict confidence, to acquaint you, that our + necessities in the articles of powder and lead are so great, as to + require an immediate supply. I must earnestly entreat that you will + fall upon some measure to forward every pound of each in your + colony that can possibly be spared. It is not within the propriety + or safety of such a correspondence to say what I might on this + subject. It is sufficient that the case calls loudly for the most + strenuous exertions of every friend of his country, and does not + admit of the least delay. No quantity, however small, is beneath + notice, and, should any arrive, I beg it may be forwarded as soon + as possible. + + But a supply of this kind is so precarious, not only from the + danger of the enemy, but the opportunity of purchasing, that I have + revolved in my mind every other possible chance, and listened to + every proposition on the subject which could give the smallest + hope. Among others I have had one mentioned which has some weight + with me, as well as the other officers to whom I have proposed it. + A Mr. Harris has lately come from Bermuda, where there is a very + considerable magazine of powder in a remote part of the island; and + the inhabitants are well disposed, not only to our cause in + general, but to assist in this enterprise in particular. We + understand there are two armed vessels in your province, commanded + by men of known activity and spirit; one of which, it is proposed + to despatch on this errand with such assistance as may be + requisite. Harris is to go along, as the conductor of the + enterprise, that we may avail ourselves of his knowledge of the + island; but without any command. I am very sensible, that at first + view the project may appear hazardous; and its success must depend + on the concurrence of many circumstances; but we are in a + situation, which requires us to run all risks. No danger is to be + considered, when put in competition with the magnitude of the + cause, and the absolute necessity we are under of increasing our + stock. Enterprises, which appear chimerical, often prove successful + from that very circumstance. Common sense and prudence will suggest + vigilance and care, where the danger is plain and obvious; but + where little danger is apprehended, the more the enemy will be + unprepared; and consequently there is the fairest prospect of + success. + + Mr. Brown has been mentioned to me as a very proper person to be + consulted upon this occasion. You will judge of the propriety of + communicating it to him in part or the whole, and as soon as + possible favor me with your sentiments, and the steps you may have + taken to forward it. If no immediate and safe opportunity offers, + you will please to do it by express. Should it be inconvenient to + part with one of the armed vessels, perhaps some other might be + fitted out, or you could devise some other mode of executing this + plan; so that, in case of a disappointment, the vessel might + proceed to some other island to purchase. + + I am, Sir, + Your most obedient, humble servant, + G. Washington. + +This plan was approved by the Governor and Committee of Rhode Island, +and Captain Abraham Whipple agreed to engage in the affair, provided +General Washington would give him a certificate under his own hand, that +in case the Bermudians would assist the undertaking, he would recommend +to the Continental Congress to permit the exportation of provisions to +those islands from the colonies. + +General Washington accordingly sent the following address to the +Bermudians.[A] + +[Footnote A: Writings of George Washington, by J. Sparks, vol. iii., +page 77.] + + TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA. + + Camp at Cambridge, 6 September, 1775. + Gentlemen: + + In the great conflict, which agitates this continent, I cannot + doubt but the assertors of freedom and the rights of the + constitution are possessed of your most favorable regards and + wishes for success. As descendants of freemen, and heirs with us of + the same glorious inheritance, we flatter ourselves, that, though + divided by our situation, we are firmly united in sentiment. The + cause of virtue and liberty is confined to no continent or climate. + It comprehends, within its capacious limits, the wise and good, + however dispersed and separated in space or distance. + + You need not be informed that the violence and rapacity of a + tyrannic ministry have forced the citizens of America, your brother + colonist, into arms. We equally detest and lament the prevalence of + those counsels, which have led to the effusion of so much human + blood, and left us no alternative but a civil war, or a base + submission. The wise Disposer of all events has hitherto smiled + upon our virtuous efforts. Those mercenary troops, a few of whom + lately boasted of subjugating this vast continent, have been + checked in their earliest ravages, and now actually encircled + within a small space; their arms disgraced, and themselves + suffering all the calamities of a siege. The virtue, spirit, and + union of the provinces leave them nothing to fear, but the want of + ammunition. The application of our enemies to foreign states, and + their vigilance upon our coasts, are the only efforts they have + made against us with success. + + Under these circumstances, and with these sentiments, we have + turned our eyes to you, Gentlemen, for relief. We are informed, + that there is a very large magazine in your island under a very + feeble guard. We would not wish to involve you in an opposition, in + which, from your situation, we should be unable to support you; we + knew not, therefore, to what extent to solicit your assistance, in + availing ourselves of this supply; but, if your favor and + friendship to North America and its liberties have not been + misrepresented, I persuade myself you may, consistently with your + own safety, promote and further this scheme, so as to give it the + fairest prospect of success. Be assured, that, in this case, the + whole power and exertion of my influence will be made with the + honorable Continental Congress, that your island may not only be + supplied with provisions, but experience every other mark of + affection and friendship, which the grateful citizens of a free + country can bestow on its brethren and benefactors. I am, + Gentlemen, + + With much esteem, + Your humble servant, + + [Illustration: Signature G Washington] + +Captain Whipple had scarcely sailed from Providence before an account +appeared in the newspapers of one hundred barrels of powder having been +taken from Bermuda by a vessel supposed to be from Philadelphia, and +another from South Carolina. This was the same powder that Captain +Whipple had gone to procure. General Washington and Governor Cooke were +both of the opinion it was best to countermand his instructions. The +other armed vessel of Rhode Island was immediately dispatched in search +of the Captain with orders to return. + +But it was too late; he reached Bermuda and put in at the west end of +the island. The inhabitants were at first alarmed, supposing him to +command a king's armed vessel, and the women and children fled from that +vicinity; but when he showed them his commission and instructions they +treated him with much cordiality and friendship, and informed him that +they had assisted in removing the powder, which was made known to +General Gage, and he had sent a sloop of war to the island. They +professed themselves hearty friends to the American cause. Captain +Whipple being defeated in the object of his voyage returned to +Providence. + +Soon after the inhabitants of Bermuda petitioned Congress for relief, +representing their great distress in consequence of being deprived of +the supplies that usually came from the colonies. In consideration of +their being friendly to the cause of America, it was resolved by +Congress that provisions in certain quantities might be exported to +them.[A] + +[Footnote A: Journal of Congress, November 22, 1775.] + +The powder procured from the Bermudians led to the first great victory +gained by Washington in the Revolutionary war, the evacuation of Boston +by the British army. After the arrival of the powder Washington caused +numerous batteries to be erected in the immediate vicinity of the town. +On the night of March 4, 1776, Dorchester Heights were taken possession +of and works erected there, which commanded Boston, and the British +Fleet lying at anchor in the harbor. This caused the town to be +evacuated, and General Howe with his army and about one thousand +loyalists went aboard of the fleet and sailed for Halifax, March 17, +1776. + +Nothing could exceed the indignation of Governor Bruere when he received +intelligence of the plundering of the magazine; he promptly called upon +the legislature to take active measures for bringing the delinquents to +justice. No evidence could ever be obtained, and the whole transaction +is still enveloped in mystery. The Governor let no opportunity escape +him to accuse the Bermudians of disloyality, and no doubt severe +punishment would have been inflicted on the delinquents could they have +been discovered. + +Two American brigs under Republican colors arrived shortly after this +and remained some weeks at the west end of the islands unmolested, and +Governor Bruere complained bitterly of this to the assembly.[A] + +[Footnote A: These were probably the vessels sent out from Rhode Island +under the command of Captain Whipple.] + +Governor George James Bruere died in 1780, and the administration +devolved on the Honorable Thomas Jones, who was relieved by George +Bruere as Lieutenant Governor, in October, 1780. + +Governor Bruere was soon openly at variance with the assembly, and did +not hesitate to accuse the people of treason in supplying the revolted +provinces with salt, exchanging it for provisions. Mr. Bruere extremely +exasperated at their trading, which he considered to be treasonable +conduct, commented on it in his message to the assembly in no measured +terms. Some intercepted correspondence with the rebels added fuel to the +flame, and on the fifteenth of August, 1781, he addressed them in a +speech which could not fail to be offensive, although it contained much +sound argument. This was followed by a message more bitter and +acrimonious, all of which they treated with silent contempt, until the +twenty-eight of September, when they discharged their wrath in an +address, in which the Governor was handled most roughly for his attacks +on the inhabitants of these islands. In return he addressed a message, +equally uncourteous in its tone, and dissolved the house. + +The arrival of William Browne, whose administration commenced the fourth +of January, 1782, put an end to Mr. Bruere's rule. + +The high character of the new Governor had preceded him in the colony, +and he was joyfully received on his arrival. He was a native of Salem, +Massachusetts, and was high in office previous to the Revolution, was +Colonel of the Essex regiment, judge of the Supreme Court, and Mandamus +Counselor. After the passage of the Boston Port bill, he was waited on +by a committee of the Essex delegates, to inform him, that "it was with +grief that the country had viewed his exertions for carrying into +execution certain acts of parliament calculated to enslave and ruin his +native land; that while the country would continue the respect for +several years paid him, it resolved to detach, from every future +connection, all such as shall persist in supporting or in any way +countenancing the late arbitrary acts of Parliament; that the delegates +in the name of the country requested him to excuse them from the painful +necessity of considering and treating him as an enemy to his country, +unless he resigned his office as Counsellor and Judge." Colonel Browne +replied as follows: + +"As a judge and in every other capacity, I intend to act with honor and +integrity and to exert my best abilities; and be assured that neither +persuasion can allure me, nor menaces compel me, to do anything +derogatory to the character of a Counselor of his Majesty's province of +Massachusetts."--William Browne. + +Colonel Browne was esteemed among the most opulent and benevolent +individuals of that province prior to the Revolution; and so great was +his popularity that the gubernatorial chair of Massachusetts was offered +him by the "committee of safety," as an inducement for him to remain and +join the "sons of liberty." But he felt it a duty to adhere to +government; even at the expense of his great landed estate, both in +Massachusetts and Connecticut, the latter comprising fourteen valuable +farms, all of which were afterwards confiscated. + +By preferring to remain on the side representing law and authority, and +unwilling to adopt the course of the revolutionists, this courtly +representative of an ancient and honorable family, this sincere lover of +his country, this skilled man of affairs, this upright and merciful +judge, once so beloved by his fellow townsmen, drew upon himself their +wrath, and he fled from his native country never to return again. First +he sought refuge in Boston in 1774, then in Halifax, and from there he +went to England in 1776, where he remained till 1781, when he was +appointed Governor of Bermuda, as a slight return for his great +sacrifices and important services in behalf of the Crown. Colonel Browne +married his cousin, the daughter of Governor Wanton, of Rhode Island, +and was doubly connected with the Winthrop family; the wives of the +elder Browne and Governor Wanton being daughters of John Winthrop, great +grandson of the first Governor of Massachusetts. Colonel Browne's son +William was an officer in the British service at the siege of Gibralter +in 1784. + +Under the judicious management of Governor Browne the colony continued +to steadily flourish; he conducted the business of the colony in the +greatest harmony with the different branches of the legislature. He +found the financial affairs of the islands in a confused and ruinous +state, and left them flourishing. In 1778 he left for England, deeply +and sincerely regretted by the people, and was succeeded by Henry +Hamilton as Lieutenant Governor, during whose administration the town of +Hamilton was built and named in compliment of him. + +Near the close of the American Revolution a plan was on foot to take +Bermuda, in order to make it "a nest of hornets" for the annoyance of +British trade, but the war closed, and it was abandoned. It, however, +proved a nest of hornets to the United States during the late civil war. +At that time St. George's was a busy town, and was one of the hot-beds +of secession. Being a great resort for blockade runners, which were +hospitably welcomed here, immense quantities of goods were purchased in +England, and brought here on large ocean steamers, and then transferred +to swift-sailing blockade runners, waiting to receive it. These ran the +blockade into Charleston, Wilmington and Savannah. + +It was a risky business, but one that was well followed, and many made +large fortunes there during the first year of the war, but many were +bankrupt, or nearly so at its close. + +Here, too, was concocted the fiendish plot of Dr. Blackburn, a +Kentuckian, for introducing yellow fever into northern cities, by +sending thither boxes of infected clothing. + +[The foregoing article on the history of Bermuda was compiled by the +author of "Stark's Illustrated Bermuda Guide," published by the +Photo-Electrotype Company, of 63 Oliver Street, Boston. The work +contains about two hundred pages and is embellished with sixteen +photo-prints, numerous engravings, and a new map of Bermuda made from +the latest surveys.--ED.] + + * * * * * + +HEART AND I. + +BY MARY HELEN BOODEY. + + Singing, singing through the valleys; + Singing, singing up the hills; + Peace that comes, and Love that tarries, + Hope that cheers, and Faith that thrills, + Heart and I, are we not blest + At the thought of coming rest? + + Singing, singing 'neath the shadow; + Singing, singing in the light; + Plucking flowerets from the meadow, + Seeing beauty up the height, + Heart and I, are we not gay + Thinking of unclouded day? + + Singing, singing through the summer; + Singing, singing in the snow; + Glad to hear the brooklets murmur, + Patient when the wild winds blow, + Heart and I, can we do this? + Yes, because of future bliss. + + Singing, singing up to Heaven; + Singing, singing down to earth; + Unto all some good is given. + Unto all there cometh worth; + Heart and I, we sing to know + That the good God loves us so. + + * * * * * + + +ELIZABETH. + +A ROMANCE OF COLONIAL DAYS. + +BY FRANCES C. SPARHAWK, Author of "A Lazy Man's Work." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +DEPARTURE. + + +With suppressed ejaculations and outspoken condolences the party broke +up. It was not until the last one had gone that Mrs. Eveleigh, leaving +her post of observation in the corner, swept out to find Elizabeth who +disappeared after Stephen Archdale had gone with Katie. She found her in +her bed-room trying to put her things into her box. Her face was +flushed, and her hands cold and trembling. + +"Why have you waited so long?" she began. "We must go at once. Have you +sent for a carriage? We shall meet ours on the way." + +"My dear," answered the other seating herself, "that is impossible. They +will not turn you out, if you have made a mistake. You can not go until +to-morrow, of course; nobody will expect it. I am very sorry for poor +Archdale and the young lady, but I dare say it will turn out all right." + +Elizabeth raised herself from the box over which she had been stooping +throwing in her things in an agony of haste. She opened her lips, but +words failed her. The amazement and indignation of her look turned +slowly to an appealing glance that few could have resisted. She had been +used to Mrs. Eveleigh's not comprehending nice distinctions, but now it +seemed as if to be a woman would make one understand. If her father were +with her now! She turned away sharply. + +"Will you see that some conveyance is here within half an hour?" she +said. "If it is a cart I will not refuse to go in it. But leave here at +once I will, if it must be on foot. For yourself, do as you choose, only +give my order." + +There was something in Elizabeth's gesture, and a desperation in her +face that made Mrs. Eveleigh go away and leave her without a word. In a +moment she came back. + +"I met James in the hall and sent him off in hot haste," she said. Her +tones showed that she had recovered the equanimity which the girl's +unexpected conduct had disturbed. She seated herself again with no less +complacency and with more deliberation than before. + +"I brought you up to be polite, Elizabeth," she said. "Things do +sometimes happen that are very trying, to be sure, but we should not +give way to irritation. Why, where should I have been if I had? Think +how it would have distressed your dear mother to have you show such +temper." + +The girl looked up sharply, looked down again, her hands moving faster +than ever, though everything grew indistinct to her for a minute. + +"Are you going with me?" she asked after a pause. + +"I? O, my dear child, you will not go at all this way. Perhaps it is as +well to pack up and show your dignity, but they will not let you go, you +know, your father's daughter, and all,--I told James to tell them,--it +would be shameful, I should never forgive them." + +"The question is whether they will ever forgive me, whether I have not +killed Katie. Sometimes I think of it only that way, and sometimes--." + +She was silent again and busy. Then all at once she stopped and walked +to the window. Her hands grasped the sash and she stood looking out at +the sky that had not gathered a cloud from all this darkness of her +life. At length she began to walk up and down as if every footstep took +her away from the house. + +"I always thought it must be a dreadful thing to marry a man you did not +want," she said speaking out her thoughts as if alone; "but to marry a +man who does not want you,--that is the most terrible thing in the +world. I have done both." And she covered her face with her hands. + +"Poor girl," answered Mrs. Eveleigh, "it _is_ hard. But you gave him as +good as he sent, that's a fact. Governor Wentworth spoke about it after +you left." Elizabeth had raised her head and was looking steadily at her +companion. "When young Archdale looked at you as he passed out, I mean," +she went on. "'Great Heavens!' cried the Governor, 'did you see that +exchange of looks, scorn and hatred on both sides, and they may be +husband and wife? The Lord pity them. And poor Katie!'" + +"He said that?" + +"Exactly that. Why, everybody noticed it, of course. What did you say?" +she added at a faint sound from her listener. + +"Nothing." + +And Elizabeth said nothing until ten minutes later when the sound of +wheels sent her to the window to see that a conveyance at least fairly +comfortable had been found for them. Her bonnet and wraps were already +on. + +"Are you coming?" she said to the other abruptly. "I shall start in five +minutes." + +"For Heaven's sake, more time, my dear. I have not changed my dress yet. +I suppose I cannot let you go alone, I should not feel happy about it, +and your father would never forgive me in the world." + +A half smile of contempt touched the girl's lips. Mrs. Eveleigh knew +what was for her own comfort too well to get herself out of Mr. Royal's +good graces, and not to be devoted to his daughter would have been to +him the unpardonable sin. But nobody would have been more astonished +than this same lady to be told that she had not a thoroughly +conscientious care of Elizabeth. She combined duty and interest as +skilfully as the most Cromwellian old Presbyter among her ancestors. + +In the hall Elizabeth met her hostess. + +"May I speak to Katie?" she asked timidly. + +Mrs. Archdale hesitated a moment, nodded in silence and went on to the +library, the girl following. Mr. Archdale was there, and the Colonel and +his wife. Stephen sat by the great chair in which Katie was propped, +holding her hand and sometimes speaking softly to her, or looking into +her face with eyes that gave no comfort. Elizabeth seemed to see no one +but her friend, she went up to the chair, and said to her softly, +pleadingly, + +"Good by, Katie." + +But Katie turned away her head. + +The door closed, Elizabeth had gone. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +FORECASTINGS. + + +Gerald Edmonson, Esquire, and Lord Bulchester drove leisurely through +the streets of the London of 1743. They found in it that same element +that makes the fascination of the London of to-day; for the streets, +dim, narrower, and less splendid than now, were full of this same charm +of human life, and yet, human isolation. Then, as now, might a man +wander homeless and lost, or these grim houses might open their doors to +him and reveal the splendors beyond them; and whether he were desolate, +or shone brilliant as a star depended upon so many chances and changes +that this Fortune's-Wheel drew him toward itself like a magnet. + +"I tell you," said Edmonson to his companion as they went along, "there +is not a shadow of a chance for me. When a woman says, 'no,' you can +tell by her eyes if she means it, and if there had been the least sign +of relenting or a possibility of it in Lady Grace's eyes, do you think I +would have given up? She has led me a sorry chase, that pretty sister of +yours." + +"Her beauty would not have taken you ten steps out of your way, if she +had not been such an heiress," retorted Bulchester. + +"Don't be so blunt, my friend. Is it my fault that I am obliged to look +out for money? If a man has only a tenth of the income he needs to live +upon, what is he going to do? It is well enough for you to be above +sordidness, so could I be with your purse and your prospects. Besides, +you know that I told you frankly I found Lady Grace charming. I wonder," +he asked turning sharply round, "if you have been playing me false?" + +But Bulchester laughed. A laugh at such a time, and a laugh so full of +simplicity and amusement brought the other to his bearings again. + +"You know I favored the match," added the nobleman. "Hang it! I don't +see why my sister could not have had my taste. She does not know all +your deviltries as I do, but yet I think you the most fascinating fellow +in England." + +"Perhaps that is the reason, because she does not know," laughed +Edmonson. "But, then, you have not been very far beyond England, except +to the land of the frog, and nobody expects to delight in the messieurs +anywhere but on the point of the bayonet, as we had them lately at +Dettengen." In a moment, however, he added gravely, "I am afraid my suit +to your sister has damaged my prospects in another quarter, at least the +matrimonial part of them, and I can hardly expect to be so successful +otherwise as to enable me to marry a lady whose face is her fortune." + +"Hardly, with your tastes," said Bulchester. "But, for my part, I am +glad that I can afford to be sentimental if I like. For that very reason +I shall probably be extremely sensible." + +Edmonson smiled, half in amusement, half in contempt. + +"Suppose the lady should be so too?" he asked slyly; then added, "I hope +she will, Bulchester, and take you. I don't know her name yet." + +"Nor I. But I don't want to consider only the rent-roll of the future +Lady Bulchester." + +"My lord, I shall be devotion itself to Mistress Edmonson, and I assure +you that the young lady I have chosen, I having failed to win your +adorable sister, is not a nonentity, though I cannot say that she is +charming. But you will see her. Her father was very gracious to me when +I was in Boston last winter, and regretted that I was obliged to leave +in the spring on affairs of importance. How was he to know, he or the +fair Elizabeth, that the business was a love suit? That would not have +done. The old gentleman would not think the king himself too good for +his daughter; if he dreamed that she was second fiddle, he would want me +to find the door faster than he could shew me there. So, if you fall in +love with her and want to supersede me, there's your chance." + +"I'm Jonathan to your David," returned the smaller man, "the kingdom is +for you, Edmonson." And the speaker looked at his companion with an +admiration that was deep in proportion as he felt himself unable to +imitate that mixture of good nature, strong will, and audacity that in +Edmonson fascinated him. "Is she handsome?" he added. + +"No," said the other decidedly. "She has a smile that lights up her face +well, and occasionally she says good things, but half the time in +company she seems not to be attending to what is going on about her, she +is away off in a dream about something that nobody cares a pin for, and +of course, it gives her a peculiar manner. I could see I interested her +more than anybody else did, but I had hard work sometimes to know how to +answer her queer sayings, for I could scarcely tell what she was talking +about." + +"You don't like that," suggested Bulchester. "You like ladies who lead +in society." + +"Well," assented Edmonson, "I know. But she will have to set up for an +oddity, and, you see, she has money enough to be able to afford it. A +fortune in her own right, and large expectations from the old gentleman +who began with money and has never made a bad investment in his life. +Think of it! Gerald Edmonson will keep open house and live rather +differently from at present in his bachelor quarters; and all his old +friends will be welcome." + +"What do you say to those we are going to meet to-night, who are to give +us our farewell supper; you would not ask a set like that to a lady's +table?" + +Edmonson laughed. + +"Why, and if I did," he answered, "Elizabeth Royal would never fathom +them. She might think they drank somewhat too much, and discover that +they were noisy; but as to the wild pranks we have played, yes, you and +I, Bulchester, I out of pure enjoyment of them, you, I do believe, more +than half not to be behind other men of fashion, why, you might tell +them to her safely, for she would never comprehend. One can't get along +so well with her on the little nothings one says to other women, to be +sure, but she has the greatest simplicity in the world, and that touch +of evil that spices life is entirely beyond her. But however that might +be, I tell you this, my lord: Gerald Edmonson is always master, and +always will be." + +"Yes," assented his hearer. + +"I only hope the extent of my impecuniosity will not cross the water +with me. I have never pretended to be rich, but I have said that my +expectations were excellent. So they are; for you know, Bulchester, the +heiress is not all my errand to these outlandish colonies. I have +expectations there. Rather strange ones, to be sure, so strange, and to +be come at so strangely, that if I can make anything out of them I shall +enjoy it a thousand times more than by any stupid old way of +inheritance." + +"It strikes me, though, you would not object to the stupid if a good +plum should fall down on your head from an ancestral tree." + +Edmonson laughed. + +"You have me there, Bul," he said. "But, on your honor, you are not to +betray my plans, or I have no chance at all," he added, suddenly facing +his companion. + +"What do you take me for, a traitor?" + +"No," exclaimed Edmonson with an oath. + +"For a tattler, then?" + +"No," came the answer again. "Only, inadvertence is sometimes as +mischievous in its results." + +"I, inadvertent?" cried Bulchester. + +His listener smiled slyly. The other felt that caution was his strong +point, and Edmonson's diplomacy would not assault this vigorously; his +aim had been merely to warn Bulchester and strengthen the defences. Soon +after this they reached the inn, where they were boisterously greeted by +their companions, who had been waiting for them in what was then one of +the fashionable public houses of London, though long since fallen out of +date and forgotten. + +"Don't be flattered," said Edmonson aside, "all this welcome is not for +us; the feast is to begin now that we have arrived." And a cynical smile +flashed over his handsome face. + +It was hours after this. The high revel had gone on with jest, and +laugh, and song, with play, too, and some purses were empty that before +had been none too well filled. Through it all Edmonson, the life of the +party, kept the control over himself that many had lost. There was no +credit due to him for the fact that he could drink more wine without +being overcome than any other man there. His face was flushed with it, +his eyes somewhat blood-shot and his fair hair disordered as, at last, +looking at his opposite neighbor, he nodded to him, leaned across the +table and touched glasses with him. Then, "Let us drink this toast +standing," he said, rising as he spoke; and at the movement ten other +young men, full of the effrontery of a long carousal, pushed back their +chairs noisily and rose, exclaiming in tones varying in degrees of +intoxication: + +"We pledge." + +"Yes," returned the man opposite Edmonson, repeating the pledge that +they all without exception would meet one hundred years from that night +to pledge each other again. + +A shout, more of drunken acquiescence than of comprehension went up in +chorus from all but one of the revelers; he held his glass silently a +moment, disposed to put it untasted on the table. + +"Bulchester's backing out," cried Edmonson giving him a scornful glance. + +"Oh, ho! Backing out!" echoed nine derisive voices. + +"We have made it too hot for him," called out Edmonson again. + +At which remark another shout arose, and the glasses were tossed off +with bravado, Bulchester's also being set down empty. + +After this the party broke up boisterously, Edmonson and Bulchester +receiving the good wishes of the company for their prosperous voyage. + +Leaving the inn, they went out into the night again, in which the +October moon veiled in clouds was doing its best to light the streets +now almost deserted. Bulchester looked with disapprobation at his +smiling companion. It was for the first time in their acquaintance, but +the compact into which the earl had so unwillingly entered had sobered +him, and was still ringing in his ears, giving him a sort of horror. He +said this to Edmonson, who burst out laughing. + +"A mere drunken freak, Bul, that counts for nothing. You will be an +angel sitting on a cold cloud singing psalms long before that time. I'll +warrant it. You are a good fellow. Don't bother your brains about such +nonsense." + +The third of November, Edmonson and Lord Bulchester sailed from +Liverpool in the "Ariel" for Boston. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +TWO WHO WOULD EXCHANGE PLACES. + + +The winds were baffling, and Edmonson and Lord Bulchester had a longer +voyage than they had counted upon. They found it tedious, and it was +with satisfaction that they at last set foot on land and drove through +the streets of Boston to the Royal Exchange. Edmonson's projects +inspired him rather than made him anxious. It was, of course, possible +that Elizabeth Royal might refuse him, but in his heart he had the +attitude of a Londoner toward provincials and was not burdened with +doubts as to the result of his wooing, and so the one necessary grain of +uncertainty only gave flavor to the whole affair. + +A few hours after his arrival he left the house to try his fortune. + +"I may not be home until late," he said to Bulchester. "I shall tackle +pater-familias first, then the young lady herself. It is possible they +will invite me to tea, you know. Don't wait for me if you find anything +to do or anywhere to go in this puritanical hole." And the young man, in +all the tasteful splendor of attire that the times allowed, closed the +door behind him and left Lord Bulchester looking at the oaken panels +which had suddenly taken the place in which his friend had been +standing, and seeing, not these, but Edmonson's fine figure and his bold +smile. + +"No woman can resist his wooing," the nobleman said to himself with a +sigh at the thought of his own indifferent appearance. Therefore it was +with amazement that two hours later coming home from a stroll he learned +that the other had returned, and going to his room found him prone on +the sofa. + +"Why! What is the--," he began, then checked himself, considering that +since only failure could be the matter, this was hardly a generous +question. + +"Headache," growled Edmonson. "No," he cried with an oath, "that is a +lie," and springing up, turned blood-shot eyes upon his companion. "I am +mad, Bulchester," he cried, "raving mad. It is all over with me in that +quarter." + +"She has refused you? Or the father has?" + +"Hang it! they couldn't do anything else, either of them. I did not see +Mistress Royal, Mistress Archdale, rather. Yes, married!" as Bulchester +echoed the name. "There's been an interesting drama with one knave and +two fools. If I could only catch the knave! Perhaps it is as well to let +the fools go, since I can't help it." He was silent a moment. Then after +a moment he added. "Well! what is the use of cursing one's luck?" "There +are several others I know of doing the same thing at this moment, and I +like to be original. I declare, if he didn't stand in my way, I should +be tempted to pity young Archdale. He wishes himself in my shoes as +much, and I suspect a good deal more, than I do myself in his. I don't +wonder that the young lady keeps herself retired for a time. I did not +see her, as I told you. Mr. Royal made as light of the matter as +possible, merely saying that something which might prove to have been a +real marriage ceremony, though he thought not, had taken place in a joke +between his daughter and Stephen Archdale, that the matter was to be +thoroughly investigated at once, and if it turned out that Elizabeth was +not Mistress Archdale, I had his permission to receive her answer from +her own lips. He was guarded enough; but on the way home I met Clinton +who had been one of the guests at Mistress Katie's attempted wedding +last week. He gave me details. Here they are." And these details lost +nothing through Edmonson's racy recital of them. "No, Bulchester," he +finished, "out of six people that I could name mixed up in this affair, +on the whole, I am the best off." + +"Six?" + +"Yes; counting in the love-lorn Waldo; that knave Harwin, who ought to +swing for it; the poor little bride that lost her bridegroom; and the +bridegroom; the young lady that got him when she didn't want him, and +missed me, whom, perhaps (without too much vanity) she did want a +little; and last on the list of wounded spirits, your humble servant. +How wise that man was who said that one sinner destroyed much good. By +the way, Bulchester, who was he? It is an excellent thing to quote in +regard to this affair, and I should like to know where it comes from." + +An anxious expression crossed the other's face as he cried: + +"Good heavens! Edmonson, if you go to quoting the Bible and asking where +the quotation comes from, you will get into awful disgrace with this +strictest-sect-of-our-religion people, and then what will become of the +other scheme that is bound to pull through?" + +"True, most sapient counsellor, and I will be on my guard. To show how I +profit by your sageness, let us drop all thought of this royal maiden +who is probably out of my reach, and attend to the other business. It is +good to have a sympathetic friend, Bul." + +They talked for nearly an hour after this, but not about Edmonson's +wooing. When Bulchester left, the other sat looking after him a moment. + +"Yes," he said to himself, "it is well to have a sympathetic creature +like that sometimes, but not if one tell him all his heart. I hid my +rage well, I passed it off for mere spleen. But we are not a race to get +over things in that way. It is hate, _hate_, I say," And he ground his +teeth, and again threw himself upon the sofa his face downward and +buried in his hands as if he were meditating deeply. + +Edmonson told his friend of having met one of the guests at Katie +Archdale's wedding, but he did not say to him that coming out of Mr. +Royal's house and walking quickly down the street, he had met the +bridegroom himself, and had returned Archdale's bow with a politeness +equally cold, while anger had leaped up within him. Was Archdale going +to call upon his wife? + +Stephen Archdale had come to Boston to collect whatever facts he could +about Harwin, and about the places and the people that the confession +referred to. Nothing was farther from his thoughts than any such visit. +It was his wish that Elizabeth and himself need never meet again, and he +knew that it was hers. Indeed, so far from thinking of the woman who was +perhaps his wife, he was living over again the glimpse he had had of the +one from whom he had been separated. Three days ago he had taken his gun +early in the morning and had gone out hunting, made more miserable than +before by something he had perceived in his father's mind. The Colonel +was not in sympathy with him; he was consoling himself that, after all, +Elizabeth Royal was a richer woman than Katie Archdale. At his light +insinuation of this to his son, the young man had flamed out into a heat +of passion and declared that one golden hair of Katie's head was worth +both Elizabeth and her fortune. He had rushed out of the house with the +wish for destroying something in his mind. As he stopped in the hall to +snatch his gun, the flintlock caught, and tore a hole in the tapestry +hanging. He saw it, pushed the great stag's antlers that the gun had +been swung on a little aside, and covered the torn place. Then he forgot +the accident almost as soon as this was done, left the house and went +striding over the fields, not so much to chase the foxes, as to be +alone. And when that point was gained he would have gone a step further +if he could and escaped from himself also. But he was only all the more +with his own thoughts as he wandered aimlessly through great stretches +of pine trees with the light snow of the night before still white on +their lower boughs, except when in some opening it had melted into +dewdrops in the December sun, and still clung to the trees, ready when +the sun had passed by them towards its setting to turn into filmy +icicles. The sky was brilliant; the long winter already upon the earth +smiled gently, as if to say that its reign would be mild. Stephen went +along so much preoccupied that only the baying of his hound made him +notice the light fox-prints by the roadside. Then the instinct of the +hunter stirred within him, and he followed on, listening now and then to +the distant bark while pursued and the pursuer were going farther away. +He waited, knowing fox nature well and that there were a hundred chances +to one that the creature would come back near the spot from which it was +started. As he waited close by the road which here led through the +woods, two men passed along it without seeing him. They were talking as +they went. Stephen knew them; one was an old man who used to be a +servant in the family when Colonel Archdale was a boy. He had married +long ago and was now living in a little house not far from his old home. +The young man with him was his son. Stephen was in no mood even for a +passing word, and he stood still, perceiving that a clump of bushes hid +him. A few sentences of the conversation reached him through the +stillness, but it meant nothing to him; he was not conscious even of +listening until Katie's name caught his ear. They were talking of this +marriage then, as every body was; he was the gossip of the very +servants. But his attention once caught was held until the speakers +passed out of hearing. Surely they knew nothing about the matter that he +did not. + +"She is such a pretty young lady," said the elder man, "and any girl +would feel it to miss the handsome young master for a husband." + +"Um!" assented the son. "Well, I suppose she will miss the sight of him +if her heart is set upon him, but there is many a young man nicer to my +thinking, and not so proud in his ways." + +"Has he ever been unjust or overbearing to you, Nathan?" inquired the +old man severely. + +"Oh, no, he has been uncommonly civil, he would think it beneath him to +be anything else. I know the cut of him; if he had any spite he would +take it out on a gentleman. He thinks we are made of different clay from +him." And the embryo republican threw back his shoulders impatiently. + +"So we are," returned the other, with the Englishman's ingrained belief +in caste; "but, to be sure, you feel it with some more than with others, +with the young man more than with his father. But I like it better than +the softly way the Colonel has. Stephen is more like his grandfather." + +"His grandfather!" echoed the son. "Why, he was a--." + +"Hush!" cried the other so suddenly and sharply that if the word had +been, uttered at all Stephen lost it, though, now he was listening +eagerly enough. "Do you remember you swore that you would never speak +that word?" + +"Well," returned the young man in a sullen tone, "if I did, what harm in +saying it here with not a soul but you around? And my feeling is," he +went on, "that this broken-off wedding is a judgment for his +grandfather's--." He hesitated. + +"When you learned it by accident, Nathan," returned his father, "you +swore to satisfy me, that you would never speak the word in connection +with him. Who knows what person may be round?" And he glanced cautiously +about him. Stephen half resolved to confront him and force him to tell +this secret. But the very quality in himself which the men had been +discussing held him back until the opportunity had passed. "No, I don't +want you to name it at all, Nathan. That is what you swore," continued +the old man. + +"You have said enough about it," retorted the younger. "I will keep my +word, of course; you know that." His tone was loud with anger. + +"Yes, yes, I know," said his companion, "But, you see, I was fond of the +young master if he was a bit wild; he was a fine, free gentleman, though +he changed very much after this--this accident and his coming over to +the Colonies, which wasn't no ways suited to him like London, only he +found it a good place to get rich in. You see, Nathan, it all happened +this way; he told me about it his own self with tears in his eyes, as I +might say, for his family,--he--." + +But it was in vain that Stephen strained his ears, the voices that had +not been drowned in the noise of footsteps had been growing fainter with +distance, and now were lost altogether. + +So there had been something in the family, thought Stephen, that he knew +nothing about, something that his grandfather had done which this man, +the son of his grandfather's butler, considered had brought down +vengeance on Katie and himself as the grandchildren. The very suggestion +oppressed him in this land of the Puritans, although he told himself +that he believed neither in the vengeance nor even in the crime itself. +But he had not dreamed of anything, anything at all, which had even +shadowed the fair fame of the Archdales. Did his father know of it? +Nothing that Stephen had ever seen in him looked like such knowledge, +but that did not make the son quite sure, for the old butler's remark +about the Colonel's suavity was just; his elaborate manners made Stephen +almost brusque at times, and aroused a secret antagonism in both, so +that they sometimes met one another with armor on, and Stephen's keen +thrust would occasionally penetrate the shield which his father +skilfully interposed between that and some fact. + +That morning Stephen sank down upon a rock near by while his mind ranged +over his recollections to find some clue to this mystery. But he found +none. He was sure that his grandfather had never been referred to as +being connected with anything secret, still less, disgraceful, or +perhaps criminal. It was impossible to imagine where the old butler's +idea came from, but it could not be founded upon truth. Yet, this snatch +of talk which Stephen had heard made him curious and uncomfortable. And +he knew that he must resign himself to feeling so; he could ask his +father, to be sure, but he would get no satisfaction out of that; either +the Colonel did not know, or, evidently he had resolved that there +should seem to be nothing to tell. After all, it did not matter very +much. His thoughts came back to his own position with almost wonder that +anything could have drawn them away from it. While he sat there the +baying of the hound drew nearer, and suddenly a rabbit started up from +a bush on his right. He raised his gun, but instantly lowered it again. +He had not moved, so it had not been he that had startled the rabbit, +but the larger game that was following it. The little creature scampered +away, and in another moment the fox which his dog had started ran past +him. Again he raised his gun and took aim with a hand accustomed to +bring down what he sighted. But to-day the gun dropped once more at his +side, for here was a creature that wanted its life, that was straining +for it. "Let him have the worthless gift if he values it," thought +Archdale, feeling that the gun had better have been turned the other way +in his hands. The fox disappeared after the rabbit, and in another +moment Stephen rose with a sneer at himself, and turned toward home. +Evidently, he could accomplish nothing that day, matters must have gone +hard with him to make him lose even the nerve of a hunter. He whistled +to his dog, but the hound had no intention of giving up the chase as his +master had done, and rushed past in full cry. The young man left him to +follow home at his pleasure, and walked along the road with a sombre +face. Soon the sound of distant bells reached him. A minute after a +sleigh appeared coming toward him from the vanishing point of the road +that here ran straight through the woods for some distance. It made no +difference to Stephen who was in the sleigh. As it came nearer and +nearer he never even glanced at it, until as it was passing, some +instinct, or perhaps eyes fixed upon him, made him look up. He started, +stopped, bowed low, took off his fur cap with deference, holding it in +his hand until the sleigh had gone slowly by. Then he turned and stood +looking after it, the flush that had come suddenly to his face fading +away as his eyes followed Katie Archdale's figure until it was lost to +sight. He could see her clinging to her father's arm; he seemed to see +her face before him for days, her face pale and sad, and so lovely. +Neither had spoken. Mr. Archdale had not waited; what had they to say? +Stephen had not really wished it; every thought was deeper than speech, +and probably Katie, too, had preferred to go on. And yet to pass in this +way--it was like their lives. + +That afternoon he started for Boston. It was doing something. Edmonson +who met him just arrived, need not have feared that he was going to +Elizabeth. He was in the city only to prove that the frolic of that +summer evening had been frolic merely, and that he was still free to +follow that charming face that had passed him by, so reluctantly, he +knew, in the woods. + +[TO BE CONTINUED.] + + * * * * * + +WENDELL PHILLIPS. + + +While delivering an address in Faneuil Hall, in 1875, the late +distinguished Wendell Phillips declared that he had never cast a ballot +in his life. + +Such a confession, coming from the liberty-loving champion of the rights +and freedom of all people, was not a little startling. + +Months later he was requested to explain what seemed to be a serious +inconsistency, as bearing on the question--how can an American citizen +wilfully refrain from the high prerogative of exercising his right and +duty to vote? + +The following is a copy of his letter stating the reason why he had not +voted. + +The letter hitherto has never been made public. It is of historical +value. + + 7 Aug't '76. + + DEAR SIR: + + I am in receipt of your kind note. This is the explanation: + Premising that I entirely agree with you as to the transcendant + importance of the vote and the duty of every citizen to use it--to + let no slight obstacle prevent his voting. + + The few years after I came of age I was moving about and it + happened, curiously enough, that I never lived in one town long + enough to get the vote there and never could be, at the proper + time, in the town where I had the right. + + Then soon I became an abolitionist and conscientiously refused to + vote or accept citizenship under a constitution which ordered the + return of fugitive slaves. + + The XVth. amendment was the first release from this bar, as I + judged. Since that, I have never voted but once. Absence from the + city &c prevented my doing so. _I should have taken special care_ + to be at home if living in a ward where my vote would have availed + anything, or if candidates were such as I could trust. + + Truly, + + WENDELL PHILLIPS. + + * * * * * + +EASY CHAIR. + +BY ELBRIDGE H. GOSS. + + +This is an age of magazines. Every guild, every issue, has its monthly +or quarterly. If a new athletic exercise should be evolved to-morrow, a +new magazine, in its interest, would follow; and there seems to be a +field for every new venture. + +Among our older magazines, Harper's "New Monthly" still pursues its +popular course. In June, 1850, I bought the first number, and from that +day to this it has been one of my household treasures. A complete set, +sixty nine (69) volumes, forms a most excellent library in itself; a +fair compendium of the world's history for the last thirty odd years. +Story, essay, and event, has filled these sixty thousand pages. In +October, 1851, the department called the "Editor's Easy Chair," was +established by Donald G. Mitchell, the genial "Ik: Marvel." Here are his +first words: + +"After our more severe Editorial work is done--the scissors laid in our +drawer, and the monthly record, made as full as our pages will bear, of +history--we have a way of throwing ourselves back into an old red-back +_Easy Chair_, that has long been an ornament of our dingy office, and +indulging in an easy, and careless overlook of the gossiping papers of +the day, and in such chit chat with chance visitors, as keeps us +informed of the drift of the towntalk, while it relieves greatly the +monotony of our office hours." Here is the well remembered flavor of the +"Reveries of a Bachelor" and "Dream-Life"! + +A year or so afterward, George William Curtis became a co-writer of a +part of the articles for this department, and soon after he became the +sole occupant of the now famous "Easy Chair;" and each month, as +regularly as the appearance of the magazine itself, these very +interesting, most readable, and instructive notelets upon the current +topics of the time have appeared. Their pure style, graceful and +delicate humor, and the vast range of culture and observation, give them +a distinctively personal characteristic. He would have made one of our +first novelists; but he has chosen to give the strength of his powers to +journalism, and the study of political affairs. + +It is safe to say that each number of the magazine has had an average of +at least five pages of "Easy Chair," making very nearly or quite two +thousand (2,000) pages in all; or a quantity more than sufficient to +fill two and a half volumes of the sixty nine (69) thus far issued, each +volume containing eight hundred and sixty four (864) pages. Before +beginning to write these delectable tid-bits, he had published "Nile +notes of a Howadji," "The Howadji in Syria," and "Lotus Eating;" soon +after appeared "Potiphar Papers," "Prue and I," and "Tramps." For twenty +years he was constantly on the lecture platform; and for twenty one +years he has been the political editor of "Harper's Weekly." Although +offered missions to the courts of England and Germany, and other +positions of trust and honor, he never accepted; his nearest approach to +the holding of any political office was the accepting of an appointment, +for a while, of the chairmanship of the "Civil Service Advisory Board." +As has been well said by George Parsons Lathrop, "The idea often occurs +to one that he, more than any one else, continues the example which +Washington Irving set: an example of kindliness and good nature blended +with indestructible dignity, and a delicately imaginative mind +consecrating much of its energy to public service." + +As for the "Easy Chair," with me, its leaves are first cut in each fresh +number; and while enjoying the last one, I wondered why some deft hand +had not culled some of the choicest specimens, and that the Harpers had +not given them to the world in a volume by themselves. They are most +certainly worthy of it. A few passages taken here and there, from these +rich fields, will prove this assertion. The subjects treated in the +whole "Easy Chair" number nearly or quite twenty-five hundred +(2,500),--reminiscences of Emerson and Longfellow--first presentation of +a new Oratorios--a celebrated painting--the visit of a Lord Chief +Justice of England,--a vast range of topics. Consult the nine closely +printed octavo pages of their titles in the "Index to the first Sixty +Volumes"--from "Abbott, Commodore, xiii. 271," to "Zurich, University +of, xlviii. 443," and one will be amazed at the great number and variety +of themes upon which the "Easy Chair" has had its say. And it would seem +that its occupant has had some similar thoughts to these, for, in a +recent number there is a retrospective glance--a wondering as to what +future generations may have to say, and wish to know regarding matters +and things of this generation about which it has discoursed: + +"The Easy Chair, mindful of posterity, and of that future loiterer in +the retired alcoves of coming libraries who will turn to the pages of an +old magazine to catch some glimpse of the daily aspect and the homely +fact of our day, which will be then a kind of quaint remembrance, like +the 'Augustan age' of Anne to Victorian epoch, puts here upon record for +his unborn reader--whom he salutes with hope and Godspeed--that the +winter of 1883-4 in the city of New York was a gray and gloomy season +almost beyond precedent, during which the persistent fogs and mists +appeared half to have obliterated the sun." + +Here are a few excerpts which may be called "Gems for the Easy Chair;" +but those given are no better than thousands of others that are +scattered through these many volumes. + +A Madonna. Once in Dresden the Easy Chair climbed into a little room +where an engraver was finishing a picture which is now famous. He had +worked long and faithfully upon it. It was truly a work of love, and it +had cost him his most precious and essential possession for his art--his +eyesight. The engraver was Steinla, and the picture was the Madonna di +Sisto.... It can be seen only by those who go to Dresden. Among pictures +there is none more justly famous, and the devoted engraver toiled long +and patiently, and at such enormous sacrifice to re-produce it, so far +as lines could do it, from the same love and instinct that produced the +picture. + + * * * * * + +PUBLISHERS' DEPARTMENT. + +NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. + + +MIDDLESEX COUNTY MANUAL. By CHARLES COWLEY. LL.D. Penhallow Printing +Company, Lowell, Mass. + +In this handy volume, the "Historical Sketch of the County of +Middlesex," Judge Cowley has made a valuable contribution to the +recorded history of our Commonwealth. He has traced in a clear and +concise manner the important events of Middlesex County from 1643, the +year of its incorporation, down to Shay's Rebellion. + + +REMINISCENCES OF JAMES COOK AVER AND THE TOWN OF AVER. By CHARLES +COWLEY, LL.D. + +This work is one of many for which the public are indebted to Judge +Cowley. It presents many facts of great historical value, and in the +usual pungent and agreeable style of their author. + + +SHOPPELL'S BUILDING PLANS FOR MODERN LOW COST HOUSES. The Co-operative +Building Plan Association, New York. Price, 50 cents. + +This book contains a mass of information to builders and would-be _home +owners_. Its many and varied plans are for the construction of neat, +comfortable and very attractive buildings at very reasonable cost. + + * * * * * + +CORRECTION. + +In the sketch of Saugus in the December number of the BAY STATE MONTHLY, +line 14, on page 149, should read "as early as 1828" instead of +1848.--E.P.R. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. 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No. 5, +February, 1885, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. No. 5, February, 1885 + A Massachusetts Magazine + +Author: Various + +Release Date: November 23, 2004 [EBook #14132] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAY STATE MONTHLY *** + + + + +Produced by Joshua Hutchinson, Josephine Paolucci, Cornell University +and the PG Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<div class="text"> +<div class="front"> + +<div class="div"> +<h2 class="dgp">The Bay State Monthly</h2> +<h2 class="sub">A Massachusetts Magazine</h2> +<h2 class="sub">Volume II</h2> +<h2 class="sub">February, 1885.</h2> +<h2 class="sub">Number 5.</h2> +<p class="noindent"></p> +</div> + + <hr class="doublepage"> + +<div class="div" id="toc"><a name="toc_1"></a><h2 class="dgp">Contents</h2><ul class="toc"> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_1">Contents</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_2">WILLIAM GASTON.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_3">GENEALOGY.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_4">TRADITIONS.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_5">REMINISCENCES OF DANIEL WEBSTER.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_6">THE DARK DAY.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_7">NAMES AND NICKNAMES.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_8">JOHN PRESCOTT, THE FOUNDER OF LANCASTER.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_9">JOHN PRESCOTT'S WILL.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_10">A GLIMPSE.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_11">EARLY HISTORY OF THE BERMUDA ISLANDS.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_12">TO GOVERNOR COOKE, OF RHODE ISLAND.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_13">TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_14">HEART AND I.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_15">ELIZABETH.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_16">CHAPTER VIII.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_17">CHAPTER IX.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_18">CHAPTER X.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_19">WENDELL PHILLIPS.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_20">EASY CHAIR.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_21">PUBLISHERS' DEPARTMENT.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_22">Notes</a></li> +</ul></div> + +</div> +<div class="body"> + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image1.png" alt="W'm Gaston."></p> +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">W'm Gaston.</p> +</div> + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> + + + +<a name="toc_2"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">WILLIAM GASTON.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">By ARTHUR P. DODGE.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Victor Hugo has written: "The +historian of morals and ideas has a mission +no less austere than that of the historian +of events. The latter has the +surface of civilization, the struggles of +the crowns, the births of princes, the +marriages of Kings, the battles, the assemblies, +the great public men, the revolutions +in the sunlight, all exterior; +the other historian has the interior, the +foundation, the people who work, who +suffer and who wait ... Have +these historians of hearts and souls lesser +duties than the historian of exterior +facts?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">There is much unwritten history of +the Bay State: of the exterior, much +is recorded; of the interior, far less. +Both are valuable to posterity. It is believed +that succeeding ages will hold of +far greater value, and the youth of our +day be benefitted more by the study of +the underlying principles and causes of +those events which are given a conspicuous +place in history, rather than by +the mere record of the surface facts.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It is profitable to study the habits and +methods of individuals who stand out +in bold relief in history. To derive the +greatest interest and value from such +lives it is well to follow them from early +childhood. Indeed it is profitable to +trace back the ancestry and lineage from +which the man has descended, to study +the characteristics peculiar to each generation, +and to note the result of racial +mixtures tending to the typical and representative +American of to-day.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Many prominent men received their +first incentive to ambition and industry +and perseverence by reading—when their +minds were immature, but fresh and retentive—of +the life and achievements +of Benjamin Franklin and such other +grand models for the young.</p> + +<p class="dgp">No history of a country or state is +complete without studies of the lives +of those men who have made and are +making history.</p> + +<p class="dgp">William Gaston comes from an honored +and distinguished ancestry on both +his paternal and maternal side as will be +seen by the succeeding genealogical +notes.</p> + +<p class="dgp">He was born at Killingly, Connecticut, +October 3, 1820.</p> + + + +<div class="display"> +<a name="toc_3"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">GENEALOGY.</h3> + +<p class="noindent">Jean Gaston was born in France, probably +about the year 1600. There are traditions about +the particular family to which he belonged, but +only little is definitely known. He was a Huguenot, +and is said to have been banished from +France on account of his religion. His property +was confiscated. His brothers and family, +although Catholics, sent money to him in Scotland +for his support. He is said to have been +forty years of age and unmarried when he went +to Scotland. Between 1662 and 1668, during a +season of persecution in Scotland, his sons, +John, William, and Alexander, went over into +the north of Ireland, whither many of their +friends were fleeing for safety and religious +freedom. There is some uncertainty as to which +of these three brothers was the founder of this +branch of the family, but numerous facts point +almost conclusively to John as such founder. +One generation was born in Ireland.</p> + +<p class="dgp">John Gaston had three sons born in Ireland: +William, born about 1680; lived at Caranleigh +Clough Water; John, born 1703-4, died +in America 1783; Alexander, born 1714, died +in America.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The former lived all his days in Caranleigh +Clough Water, Ireland, where he died about +1770. John and Alexander came to New England +during or shortly prior to 1730. Tradition +has it that they landed at Marblehead. From +this place they went soon, if not immediately, +to Connecticut. As their ancestors had done, +so did they, seek religious liberty in a foreign +land. They were Separatists and probably were +drawn to Voluntown because a Church holding +that faith was there established. Alexander returned +to Massachusetts a few years later, residing +in Richmond, where some of his descendants +now reside; but most of that branch of +the family are living in the western states.</p> + +<p class="dgp">John Gaston was made a freeman of Voluntown +at the organization of its town government +in 1736-7. He was a prominent member +of the Separatists Church in that +town, the meeting for the settlement of +Reverend Alexander Miller, their pastor, being +held at his house. He was the great-grandfather +of the subject of this sketch. +His three children were born in America: Margaret, +born 1737, died 1810; Alexander, born +1739, was a commissioned officer in the French +and Indian War; John, born 1750, died 1805.</p> + +<p class="dgp">John Gaston married Ruth Miller, daughter +of Reverend Alexander Miller. Their children +were Alexander, born in Voluntown, August 2, +1772; Margaret, born December 13, 1781. +The latter died in early childhood.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Alexander Gaston married Olive Dunlap, +a daughter of Joshua Dunlap, of Plainfield, +Connecticut, who was born 1769, died in Killingly, +September 7, 1814. He married for +his second wife in Killingly, in April, 1816, +Kezia Arnold, daughter of Aaron Arnold, born +in Burrillville, Rhode Island, November, 1779, +died in Roxbury, Massachusetts, January 30, +1856. His death occurred in Roxbury, February +11, 1856. The children of first marriage: +Esther, born 1804, died 1860; John, +born 1806, died 1824. William Gaston, of +whom this sketch is written, was the sole +issue of the second marriage. He was born at +Killingly October 3, 1820. With his parents he +moved to Roxbury in the summer of 1838. On +December 27, 1830, was born at Boston, Louisa +A. Beecher to whom Mr. Gaston was married +May 27, 1852. Mrs. Gaston is a daughter of Laban +S. and Frances A. (Lines) Beecher, both of +whom were natives of New Haven, Connecticut, +and were direct descendants of the very +first settlers of Connecticut in 1638. The children +of Governor and Mrs. Gaston were: Sarah +Howard, William Alexander, and Theodore +Beecher. The latter was born February 8, 1861; +died July 16, 1869.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The death of Theodore was a severe blow +to his family. He was a beautiful and promising +boy. This sad calamity seemed like +the withdrawal of sunlight from the household, +causing his loving parents the keenest anguish.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Of this branch of the family there are but +very few relatives of Governor Gaston. His +son William is the only male representative of +his generation. It is, singularly enough, true +that in his family line of descent there have +been three generations where each had but one +male representative, and two generations +having but one representative of either sex. +Thus the Carolina Gastons are of the nearest +kindred to Governor Gaston's particular +branch.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Kezia (Arnold) Gaston, the mother of Governor +Gaston, was a daughter of Aaron Arnold +and Rhoda (Hunt) Arnold, and a lineal descendant +of Thomas Arnold, who, with his +brother William, came to New England in +1636. William Arnold went to Rhode Island +with Roger Williams, being one of the fifty-four +proprietors of that Plantation. His +brother Thomas followed him there in 1654. +The latter was born in England in 1599, +probably in Leamington, that being the birth-place + +of his brother William. His second +wife was Phoebe Parkhurst, daughter of George +Parkhurst of Watertown, Massachusetts. The +family record is carried back to 1100, being +undoubtedly accurate to about the year 1570, +when the name Arnold was first used as a surname; +possibly accurate throughout.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The arms of the Family; Gules, a chevron +ermine between three Pheons, or; appear on +the tombstone of Oliver Arnold, and of William +Arnold, the original settler. The same +arms are on a tablet in the Parish Church of +Churcham in Gloucestershire, England, placed +there in memory of his ancestor John Arnold +of Lanthony, Monmouthshire, afterwards +of Hingham, who acquired the manor of +Churcham in 1541.</p> +</div> + +<div class="display"> +<a name="toc_4"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">TRADITIONS.</h3> + +<p class="noindent">The most ancient written record of the family +which the writer has consulted was written +by John Roseborough, late Clerk of the Circuit +Court, Chester District, South Carolina. +He was the son of Alexander Roseborough +and Martha Gaston, whose father, William +Gaston of Caranleigh Clough Water, Ireland, +was grandson of Jean Gaston, the Huguenot +ancestor of the family.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The statement is as follows, the words enclosed +in parenthesis being supplied by way of +information.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Jean Gaston emigrated from France to Scotland +on account of his religion, as a persecution +then raged against the Protestants. +He had two sons who emigrated from +Scotland to Ireland between 1662 and 1668 +during a time of persecution in Scotland. There +was a John and a William, but which of them +was the ancestor of our grandfather is not +known. William Gaston, my grandfather, lived +at Caranleigh Clough Water. He married Miss +Lemmon and had four sons and as many daughters: +John Gaston (King's Justice) died on +Fishing Creek, near Cedar Shoal, Chester District, +South Carolina; Rev. Hugh Gaston, author +of 'Concordance and Collections'; Dr. Alexander +Gaston, killed by the British at Newbern, +South Carolina (father of Judge William +Gaston); Robert Gaston, and William +Gaston."</p> + +<p class="dgp">One fact is established, that many of Jean +Gaston's descendants had settled in America +before the Revolution and were actively engaged +in that contest for liberty. +</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">Springing from such ancestry in which +are joined the characteristics of the +French Huguenot, the Scotch Presbyterian, +the Scotch-Irish patriot, the follower +of Roger Williams, the May Flower +Pilgrim, one is not surprised to find in +William Gaston a strong man; a man +who inherited as a birthright the qualities +of leadership.</p> + +<p class="dgp">His father was a well known merchant +of Connecticut, of sterling integrity, +and of remarkably strong force of character. +He was commissioned a Captain +at the early age of twenty-two, and was +for many years in the Legislature. The +father of the latter was also in the Connecticut +Legislature for many years.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In early youth William gave promise +of a superb manhood by displaying those +qualities which have since distinguished +him. He was a studious boy, eager for +knowledge. He attended the Academy +in Brooklyn, Connecticut, and subsequently +fitted for College at the Plainfield +Academy. At the age of fifteen +he left his quiet village home for +Brown University, where his intellect +was trained in a routine sanctioned by +the experience of centuries, and where +contact with his fellows soon roused his +ambition and gave him confidence in his +own ability to enter the struggle with +the world for place and honor. William, +having a married sister, who was many +years his senior, residing in Providence, +his father decided to send him, then +scarcely more than a lad, to Brown +University where he would be surrounded +by family influences and enjoy +the social advantages offered by his +sister's home. He maintained a high +rank, graduating with honors in 1840.</p> + +<p class="dgp">For his life work he decided upon the +legal profession—a wise choice as subsequent +time has shown his peculiar fitness +therefor. He first entered the office +of Judge Francis Hilliard of Roxbury, +remaining for a time and then continued + +his legal studies with the distinguished +lawyers and jurists Charles P. and Benjamin +R. Curtis of Boston, with whom +he remained until his admission to the +Bar in 1844.</p> + +<p class="dgp">At Roxbury in 1846 he opened his +first law office, taking comparatively +soon a leading position at the Bar. +He there continued his practice until +1865 when he formed with the late +Hon. Harvey Jewell and the since +associate justice of the Supreme Judicial +Court, the Hon. Walbridge A. Field, +the famous and successful law firm, +having offices at number 5 Tremont +street, of Jewell, Gaston and Field. +This firm continued until the election of +Mr. Gaston to the gubernatorial chair +of Massachusetts in 1874. He was the +Democratic candidate the year previous +for this office, his competitor being Mr. +Washburn, who was elected but did not +long retain the chair of State, being +elected to the United States Senate. +At the convention nominating William +B. Washburn for Governor there were +four other candidates for the honor: +Alexander H. Rice, George B. Loring, +Harvey Jewell and Benjamin F. Butler. +The latter created no little unquiet +by the zeal and strength of his support. +The upshot was that there was a +harmonious combination of the forces of +the four contestants of Butler upon Mr. +Washburn. It is remembered that +some of the party organs were upon nettles, +fearing that General Butler would +bolt the nomination, but he came out +squarely and declared that as he had +staked his issues with the convention he +would abide the result.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In the canvass of 1874 Mr. Gaston +was opposed by Hon. Thomas Talbot, +who, by reason of Governor Washburn's +election to the Senate as stated, was +acting as Governor, having been elected +Lieutenant Governor on the ticket with +Mr. Washburn. Governor Gaston's majority +over Mr. Talbot was 7,033. In +the following canvass of 1875, Mr. Gaston +having been re-nominated by the +Democracy, his competitor was Hon. +Alexander H. Rice. By this time, that +part of the country represented by the +strongly-intrenched Republican party, +was fully aroused to the exigency of the +hour. The edict came from the political +centre at Washington to the effect +that the Republican party could not +stand another defeat in Massachusetts, +especially on the eve of a presidential +campaign. The national organization +concentrated a wonderfully <em>efficient</em> auxiliary +force in aid of the intense activity +already exerted by the local managers, +who so well understood the popularity +of Mr. Gaston and of the +strong hold he had upon the people. It +seems now that the Democratic managers +accepted or anticipated failure as a +foregone conclusion, and no great fight +was made; otherwise they would probably +have won the election, as Mr. Rice +was elected by only the small plurality +of 5,306 votes. This is very significant, +taken in connection with the fact that +General Grant carried Massachusetts in +1872 by 74,212 majority.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1876, that memorable year—memorable +as the year of the electoral +commission—Governor Gaston magnanimously +declined the re-nomination, +which a large majority of the convention +was undoubtedly eager to confer. +The nomination of Charles Francis +Adams was to the rank and file and to +the party managers a disappointment, +and the enthusiasm that he was expected +to arouse was not materialized.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The press of the State justly commended +Mr. Gaston's conduct in not +forcing his own nomination, a course so +completely in accord with his character, +and his entire devotion to the party + +welfare. He did not display the least +semblance of self-seeking.</p> + +<p class="dgp">He has seen not a little of public +life, but with the exception of five +years, has succeeded in conducting his +large and important professional practice +the entire period from his early beginning +to this day. The five years referred +to were: two years, 1861 and +1862, while he was Mayor of the city +of Roxbury; the two years, 1871 and +1872, as Mayor of Boston (this being +after the annexation of Roxbury), +and the year 1875 when Governor.</p> + +<p class="dgp">His mayoralty term of Roxbury antedated +the years he was Mayor of Boston +by just ten years. While such +Mayor of Roxbury in 1861-2 he was +very active in speechmaking and raising +troops in preservation of the American +Union. He went to the front several +times, and was enthusiastically patriotic +during the entire critical period.</p> + +<p class="dgp">He was five years City Solicitor of +Roxbuxy. In 1853 and 1854 he was +elected to the Legislature as a Whig, +and in 1856 was re-elected by a fusion +of Whigs and Democrats in opposition +to the Know-Nothing candidate. In +1868, although the district was strongly +Republican, he was elected as a Democrat +to the State Senate.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In the fall of 1872 Mr. Gaston positively +declined the further use of his +name in the Mayoralty election in Boston +that year. He concluded to be a +candidate, however, upon the earnest +solicitation of so many of the best citizens, +and of the press, and in consideration +of the perfectly unanimous action +of the ward and city committee, in reporting +in favor of his re-nomination and +speaking of him as a man pre-eminently +qualified for the duties which required +"wisdom, discretion, firmness and courage +when needed, combined with the +most exalted integrity and unselfish devotion +to the honor, welfare, and prosperity +of the city."</p> + +<p class="dgp">In commenting on this subject the +<em>Post</em> in an editorial, November 26, +1872, said in commendation of the +above words of the committee: "The +language employed is none too strong or +emphatic. The history of Mayor Gaston's +two administrations is an eminently +successful one, so far as he is +personally responsible for them, and +there is not the least room to question +that if he were to be re-elected and +supported by a board of aldermen of +similar character and purpose the city +would at once find the uttermost requirements +of its government satisfied." +In that election in December, 1872, for +the year 1873 his opponent, Hon. Henry +L. Pierce, was declared elected Mayor +by only seventy-nine plurality. This +fact indicates Mr. Gaston's popularity, +as General Grant had carried Boston +the year previous by about 5,500 +majority. As her Representative, her +presiding officer, her head of affairs, +Mayor Gaston was a success; an honor +to the great city which honored him.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1870 he was a candidate for Congress, +but failed of an election, Hon. +Ginery Twitchell receiving a majority +of the votes.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1875 Harvard College and also +his Alma Mater, Brown University, conferred +upon him the degree of LL.D.</p> + +<p class="dgp">While he was Governor the somewhat +notorious Jesse Pomeroy case was the +occasion of more or less criticism; the +Governor himself receiving <em>pro</em> and <em>con</em> +his full share thereof. He was in some +instances charged with a lack of firmness, +but time has completely vindicated +his course. Many of those alleging +at the time the Governor's want of +"back-bone" have lived long enough +to fully realize that his firmness consisted +in adhering with an honest persistency + +to his convictions, indicating the +identical course he pursued in that as +in all other matters of public import.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Among those who know him best +there exists the consciousness that Mr. +Gaston is not only an exceedingly cautious +man, but consistently conscientious. +Bringing such lofty principles, +together with a discerning mind and +sound judgement, into activity in the +discharge of his duty, his administration +was, it was generally conceded, +a wise one. It should be +borne in mind that he occupied +a somewhat novel position, there having +been no Democratic Governor +of the State for many years. The scrutiny +directed to him and his acts was +intense. His success in bringing his +official relations as excessive to such a +happy termination is abundant proof of +his being the man this paper endeavors +to picture him.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It was during his term of office that +the lamented Henry Wilson died. At the +State House, in Doric Hall, in November, +1875, Governor Gaston, on receiving +the sacred remains in behalf of the Commonwealth, +said in his address to the +committee: "Massachusetts receives +from you her illustrious dead. She will +see to it that he whose dead body you +bear to us, but whose spirit has entered +upon its higher service, shall receive honors +befitting the great office which in life +he held, and I need not assure you that +her people, with hearts full of respect, of +love, and of veneration, will not only +guard and protect the body, the coffin, +and the grave, but will also ever cherish +his name and fame. Gentlemen, for +the pious service which you have so +kindly and tenderly rendered, accept the +thanks of a grateful Commonwealth."</p> + +<p class="dgp">Among the appointments made by +Governor Gaston were the following: +that of the late Hon. Otis P. Lord +to be Associate Justice of the Supreme +Judicial Court; Honorable Waldo +Colburn and Honorable William S. +Gardner to Associate Justiceships of +the Superior Court.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The writer has preserved in his scrap +books various selections from Mr. Gaston's +public utterances, so excellent +and so numerous that it would be difficult +to single out any of them for insertion +here, even would space permit so doing.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It is incomparable, the duties he has +performed, the labors he has accomplished. +His life is, and ever has been, +a busy life. One marvels to know how +he accomplishes so much.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In the political world, in literature, in +the legal profession, monuments have +arisen in testimony of his toil.</p> + +<p class="dgp">As a lawyer his successes have been +such as have been vouchsafed to but +few. The word success is applied both +where it ought to be applied and where +not deserved. Gaining great wealth, +distinguished professional standing, extensive +political renown, pre-eminence +in other avenues may be, or may not be, +in the highest sense, success. Most +men of strong points are sadly deficient +in other and essential traits needed to +constitute a well-biased, grandly-rounded +life. It is rare, indeed, that a person +is encountered possessing such well-proportioned, +evenly-balanced, distinguishing +characteristics as it has been +Mr. Gaston's lot to enjoy.</p> + +<p class="dgp">His steady, onward march over the +rough places and up the hill in his +learned profession abundantly attest his +greatness. No being can occupy, nor +even approach, the very foremost +rank in the legal arena save he be +great. Of all representatives of human +experiences the lawyer, and more particularly +the advocate, has the least opportunity +to occupy falsely a position of +real prominence. Advocacy is the + +most jealous of mistresses. Undoubtedly +it is true that nowhere else must +there be ever present and ever ready +to respond at a moment's notice such +a happy combination of those qualities +already noted.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It is not long ago that one of the most +worthy of Boston's Judges remarked to +the writer: "You can count the really +excellent advocates at the Suffolk Bar +upon the fingers of both hands." He +began by naming the subject of this +sketch, following with the names of Honorable +A.A. Ranney, Honorable William +G. Russell, Honorable Robert M. Morse, +Jr., and others. The learned Judge +must, it seems, have had in mind a very +high standard of advocacy, for there +are not a few among the something like +two thousand Boston lawyers who have +well earned, and justly, the right to be +called able and eloquent.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In his historical article entitled "The +Bench and Bar," by Erastus Worthington, +and contained in the "History of +Norfolk County, Massachusetts," after +writing of those eminent advocates, +Ezra Wilkinson and John J. Clarke, he +refers to Governor Gaston and Judge +Colburn in the following words: "The +successors to the leadership of the bar, +after the retirement of Mr. Wilkinson +and Mr. Clarke, were William Gaston of +Roxbury, and Waldo Colburn of Dedham. +Mr. Gaston was not admitted to +practice in this county, but he studied +law with Mr. Clarke, and practiced in +this county for many years, and considered +himself a Norfolk lawyer. He was +an eloquent and successful advocate and +had an excellent practice. He had removed +to Boston prior to the annexation +of Roxbury.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Mr. Colburn practiced in Dedham +until he was appointed an Associate +Justice of the Superior Court in +1875. He attained a high position in +his profession as a wise counsellor, an +able trier of causes, and a lawyer in +whose hands the interests of his clients +were always safe."</p> + +<p class="dgp">On his election to the Governorship +Mr. Gaston absolutely relinquished his +practice and gave his undivided attention +to the duties of his office. He +had been quite unable to devote his +customary labor to the benefit of his +law partnership and the good of their +clientage during the two years that he +was Mayor of Boston.</p> + +<p class="dgp">When he retired from the executive +chair it is said that he had neither a +"case" nor a client.</p> + +<p class="dgp">He took offices in Sears Building and +it was not long before he was again enjoying +a large and lucrative practice. +In 1879 he took into partnership C.L.B. +Whitney, Esq.; and last year William +A. Gaston, Esq., was admitted to the firm.</p> + +<p class="dgp">An imperishable chain binds Ex-Governor +Gaston to the bright side of the +history of the Commonwealth. His life +and its renown are one and inseparable. +Such is the inevitable result of a life that +has ever been linked to honorable endeavors +and principles. So thoroughly +identified with, and endeared to, her best +interests, it is difficult to believe that +Massachusetts can claim him by adoption +only. In private life Mr. Gaston is +all that can be desired. He is quiet, +and remarkably modest and unassuming.</p> + +<p class="dgp">He enjoys the delightful home quietness +away from his labors. But what +little time he has for such enjoyment! +He seems to love work. How he has +performed so much of it is a wonder, although +it is well known that he inherits +and enjoys remarkable powers of endurance. +Among his favorite authors are +Scott and Burke. He is temperate, refined +in his habits, has the manners of +a perfect gentleman, and deserves the +blessed fruits of a well directed life.</p> +</div> + + + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_5"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">REMINISCENCES OF DANIEL WEBSTER.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">BY HON. GEORGE W. NESMITH, LL.D.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The following is a copy of a letter +originally addressed to Rev. Mr. Savage +of Franklin, N.H. The original is +dated October 10, 1852, fourteen days +before the decease of Mr. Webster. It +was dictated to his Clerk, C.J. Abbott, +Esq. It was the same letter that gave +rise to the humorous anecdote, so well +related by Mr. Curtice in his Biography +of Mr. Webster, vol. 2, page 683.</p> + +<p class="dgp">We now present this letter to the +public to show how worthily one of the +last days of Mr. Webster was employed. +In this case he presented a <em>Peace Offering</em> +to old friends, which proved effectual +in preventing a severe litigation +and consequent loss of money and +friendship:</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: right">"MARSHFIELD, Oct. 10, 1852.</p> + +<p class="dgp">MY DEAR SIR: I learn that there is likely +to be a lawsuit between Mr. Horace Noyes and +his Mother respecting his father's will.</p> + +<p class="dgp">This gives me great pain. Mr. Parker +Noyes and myself have been fast friends for +near a half century. I have known his wife +also from a time before her marriage, and have +always felt a warm regard for her, and much +respect for her connexions in Newburyport. +Mr. Horace Noyes and his wife I have long +known. Her grandfather, Major Nathan Taylor, +late of Sanbornton, was an especial friend +of my father, and I learned to love everybody +upon whom he set his <em>Stamp</em>.</p> + +<p class="dgp">These families during many years have been +my most intimate friends and neighbors whenever +I have been in Franklin. It would wound +me exceedingly if any thing as a Lawsuit should +now occur between Mother and Son. It would +very much destroy my interest in the families, +and whatever might be the result, it could not +but cast some degree of reflection upon the +memory of Parker Noyes. I know nothing of +the circumstances except what I learn from Mr. +John Taylor, and I do not wish to express any +judgement of my own as to what ought to be +done, at least without more full information, +but I do think it a case for Christian Intercession. +And the particular object of this Letter +is to invite your attention, and that of the +members of the Church, to it in this aspect. +Mr. Noyes is understood to have left a very +pretty property, but a controversy about his +Will would very likely absorb one half of it. +My end is accomplished, my dear Sir, when I +have made these Suggestions to you. You will +give them such consideration, as you think they +deserve. It has given me pleasure to hope +that I might write half a dozen pages respecting +Mr. Parker Noyes, and our long friendship, +but I could have no heart for this if a family +feud after his death was to come in, and overwhelm +all pleasant recollections.</p> + +<p class="dgp">I dictate this letter to my clerk, as the state +of my eyes preclude me from writing much +with my own hand.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">Yours with sincere regard,</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">DAN'L. WEBSTER.</p> + +<p class="dgp">REV. Mr. SAVAGE</p> +<p class="dgp">FRANKLIN, N.H."</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">This interesting letter produced the +happy effect of reconciling the contending +parties, and bringing about an honorable +and satisfactory settlement of all +difficulties between them. The letter +was timely, bringing healing in its wings. +Here were "words fitly spoken, like +apples of gold in pictures of silver;" +to the parties it soon was the <em>voice</em> from +the <em>dead</em>, "proclaiming peace on earth, +and good will towards men." As adviser +and counsel of the mother, my +own exertions for peace had proved impotent, +but the letter of the eminent +dying statesman, containing the salutary +advice of an old friend, proved +irresistible in its influence, and brought +to the troubled waters immediate quiet, +without resort to the Church or other +legal tribunal.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Mr. Webster made allusion to the +honored name of Taylor, then of Sanbornton. + +Both father, and son were +brave officers of Revolutionary stock. +The father, Captain Chase Taylor, +commanded a company composed +chiefly of Sanbornton and Meredith +men, at the battle of Bennington, on +the sixteenth of August, 1777, and was +there severely wounded—his left leg +being broken, which disabled him for +life. He died in 1805. In 1786 he +received a small pension from the State. +His surgeon, Josiah Chase of Canterbury, +and his Colonel, Stickney of Concord, +each furnishing their certificates +in his behalf. Early in the history of +the Revolutionary war the son, Nathan +Taylor, was commissioned as a Lieutenant +in the Corps of Rangers, commanded +by Colonel Whitcomb. Lieutenant +Taylor had the command of a +small detachment of fourteen men. +On the sixteenth day of June, 1777, +being stationed on the western bank of +Lake Champlain, at a place which has +ever since been called <em>Taylor's Creek</em>, +he was surprised by a superior force of +Indians. Taylor bravely resisted this +attack, and was successful in driving +the enemy off, though at the expense of +a severe wound in his right shoulder. +Three others of his band were also +wounded. Both father and son were +confined at home in the same house +several months before recovery from +their wounds. Lieutenant Taylor returned +to active service in the army. +He afterwards received the military +title of Major, and occupied many civil +offices after the war in his own town, as +well as in behalf of the State. He was +member of the House of Representatives, +also of the Senate and Council, +for a number of years. He died in +March, A.D. 1840, aged 85, much +lamented.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Then there was John Taylor of Revolutionary +fame. He and many of his +descendants have occupied high and +enviable stations in Sanbornton, and their +biography and good deeds have been +ably commemorated by the historian, +Rev. M.T. Runnels. In adhering to the +Taylor families Mr. Webster obeyed the +injunction of Solomon who said, "Thine +own friend, and thy <em>father's friend</em> forsake +not." Mr. Webster's letter furnishes +strong evidence, that he did not forsake +"his own friend," <em>Parker Noyes</em>. +The friendship between these men commenced +when Mr. Noyes entered the +<em>Law</em> office of Thomas W. Thompson +as early as 1798, and continued intimate, +cordial, unabated, "<em>fast</em>" during +their lives. The earthly existence of +both terminated in the same year, Mr. +Noyes having deceased August, 19, +1852, and Mr. Webster on the twenty-fourth +of the succeeding October.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The dwelling houses of both in +Franklin were within the distance of +twenty rods; their intercourse was frequent +during the last fifty-four years of +their lives.</p> + +<p class="dgp">During the time Mr. Webster practiced +law in New Hampshire they often +met at the same bar, and measured intellectual +lances in various legal contests. +These meetings were most frequent +when Mr. Webster first settled in +Boscawen in 1805, and for the next two +years, before his removal to Portsmouth.</p> + +<p class="dgp">We were present in A.D. 1848, when +these two friends met and recited many +of the interesting and humorous events +that occurred in their early practice. +In those days, they often had for a veteran +client a man who then resided in +West Boscawen, now Webster, by the +name of Corser. He was represented +as one who loved the law, not for its +pecuniary profits, but for its exciting, +stimulating effects. It was said of him, +that at the end of a term of the Court, +once held at Hopkinton, he was found + +near the Court House by a friend, shedding +tears. The friend inquired the +cause of his great sorrow. His answer +was, "I have <em>no longer</em> a <em>case in +court.</em>" The same Corser had been a +Revolutionary soldier, and belonged to +the army when discharged by Washington +at Newburg, at the termination of +the war. He had but little money to +bear his expenses home. When he +reached Springfield, Massachusetts, his +money was exhausted, and he was +obliged to resort to his talent at begging. +Accordingly he called at a farm +house, and requested the good loyal +lady of the establishment to give him a +pie, adding at the same time, that he +wanted <em>another</em> for his <em>Brother Jonathan</em>. +The lady well supposing that his +Brother Jonathan was then his companion +in arms, and in the street suffering +with hunger, readily granted his request, +when in truth and in fact Jonathan was +then at home cultivating his farm in +Boscawen.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Brother Jonathan, upon learning the +conduct of his brother, rebuked him +for useing his name, instead of his own, +thereby deceiving the good woman. In +justification of his conduct, the brother +answered, "My hunger was great. I +contrived to satisfy it. The kind woman +had my thanks; you was not injured. +At most, by strict morals, I committed +only a <em>pious fraud</em> in getting two pies, +instead of one." Mr. Webster remarked, +that he was once present when this case +was stated, and argued by the two brothers, +and was much interested in the discussion +of the celebrated pie case.</p> +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_6"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">THE DARK DAY.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">BY ELBIDGE H. GOSS.</p> + + +<p class="dgp">The Spragues of Melrose, formerly +North Malden, were one of the old families. +They descended from Ralph +Sprague, who settled in Charlestown in +1629. The first one, who came to Melrose +about the year 1700, was named +Phineas. His grandson, also named +Phineas, served during the Revolutionary +War, and a number of interesting anecdotes +are told about him. He was a slaveholder, +and Artemas Barrett, Esq., a native +of Melrose, owns an original bill of sale +of "a negro woman named Pidge, with +one negro boy;" also other documents, +among which is Mr. Sprague's diary, +wherein he gives the following account of +the wonderfully dark day in 1780, a good +reminder of which we experienced September +6, 1881, a century later:</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: right">FRIDA May the 19th 1780.</p> + +<p class="dgp">This day was the most Remarkable day that +ever my eyes beheld the air had bin full of +smoak to an uncommon degree so that wee +could scairce see a mountain at two miles distance +for 3 or 4 days Past till this day after Noon +the smoak all went off to the South at sunset a +very black bank of a cloud appeared in the +south and west the Nex morning cloudey and +thundered in the west about ten oclock it began +to Rain and grew vere dark and at 12 it was almost +as dark as Nite so that wee was obliged to +lite our candels and Eate our dinner by candel +lite at noon day but between 1 and 2 oclock it +grew lite again but in the evening the cloud +came, over us again, the moon was about the +full it was the darkest Nite that ever was seen, +by us in the world.<a href="#note_1"><span class="footnoteref">1</span></a> +</p> +</div> +</div> + + + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_7"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">NAMES AND NICKNAMES.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">BY GILBERT NASH.</p> + + +<p class="dgp">To the antiquarian, the historian, or +the general scholar, there are few more +interesting studies than that of names. +It is a pursuit of rare delight to trace +out the derivation of those with which +we have been long familiar, and to follow +up the associations that have rendered +them dear, curious or ridiculous, as the +case may be. The names themselves +may be of no value, but the spot or +circumstance that gave them birth cannot +fail to throw around them an atmosphere +of peculiar interest. The subject +is a broad one and may be, with +time and inclination, extensively cultivated; +and, even in the limits of a +short article, many phases of it of general +importance and interest may be +satisfactorily treated, and it is proposed +in the following paragraphs to present +only a few of them.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In the present rage for nicknames, +pet names, diminutives and contractions +there is fair prospect of an abundant +harvest of trouble and perplexity to the +genealogist and historian of the future. +In fact, the students of the present day +are already beginning to realize, in no +small degree, the annoyance that arises +from the custom. The changes are so +many and intricate that to understand +them fully requires much valuable time +and the patience that could better be +employed in more important work.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The difficulty arises, of course, from +indifference, inadvertence or carelessness, +rather than from set purpose; yet the +result is the same in its evil effects. It +is true there are some of these nicknames +that have been so long in use, +and have become so common that no +one is disturbed by them and their employment, +and they are readily understood. +Many of these, however, have +served their turn and are gradually +going out of use, and will, in a short +time, be only "dead words" to the +community.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Of this class are the familiar favorites +of our grandparents, such as Sally, for +Sarah; Polly or Molly, for Mary; Patty, +for Martha, and Peggy, for Margaret, +representative names of the class. +Some of these, with perhaps slight +changes, have become legitimatized, and +their origin has been nearly, or quite, +forgotten. Of such we recognize Betsy, +or its modern equivalent, Bettie or +Bessie, as a very proper name. Few, +perhaps, of our present generation +would recognize in "Nancy," the features +of its parent, "Ann" or "Nan."</p> + +<p class="dgp">Some of these old nicknames have already +gone nearly or quite out of use, +so much so that many of our young +people will be surprised to learn that +Patty was, not long ago, the vernacular +for Martha, and would never imagine +that "Margaret" could ever have responded +to the call of "Peggy;" +"Hitty" and "Kitty," for the staid and +sober "Mehitable," and the volatile +Katherine, are more easily recognized, +while it might require several guesses +to establish the relationship between +"Milly" and "Amelia," or "Emily."</p> + +<p class="dgp">Stranger than either, perhaps because +both the proper name and its diminutive +have become so uncommon, is +that transformation which reduced +"Tabitha," to "Bertha," with the accent +upon the first syllable, and its vowel +long. A curious instance of the change +in this name, and the further variation + +made in it in consequence of its forgotten +derivation, has recently occurred in +the record of the death of an old lady +who was baptized "Tabitha," called in +her youth "Bitha," and now in her +obituary styled Mrs. "Bertha," probably +from the similarity of sound to her +youthful nickname. Her relatives of +the present generation had forgotten +her real name and knew her only under +that of an imitation of her diminutive. +The transition from "Bitha" to +"Bertha" is easy, but how is the perplexed +genealogist to ascertain the original +when he has only the records for +his guide?</p> + +<p class="dgp">Such illustrations might be multiplied +almost indefinitely, but those already +given are enough to show what an infinite +amount of trouble has come and +must still come from their continued +usage. They also serve well to show +with how much care and watchfulness +the historian must pursue his work; how +constantly he must be upon his guard, +and how closely and critically he must +scrutinize the names that pass under his +eye.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Nor was this custom of nicknames +confined to the daughters of the family, +but the boys, also, were among its subjects, +perhaps in not so great a variety, +yet very general. Among the more +common we only need mention such as +Bill, Ned, Jack, and Frank, to illustrate +this. Nor were there wanting among +the masculine nicknames those whose +derivations seem very remote and far-fetched, +as "El" for "Alphus;" "Hal" +for "Henry;" "Jot" for "Jonathan;" +"Seph" for "Josephus;" "Nol" for +"Oliver;" "Dick" for "Richard," and +a multitude of others equally well known.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The instances named are old and +have been in general use so long that +those who are called upon to deal with +them are upon their guard and not +likely to be led astray by them, but the +class of pet names, now, for a few years +in use, will necessarily be more misleading +because they are new, and in many +cases very blind; in many instances +the same nickname being used to represent +perhaps a dozen different proper +names, so that it is impossible to tell, +from the nickname, what the real name +is. Among the most annoying of this +class are those that not only represent +several names each, but are masculine +or feminine, as occasion calls.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Of the latter class are "Allie" for +Alice, Albert or Alexander, and "Bertie," +used in place of so many that it is needless +to specify, the latter being the worst +of its species, since it is wholly indefinite, +applying equally to boy or girl, +and for a multitude of either sex, some +of which are so far-fetched that all possible +connection is lost in the journey of +transmission. Most of the old fashioned +nicknames indicate the sex quite +distinctly, and in this they have much +the advantage of some of their modern +competitors. They were also much +more expressive if not so euphonious. A +person need but glance at any of our +town records for the past few years to +see how the use of these pet names has +increased, and it requires no prophet +to foresee what confusion must naturally +arise from the continuance of the +custom, and how difficult it will be in +the near future to follow the record +accurately.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Another and very different class of +nicknames are those derived from accident +or local circumstance, and have +no other connection with the real name +of the person to whom they are attached, +and to whom they cling as a +foul excrescence long after the circumstances +that called them forth is forgotten. +These sometimes originate at +home in childhood, at school among + +playmates, or after the arrival of the +person at mature age, and are oftentimes +ridiculous in the extreme. They +are nearly always a source of great mortification +to those who so unwillingly +bear them, who would give almost anything +to rid themselves of the nuisance; +yet these, once fixed, seldom lose their +hold, but must be borne with the best +grace possible.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It will not be necessary to cite instances +of this class, as every one will +recall many such that it might be highly +improper to mention publicly as being +personal or taken to be so. Some are +simply indicative of temperament; some +of a peculiarity of manner, or a locality +in which they happened to have first +seen the light; and others, perhaps the +most unfortunate of all and the most +mischievous, are derived from an ill-timed +word or act, said or done in a +moment of passion or thoughtlessness, +which the individual would like to recall +at almost any price, but cannot. The +saddest of all are those unfortunates, +for there are such, to whom their parents, +they knew not why, gave such +names.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Another class are those given at first +as a term of reproach or disgrace, accepted +without protest, and afterwards +borne as a title of honor. The name +"Old Hickory" will at once suggest +itself as such an instance. Truly fortunate +is the person who has the tact and +is in circumstances to do this, and thus +turn the weapons of his enemies against +themselves. There are others, again, +whose character and position are such +that they permit no familiarity, and every +name of reproach or ridicule rolls off +like shot from the iron shell of the monitor. +The name of our Washington suggests +such an individual. Whoever for an +instant thought of approaching him with +familiarity, or of applying to him a nickname +as a term of reproach or ridicule, +or even as an expression of good nature.</p> + +<p class="dgp">As will be readily seen, the evil resulting +from this custom is wide spread and +alarming. It would also seem to be almost +without remedy, since it is the result +of irresponsible action, committed +by persons who are not fully aware of +what they are doing, by those who are +indifferent, as to what may follow, or by +those who are actuated by malice; +against these there is no law except the +steady, persistent movement of the +thinking public setting its face squarely +against the practice, with the passage of +time, which usually brings about, we +know not always how, the remedy for +such evils; but we are seldom willing to +wait for such a cure.</p> + +<p class="dgp">As before intimated parents are sometimes +guilty of this offence, and thus +place upon a child a stigma that will +follow it through life. A little care on +their part will remedy the evil, to that +extent, and they surely should be willing +to do their share in the work. +Teachers and those who have the charge +of the young are sometimes thoughtless +enough to commit the same fault. +Should it not be crime? For they have +no right to be thus inconsiderate, when a +little restraint upon their part will prevent +the wrong as far as they are concerned. +With these two influences setting in the +right direction, added to that of the +thinking community, a current may +very likely be formed that shall obliterate +wholly the custom and deliver us +from its attendant difficulties.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Another practice now quite common, +and one which bids fair to create much +confusion, is that which permits the +wife to take the Christian name of her +husband: for instance, Mrs. Mary, wife +of John Smith, signs her name Mrs. +John Smith, a name which has no legal +existence, which she is entitled to use + +only by courtesy, and which should be +allowed in none but necessary cases to +distinguish her from some other bearing +the same name, or to address her +when her own Christian name is not +known. Mrs. is but a general title to +designate the class of persons to which +she belongs, and not a name, any more +than Mr. or Esq. Who ever knew a man +to sign his name Mr. so and so, or so +and so, Esq.?</p> + +<p class="dgp">To show the absurdity and impropriety +of this misuse of the name it +will be needful to mention but a single +illustration. Suppose a note or check +is made payable to Mrs. John Smith. +Mrs. being only a title, and no part of +the name, the endorsement would be +plain John Smith, and nobody, not even +his wife, has any right to forge his signature. +An instrument thus drawn is a +mistake, since no one can be authorized +to execute it.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The trouble to the genealogist and +historian is of a somewhat different nature, +since he merely desires to identify +the individual and cares nothing about +the money value of the document. +Much the safer and better way is for +the wife always to sign and use her +proper name and to add, if she thinks +it necessary to be more explicit, "wife +of," using her husband's name. By doing +this a vast deal of perplexity would +be avoided, and sometimes a serious +legal difficulty.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Another custom, as common, and +quite a favorite one with many married +ladies, is that which changes her middle +name by substituting her maiden surname; +for example, Mary Jane Smith +marries James Gray, and immediately +her name is assumed to be Mary Smith +Gray, instead of Mary Jane Gray, her +legal name. The wife, if she so chooses, +has the right by general consent, if not +by law, to retain her full name, adding +her husband's surname; but she has no +right to use her own maiden surname in +place of her discarded middle name. +Much confusion might arise from this +practice, as the following illustration will +show. Mary Jane Gray receives a check +payable to her order, and she, being in +the habit of signing her name Mary +Smith Gray, thus endorses it, and forwards +it by mail or otherwise for collection, +and is surprised when it comes +back to her to be properly executed.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Again, Mary Jane Gray has a little +money which she deposits in the savings +bank, and, for the reason already +given, takes out her book in the name +of Mary S. Gray. She dies and her administrator +finding the book tries to collect +the money, but he being the administrator +of Mary Jane Gray and not of +Mary S. Gray may find the Treasurer of +the bank unwilling to pay over the +money until he is satisfied as to the identity +of the apparently two Mary Grays, +which, under some circumstances, might +be a difficult process.</p> + +<p class="dgp">These changes are usually made +thoughtlessly, but the result is none the +less serious than though it were done +with the intent to deceive or mislead, +and the mischief that often arises in consequence +is very great. These changes +that have been noted from the nature +of the case can only occur with +women, since men have no occasion to +make them, and in point of fact cannot; +but there are those, quite analagous in +character, that are common to both +sexes and should be avoided unless the +necessity is very apparent. Double +names are sometimes very convenient +for purposes of identification, but they +may also prove fruitful sources of difficulty +and trouble. As an illustration, +Mary Jane Smith is known at home by +her family and to her acquaintances as +Mary. For some fanciful reason or + +local circumstance she wearies of that +name and becomes Jane. Both are +equally hers, but her acquaintances who +knew her as Mary might well plead ignorance +when asked about Jane Smith; +and the acquaintances of the latter +might never surmise that Mary Smith +had ever existed.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Again, James Henry Gray is known +at home in his youth as James H. Gray, +and the name is very satisfactory to him; +but as he arrives at manhood he enters +a new business and finds a new residence. +For some reason he thinks that a change +of name also may be of benefit to him, +and therefore he signs himself J. Henry +Gray, and henceforth is a stranger to his +former acquaintances. He has some +money in bank at his old home which +he draws for under his new name, and +wonders when his check comes back to +him dishonored, forgetting that he has +never notified the officers of his change +of name.</p> + +<p class="dgp">He finds it necessary, upon some occasion, +to write to one of his former +friends for information of importance, +and is surprised that his old associate +declines to give it to a stranger, for he +does not remember, that, while he may +easily retain his own identity, under any +change of name, it may not be so easy +to assure it to another at a distance. It +can thus be seen how easily, and at +times, how unavoidably, a great deal of +vexation may be produced by this practice, +and yet it is extensively followed.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Looking at the subject in another aspect, +we find a grievance that has borne +and is now bearing with intolerable +weight upon many an individual, who +would, at almost any sacrifice, relieve +himself of it, but it is saddled upon +him in such a manner, and is surrounded +by such circumstances as to render it +quite impossible for him to do so. It is +a practice, all too common, but none the +less reprehensible, to give to children +legitimate names of such a character as +to render them veritable "old men of +the sea," so graphically described by +Sindbad.</p> + +<p class="dgp">They are given for various reasons, +sometimes simply for their oddity, sometimes +because the name has been borne +by a relative or friend, or it may have +been borrowed from the pages of some +favorite author, or suggested by accidental +circumstance. A boy whose +Christian name was Baring Folly, and +we should not have far to go to find its +counterpart in real life, could hardly be +expected to get through the world without +feeling severely the burden and ridicule +of such a name, each part proper +and well enough in its place as a surname, +but particularly unfortunate when +united and required to do duty as a +Christian name.</p> + +<p class="dgp">We ridicule, and it may be wisely, +the old-fashioned custom of giving a +child a name merely because it happened +to be found in the Scriptures, +where with its special meaning it was +singularly appropriate, yet, when used +as a name without that special signification, +it would be equally inappropriate. +But are we wholly free from the same +fault in another direction? How many +children have been so burdened with a +name that had been made illustrious by +the life and services of its original +bearer that they were always ashamed +to hear it spoken; that very name of +honor becoming in its present position +a reproach and a hindrance, rather than +a stimulus, because the bearers feel +that they cannot sustain its ancient renown, +and therefore they become mere +nothings, simply from the fact of having +been borne down to the dust under +the burden of a great name.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Who can tell how many have become +notorious, or have committed vagaries + +which have rendered them ridiculous, +and destroyed their usefulness, from a +sincere desire to bear worthily an honored +name? Who shall say that the eccentricities +of a certain celebrity of +acknowledged talent, whose name would +be quickly recognized, were not the result +of the same cause, the length, and +weight of the name given him at his +birth proving too great an incumbrance +for him to overcome.</p> + +<p class="dgp">How many ignoble George Washingtons, +Henry Clays, Patrick Henrys, and +other equally illustrious names, are +wandering aimlessly about our streets, +shiftless, worthless, utterly unworthy the +names they bear, simply because they +bear them, when, had they been given +plain, honest, common names, they +might have been held in respect and esteem. +The burden is too great for them. +A ship with a drag attached to her cannot +make progress, be she ever so swift +without it. Even the eagle will refuse +his flight when burdened with excessive +weight.</p> + +<p class="dgp">A little lack of consideration or want +of thought in this matter on the part of +parents often entail an immense amount +of suffering upon those who are wholly +innocent as to its cause. Let the boy +or girl be given such a name, as shall be +his or hers, worthy or unworthy, as the +bearer shall make. Give them all a fair +show. We may not be able to tell in all +cases, perhaps not in many, how this affair +of names has affected the lives of +their owners. Give a child a silly or ridiculous +name and the chances are that +the child's character will correspond with +that name. Give a child a name already +illustrious and the chances are also fair +that the burden will prove its ruin.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It is unnecessary to extend the subject, +the present purpose being merely +to call attention to those practices, and +so to present them that more natural +and healthy customs will be sought after +and followed, that a true æsthetic taste +may be cultivated, and thus alleviate or +remove a part, at least, of the burden +under which society groans.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It is also intended to illustrate some +of the trials and perplexities that beset +the genealogist and historian in their researches, +arising from these unfortunate +habits that pervade society. It would +seem that the evils produced by the +practices, only need exposure to result +in reformation, and that no parent, with +the full knowledge of the possible, yes +probable, and almost inevitable effect, +would so thrust upon his offspring an +annoyance, to use the mildest possible +term, which should subject them to such +disagreeable consequences all through +life.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It would seem, also, that no guardian, +teacher, or other individual having the +care and oversight of children, could be +so thoughtless and inconsiderate, or +allow a personal or private reason so to +influence him, as to assume for the child +any name that would be liable to cause +it future shame or sorrow. Too much +care cannot be taken in this regard, and +it is a duty owing to the child that its +rights in this respect shall be strictly +guarded.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It is the object of this paper simply +to call attention to a few of the more +prominent points suggested by this subject +in order that it may be examined +and discussed, and, if it may be, more +judicious and wiser practices introduced, +that nature, art, and taste may combine +to produce a system of names that shall +be at the same time, convenient, useful +and beautiful, and that shall carry no +burden with them.</p> +</div> + + + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_8"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">JOHN PRESCOTT, THE FOUNDER OF LANCASTER.</h2> + +<h2 class="sub">1603 TO 1682.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">By HON. HENRY S. NOURSE.</p> + + +<p class="dgp">The facts that have come down to us +whereupon to build a biography of John +Prescott are scanty indeed, but enough +to prove that he was that rare type of +man, the ideal pioneer. Not one of +those famous frontiersmen, whose figures +stand out so prominently in early American +history, was better equipped with +the manly qualities that win hero worship +in a new country, than was the +father of the Nashaway Plantation. Had +Prescott like Daniel Boone been fortunate +in the favor of contemporary historians, +to perpetuate anecdotes of his +daily prowess and fertility of resource, or +had he had grateful successors withal to +keep his memory green, his name and +romantic adventures would in like manner +adorn Colonial annals. Persecuted +for his honest opinions, he went out into +the wilderness with his family to found a +home, and for forty years thought, +fought and wrought to make that home +the centre of a prosperous community. +Loaded from his first step with discouragements, +that soon appalled every +other of the original co-partners in the +purchase of Nashaway from Showanon, +Prescott alone, <em>tenax propositi</em>, held to +his purpose, and death found him at his +post. His grave is in the old "burial +field" at Lancaster, yet not ten citizens +can point it out. Over it stands a rude +fragment from some ledge of slate rock, +faintly incised with characters which few +eyes can trace:</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">JOHN PRESCOTT DESASED</p> + +<p class="dgp">No date! no comment! That is his +only memorial stone; his only epitaph +in the town of which, for its first forty +years, he was the very heart and soul, +and for which he furnished a large share +of the brains. This fair township—now +divided among nine towns—and all it +has been and is and is to be may be +justly called his monument. The house +of Deputies in 1652 voted it to be +rightly his, and marked it by incorporative +enactment with his honored and +honorable name, <em>Prescott</em>. Unfortunately, +however, some years before he +had said something that seemed to favor +Doctor Robert Child's criticisms of the +Provincial system of taxation without +representation; criticisms that grew and +bore good fruitage when the times were +riper for individual freedom; when Samuel +Adams and James Otis took up the +peoples' cause where Sir Henry Vane +and Robert Child had left it. Therefore +when, in 1652, what had been known as +the Nashaway Plantation was fairly +named for its founder in accordance +with the petition of its inhabitants, +some one of influence, whether magistrate +or higher official, perhaps bethought +himself that no Governor of +the Colony even had been so honored, +and that it might be well, before dignifying +this busy blacksmith so much as +to name a town for him, to see if he +could pass examination in the catechism +deemed orthodox at that date in Massachusetts +Bay. Alas! John Prescott was +not a freeman. Having a conscience +of his own, he had never given public +adhesion to the established church covenant +and was therefore debarred from +holding any civil office, and even from +the privilege of voting for the magistrates. +There was a year's delay, and, + +in 1653, "Prescott" was expunged and +<em>Lancaster</em> began its history.</p> + +<p class="dgp">As in the broad area of the township +various centres of population grew into +villages and were one by one excised +and made towns, it would be supposed +that each of them would have been +eager to honor itself by adopting so euphonious +and appropriate a name as +<em>Prescott</em>. But no! The first candidate +for a new designation, in 1732, chose +the name of the generous Charlestown +clergyman, <em>Harvard</em>, for no appropriate +local reason now discoverable. Six years +later another body corporate imported +the name—<em>Bolton</em>. Two years passed +and a third district sought across the +ocean for its title <em>Leominster</em>. Then +Woonksechocksett forgetful of its benefactors +and of the grand Indian names +of its hills and waters borrowed the +title of a putative Scotch lord, who +bravely fought for our Independence, +and, in adopting, paid him the poor +compliment of misspelling it—<em>Sterling</em>. +The next seceder ambitiously chose the +name of a Prussian city—<em>Berlin</em>. +The sixth perpetuated its early admiration +of the great small-pox inoculator, +<em>Boylston</em>; and the last was named—for +a hotel. None so poor as to do Prescott +reverence. But surely, it would be +thought, banks and manufactories, halls +or at least a fire engine, might with tardy +respect have paid cheap tribute to his +name by bearing it. Is there any example! +Yes, at last a short street having +little connection sentimental or real +with the pioneer, bears his name—this +only in the aspiring town, almost a city, +of which John Prescott's old millstone is +the visible foundation! <em>Clinton</em>.</p> + +<p class="dgp">I have stated that Prescott was an +ideal pioneer. Not that there was in +him anything of kinship to that race of +frontiersmen now deployed along the +outer verge of American civilization, like +the thread of froth stranded along a +beach outlining the extreme advance +made by the last wave of the tide. +The frontiersmen of to-day, bibulous +gamblers, reckless duelists, blasphemous +savages of mixed blood, had no prototype +in Colonial days, for even the human +harvest then gathered to the stocks, +the whipping-post and the gallows, was +of a far less obtrusive class of offenders +against morals and social decency. Prescott +was a Puritan soldier, a seeker of +liberty not license; fiercely rebellious +against tyranny, but no contemner of +moral law. It was no accident that put +him in the advance guard of Anglo-Saxon +civilization, then just starting on its westward +march from the shores of Massachusetts +Bay. The position had awaited +the man. When he set up his anvil and +with skilful blows hammered out the first +plough-shares to compel the virgin soil +of the Nashaway valley to its proper +fruitfulness, he was all unwittingly helping +to forge the destinies of this great +republic;—was in his humble sphere a +true builder of the nation. His neighbors +and friends, John Tinker, Ralph +Houghton, and Major Simon Willard, +doubtless excelled him in culture, but no +neighbor surpassed him in natural personal +force, whether physical, mental or +moral. Not only was he of commanding +stature, stern of mien and strong +of limb, but he had a heart devoid of +fear, great physical endurance and an +unbending will. These qualities his savage +neighbors early recognized and +bowed before in deep respect, and because +of these no Lancaster enterprise +but claimed him as its leader. His +manual skill and dexterity must have +been great, his mental capacity and +business energy remarkable, for we find +him not only a farmer, trader, blacksmith +and hunter, but a surveyor and builder +of roads, bridges and mills. The records + +of the town show that he was seldom +free from the conduct of some public +labor. The greatest of his benefactions +to his neighbors were: His corn-mill +erected in 1654, and his saw-mill in +1659. The arrival of the first millstone +in Lancaster must have been an event of +matchless interest to every man, woman +and child in the plantation. Till that +began its tireless turning, the grain for +every loaf of bread had to be carried to +Watertown mill, or ground laboriously +in a hand quern, or parched and brayed +in a mortar, Indian fashion. Before +the starting of his saw-mill, the rude +houses must have been of logs, stone, +and clay, for it was an impossibility to +bring from the lower towns on the existing +"Bay road" and with the primitive +tumbril any large amount of sawn +lumber.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Of Prescott's wife we know only her +name: Mary Platts. But her daughters +were sought for in marriage by men of +whom we learn nothing that is not praiseworthy, +and her sons all honored their +mother's memory, by useful and unblemished +lives. John Prescott was the +youngest son of Ralph and Ellen of +Shevington, Lancashire, England. He +was baptized in the Parish of Standish +in 1604-5 and married Mary Platts at +Wigan, Lancashire, January 21, 1629. +He was a land owner in Shevington, but +sold his possessions there and took up +his residence in Halifax Parish, Sowerby, +in Yorkshire. Leaving England to avoid +religions persecutions, his first haven was +Barbadoes, where he is found a land +owner in 1638. In 1640 he landed in +Boston, and immediately selected his +home in Watertown, where he became +the possessor of six lots of land, aggregating +one hundred and twenty-six acres. +In 1643, his name is found in association +with Thomas King of Watertown, +Henry Symonds of Boston, and others, +the first proprietors of the Nashaway +purchase. His children were eight in +number and all were married in due season. +They were as follows:</p> + +<p class="dgp">1. Mary, baptized at Halifax Parish +February 24, 1630, married Thomas +Sawyer in 1648. The young couple +selected their home lot adjoining Prescott's +in Lancaster and there eleven +sons and daughters were born to them.</p> + +<p class="dgp">2. Martha, baptized at Halifax Parish +March 11, 1632, married John Rugg in +1655; and these twain began life together +in sight of her paternal home in +Lancaster. She died with her twin +babes in January 1656.</p> + +<p class="dgp">3. John, baptized at Halifax Parish +April 1, 1635, married Sarah Hayward +at Lancaster, November 11, 1668, and +had five children. He was a farmer and +blacksmith, lived with his father, and +succeeded him at the mills.</p> + +<p class="dgp">4. Sarah, baptized in 1637, at Halifax +Parish, married Richard Wheeler at +Lancaster, August 2, 1658, and lived in +the immediate vicinity of those before +named. Wheeler was killed in the massacre +of February 10, 1676, and the +widowed Sarah married Joseph Rice of +Marlborough. By her first husband she +had five children.</p> + +<p class="dgp">5. Hannah, was probably born at +Barbadoes in 1639. She became the +second wife of John Rugg May 4, 1660, +and had eight children. She became a +widow in 1696, and was slain by the Indians +in the massacre of September 11, +1697.</p> + +<p class="dgp">6. Lydia, born at Watertown August +15, 1641, married Jonas Fairbank at +Lancaster, May 28, 1658. He owned +the lands next south of Prescott's home. +Fairbank had seven children. In the +massacre of February 10, 1676, he and +his son Joshua were victims. The widowed +Lydia married Elias Barron.</p> + +<p class="dgp">7. Jonathan—if twenty three years + +old in 1670, as an unknown authority +has noted, or "about 38," November 6, +1683, as stated in a deposition of that +date—was probably born in Lancaster +between 1645 and 1647. He was a +blacksmith and farmer, and married first +Dorothy, August 3, 1670, in Lancaster. +She died in 1674, leaving a son +Samuel, noted in the town history as the +unfortunate sentinel who, on November +6, 1704, killed by mistake his neighbor, +the beloved minister of Lancaster, Reverend +Andrew Gardner. Jonathan Prescott +married second, Elizabeth, daughter +of John Hoar of Concord, who died +in 1687 leaving six children. Jonathan's +third wife was Rebecca Bulkeley +and his fourth Ruth, widow of Thomas +Brown. He did not reside in Lancaster +after the massacre of 1676, but became +an influential citizen of Concord, which +he served as representative for nine +years. He died December 5, 1721.</p> + +<p class="dgp">8. Jonas, born June, 1648, in Lancaster, +married Mary Loker of Sudbury, +December 14, 1672. The marriage +took place in Lancaster and here their +first child was born, (they had twelve +children in all), but later they removed +to Groton, where Jonas became Captain, +Selectman and Justice. He died in +Groton, December 31, 1723. Of his +more illustrious descendants were Colonel +William, and the historian William +H. Prescott.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In May 1644, John Winthrop records +that "Many of Watertown and +other towns joined in a plantation at +Nashaway "—and Reverend Timothy +Harrington in his Century Sermon states +that the organization of this company +of planters was due to Thomas King. +The immediate and final disappearance +of this original proprietor has seemed to +previous writers good warrant for charging +that King and his partner Henry +Symonds were but land speculators, who +bought the Indian's inheritance to retail +by the acre to adventurers. I believe +this an unjust assumption. At the date +when Winthrop noted down the inception +of the Nashaway Company, +Henry Symonds had already been dead +seven months. He was that energetic +contractor of Boston noted as the leader +in the project for establishing tide mills +at the Cove, and was no doubt the capitalist +of the trading firm of Symonds & +King, who set up their "trucking house" +as early as 1643 on the sunny slope of +George Hill. Symond's widow a few +months after his death married Isaac +Walker, who in 1645 was prominent +among the Nashaway proprietors. If +King really sold his share of the Indian +purchase, may it not have been therefore +because, his senior partner being +dead, he had no means to continue the +enterprise? He too died before the +end of the year 1644, not yet thirty +years of age. The inventory of his +estate sums but one hundred and fifty-eight +pounds, including his house and +land in Watertown, his stock in trade, +and seventy-three pounds of debts due +him from the Indians, John Prescott, +and sundry others. King's widow made +haste to be consoled, and her second +husband, James Cutler, soon appears in +the role of a Nashaway proprietor.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The direction of the company was at +the outset in the hands of men whose +names were, or soon became, of some +note throughout the Colony. Doctor +Robert Child, a scholar who had won +the degrees of A.M. and M.D. at Cambridge +and Padua, a man of scientific +acquirements, but inclined to somewhat +sanguine expectations of mineral treasure +to be discovered in the New England +hills, seems to have been a leading +spirit in the adventure; and unfortunately +so, since his political views about +certain inalienable rights of man, which + +now live, and are honored in the Constitution +of the Commonwealth, seemed +vicious republicanism to the ecclesiastical +aristocracy then governing the Colony +of the Massachusetts Bay; and the +odium that drove Child across the ocean, +attached also to his companion planters, +and perhaps through the prejudice of +those in authority unfavorably affected +for several years the progress of the settlement +on the Nashaway. Certainly +such prejudices found expression in all +action or record of the government respecting +the proprietors and their petitions. +The ecclesiastical figure head—without +which no body corporate could +have grace within the colony—was Nathaniel +Norcross. Of him, if we can +surmise aught from his early return to +England, it may be said, he was not imbued +with the martyr's spirit, and his defection +was, some time later, more than +made good by the accession of the beloved +Rowlandson. But far more important +to the enterprise than these two +graduates from the English University—Child +the radical, and Norcross the +preacher,—were two mechanics, the restless +planners and busy promoters of the +company, both workers in iron—Steven +Day the locksmith and John Prescott +the blacksmith. Steven Day was the +first in America, north of Mexico, +to set up a printing-press. The Colony +had wisely recognized in him a public +benefactor, and sealed this recognition +by substantial grant of lands. He entered +upon the Nashaway scheme with +characteristic zeal and energy, if we +may believe his own manuscript testimony: but +Day's zeal outran his discretion, +and his energy devoured his limited +means, for in 1644 we find him in jail +for debt remonstrating piteously against +the injustice of a hard hearted creditor. +He parted with all rights at Nashaway +before many years and finally delved as +a journey man at the press he had +founded.</p> + +<p class="dgp">John Prescott deserted of all his original +co-partners was sufficient for the +emergency, a host in himself. He sells +his one hundred and twenty six acres +and house at Watertown, puts his all +into the venture, prepares a rude dwelling +in the wilderness, moves thither his +cattle, and chattels, and finally, mounting +wife and children and his few remaining +goods upon horses' backs, bids +his old neighbors good bye, and threads +the narrow Indian trail through the forest +westward. The scorn of men high +in authority is to follow him, but now +the most formidable enemy in his path +is the swollen Sudbury River and its +bordering marsh. We find the aristocratic +scorn mingling with the story of +Prescott's dearly bought victory over +this natural obstacle, told in Winthrop's +History of New England among what +the author classes as remarkable "special +providences."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Prescot another favorer of the Petitioners +lost a horse and his loading in +Sudbury river, and a week after his wife +and children being upon another horse +were hardly saved from drowning." +That the kindly hearted Winthrop could +coolly attribute the pitiable disaster of +the brave pioneer to the wrath of God +towards the political philosophy of Robert +Child, pictures vividly the bigotry +natural to the age and race, a bigotry +which culminated in the horrors of the +persecution for witchcraft. This Sudbury +swamp was the lion in the path +from the bay westward during many a +decade. In 1645, an earnest petition +went up to the council from Prescott and +his associates, complaining that much +time and means had been spent in discovering +Nashaway and preparing for +the settlement there, and that on account +of the lack of bridge and causeway + +at the Sudbury River, the proprietors +could not pass to and from the bay +towns—"without exposing our persons +to perill and our cattell and goods to losse +and spoyle; as yo'r petitioners are able to +make prooffe of by sad experience of +what wee suffered there within these few +dayes." The General Court ordered +the bridge and way to be made, "passable +for loaden horse," and allowed +twenty pounds to Sudbury, "so it be +donne w'thin a twelve monthe." The +twelve month passed and no bridge +spanned the stream. That the dangers +and difficulties of the crossing were not +over-stated by the petitioners is proven +by the fact that more than one hundred +years afterwards, the bridge and causeway +at this place "half a mile long"—were +represented to the General Court +as dangerous and in time of floods impassable. +Between 1759 and 1761, the +proceeds of special lotteries amounting +to twelve hundred and twenty seven +pounds were expended in the improvement +of the crossing.</p> + +<p class="dgp">John Winthrop, writing of the Nashaway +planters, tells us that "he whom +they had called to be their minister, +[Norcross] left them for their delays," +but omits mention of the fact recorded by +the planters themselves in their petition, +that the chief and sufficient cause of +their slow progress was in the inability +or unwillingness of the Governor and +magistrates to afford effective aid in providing +a passable crossing over a small +river.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Prescott, at least, was chargeable with +no delay. By June 1645, he and his +family had become permanent residents +on the Nashaway. Richard Linton, +Lawrence Waters the carpenter, and +John Ball the tailor, were his only neighbors; +these three men having been sent +up to build, plant, and prepare for the +coming of other proprietors. But two +houses had been built. Linton probably +lived with his son-in-law Waters, in his +home near the fording place in the +North Branch of the Nashaway, contiguous +to the lot of intervale land which +Harmon Garrett and others of the first +proprietors had fenced in to serve as a +"night pasture" for their cattle. Ball +had left his children and their mother +in Watertown; she being at times insane. +Prescott's first lot embraced part +of the grounds upon which the public +buildings in Lancaster now stand, but +this he soon parted with, and took up +his abode a mile to the south west, on +the sunny slope of George Hill, where, +beside a little brooklet of pure cool water, +which then doubtless came rollicking +down over its gravelly bed with twice the +flow it has to-day, there had been built, +two years at least before, the trucking +house of Symonds & King. This trading +post was the extreme outpost of civilization; +beyond was interminable forest, +traversed only by the Indian trails, +which were but narrow paths, hard to +find and easy to lose, unless the traveller +had been bred to the arts of wood-craft. +Here passed the united trails from Washacum, +Wachusett, Quaboag, and other +Indian villages of the west, leading to +the wading place of the Nashaway River +near the present Atherton Bridge, and +so down the "Bay Path" over Wataquadock +to Concord. The little plateau +half way down the sheltering hill, with +fertile fields sloping to the southeast +and its never failing springs, was and is +an attractive spot; but its material advantages +to the pioneer of 1645 were +far greater than those apparent to the +Lancastrian of this nineteenth century +in the changed conditions of life. With +the privilege of first choice therefore, +it is not strange that Prescott and his +sturdy sons-in-law grasped the rich intervales, +and warm easily tilled slopes, + +stretching along the Nashaway south +branch from the "meeting of the +waters" to "John's jump" on the east, +and extending west to the crown of +George Hill; lands now covered by the +village of South Lancaster.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1650 John Prescott found himself +the only member of the company resident +at Nashaway. Of the co-partners +Symonds, King, and John Hill were +dead; Norcross and Child had gone to +England; Cowdall had sold his rights to +Prescott; Chandler, Davis, Walker, and +others had formally abandoned their +claims; Garrett, Shawe, Day, Adams, +and perhaps two or three others, retained +their claims to allotments, making +no improvements, and contributing +nothing by their presence or tithes to the +growth of the settlement, thus becoming +effectual stumbling blocks in the +way of progress. Prescott, very reasonably, +held this a grievance, and having +no other means of redress asked +equitable judgment in the matter from +the magistrates, in a petition which +cannot be found. His answer was the +following official snub:</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Whereas John Prescot & others, +the inhabitants of Nashaway p'ferd a +petition to this Courte desiringe power +to recover all common charges of all +such as had land there, not residinge +w<sup>th</sup> them, for answer whereunto this +Court, understandinge that the place +before mentioned is not fit to make a +plantation, (so a ministry to be erected +and mayntayned there,) which if the +petitioners, before the end of the next +session of this Courte, shall not sufficiently +make the sey'd place appeare to +be capable to answer the ends above +mentioned doth order that the p'ties inhabitinge +there shalbe called there +hence, & suffered to live without the +meanes, as they have done no longer." +This dire threat of the closing sentence +may have been simply "sound and fury, +signifying nothing," or Prescott may +have been able to prove to the authorities +that Nashaway was fit and waiting +for its St. John, but found none willing +for the service. In fact, its St. John +was then a junior at Harvard College, +writing a pasquinade to post upon the +Ipswich meeting-house, and Nashaway +was "suffered to live without the +meanes," waiting for him until 1654.</p> + +<p class="dgp">John Prescott retained possession of +his early home,—the site of the "trucking +house," which he had purchased of +John Cowdall,—as long as he lived, but +did not reside there many years. No +sooner had the plantation attained the +dignity of a township under the classic +name of Lancaster, than its founder +bent all his energies towards those enterprises +best calculated to promote the +comfort and prosperity of its then inhabitants, +and to attract by material advantages, +a desirable and permanent +immigration. His practical eye had +doubtless long before marked the best +site for a mill in all the region round +about, and on the slope, scarce a gun +shot away, he set up a new home, afterwards +well known to friend and savage +foe as Prescott's Garrison. Those who +remain of the generation familiar with +this region before the invention of the +power loom made such towns as Clinton +possible, remember the depression +that told where Prescott dug his cellar. +The oldest water mill in New England +was scarce twenty years old when Prescott +contracted to grind the com of the +Nashaway planters. His "Covenant to +build a Corne mill" has been preserved +through a copy made by Ralph Houghton, +Lancaster's first Clerk of the Writs, +and is as follows:</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent">"Know all men by these presents that I +John Prescott blackssmith, hath Covenanted +and bargained with Jno. ffounell of Charlestowne + +for the building of a Corne mill, within +the said Towne of Lanchaster. This witnesseth +that wee the Inhabitants of Lanchaster +for his encouragement in so good a +worke for the behoofe of our Towne, vpon +condition that the said intended worke +by him or his assignes be finished, do freely +and fully giue, grant, enfeoffe, & confirme +vnto the said John Prescott, thirty acres +of intervale Land lying on the north riuer, lying +north west of Henry Kerly, and ten acres +of Land adjoyneing to the mill; and forty acres +of Land on the south east of the mill brooke, +lying between the mill brooke and Nashaway +Riuer in such place as the said John Prescott +shall choose with all the priuiledges and appurtenances +thereto apperteyneing. To haue and +to hold the said land and eurie parcell thereof +to the said John Prescott his heyeres & assignes +for euer, to his and their only propper +vse and behoofe. Also wee do covenant & +promise to lend the said John Prescott fiue +pounds in current money one yeare for the +buying of Irons for the mill. And also wee do +covenant and grant to and with the said John +Prescott his heyres and assignes that the said +mill, with all the aboue named Land thereto +apperteyneing shall be freed from all com'on +charges for seauen yeares next ensueing, after +the first finishing and setting the said mill to +worke.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In witnes whereof wee haue herevnto put +our hands this 20th day of the 9mo. In the +yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred +fifty and three. +</p> + + +<p class="dgp"> THOMAS JAMES</p> +<p class="dgp">WILL<sup>M</sup> KERLY SEN<sup>R</sup></p><p class="dgp"> LAWRENCE WATERS</p> +<p class="dgp">JNO PRESCOTT</p><p class="dgp"> EDMUND PARKER</p> +<p class="dgp">JNO WHITE</p><p class="dgp"> RICHARD LINTON</p> +<p class="dgp">RALPH HOUGHTON</p><p class="dgp"> RICHARD SMITH</p> +<p class="dgp">JNO LEWIS</p><p class="dgp"> JAMES ATHERTON</p> +<p class="dgp">JACOB FARRER</p><p class="dgp"> WILL<sup>M</sup> KERLY JUN<sup>R</sup></p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">In six months from that date the +mill was done, and Prescott "began +to grind corne the 23d day of the 3 +mo, 1654."</p> + +<p class="dgp">The commissioners, appointed by the +General Court to oversee the prudential +management of the town, met at John +Prescott's in 1657 and confirmed "the +imunityes provided for" in the above +covenant specifying that they "should +continue and remayne to him the said +Jno. Prescott his heyres and assignes +vntil the 23d of May, in the yeare of +our Lord sixteen hundred sixty and +two."</p> + +<p class="dgp">The corn mill was located a little +lower upon the brook than the extensive +factory buildings now utilizing its +water power. The half used force of +the rapid stream, and the giant pines of +the virgin forest then shadowed all the +region about, were full of reproach to +the restless miller. His busy brain was +soon planning a new benefaction to his +fellow citizens, and when his means +grew sufficiently to warrant the enterprise, +his busy hands wrought its consummation. +As before, a formal agreement +preceded the work:</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent">"Know all men by these presents that for as +much as the Inhabitants of Lanchaster, or the +most part of them being gathered together on +a trayneing day, the 15th of the 9th mo, 1658, +a motion was made by Jno. Prescott blackesmith +of the same towne, about the setting vp +of a saw mill for the good of the Towne, and +y<sup>t</sup> he the said Jno Prescott, would by the help +of God set vp the saw mill, and to supply the +said Inhabitants with boords and other sawne +worke, as is afforded at other saw mills in the +countrey. In case the Towne would giue, grant, +and confirms vnto the said John Prescott, a +certeine tract of Land, lying Eastward of his +water mill, be it more or less, bounded by the +riuer east, the mill west the stake of the mill +land and the east end of a ledge of Iron Stone +Rocks southards, and forty acres of his owne +land north, the said land to be to him his +heyres and assignes for euer, and all the said +land and eurie part thereof to be rate free vntill +it be improued, or any p<sup>t</sup> of it, and that his +saws, & saw mill should be free from any rates +by the Towne, therefore know ye that the ptyes +abouesaid did mutually agree and consent each +with other concerning the aforementioned +propositions as followeth:</p> + +<p class="dgp">The towne on their part did giue, grant & +confirme, vnto the said John Prescott his +heyres and assignes for euer, all the aforementioned +tract of land butted & bounded as +aforesaid, to be to him his heyres and asssignes +for euer with all the priuiledges and appurtenances +thereon, and therevnto belonging to be +to his and their owne propper vse and behoofe + +as aforesaid, and the land and eurie part of it +to be free from all rates vntil it or any pt of it +be improued, and also his saw, sawes, and +saw-mill to be free from all town rates, or ministers +rates, prouided the aforementioned worke +be finished & compleated as abouesaid for the +good of the towne, in some convenient time +after this present contract covenant and agrem<sup>t</sup>.</p> + +<p class="dgp">And the said John Prescott did and doth by +these prsents bynd himself, his heyres and assignes +to set vp a saw-mill as aforesaid within +the bounds of the aforesaid Towne, and to supply +the Towne with boords and other sawne +worke as aforesaid and truly and faithfully to +performe, fullfill, & accomplish, all the aforementioned +p'misses for the good of the Towne +as aforesaid.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Therefore the Selectmen conceiving this saw-mill +to be of great vse to the Towne, and the +after good of the place, Haue and do hereby +act to rattifie and confirme all the aforemencconed +acts, covenants, gifts, grants, & im'unityes, +in respect of rates, and what euer is aforementioned, +on their owne pt, and in behalfe of the +Towne, and to the true performance hereof, +both partyes haue and do bynd themselves by +subscribing their hands, this twenty-fifth day of +February, one thousand six hundred and fifty +nine.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">JOHN PRESCOTT.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The worke above mencconed was finished +according to this covenant as witnesseth.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Signed & Delivr'd In presence of,</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">RALPH HOUGHTON.</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">THOMAS WILDER</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">THOMAS SAWYER</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">RALPH HOUGHTON</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">Monday, the seventeenth of February, +1659, "the Company granted him to +fall pines on the Com'ons to supply his +saw-mill."</p> + +<p class="dgp">In April 1659, Ensign Noyes came to +make accurate survey of the eighty +square miles granted to the town, +and John Prescott was deputed by the +townsmen at their March meeting to aid +in the survey and "mark the bounds." +Among his varied accomplishments, natural +and acquired, Prescott seems to +have had some practical skill in surveying, +the laying out of highways and the +construction of bridges. In 1648 John +Winthrop records: "This year a new +way was found out to Connecticut by +Nashua which avoided much of the hilly +way." As appears by a later petition +Prescott was the pioneer of this new +path. In 1657 he was appointed by +the government a member of a committee +upon the building of bridges "at +Billirriky and Misticke." In 1658 he +with his son-in-law Jonas Fairbank was +appointed to survey a farm of six hundred +and fifty acres for Captain Richard +Davenport, upon which farm the chief +part of West Boylston now stands.</p> + +<p class="dgp">To the General Court which met October +18, 1659, the following petition +was presented:</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent">"The humble petition of John Prescot of Lancaster +humblye Sheweth, That whereas yr petitioner +about nine or ten yeares since, was desired +by the late hon'red Governour Mr. Winthrop, +w<sup>th</sup> other Magistrates, as also by Mr. Wilson of +Boston, Mr. Shephard of Cambridge with many +others, did lay & marke out a way at ye north +side of the great pond & soe by Lancaster, +which then was taken by Mr. Hopkins & many +others to bee of great vse; This I did meerly +vpon the request of these honored gentlemen, +to my great detrimt, by being vpon it part of +two summers not only myselfe but hiring others +alsoe to helpe mee, whereby my family suffered +much: I doe not question but many of ye +Court remember the same, as alsoe that this +hath not laine dead all this while, but I haue +formerly mentioned it, but yet haue noe recompence +for the same; the charge whereof came +at 2<sup>s</sup> p day to about 10<sup>l</sup>; it is therefore the desire +of y<sup>r</sup> petitioner yt you would bee pleased to +grant him a farme in some place vndisposed of +which will engage him to you and encourage +him and others in publique occasions & +y'r petitioner shall pray etc." +</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">One hundred acres of land were +granted him, and speedily laid out near +the Washacum ponds, where now stand +the railroad buildings at Sterling Junction.</p> + +<p class="dgp">We get very few glimpses of Prescott +from the meagre records of succeeding +years, but those serve to indicate that +he was busy, prosperous and annually + +honored by his neighbors with the public +duties for which his sturdy integrity, +shrewd business tact, and wisely directed +energy peculiarly fitted him. He had +taken the oath of fidelity in 1652. Such +owning of allegiance was by law prerequisite +to the holding of real estate. +Refusing such oath he might better have +been a Nipmuck so far as civil rights or +privileges were concerned. He was not +yet a member of the recognized church +however, and therefore lacked the political +dignities of a freeman; although his +intimate relations with Master Joseph +Rowlandson, and his personal connection +with the earlier cases of church +discipline in Lancaster, sufficiently attest +the austerity of his puritanism. Doubtless +Governor John Winthrop in his +hasty and harsh dictum respecting the +Nashaway planters, classed John Prescott +among those "corrupt in judgment." +But it must be remembered +that in Winthrop's visionary commonwealth +there was no room for liberty of +conscience. All were esteemed corrupt +in judgment or even profane whose +religious beliefs, when tested all about +by the ecclesiastic callipers, proved not +to have been cast in the doctrinal mould +prescribed by the self-sanctified founders +of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. No +known fact in any way warrants even +the conjecture that Prescott was not a +sincere Christian earnestly pursuing his +own convictions of duty, without fear +and without reproach.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Prescott's mechanical skill and business +ability had more than a local reputation. +In 1667, we find him contracting +with the authorities of Groton, to +erect "a good and sufficient corne mill +or mills, and the same to finish so as +may be fitting to grind the corne of the +said Towne." ... For the fulfillment +of this agreement he received five hundred +and twenty acres of land, and mill +and lands were exempted from taxation +for twenty years. Assistance towards +the building of the mill were also promised +to the amount of "two days worke +of a man for every house lott or family +within the limitts of the said Towne, +and at such time or times to be done or +performed, as the said John Prescott +shall see meete to call for the same, +vpon reasonable notice given." The +covenant was fulfilled by the completion +of a mill at Nonacoiacus, then in +the southern part of Groton. The mill +site is now in Harvard. Prescott's +youngest son, Jonas, was the first miller. +The history of the old mill is obscured +by the shadows of two hundred +years, but a bright gleam of romantic +tradition concerning the first miller is +warm with human interest now. Perhaps +at points the romantic may infringe +upon the historic, but:</p> + +<div class="lg"> +<p class="l"><em>Se non e vero,</em></p> +<p class="l"><em>E ben trovato.</em></p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">Down by the green meadows of Sudbury +there dwelt a bewitchingly fair +maiden, the musical dissyllables of whose +name were often upon the lips of the +young men in all the country round +about, and whose smile could awaken +voiceless poetry in the heart of the most +prosaic Puritan swain. There is little of +aristocratic sound in Mary Loker's name, +but her parents sat on Sunday at the +meeting house in a "dignified" pew, +and were rich in fields and cattle. +Whether pushed by pride of land or +pride of birth, in their plans and aspirations, +this daughter was predestinated +to enhance the family dignity by an aristocratic +alliance. In Colonial days a +maiden who added a handsome prospective +dowry to her personal witchery was +rare indeed, and Mary Loker had, coming +from far and near, inflammable suitors +perpetually burning at her shrine. +From among these the father and + +mother soon made their choice upon +strictly business principles, and shortly +announced to Mary that a certain ambitious +gentleman of the legal profession +had furnished the most satisfactory +credentials, and that nothing remained +but for her to name the day. Now the +fourth commandment was very far from +being the dead letter in 1670 that it is +in 1885, and it was matter for grave surprise +to the elders that their usually obedient +daughter, when the lawyer proceeded +to plead, refused to hear, and +peremptorily adjourned his cause without +day. Maternal expostulation and +paternal threats availed nothing. The +because of Mary's contumacy was not +far to seek. A stalwart Vulcan in the +guise of an Antinous, known as Jonas +Prescott, had wandered from his father's +forge in Lancaster down the Bay Path +to Sudbury. Mary and he had met, and +the lingering of their parting boded ill +for any predestination not stamped with +their joint seal of consent. With that +lack of astuteness proverbially exhibited +by parents disappointed in match-making +designs upon their children, the +vexed father and mother began a course +of vigorous repression, and thereby +riveted more firmly than ever the chains +which the errant young blacksmith and +his apprentice Cupid had forged. In +due time, they perforce learned that +love's flame burns the brighter fed upon +a bread and water diet; and that confinement +to an attic may be quite endurable +when Cupid's messages fly in and +out of its lattice at pleasure.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Finally Mary was secretly sent to an +out-of-the-way neighborhood in the vain +hope that the chill of absence might +hinder what home rule had only served +to help. But one day Jonas on a hunting +excursion made the acquaintance of +some youth, who, among other chitchat, +happened to break into ecstatic praise of +the graces of a certain fair damsel +who had recently come to live in +a farm-house near their home. Of +course the anvil missed Jonas for the +next day, and the next, and the next, +while he experienced the hospitalities of +his new-found friends—and their neighbors. +It was time for a recognition of +the inevitable by all concerned, but +when, and with what grace Mary's stubborn +parents yielded, if at all, is not recorded. +But what mattered that? Old +John Prescott installed Jonas at the +Nonacoicus Mill, and endowed him with +all his Groton lands, and in Lancaster, +December 14, 1672, Jonas and Mary +were married. For over fifty years fortunes +railed upon their union. Four sons +and eight daughters graced their fireside, +and the father was trusted and clothed +with local dignities. In after time the +memory of Jonas and Mary has been +honored by many worthy descendants, +and especially by the gallant services of +Colonel William Prescott at Bunker Hill, +and the literary renown of William +Hickling Prescott, the historian.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1669, John Prescott was proclaimed +a Freeman. He may have been long a +Church member, or may not even at +this date have yielded the conscientious +scruples that had a quarter of a century +earlier subjected him to the reproach +of an ecclesiastical oligarchy. The +laws concerning Freemen, in reluctant +obedience to the letter of Charles II., +were so changed in 1665 that those not +Church members could become Freemen, +if freeholders of a sufficient estate, +and guaranteed by the local minister +"to be Orthodox and not vicious in their +lives." Prescott had the true Englishman's +love of landed possessions, and +about this time added a large tract to +his acreage by purchase from his +Indian neighbors. This transaction +gave cause for the following petition:</p> + + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent"><em>To the honorable the Gov<sup>r</sup> the Deputy +Gov<sup>r</sup> mag<sup>tr</sup> & Deputy es assembled in the +gen<sup>r</sup>all Court</em>:</p> + +<p class="dgp">The Petition of Jno Prescott of Lanchaster, +In most humble wise sheweth. Whereas ye +Petition<sup>r</sup> hath purchased an Indian right to a +small parcell of Land, occasioned and +circumstanced for quantity & quality according to the +deed of sale herevnto annexed and a pt. thereof +not being legally setled vpon piee vnlesse I +may obteyne the favor of this Court for the +Confirmation thereof, These are humbly to request +the Court's favor for that end, the Lord +hauing dealt graciously with mee in giueing mee +many children I account it my duty to endeauor +their provission & setling and do hope +that this may be of some vse in yt kind. I +know not any claime made to the said land by +any towne, or any legall right y<sup>t</sup> any other persons +haue therein, and therefore are free for +mee to occupy & subdue as any other, may I +obteyne the Court's approbation. I shall not +vse further motiues, my condition in other respecks +& w<sup>t</sup> my trouble & expenses haue been +according to my poor ability in my place being +not altogether vnknowne to some of ye Court. +That ye Lord's prsence may be with & his blessing +accompany all yo<sup>r</sup> psons, Counsells, & endeauors +for his honor & ye weale of his poor +people is ye pray<sup>r</sup> of</p> + +<p class="dgp">Yo<sup>r</sup> supplliant</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">JOHN PRESCOTT SEN<sup>r</sup>. +</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">This request was referred to a special +committee, composed of Edward Tyng, +George Corwin and Humphrey Davie, +who reported as follows:</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent">"In Reference to this Petition the Comittee +being well informed that the Pet<sup>r</sup> is an ancient +Planter and hath bin a vseful helpfull and publique +spirited man doinge many good offices +ffor the Country, Relatinge to the Road to +Conecticott, marking trees, directinge of Passengers +&c, and that the Land Petitioned for +beinge but about 107 Acres & Lyinge not very +Convenient for any other Plantation, and only +accomoclable for the Pet<sup>r</sup>, we judge it reasonable +to Confirme the Indian Grant to him & his +heyers if ye honored Court see meete." +</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">This report was approved. James +Wiser <em>alias</em> Quanapaug, the Christian +Nashaway Chief, who appears as grantor +of the land, was a warrior whose bravery +had been tested in the contest between +the Nipmucks and the Mohawks; +and was so firm a friend of his white +neighbors at Lancaster, that when Philip +persuaded the tribe with its Sagamore +Sam, to go upon the war path, James +refused to join them. He even served +as a spy and betrayed Philip's plans to +the English at imminent risk of his life, +doing his utmost to save Lancaster from +destruction. General Daniel Gookin +acknowledged that Quanapaug's information +would have averted the horrible +massacre of February 10, 1676, had it +been duly heeded. The fact of the +friendly relations existing between Prescott +and the tribe whose fortified residence +stood between the two Washacum +ponds is interesting and confirms tradition. +It is related that at his first coming +he speedily won the respect of the +savages, not only by his fearlessness and +great physical strength, but by the +power of his eye and his dignity of mien. +They soon learned to stand in awe of +his long musket and unerring skill as a +marksman. He had brought with him +from England a suit of mail, helmet and +cuirass such as were worn by the soldiers +of Cromwell. Clothed with these, his +stately figure seemed to the sons of the +forest something almost supernatural. +One day some Indians, having taken +away a horse of his, he put on his armor, +pursued them alone, and soon +overtook them. The chief of the party +seeing him approach unsupported, advanced +menacingly with uplifted tomahawk. +Prescott dared him to strike, and +was immediately taken at his word, but +the rude weapon glanced harmless from +the helmet, to the amazement of the +red men. Naturally the Indian desired +to try upon his own head so wonderful +a hat, and the owner obligingly gratified +him claiming the privilege, however, of +using the tomahawk in return. The + +helmet proving a scant fit, or its wearer +neglecting to bring it down to its proper +bearings, Prescott's vengeful blow not +only astounded him but left very little +cuticle on either side of his head, and +nearly deprived him of ears. Prescott +was permitted to jog home in peace +upon his horse.</p> + +<p class="dgp">After hostilities began, it is said that +at one time the savages set fire to his +barn, but fled when he sallied out clad +in armor with his dreaded gun; and +thus he was enabled to save his stock, +though the building was consumed. +More than once attempts were made to +destroy the mill, but a sight of the man +in mail with the far reaching gun was +enough to send them to a safe distance +and rescue the property. Many stories +have been told of Prescott's prowess, +but some bear so close a resemblance to +those credibly historic in other localities +and of other heroes, that there attaches +to them some suspicions of adaptation +at least. Such perhaps is the story that +in an assault upon the town "he had +several muskets but no one in the house +save his wife to assist him. She loaded +the guns and he discharged them with +fatal effect. The contest continued for +nearly half an hour, Mr. Prescott all the +while giving orders as if to soldiers, so +loud that the Indians could hear him, +to load their muskets though he had no +soldiers but his wife. At length they +withdrew carrying off several of their +dead and wounded."</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1673 Prescott had nearly attained +the age of three score and ten. The +weight of years that had been full of exposure, +anxiety and toil rested heavily +upon even his rugged frame, and some +sharp touch of bodily ailment warning +him of his mortality, he made his will. +It is signed with "his mark," although +he evidently tried to force his unwilling +hand to its accustomed work, his peculiar +J being plainly written and followed +by characters meant for the remaining +letters of his first name. To earlier +documents he was wont to affix a simple +neat signature, and although not a +clerkly penman like his friends John +Tinker, Master Joseph Rowlandson and +Ralph Houghton, his writing is superior +to that of Major Simon Willard.</p> + +<div class="display"> +<a name="toc_9"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">JOHN PRESCOTT'S WILL.</h3> + +<p class="noindent">Theis presents witneseth that John Prescott +of Lancaster in the Countie of Midlesex in +New England Blaksmith being vnder the sencible +decayes of nature and infirmities of old +age and at present vnder a great deale of anguish +and paine but of a good and sound +memorie at the writing hereof being moved +vpon considerations aforesaid togather with +advis of Christian friends to set his house in +order in Reference to the dispose of those outward +good things the lord in mercie hath betrusted +him with, theirfore the said John Prescott +doth hereby declare his last will and testament +to be as followeth, first and cheifly +Comiting and Contending his soule to almightie +god that gaue it him and his bodie to +the comon burying place here in Lancaster, and +after his bodie being orderly and decently buryed +and the Charge theirof defrayed togather with +all due debts discharged, the Rest of his Lands +and estate to be disposed of as followeth: first +in Reference to the Comfortable being of his +louing wife during the time of her naturall Life, +it is his will that his said wife haue that end of +the house where he and shee now dwelleth togather +with halfe the pasture and halfe the fruit +of the aple trees and all the goods in the house, +togather with two cowes which shee shall Chuse +and medow sufisiant for wintering of them, +out of the medowes where she shall Chuse, the +said winter pvision for the two cowes to be +equaly and seasonably pvided by his two sons +John and Jonathan. And what this may fall +short in Reference to convenient food and +cloathing and other nesesaries for her comfort +in sicknes and in health, to be equaly pvided +by the aforesaid John and Jonathan out of the +estate. And at the death of his aforesaid louing +wife it is his will that the said cowes and +household goods be equally deuided betwene +his two sons aforesaid, and the other part of +the dwelling house, out housing, pasture and + +orchard togather with the term acres of house +lott lying on Georges hill which was purchased +of daniell gains to be equaly deuided betwene +the said John and Jonathan and alsoe that part +of the house and outhousing what is Convenient +for the two Cowes and their winter pvision +pasture and orchard willed to his louing wife +during her life, at her death to be equaly deuided +alsoe betwene the said John and Jonathan. +And furthermore it is his will that John Prescott +his eldest son haue the Intervaile land at +John's Jumpe, the lower Mille and the land belonging +to it and halfe the saw mille and halfe +the land belonging to it and all the house and +barne theire erected, and alsoe the house and +farme at Washacomb pond, and all the land +their purchased from the indians and halfe the +medowes in all deuisions in the towne acept sum +litle part at bar hill wh. is after willed to James +Sawyer and one halfe of the Comon Right in +the towne, and in Reference to second deuision +land, that part of it which lyeth at danforths +farme both vpland and interuaile is +willed to Jonathan and sixtie acres of that part +at Washacom litle pond to James Sawyer and +halfe of sum brushie land Capable of being +made medow at the side of the great pine +plain to be within the said James Sawyers sixtie +acres and all the Rest of the second deuision +land both vpland and Interuaile to be equaly +deuided betwene John Prescott and Jonathan +aformentioned. And Jonathan Prescott his +second son to haue the Ryefeild and all the +interuaile lott at Nashaway Riuer that part +which he hath in posesion and the other part +joyneing to the highway and alsoe his part of +second deuision land aforementioned and alsoe +one halfe of all the medowes in all deuisions in +the towne not willed to John Prescott and +James Sawyer aformentioned, and alsoe the +other halfe of the saw mille and land belonging +to it, and it is to be vnderstood that all timber +on the land belonging to both Corne Mille and +Saw Mille be Comon to the vse of the Saw +Mille. And in Reference to his third son Jonas +Prescott it is herby declared that he hath Received +a full childs portion at nonecoicus in a +Corne mille and Lands and other goods. And +James Sawyer his granchild and Servant it is +his will that he haue the sixtie acres of vpland +aformentioned and the two peices of medow +at bare hill one being part of his second deuision +the upermost peic on the brook and the +other being part of his third deuision lying vpon +Nashaway River purchased of goodman Allin. +Prouided the Said James Sawyer carie it beter +then he did to his said granfather in his time +and carie so as becoms an aprentic & vntil he +be one and twentie years of age vnto the executors +of this will namly John Prescott and Jonathan +Prescott who are alsoe herby engaged to +pforme vnto the said James what was pmised +by his said granfather, which was to endeuor +to learne him the art and trade of a blaksmith. +And in Case the said James doe not pforme on +his part as is afor expresed to the satisfaction +of the overseers of this will, or otherwise, If +he doe not acept of the land aformentioned, +then the said land and medow to be equaly +deuided betwene the aforsaid John and Jonathan. +And in Reference to his three daughters, +namly Marie, Sara and Lydia they to haue and +Receive eurie of them fiue pounds to be paid +to them by the executors to eurie of them fiftie +shillings by the yeare two years after the death +of theire father to be paid out of the mouables +and Martha Ruge his granchild to haue a cow +at the choic of her granmother. And it is the +express will and charge of the testator to his +wife and all his Children that they labor and +endeuor to prescrue loue and unitie among +themselves and the vpholding of Church and +Comonwealth. And to the end that this his last +will and testament may be truly pformed in all +the parts of it, the said testator hath and herby +doth constitut and apoynt his two sons namly +John Prescott and Jonathan Prescott Joynt +executors of this his last will. And for the +preuention of after trouble among those that +suruiue about the dispose of the estate acording +to this his will he hath hereby Chosen desired +and apoynted the Reuerend Mr. Joseph +Rowlandson, deacon Sumner and Ralph +Houghton overseers of this his will; vnto whom +all the parties concerned in this his will +in all dificult Cases are to Repaire, and that +nothing be done without their Consent and +aprobation. And furthermore in Reference to +the mouables it is his will that his son John +have his anvill and after the debts and legacies +aformentioned be truly paid and fully discharged +by the executors and the speciall trust +pformed vnto my wife during her life and at +her death, in Respect of, sicknes funerall expences, +the Remainder of the movables to be +equaly deuided betwene my two sons John and +Jonathan aforementioned. And for a further +and fuller declaration and confirmation of this +will to be the last will and testament of the +afornamed John Prescott he hath herevnto + +put his hand and seale this 8 of 2 month one +thousand six hundred seaventie three.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">JOHN PRESCOTT,</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">his <em>John</em> mark.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Sealed signed owned to be the Last will and +testament of the testator afornamed In the +presence of +</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">JOSEPH ROWLANDSON,</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">ROGER SUMNER,</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">RALPH HOUGHTON.</p> + +<p class="dgp">April 4: 82.</p> + +<p class="dgp">ROGER SUMNER, }</p> +<p class="dgp">RALPH HOUGHTON, } Appearing in Court made oath to the above s<sup>d</sup> will,</p> +<p class="dgp">JONATHAN REMINGTON, <em>Cleric</em>."</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">But John Prescott's pilgrimage was +far from ended, and severer chastenings +than any yet experienced awaited him. +He had survived to see the settlement +that called him father, struggle upward +from discouraging beginnings, to become +a thriving and happy community of +over fifty families. Where at his coming +all had been pathless woods, now fenced +fields and orchards yielded annually +their golden and ruddy harvests; gardens +bloomed; mechanic's plied their +various crafts; herds wandered in lush +meadows; bridges spanned the rivers, +and roads wound through the landscape +from cottage to cottage and away to +neighboring towns. All this fair scene +of industry and rural content, of which +he might in modest truth say "<em>Magna +pars fui</em>," he lived to see in a single day +made more desolate than the howling +wilderness from which it had been laboriously +conquered. He was spared +to see dear neighbors and kindred massacred +in every method of revolting +atrocity, and their wives and children +carried into loathsome captivity by foes +more relentlessly cruel than wolves. +When now weighed down with age and +bodily infirmities, the rest he had +thought won was to be denied him, and +he and his were driven from the ashes +of pleasant homes—about which clustered +the memories of thirty years' +joys and sorrows—to beg shelter from +the charity of strangers. For more +than three years his enforced banishment +endured. In October 1679, John +Prescott with his sons John and Jonathan, +his sons-in-law Thomas Sawyer and +John Rugg, his grand-son Thomas Sawyer, +Jr. and his neighbor's John Moore, +Thomas Wilder, and Josiah White, petitioned +the Middlesex Court for permission +to resettle the town, and their prayer +was granted. Soon most of the inhabitants +who had survived the massacre +and exile, were busily building new +homes, some upon the cinders of the +old, others upon their second division +lands east of the rivers where they were +less exposed to the stealthy incursions +of their savage enemies. The two John +Prescotts rebuilt the mills and dwelt +there. Whether the pioneer's life long +helpmate died before their settlement, in +exile, or shortly after the return, has not +been ascertained, but it would seem that +he survived her. Jonathan having married +a second wife remained in Concord. +For two years the old man lived with +his eldest son, seeing the Nashaway +Valley blooming with the fruits of civilized +labor; seeing new families filling +the woeful gaps made in the old by +Philip's warriors; seeing children and +grandchildren grasping the implements +that had fallen from the nerveless hold +of the earliest bread-winners, with hopeful +and pertinacious purpose to extend +the paternal domain; seeing too, may +we not trust, from the Pisgah height of +prophetic vision the glorious promise +awaiting this his Canaan; these softly +rounded hills and broad valleys dotted +with the winsome homes of thousands +of freemen; churches and schools, +shops of artisans, and busy marts of +trade clustered about his mill site; and, +above all, seeing the assertion of political +freedom and liberty of conscience +which Governor John Winthrop had reproached + +him for favoring in the petition +of Robert Child, become the corner +stone of a giant republic.</p> + +<p class="dgp">No record of John Prescott's death +is found; but when upon his death bed, +feeling that the changed condition of +his own and his son Jonathan's affairs +required some modification of the will +made in 1673, he summoned two of his +townsmen to hear his nuncupative codicil +to that document. From the affidavit, +here appended, it is certain that +his death occurred about the middle +of December, 1681.</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent">"The Deposition of Thos: Wilder aged 37 +years sworn say'th that being with Jno: Prescott +Sen'r About six hours before he died he ye +s'd Jno. Prescott gaue to his eldest sonn Jno: +Presscott his house lott with all belonging +to ye same & ye two mills, corn mill & saw +mill with ye land belonging thereto & three scor +Acors of land nere South medow and fourty +Acors of land nere Wonchesix & a pece of enteruile +caled Johns Jump & Bridge medow on +both sids ye Brook. Cyprian Steevens Testifieth +to all ye truth Aboue writen.</p> + +<p class="dgp">DECEM. 20. 81.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">Sworn in Court. J.R.C."</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">Though two or more years short of +fourscore at the time of his death he +was Lancaster's oldest inhabitant. His +fellow pioneer, Lawrence Waters, who +was the elder by perhaps a years, till survived, +though blind and helpless; but he +dwelt with a son in Charlestown, after +the destruction of his home, and never +returned to Lancaster. John and Ralph +Houghton, much younger men, were +now the veterans of the town.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_10"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">A GLIMPSE.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">BY MARY H. WHEELER.</p> + +<div class="lg"> +<p class="l">We met but once; 'twas many years ago.</p> +<p class="l">I walked, with others, idly through the grounds</p> +<p class="l">Where thou did'st minister in daily rounds.</p> +<p class="l">I knew thee by thy garb, all I might know,</p> +<p class="l">Sister of Charity, in hood like snow.</p> +<p class="l">My heart was weary with the sight and sounds</p> +<p class="l">Of sick and suffering soldiers in the wards below.</p> +<p class="l">Disgusted with my thoughts of war and wounds.</p> +<p class="l">'Twas then, by sudden chance, I met thine eyes,</p> +<p class="l">What saw I there? A light from heaven above,</p> +<p class="l">A gleam of calm, self-sacrificing love,</p> +<p class="l">A smile that fill'd my heart with glad surprise,</p> +<p class="l">Reflected in my breast an answering glow,</p> +<p class="l">And haunts me still, wherever I may go.</p> +</div> +</div> + + + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_11"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">EARLY HISTORY OF THE BERMUDA ISLANDS.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">By JAMES H. STARK.</p> + + +<p class="dgp">The singular collection of islands +known as the Bermudas are situated +about seven hundred miles from Boston, +in a southeast direction, and about the +same distance from Halifax, or Florida. +The nearest land to Bermuda is Cape +Hatteras, distant 625 miles.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Within sixty-five hours' sail from New +York it is hardly possible to find so +complete a change in government, climate, +scenery and vegetation, as Bermuda +offers; and yet these islands are +strangely unfamiliar to most well-informed +Americans.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Speaking our own language, having +the same origin, with manners, which in +many ways illustrate those prevalent in +New England a century +ago, the people are +bound to us by many +natural ties; and it is +only now that these +islands, having come to +the front as a winter resort, +have led us to inquire +into their history +and resources. Settled +in 1612, Virginia only +of the English colonies +outdating it, life in Bermuda has been as +placid as its lovely waters on a summer +day; no agitation of sufficient occurrence +having occurred to attract the attention +of the outside world, from which it is so +absolutely isolated.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The only communication with the +mainland is by the Quebec Steamship +Company, who dispatch a steamer every +alternate Thursday between New York +and Hamilton, Bermuda, the fare for the +round trip, including meals and stateroom, +is fifty dollars. During the crop +season, in the months of April, May +and June, steamers are run weekly.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The Cunard Company also have a +monthly service between Halifax, Bermuda, +Turks Island and Jamaica, under +contract with the Admiralty.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The Bermudas were first discovered +in 1515 by a Spanish vessel, called La +Garza, on a voyage from Spain to Cuba, +with a cargo of hogs, and commanded +by Juan Bermudez, and having on board +Gonzalez Oviedo, the historian of the +Indies, to whom we are indebted for +the first account of these islands. +They approached near to the islands, +and from the appearance of the place +concluded that it was +uninhabited. They resolved +to send a boat +ashore to make observations, +and leave +a few hogs, which might +breed and be afterwards +useful. When, however, +they were preparing to +debark a strong contrary +gale arose, which obliged +them to sheer off and be +content with the view already obtained. +The islands were named by the Spaniards +indifferently, La Garza from the ship +and Bermuda from the captain, but +the former term is long since disused.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image2.png" alt="INSCRIPTION ON SPANISH ROCK"></p> +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">INSCRIPTION ON SPANISH ROCK</p> + +<p class="dgp">It does not appear that the Spaniards +made any attempt to settle there, although +Philip II. granted the islands to +one Ferdinand Camelo, a Portuguese, +who never improved his gift, beyond +taking possession by the form of landing +in 1543, and carving on a prominent + +cliff on the southern shore of the +island<a href="#note_2"><span class="footnoteref">2</span></a> the initials of his name and the +year, to which, in conformity with the +practical zeal of the times, he super-added +a cross, to protect his acquisition +from the encroachments of roving +heretics and the devil, for the stormy +seas and dangerous reefs gave rise to so +many disasters as to render the group +exceedingly formidable in the eyes of +the most experienced navigators. It +was even invested in their imagination +with superstitious terrors, being considered +as unapproachable by man, and +given up in full dominion to the spirits of +darkness. The Spaniards therefore +called them "Los Diabolos," the Devil's +Islands.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image3.png" alt="Fac-simile reproduction of a Map of Bermuda made in 1614 by Captain John Smith."></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">Fac-simile reproduction of a Map of Bermuda made in 1614 by Captain John Smith.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image4.png" alt="View of the State House and reference as to location of the fort, bridges, etc., shown herewith on Smith's map of 1614. (Fac-simile reproduction.)"></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">View of the State House and reference as to location of the fort, bridges, etc., shown herewith on Smith's map of 1614. (Fac-simile reproduction.)</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image5.png" alt=""></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"></p> + +<p class="dgp">These islands were first introduced to + +the notice of the +English by a dreadful +shipwreck. In 1591 +Henry May sailed to +the East Indies, along +with Captain Lancaster, +on a buccaneering +expedition. Having +reached the coast of +Sumatra and Malacca, +they scoured +the adjacent seas, and +made some valuable +captures. In 1593 +they again doubled +the Cape of Good +Hope and returned +to the West Indies +for supplies, which +they much needed. +They first came in +sight of Trinidad, +but did +not dare to approach +a coast +which was in +possession of +the Spaniards, +and their distress +became so +great that it +was with the +utmost difficulty +that the +men could be +prevented from +leaving the +ship. They +shortly afterwards +fell in +with a French +buccaneer, +commanded by La Barbotiere, who +kindly relieved their wants by a gift +of bread and provisions. Their stores +were soon again exhausted, and, coming +across the French ship the second +time, application was made to the +French Captain for more supplies, but he +declared that his own stock was so much +reduced that he could spare but little, +but the sailors persuaded themselves + +that the Frenchman's scarcity was +feigned, and also that May, who conducted +the negotiations, was regailing +himself with good cheer on board without +any trouble about their distress. +Among these men, inured to bold and +desperate deeds, a company was formed +to seize the French pinnace, and then +to capture the large vessel with its aid. +They succeeded in their first object, but +the French Captain, who observed their +actions, sailed away at full speed, and +May, who was dining with him on +board at the time, requested that he +might stay and return home on the vessel +so that he could inform his employers +of the events of the voyage and +the unruly behavior of the crew. As +they approached Bermuda strict watch +was kept while they supposed themselves +to be near that dreaded spot, but +when the pilot declared that they were +twelve leagues south of it they threw +aside all care and gave themselves up to +carousing. Amid their jollity, about +midnight, the ship struck with such violence +that she immediately filled and +sank. They had only a small boat, to +which they attached a hastily-constructed +raft to be towed along with it; room, +however, was made for only twenty-six, +while the crew exceeded fifty. In the +wild and desperate struggle for existence +that ensued May fortunately got +into the boat. They had to beat about +nearly all the next day, dragging the raft + +after them, and it was almost dark before +they reached the shore; they were +tormented with thirst, and had nearly +despaired of finding a drop of water +when some was discovered in a rock +where the rain waters had collected.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image6.png" alt="St. George's and Warwick Fort in 1614. (Fac-simile of Smith's engraving.)"></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">St. George's and Warwick Fort in 1614. (Fac-simile of Smith's engraving.)</p> + +<p class="dgp">The land was covered with one unbroken +forest of cedar. Here they would +have to remain for life unless a vessel +could be constructed. They made a +voyage to the wreck and secured the +shrouds, tackles and carpenters' tools, +and then began to cut down the cedars, +with which they constructed a vessel of +eighteen tons. For pitch they took lime, +rendered adhesive by a mixture of turtle +oil, and forced it into the seams, where +it became hard as stone.</p> + +<p class="dgp">During a residence of five months +here May had observed that Bermuda, +hitherto supposed to be a single island, +was broken up into a number of islands +of different sizes, enclosing many fine +bays, and forming good harbors. The +vessel being finished they set sail for +Newfoundland, expecting to meet fishing +vessels there, on which they could +obtain passage to Europe. On the eleventh +of May they found themselves with +joy clear of the islands. They had a very +favorable voyage, and on the twentieth +arrived at Cape Breton. May arrived in +England in August, 1594, where he gave +a description of the islands; he stated +that they found hogs running wild all +over the islands, which proves that this +was not the first landing made there.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It was owing to a shipwreck that Bermuda +again came under the view of +the English, and that led England to +appropriate these islands.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1609, during the most active period +of the colonization of Virginia, an +expedition of nine ships, commanded +by Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers +and Captain Newport, bound for +Virginia, was dispersed by a great storm. +One of the vessels, the Sea Adventure, +in which were Gates, Somers and Newport, +seems to have been involved in +the thickest of the tempest. The vessel +sprung aleak, which it was found +impossible to stop. All hands labored +at the pumps for life, even the Governor +and Admiral took their turns, and gentlemen +who had never had an hour's hard +work in their life toiled with the rest. +The water continued to gain on them, +and when about to give up in despair, +Sir George Somers, who had been watching +at the poop deck day and night, +cried out land, and there in the early +dawn of morning could be seen the welcome +sight of land. Fortunately they +lighted on the only secure entrance +through the reefs. The vessel was run +ashore and wedged between two rocks, +and thereby was preserved from sinking, +till by means of a boat and skiff the +whole crew of one hundred and fifty, with +provisions, tackle and stores, reached +the land. At that time the hogs still +abounded, and these, with the turtle, +birds and fish which they caught, afforded +excellent food for the castaways. +The Isle of Devils Sir George Somers +and party found "the richest, healthfulest +and pleasantest" they ever saw.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Robert Walsingham and Henry Shelly +discovered two bays abounding in excellent +fish; these bays are still called by +their names. Gates and Somers caused +the long boat to be decked over, and +sent Raven, the mate, with eight men, to +Virginia to bring assistance to them, but +nothing was ever heard of them afterwards, +and after waiting six months all +hopes were then given up. The chiefs +of the expedition then determined to +build two vessels of cedar, one of eighty +tons and one of thirty. Their utmost +exertions, however, did not prevent disturbances, +which nearly baffled the enterprise. +These were fomented by persons + +noted for their religious zeal, +of Puritan principles and the accompanying +spirit of independence. They +represented that the recent disaster had +dissolved the authority of the Governor, +and their business +was now to provide, +as they best could, for +themselves and their +families. They had come +out in search of an easy +and plentiful subsistence, +which could nowhere +be found in +greater perfection and +security than here, while +in Virginia its attainment +was not only +doubtful, but attended +with many hardships. +These arguments were +so convincing with the +larger number of the +men that, had it rested +with them, they would +have lived and died +on the islands.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image7.png" alt="Entrance to St. George Harbor, between Smith's and Paget's Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving. 1614.)"></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">Entrance to St. George Harbor, between Smith's and Paget's Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving. 1614.)</p> + +<p class="dgp">Two successive conspiracies +were formed by +large parties to separate +from the rest and form +a colony. Both were +defeated by the vigilance +of Gates, who allowed +the ringleaders to escape +with a slight punishment. +This lenity +only emboldened the +malcontents, and a third +plot was formed to seize +the stores and take entire +possession of the +islands. It was determined +to make an example +of one of the +leaders named Payne; +He was condemned to +be hanged, but, on the plea of being a +gentleman, his sentence was commuted +into that of being shot, which was immediately +done. This had a salutary effect, +and prevented any further trouble.</p> + + + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image8.png" alt="View of ancient forts. (Re-produced from Smith's engraving, 1614)"></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">View of ancient forts. (Re-produced from Smith's engraving, 1614)</p> + +<p class="dgp">Two children, a +boy and girl, were +born during this +period; the former +was christened +Bermudas +and the latter Bermuda; +they were +probably the first +human beings +born on these +islands.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Before leaving +the islands Gates +caused a cross to +be made of the +wood saved from +the wreck of his +ship, which he secured +to a large cedar; +a silver coin with the +king's head was placed +in the middle of it, together +with an inscription +on a copper plate +describing what had +happened—That the +cross was the remains of +a ship of three hundred +tons, called the Sea +Venture, bound with +eight more to Virginia; +that she contained two +knights, Sir Thomas +Gates, governor of the +colony, and Sir George +Summers, admiral of +the seas, who, together +with her captain, Christopher Newport, +and one hundred and fifty mariners and +passengers besides, had got safe ashore, +when she was lost, July 28, 1609.</p> + +<p class="dgp">On the tenth of May, 1610, they +sailed with a fair wind, and, before +reaching the open sea, they struck on a +rock and were nearly wrecked the second +time. On the twenty-third they +arrived safely at Jamestown. This settlement +they found in a most destitute +condition on their arrival, and it was determined +to abandon the place, but Sir +George Summers, "whose noble mind +ever regarded the general good more +than his own ends," offered to undertake +a voyage to the Bermudas for the +purpose of forming a settlement, from + +which supplies might be obtained for +the Jamestown colony. He accordingly +sailed June 19, in his cedar vessel, and +his name was then given to the islands, +though Bermuda has since prevailed.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image9.png" alt="Entrance to Castle Harbor, between Castle and Southhampton Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving, 1614.)"></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">Entrance to Castle Harbor, between Castle and Southhampton Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving, 1614.)</p> + +<p class="dgp">Contrary winds +and storms carried +him to the northward, +to the vicinity +of Cape Cod. +Somers persevered +and reached the +islands, but age, +anxiety and exertion +contributed +to produce his end. +Perceiving the approach +of death +he exhorted his +companions to +continue their +exertions for the +benefit of the +plantations, and to +return to Virginia. +Alarmed at the +untimely fate of +their leader, the +colonists embalmed +his body, +and disregarding +his dying injunction, +sailed for +England. Three +only of the men +volunteered to remain, +and for +some time after +their companions +left they continued +to cultivate the +soil, but unfortunately +they found +some ambergris, +and they fell into +innumerable quarrels +respecting its +possession. They at length resolved +to build a boat and sail for Newfoundland +with their prize, but, happily +for them, they were prevented by +the arrival of a ship from Europe. An + +extraordinary interest was excited in +England by the relation of Captain +Mathew Somers, the nephew and heir of +Sir George. The usual exaggerations +were published, and public impressions +were heightened by contrast with the +dark ideas formerly prevalent concerning +these islands. A charter was obtained +of King James I., and one hundred +and twenty gentlemen detached +themselves from the Virginia company +and formed a company under the name +and style of the Governor and Company +of the City of London, for the plantation +of the Somer Islands.</p> + +<p class="dgp">On the twenty-eighth of April, 1612, +the first ship was sent out with sixty +emigrants, under the charge of Richard +Moore, who was appointed the Governor +of the colony. They met the boat +containing the three men left on the +island, who were overjoyed at seeing +the ship, and conducted her into the +harbor. It was not long before intelligence +of the discovery of the ambergris +reached the Governor; he promptly +deprived the three men of it. One of +them named Chard, who denied all +knowledge of it, and caused considerable +disturbance, which at one time seemed +likely to result in a sanguinary encounter, +was condemned to be hanged, and +was only reprieved when on the ladder.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The Governor now applied himself +actively to his duties. He had originally +landed on Smith's Island, but he soon +removed to the spot where St. George's +now stands, and built the town which +was named after Sir George Somers, and +which became, and remained for two +centuries, the capital of Bermuda. He +laid the foundation of eight or nine +forts for the defence of the harbor, and +also trained the men to arms in order +that they might defend the infant colony +from attack. This proved necessary, +for, in 1614, two Spanish ships attempted +to enter the harbor; the forts +were promptly manned and two shots +fired at the enemy, who, finding them +better prepared than they imagined, +bore away.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Before the close of 1615 six vessels +had arrived with three hundred and +forty passengers, among whom were a +Marshall and one Bartlett, who were +sent out expressly to divide the colony +into tribes or shares; but the Governor +finding no mention of any shares for +himself, and the persons with him, as +had been agreed on, forbade his proceeding +with his survey. The survey +was afterward made by Richard Norwood, +which divided the land into +tribes, now parishes; these shares form, +the foundation of the land tenure of the +islands, even to this day, the divisional +lines in many cases yet remaining intact. +Moore, whose time had expired, +went back to England in 1615, leaving +the administration of the government to +six persons, who were to rule, each in +turn, one month. They proceeded to +elect by lot their first ruler, the choice +falling upon Charles Caldicot, who then +went, with a crew of thirty-two men, in +a vessel to the West Indies for the purpose +of procuring plants, goats and +young cattle for the islands. The vessel +was wrecked there, and the crew +were indebted to an English pirate for +being rescued from a desert island on +which they had been cast.</p> + +<p class="dgp">For a time the colony was torn by +contention and discord, as well as by +scarcity of food. The news of these +dissensions having reached England the +company sent out Daniel Tucker as +Governor. Tucker was a stern, hard +master, and he enforced vigorous measures +to compel the people to work for +the company. The provisions and stores +he issued in certain quantities, and paid +each laborer a stated sum in brass coin, + +struck by the proprietor for the purpose, +having a hog on one side, in commemoration +of the abundance of those +animals found by the first settlers, and +on the reverse a ship. Pieces of this +curious hog money, as it is called, is frequently +found, and it brings a high +price.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image10.png" alt="HOG MONEY."></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">HOG MONEY.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Shortly after Governor Tucker arrived +he sent to the West Indies for +plants and fruit trees. The vessel returned +with figs, pine-apples, sugar-cane, +plantain and paw-paw, which were all +planted and +rapidly multiplied. +This vessel +also brought +the first slaves +into the colony, +an Indaian and +a negro.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The company +dispatched +a small +bark, called the +Hopewell, with +supplies for the +colony, under +the command +of Captain +Powell. On his +way he met +a Portuguese +vessel homeward +bound +from Brazil, +with a cargo of sugar, and, as Smith +adds, "liked the sugar and passengers +so well" he made a prize of +her. Fearing to face Governor Tucker +after this piratical act he directed his +course to the West Indies. On his +arrival there he met a French pirate, +who pretended to have a warm regard +for him, and invited him, with his officers, +to an entertainment. Suspecting +nothing he accepted the invitation, but +no sooner had they been well seated at +the table than they were all seized and +threated with instant death, unless they +surrendered their prize. This Powell +was, of course, compelled to do, and +finding his provisions failing him he put +the Portuguese crew on shore and sailed +for Bermuda, where he managed to excuse +himself to the Governor. Powell +again went to the West Indies pirating, +and in May he arrived with three prizes, +laden with meal, hides, and ammunition. +Tucker received him kindly and +treated him +with consideration, +until he +had the goods +in his own possession, +when +he reproached +the Captain +with his piratical +conduct +and called him +to account for +his proceedings. +The unlucky +buccaneer +was, in the +end, glad to +escape to England, +leaving +his prizes in +the hands of +the Governor.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The discipline +and hard labor required of +the people reduced them to a condition +but little better than that of +slaves, and caused many to make desperate +efforts to escape from the islands. +Five persons, neither of whom +were sailors, built a fishing boat for the +Governor, and when completed they borrowed +a compass from their preacher, +for whom they left a farewell epistle. +In this they reminded him how often + +he had exhorted them to patience under +ill-treatment, and had told them +how Providence would pay them, if man +did not. They trusted, therefore, that +he would now practice what he had so +often preached.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image11.png" alt="Reproduction of Smith's engraving, 1614, showing his coat of arms with the three Turk heads."></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">Reproduction of Smith's engraving, 1614, showing his coat of arms with the three Turk heads.</p> + +<p class="dgp">These brave men endured great hardships +in their boat of three tons during +their rash voyage; but at the end of +about forty-two days they arrived at +Ireland, where their exploit was considered +so wonderful that the Earl of +Thomond caused them to be received +and entertained, and hung up their boat +as a monument of this extraordinary +voyage. The Governor was greatly exasperated +at their escape, and threatened +to hang the whole of them if they +returned.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Another party of three, one of whom +was a lady, attempted in a like manner +to reach Virginia, but were never afterwards +heard of. Six others were discovered +before they effected their +departure, and one was executed. John +Wood, who was found guilty of speaking +"many distasteful and mutinous +speeches against the Governor," was +also condemned and executed.</p> + +<p class="dgp">As there were at that time only about +five hundred inhabitants on these islands, +it would appear from Captain +Smith's History that Tucker hanged a +good percentage of them. Many were + +the complaints that were forwarded to +England concerning the tyrannical government +of Tucker, and he, fearing +to be recalled, at last returned to England +of his own accord, having appointed +a person named Kendall as +his deputy.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Kendall was disposed to be attentive +to his office, but wanted energy, and the +company took an early opportunity to relieve +him; this was not very agreeable +to the people, but they did not offer any +resistance.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Governor Butler arrived with four +ships and five hundred men on the +twentieth of October, 1619, which +raised the number of the colonists to +1000, and at his departure three years +later, it had increased to 1500.</p> + +<p class="dgp">On the first of August, 1620, in conformity +with instructions sent out by the +company, the Governor summoned the +first general assembly at St. George's +for the dispatch of public business. It +consisted of the Governor, Council, +Bailiffs, Burgesses, Secretary, and Clerk. +It appears that they all sat in one house, +which was probably the "State House" +shown on Smith's engraving. Most of +the Acts passed on this occasion were +creditable to the new legislators.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Governor Butler, as Moore had done +before him, turned his chief attention +to the building of forts and magazines; +he also finished the cedar Church at +St. George's, and caused the assembly +to pass an Act for the building of three +bridges, and then initiated the useful +project of connecting together the principal +islands. When Governor Butler +returned to England he left the islands +in a greatly improved condition. But +in his time, also, there were such frequent +mutinies and discontent, that at last +"he longed for deliverance from his +thankless and troublesome employment." +It was probably during Governor +Butler's administration that Captain<a href="#note_3"><span class="footnoteref">3</span></a> +John Smith had a map and illustrations +of the "Summer Ils" made, for in +it we find the three bridges, numerous +well-constructed forts, and the State +House at St. George's. The map and +illustrations were published in "Smith's +General Historic of Virginia, New England +and the Summer Ils" 1624; they are +of the greatest value and importance, as +they show accurately the class of buildings +and forts erected on these islands +at that early period; such details even +are entered into as the showing of the +stocks in the market place of St. +George's, and the architecture and the +substantial manner in which the buildings +were constructed is remarkable, especially +so when it is considered that +previous to 1620 the Puritans had not +settled at Plymouth, and it was ten +years from that date before the settlement +of Boston: in fact, with the exception +of Jamestown in Virginia, the English +had not secured a foot-hold in +North America at the time these buildings +and forts were constructed. There +are very few copies of this rare print in +existence, even in Smith's history it is +usually found wanting, and it was only +after considerable trouble and expense +that the writer succeeded in obtaining a +reproduction of it.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The early history of Bermuda is in +many important points similar to that of +New England. Like motives had in +most instances induced emigration, and +the distinguished characteristics of those +people were repeated here.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Like the Salem and Boston colonists +they had their witchcraft delusions, anticipating + +that, however, some twenty +years, Christian North was tried for it in +1668, but was acquited. Somewhat +later a negro woman, Sarah Basset, was +burned at Paget for the same offence. +The Quakers were persecuted by fines, +imprisonment, and banishment, by the +stem and dark-souled Puritans, who had +emigrated to this place to escape oppression, +and to enjoy religious toleration, +but were not willing to grant to +others who differed from them in their +religious belief the same privileges as +they themselves enjoyed.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The company discovered by degrees +that the Bermudas were not the Eldorado +which they had fondly imagined +them to be. The colonists were now +numerous, and every day showed a +strong disposition to break away from +the control of the company. The company +had issued an order forbidding the +inhabitants to receive any ships but such +as were commissioned by them. The +company complained against the quality +of tobacco shipped to London, as well +as the quantity.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The people were forbidden to cut +cedar without a special license, and as +they were in the habit of exporting +oranges in chests made of this wood, +the regulation operated very materially +to the injury of the place. Previous to +this order many homeward-bound West +Indiamen arrived at Castle Harbor to +load with this fruit for the English market. +Whaling was claimed as an exclusive +privilege, and was conducted for +the sole benefit of the proprietors. Numerous +attempts were made to boil sugar, +but the company directed the Governor +to prevent it, as it would require too +much wood for fuel.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In consequence of instructions from +England Governor Turner called upon +all the inhabitants of the islands to take +the oath of supremacy and allegiance to +his majesty, but as the Puritans had left +their native country on account of their +republican sentiments, they refused to +comply, and the prisons were soon filled +to overflowing.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The rapid change of affairs in England +during the civil war, in which the +Puritans were victorious, and Cromwell +was elevated to the Protectorship, +opened the doors of the prisons, and +stopped all further persecutions, both +political and religious.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It must be said in favor of the company +that they had, at an early period, +established schools throughout the colony, +and appropriated lands in most of +the tribes or parishes, for the maintainance +of the teachers.</p> + +<p class="dgp">From 1630 to 1680 many negro and +Indian slaves were brought to the colony; +the negroes from Africa and the +West Indies, and a large number of Indians +from Massachusetts, prisoners +taken in the Pequot and King Philip's +wars. The traces of their Indian ancestry +can readily be seen in many of the +colored people of these islands at the +present time.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In October, 1661, the Protestant inhabitants +were alarmed by rumors of a +proposed combination between the negroes +and the Irish. The plan was to +arm themselves and massacre the whites +who were not Catholics. Fortunately the +plot was discovered in time, and measures +adopted to disarm the slaves and +the disaffected.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The proprietary form of government +continued until 1685, with a long succession +of good, bad, and indifferent +Governors.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Many acts of piracy were perpetrated +at different times by the inhabitants of +these islands. In 1665 Captain John +Wentworth made a descent upon the +island of Tortola and brought off about +ninety slaves, the property of the Governor + +of the place. Governor Seymour +received a letter from him in which he +stated that "upon the ninth day of +July there came hither against me a +pirate or sea robber, named John +Wentworth, the which over-run my +lands, and that against the will of mine +owne inhabits, and shewed himself a tyrant, +in robbing and firing, and took my +negroes from my Isle, belonging to no +man but myself. And likewise I doe +understand that this said John Wentworth, +a sea robber, is an indweller +with you, soe I desire that you would +punish this rogue, according to your +good law. I desire you, soe soon as +you have this truth of mine, if you +don't of yourself, restore all my negroes +againe, whereof I shall stay here three +months, and in default of this, soe be +assured, that wee shall speake together +very shortly, and then I shall be my +owne judge."</p> + +<p class="dgp">This threatening letter caused great +consternation, and immediately steps +were taken to place the colony in the +best posture for defence, reliance being +had on the impregnability of the +islands, instead of delivering up the +plunder, especially as Captain Wentworth +held a commission from the Governor +and Council, and acted under +their instructions.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Isaac Richier, who became Governor +of the colony in 1691, was another celebrated +freebooter. The account of his +reign reads like a romance. The love +of gold, and the determination to possess +it, was the one idea of his statesmanship. +He was a pirate at sea and a +brigand on land. Nevertheless, it does +not appear that any of his misdeeds, +such as hanging innocent people, and +robbing British ships, as well as others, +led to his recall, or caused any degree +of indignation which such conduct +usually arouses. The fact appears to +be that, although Governor Richier was +a bold, bad man, yet few of his subjects +were entitled to throw the first stone at +his excellency.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Benjamin Bennett became Governor +of the colony in 1701. At this time +the Bahama Islands had become a rendezvous +for pirates, and a few years later, +King George the First issued a proclamation +for their dislodgment. Governor +Bennett accordingly dispatched +a sloop, ordering the marauders to surrender. +Those who were on shore on +his arrival gladly accepted the opportunity +to escape, and declared that they +did not doubt but that their companions +who were at sea would follow their +example. Captain Henry Jennings and +fifteen others sailed for Bermuda, and +were soon followed by four other Captains—Leslie, +Nichols, Hornigold, and +Burges, with one hundred men, who all +surrendered.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1710 the Spaniards made a descent +on Turk's Island, which had been +settled by the Bermudians for the purpose +of gathering salt, and took possession +of the island, making prisoners +of the people. The Bermudians, at +their own expense and own accord, dispatched +a force under Captain Lewis +Middleton to regain possession of the +Bahama Cays. The expedition was +successful, and a victory gained over +the Spaniards, and they were driven +from the islands; they still, however, +continued to make predatory attacks on +the salt-rakers at the ponds, and on the +vessels going for and carrying away salt. +To repel these aggressions and afford +security to their trade, the Bermudians +went to the expense of arming their +vessels.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1775 the discontent in the American +provinces had broken out into open +opposition to the crown, and the people +were forbidden to trade with their + +late fellow subjects. Bermuda suffered +great want in consequence, for at this +period, instead of exporting provisions +the island had become dependent on +the continent for the means of subsistence. +This, together with the fact that +many of the people possessed near +relatives engaged in the struggle with +the crown, tended to destroy good feelings +towards the British government. +These circumstances must be considered +in order to judge fairly of the following +transaction, which has always +been regarded to have cast a stain +upon the patriotism and loyalty of the +Bermudians.</p> + +<p class="dgp">At the outbreak of the American Revolution, +two battles were fought in the +vicinity of Boston—Lexington and Bunker +Hill, after which all intercourse with +the surrounding country ceased, and +Boston was reduced to a state of siege. +Civil war commenced in all its horrors; +the sundering of social ties; the burning +of peaceful homes; the butchery of kindred +and friends.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Washington was appointed by the +Continental Congress, Commander-in-Chief +of the American forces, and on +July 3, 1775, two weeks after the battle +of Bunker Hill, he took formal command +of the army at Cambridge. In +a letter to the President of Congress +notifying him of his safe arrival there, he +made the following statement. "Upon +the article of ammunition, I must re-echo +the former complaints on this subject. +We are so exceedingly destitute that +our artillery will be of little use without a +supply both large and seasonable. What +we have must be reserved for the small +arms, and that well managed with the +utmost frugality." A few weeks later +General Washington wrote the following +letter on the same subject.<a href="#note_4"><span class="footnoteref">4</span></a></p> + +<div class="display"> +<a name="toc_12"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">TO GOVERNOR COOKE, OF RHODE ISLAND.</h3> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: right">Camp at Cambridge, 4 August, 1775.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Sir,</p> + +<p class="dgp">I am now, Sir, in strict confidence, to acquaint +you, that our necessities in the articles +of powder and lead are so great, as to require +an immediate supply. I must earnestly entreat +that you will fall upon some measure to forward +every pound of each in your colony that can +possibly be spared. It is not within the propriety +or safety of such a correspondence to +say what I might on this subject. It is sufficient +that the case calls loudly for the most strenuous +exertions of every friend of his country, and +does not admit of the least delay. No quantity, +however small, is beneath notice, and, +should any arrive, I beg it may be forwarded as +soon as possible.</p> + +<p class="dgp">But a supply of this kind is so precarious, not +only from the danger of the enemy, but the +opportunity of purchasing, that I have revolved +in my mind every other possible chance, and +listened to every proposition on the subject +which could give the smallest hope. Among +others I have had one mentioned which has +some weight with me, as well as the other +officers to whom I have proposed it. A Mr. +Harris has lately come from Bermuda, where +there is a very considerable magazine of powder +in a remote part of the island; and the inhabitants +are well disposed, not only to our cause in general, +but to assist in this enterprise in particular. +We understand there are two armed vessels in +your province, commanded by men of known +activity and spirit; one of which, it is proposed +to despatch on this errand with such assistance +as may be requisite. Harris is to go along, as +the conductor of the enterprise, that we may +avail ourselves of his knowledge of the island; +but without any command. I am very sensible, +that at first view the project may appear hazardous; +and its success must depend on the concurrence +of many circumstances; but we are in a +situation, which requires us to run all risks. +No danger is to be considered, when put in +competition with the magnitude of the cause, +and the absolute necessity we are under of increasing +our stock. Enterprises, which appear +chimerical, often prove successful from that +very circumstance. Common sense and prudence +will suggest vigilance and care, where the +danger is plain and obvious; but where little +danger is apprehended, the more the enemy + +will be unprepared; and consequently there is +the fairest prospect of success.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Mr. Brown has been mentioned to me as a +very proper person to be consulted upon this +occasion. You will judge of the propriety of +communicating it to him in part or the whole, +and as soon as possible favor me with your sentiments, +and the steps you may have taken to +forward it. If no immediate and safe opportunity +offers, you will please to do it by express. +Should it be inconvenient to part with one of +the armed vessels, perhaps some other might be +fitted out, or you could devise some other mode +of executing this plan; so that, in case of a +disappointment, the vessel might proceed to +some other island to purchase. +</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">I am, Sir,</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">Your most obedient, humble servant,</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">G. Washington.</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">This plan was approved by the Governor +and Committee of Rhode Island, +and Captain Abraham Whipple agreed +to engage in the affair, provided General +Washington would give him a certificate +under his own hand, that in case the +Bermudians would assist the undertaking, +he would recommend to the Continental +Congress to permit the exportation +of provisions to those islands from +the colonies.</p> + +<p class="dgp">General Washington accordingly +sent the following address to the +Bermudians.<a href="#note_5"><span class="footnoteref">5</span></a></p> + +<div class="display"> +<a name="toc_13"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA.</h3> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: right">Camp at Cambridge, 6 September, 1775.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Gentlemen:</p> + +<p class="dgp">In the great conflict, which agitates this +continent, I cannot doubt but the assertors of +freedom and the rights of the constitution are +possessed of your most favorable regards and +wishes for success. As descendants of freemen, +and heirs with us of the same glorious inheritance, +we flatter ourselves, that, though divided +by our situation, we are firmly united in +sentiment. The cause of virtue and liberty +is confined to no continent +or climate. It comprehends, +within its capacious limits, +the wise and good, however +dispersed and separated in space or +distance.</p> + +<p class="dgp">You need not be informed that the violence +and rapacity of a tyrannic ministry have +forced the citizens of America, your brother +colonist, into arms. We equally detest and +lament the prevalence of those counsels, which +have led to the effusion of so much human +blood, and left us no alternative but a civil war, +or a base submission. The wise Disposer of +all events has hitherto smiled upon our virtuous +efforts. Those mercenary troops, a few of +whom lately boasted of subjugating this vast +continent, have been checked in their earliest +ravages, and now actually encircled within a +small space; their arms disgraced, and themselves +suffering all the calamities of a siege. +The virtue, spirit, and union of the provinces +leave them nothing to fear, but the want of +ammunition. The application of our enemies +to foreign states, and their vigilance upon our +coasts, are the only efforts they have made +against us with success.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Under these circumstances, and with these +sentiments, we have turned our eyes to you, +Gentlemen, for relief. We are informed, that +there is a very large magazine in your island +under a very feeble guard. We would not +wish to involve you in an opposition, in which, +from your situation, we should be unable to +support you; we knew not, therefore, to +what extent to solicit your assistance, in +availing ourselves of this supply; but, if your +favor and friendship to North America and its +liberties have not been misrepresented, I persuade +myself you may, consistently with your +own safety, promote and further this scheme, +so as to give it the fairest prospect of success. +Be assured, that, in this case, the whole power +and exertion of my influence will be made with +the honorable Continental Congress, that your +island may not only be supplied with provisions, +but experience every other mark of affection +and friendship, which the grateful citizens of +a free country can bestow on its brethren and +benefactors. I am, Gentlemen, +</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">With much esteem,</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">Your humble servant,</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right"> +<img src="images/image12.png" alt="Signature G Washington"></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">Signature G Washington</p> + +</div> + + + +<p class="dgp">Captain Whipple had scarcely sailed +from Providence before an account appeared +in the newspapers of one hundred +barrels of powder having been +taken from Bermuda by a vessel supposed +to be from Philadelphia, and another +from South Carolina. This was +the same powder that Captain Whipple +had gone to procure. General Washington +and Governor Cooke were both +of the opinion it was best to countermand +his instructions. The other armed +vessel of Rhode Island was immediately +dispatched in search of the Captain with +orders to return.</p> + +<p class="dgp">But it was too late; he reached Bermuda +and put in at the west end of the +island. The inhabitants were at first +alarmed, supposing him to command a +king's armed vessel, and the women and +children fled from that vicinity; but +when he showed them his commission +and instructions they treated him with +much cordiality and friendship, and informed +him that they had assisted in +removing the powder, which was made +known to General Gage, and he had +sent a sloop of war to the island. They +professed themselves hearty friends to +the American cause. Captain Whipple +being defeated in the object of his voyage +returned to Providence.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Soon after the inhabitants of Bermuda +petitioned Congress for relief, representing +their great distress in consequence +of being deprived of the supplies that +usually came from the colonies. In +consideration of their being friendly to +the cause of America, it was resolved by +Congress that provisions in certain +quantities might be exported to them.<a href="#note_6"><span class="footnoteref">6</span></a></p> + +<p class="dgp">The powder procured from the Bermudians +led to the first great victory +gained by Washington in the Revolutionary +war, the evacuation of Boston by +the British army. After the arrival of +the powder Washington caused numerous +batteries to be erected in the immediate +vicinity of the town. On the +night of March 4, 1776, Dorchester +Heights were taken possession of and +works erected there, which commanded +Boston, and the British Fleet lying at +anchor in the harbor. This caused the +town to be evacuated, and General +Howe with his army and about one +thousand loyalists went aboard of the +fleet and sailed for Halifax, March +17, 1776.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Nothing could exceed the indignation +of Governor Bruere when he received +intelligence of the plundering of the +magazine; he promptly called upon the +legislature to take active measures for +bringing the delinquents to justice. No +evidence could ever be obtained, and +the whole transaction is still enveloped +in mystery. The Governor let no opportunity +escape him to accuse the Bermudians +of disloyality, and no doubt +severe punishment would have been inflicted +on the delinquents could they +have been discovered.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Two American brigs under Republican +colors arrived shortly after this and remained +some weeks at the west end of +the islands unmolested, and Governor +Bruere complained bitterly of this to +the assembly.<a href="#note_7"><span class="footnoteref">7</span></a></p> + +<p class="dgp">Governor George James Bruere died +in 1780, and the administration devolved +on the Honorable Thomas Jones, who +was relieved by George Bruere as Lieutenant +Governor, in October, 1780.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Governor Bruere was soon openly at +variance with the assembly, and did not +hesitate to accuse the people of treason +in supplying the revolted provinces with +salt, exchanging it for provisions. Mr. +Bruere extremely exasperated at their +trading, which he considered to be treasonable + +conduct, commented on it in +his message to the assembly in no +measured terms. Some intercepted +correspondence with the rebels added +fuel to the flame, and on the fifteenth of +August, 1781, he addressed them in a +speech which could not fail to be offensive, +although it contained much sound +argument. This was followed by a message +more bitter and acrimonious, all of +which they treated with silent contempt, +until the twenty-eight of September, +when they discharged their wrath in an +address, in which the Governor was +handled most roughly for his attacks on +the inhabitants of these islands. In +return he addressed a message, equally +uncourteous in its tone, and dissolved +the house.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The arrival of William Browne, whose +administration commenced the fourth of +January, 1782, put an end to Mr. +Bruere's rule.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The high character of the new Governor +had preceded him in the colony, +and he was joyfully received on his arrival. +He was a native of Salem, Massachusetts, +and was high in office previous +to the Revolution, was Colonel of the +Essex regiment, judge of the Supreme +Court, and Mandamus Counselor. After +the passage of the Boston Port bill, he +was waited on by a committee of the +Essex delegates, to inform him, that "it +was with grief that the country had +viewed his exertions for carrying into +execution certain acts of parliament +calculated to enslave and ruin his native +land; that while the country would continue +the respect for several years paid +him, it resolved to detach, from every future +connection, all such as shall persist +in supporting or in any way countenancing +the late arbitrary acts of Parliament; +that the delegates in the name of the +country requested him to excuse them +from the painful necessity of considering +and treating him as an enemy to his +country, unless he resigned his office as +Counsellor and Judge." Colonel Browne +replied as follows:</p> + +<p class="dgp">"As a judge and in every other capacity, +I intend to act with honor and integrity +and to exert my best abilities; +and be assured that neither persuasion +can allure me, nor menaces compel me, +to do anything derogatory to the character +of a Counselor of his Majesty's +province of Massachusetts."—William +Browne.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Colonel Browne was esteemed among +the most opulent and benevolent individuals +of that province prior to the +Revolution; and so great was his popularity +that the gubernatorial chair of +Massachusetts was offered him by the +"committee of safety," as an inducement +for him to remain and join the +"sons of liberty." But he felt it a duty +to adhere to government; even at the +expense of his great landed estate, both +in Massachusetts and Connecticut, the +latter comprising fourteen valuable +farms, all of which were afterwards +confiscated.</p> + +<p class="dgp">By preferring to remain on the side +representing law and authority, and unwilling +to adopt the course of the revolutionists, +this courtly representative of +an ancient and honorable family, this +sincere lover of his country, this skilled +man of affairs, this upright and merciful +judge, once so beloved by his fellow +townsmen, drew upon himself their +wrath, and he fled from his native country +never to return again. First he +sought refuge in Boston in 1774, then +in Halifax, and from there he went to +England in 1776, where he remained +till 1781, when he was appointed Governor +of Bermuda, as a slight return for +his great sacrifices and important services +in behalf of the Crown. Colonel +Browne married his cousin, the daughter + +of Governor Wanton, of Rhode Island, +and was doubly connected with the +Winthrop family; the wives of the +elder Browne and Governor Wanton being +daughters of John Winthrop, great +grandson of the first Governor of Massachusetts. +Colonel Browne's son William +was an officer in the British service +at the siege of Gibralter in 1784.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Under the judicious management of +Governor Browne the colony continued +to steadily flourish; he conducted the +business of the colony in the greatest +harmony with the different branches of +the legislature. He found the financial +affairs of the islands in a confused and +ruinous state, and left them flourishing. +In 1778 he left for England, deeply +and sincerely regretted by the people, +and was succeeded by Henry Hamilton +as Lieutenant Governor, during whose +administration the town of Hamilton was +built and named in compliment of him.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Near the close of the American Revolution +a plan was on foot to take Bermuda, +in order to make it "a nest of +hornets" for the annoyance of British +trade, but the war closed, and it was +abandoned. It, however, proved a nest +of hornets to the United States during +the late civil war. At that time St. +George's was a busy town, and was one +of the hot-beds of secession. Being a +great resort for blockade runners, which +were hospitably welcomed here, immense +quantities of goods were purchased in +England, and brought here on large +ocean steamers, and then transferred to +swift-sailing blockade runners, waiting to +receive it. These ran the blockade into +Charleston, Wilmington and Savannah.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It was a risky business, but one that +was well followed, and many made +large fortunes there during the first +year of the war, but many were bankrupt, +or nearly so at its close.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Here, too, was concocted the fiendish +plot of Dr. Blackburn, a Kentuckian, +for introducing yellow fever into +northern cities, by sending thither boxes +of infected clothing.</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent">[The foregoing article on the history +of Bermuda was compiled by the +author of "Stark's Illustrated Bermuda +Guide," published by the Photo-Electrotype +Company, of 63 Oliver Street, +Boston. The work contains about two +hundred pages and is embellished with +sixteen photo-prints, numerous engravings, +and a new map of Bermuda made +from the latest surveys.—ED.]</p> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_14"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">HEART AND I.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">BY MARY HELEN BOODEY.</p> + +<div class="lg"> +<p class="l">Singing, singing through the valleys;</p> +<p class="l">Singing, singing up the hills;</p> +<p class="l">Peace that comes, and Love that tarries,</p> +<p class="l">Hope that cheers, and Faith that thrills,</p> +<p class="l">Heart and I, are we not blest</p> +<p class="l">At the thought of coming rest?</p> +</div> +<div class="lg"> +<p class="l">Singing, singing 'neath the shadow;</p> +<p class="l">Singing, singing in the light;</p> +<p class="l">Plucking flowerets from the meadow,</p> +<p class="l">Seeing beauty up the height,</p> +<p class="l">Heart and I, are we not gay</p> +<p class="l">Thinking of unclouded day?</p> +</div> +<div class="lg"> +<p class="l">Singing, singing through the summer;</p> +<p class="l">Singing, singing in the snow;</p> +<p class="l">Glad to hear the brooklets murmur,</p> +<p class="l">Patient when the wild winds blow,</p> +<p class="l">Heart and I, can we do this?</p> +<p class="l">Yes, because of future bliss.</p> +</div> +<div class="lg"> +<p class="l">Singing, singing up to Heaven;</p> +<p class="l">Singing, singing down to earth;</p> +<p class="l">Unto all some good is given.</p> +<p class="l">Unto all there cometh worth;</p> +<p class="l">Heart and I, we sing to know</p> +<p class="l">That the good God loves us so.</p> +</div> +</div> + + + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_15"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">ELIZABETH.</h2> +<h2 class="sub">A ROMANCE OF COLONIAL DAYS.</h2> +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">BY FRANCES C. SPARHAWK, Author of "A Lazy Man's Work."</p> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_16"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">CHAPTER VIII.</h3> +<h3 class="sub">DEPARTURE.</h3> + + +<p class="noindent">With suppressed ejaculations and outspoken +condolences the party broke up. +It was not until the last one had gone +that Mrs. Eveleigh, leaving her post +of observation in the corner, swept out +to find Elizabeth who disappeared after +Stephen Archdale had gone with Katie. +She found her in her bed-room trying +to put her things into her box. Her +face was flushed, and her hands cold +and trembling.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Why have you waited so long?" +she began. "We must go at once. +Have you sent for a carriage? We shall +meet ours on the way."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"My dear," answered the other seating +herself, "that is impossible. They +will not turn you out, if you have made +a mistake. You can not go until to-morrow, +of course; nobody will expect +it. I am very sorry for poor Archdale +and the young lady, but I dare say it will +turn out all right."</p> + +<p class="dgp">Elizabeth raised herself from the box +over which she had been stooping +throwing in her things in an agony of +haste. She opened her lips, but words +failed her. The amazement and indignation +of her look turned slowly to an +appealing glance that few could have +resisted. She had been used to Mrs. +Eveleigh's not comprehending nice distinctions, +but now it seemed as if to be +a woman would make one understand. +If her father were with her now! She +turned away sharply.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Will you see that some conveyance +is here within half an hour?" she said. +"If it is a cart I will not refuse to go in +it. But leave here at once I will, if it +must be on foot. For yourself, do as +you choose, only give my order."</p> + +<p class="dgp">There was something in Elizabeth's +gesture, and a desperation in her face +that made Mrs. Eveleigh go away +and leave her without a word. In a +moment she came back.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I met James in the hall and sent +him off in hot haste," she said. Her +tones showed that she had recovered +the equanimity which the girl's unexpected +conduct had disturbed. She +seated herself again with no less complacency +and with more deliberation +than before.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I brought you up to be polite, Elizabeth," +she said. "Things do sometimes +happen that are very trying, to be +sure, but we should not give way to irritation. +Why, where should I have been if +I had? Think how it would have distressed +your dear mother to have you +show such temper."</p> + +<p class="dgp">The girl looked up sharply, looked +down again, her hands moving faster +than ever, though everything grew indistinct +to her for a minute.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Are you going with me?" she +asked after a pause.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I? O, my dear child, you will not go +at all this way. Perhaps it is as well to +pack up and show your dignity, but +they will not let you go, you know, your +father's daughter, and all,—I told James +to tell them,—it would be shameful, I +should never forgive them."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"The question is whether they will +ever forgive me, whether I have not +killed Katie. Sometimes I think of it +only that way, and sometimes—."</p> + + + +<p class="dgp">She was silent again and busy. Then +all at once she stopped and walked to +the window. Her hands grasped the +sash and she stood looking out at the +sky that had not gathered a cloud from +all this darkness of her life. At length +she began to walk up and down as if +every footstep took her away from the +house.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I always thought it must be a dreadful +thing to marry a man you did not +want," she said speaking out her +thoughts as if alone; "but to marry a +man who does not want you,—that is +the most terrible thing in the world. I +have done both." And she covered her +face with her hands.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Poor girl," answered Mrs. Eveleigh, +"it <em>is</em> hard. But you gave him +as good as he sent, that's a fact. +Governor Wentworth spoke about it +after you left." Elizabeth had raised her +head and was looking steadily at her +companion. "When young Archdale +looked at you as he passed out, I +mean," she went on. "'Great Heavens!' +cried the Governor, 'did you +see that exchange of looks, scorn and +hatred on both sides, and they may +be husband and wife? The Lord pity +them. And poor Katie!'"</p> + +<p class="dgp">"He said that?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Exactly that. Why, everybody noticed +it, of course. What did you +say?" she added at a faint sound from +her listener.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Nothing."</p> + +<p class="dgp">And Elizabeth said nothing until ten +minutes later when the sound of wheels +sent her to the window to see that a +conveyance at least fairly comfortable +had been found for them. Her bonnet +and wraps were already on.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Are you coming?" she said to +the other abruptly. "I shall start in +five minutes."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"For Heaven's sake, more time, my +dear. I have not changed my dress yet. +I suppose I cannot let you go alone, I +should not feel happy about it, and your +father would never forgive me in the +world."</p> + +<p class="dgp">A half smile of contempt touched +the girl's lips. Mrs. Eveleigh knew +what was for her own comfort too well +to get herself out of Mr. Royal's +good graces, and not to be devoted to +his daughter would have been to him +the unpardonable sin. But nobody +would have been more astonished than +this same lady to be told that she +had not a thoroughly conscientious care +of Elizabeth. She combined duty and +interest as skilfully as the most +Cromwellian old Presbyter among her +ancestors.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In the hall Elizabeth met her hostess.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"May I speak to Katie?" she asked +timidly.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Mrs. Archdale hesitated a moment, +nodded in silence and went on to +the library, the girl following. Mr. +Archdale was there, and the Colonel +and his wife. Stephen sat by the great +chair in which Katie was propped, holding +her hand and sometimes speaking +softly to her, or looking into her face +with eyes that gave no comfort. Elizabeth +seemed to see no one but her +friend, she went up to the chair, and +said to her softly, pleadingly,</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Good by, Katie."</p> + +<p class="dgp">But Katie turned away her head.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The door closed, Elizabeth had gone.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_17"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">CHAPTER IX.</h3> +<h3 class="sub">FORECASTINGS.</h3> + + +<p class="noindent">Gerald Edmonson, Esquire, and Lord +Bulchester drove leisurely through the +streets of the London of 1743. They +found in it that same element that +makes the fascination of the London of +to-day; for the streets, dim, narrower, +and less splendid than now, were full of + +this same charm of human life, and yet, +human isolation. Then, as now, might +a man wander homeless and lost, or +these grim houses might open their +doors to him and reveal the splendors +beyond them; and whether he were +desolate, or shone brilliant as a star depended +upon so many chances and +changes that this Fortune's-Wheel drew +him toward itself like a magnet.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I tell you," said Edmonson to his +companion as they went along, "there +is not a shadow of a chance for me. +When a woman says, 'no,' you can tell +by her eyes if she means it, and if there +had been the least sign of relenting or +a possibility of it in Lady Grace's eyes, +do you think I would have given up? +She has led me a sorry chase, that pretty +sister of yours."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Her beauty would not have taken you +ten steps out of your way, if she had +not been such an heiress," retorted +Bulchester.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Don't be so blunt, my friend. Is it +my fault that I am obliged to look out +for money? If a man has only a tenth +of the income he needs to live upon, +what is he going to do? It is well +enough for you to be above sordidness, +so could I be with your purse and your +prospects. Besides, you know that I +told you frankly I found Lady Grace +charming. I wonder," he asked turning +sharply round, "if you have been +playing me false?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">But Bulchester laughed. A laugh at +such a time, and a laugh so full of simplicity +and amusement brought the +other to his bearings again.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"You know I favored the match," +added the nobleman. "Hang it! I +don't see why my sister could not have +had my taste. She does not know all +your deviltries as I do, but yet I +think you the most fascinating fellow in +England."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Perhaps that is the reason, because +she does not know," laughed Edmonson. +"But, then, you have not been very far +beyond England, except to the land of +the frog, and nobody expects to delight +in the messieurs anywhere but on the +point of the bayonet, as we had them +lately at Dettengen." In a moment, +however, he added gravely, "I am +afraid my suit to your sister has damaged +my prospects in another quarter, at +least the matrimonial part of them, and +I can hardly expect to be so successful +otherwise as to enable me to marry a +lady whose face is her fortune."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Hardly, with your tastes," said Bulchester. +"But, for my part, I am glad +that I can afford to be sentimental if I +like. For that very reason I shall probably +be extremely sensible."</p> + +<p class="dgp">Edmonson smiled, half in amusement, +half in contempt.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Suppose the lady should be so too?" +he asked slyly; then added, "I hope +she will, Bulchester, and take you. I +don't know her name yet."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Nor I. But I don't want to consider +only the rent-roll of the future Lady +Bulchester."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"My lord, I shall be devotion itself to +Mistress Edmonson, and I assure you +that the young lady I have chosen, I +having failed to win your adorable sister, +is not a nonentity, though I cannot say +that she is charming. But you will see +her. Her father was very gracious to me +when I was in Boston last winter, and +regretted that I was obliged to leave in +the spring on affairs of importance. +How was he to know, he or the fair +Elizabeth, that the business was a love +suit? That would not have done. The +old gentleman would not think the king +himself too good for his daughter; if he +dreamed that she was second fiddle, he +would want me to find the door faster +than he could shew me there. So, if + +you fall in love with her and want to +supersede me, there's your chance."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I'm Jonathan to your David," returned +the smaller man, "the kingdom +is for you, Edmonson." And the +speaker looked at his companion with +an admiration that was deep in proportion +as he felt himself unable to imitate +that mixture of good nature, strong will, +and audacity that in Edmonson fascinated +him. "Is she handsome?" he +added.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"No," said the other decidedly. +"She has a smile that lights up her face +well, and occasionally she says good +things, but half the time in company she +seems not to be attending to what is +going on about her, she is away off in a +dream about something that nobody +cares a pin for, and of course, it gives her +a peculiar manner. I could see I interested +her more than anybody else did, +but I had hard work sometimes to know +how to answer her queer sayings, for I +could scarcely tell what she was talking +about."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"You don't like that," suggested +Bulchester. "You like ladies who lead +in society."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Well," assented Edmonson, "I +know. But she will have to set up for +an oddity, and, you see, she has money +enough to be able to afford it. A fortune +in her own right, and large expectations +from the old gentleman who began with +money and has never made a bad investment +in his life. Think of it! +Gerald Edmonson will keep open house +and live rather differently from at present +in his bachelor quarters; and all his old +friends will be welcome."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"What do you say to those we are +going to meet to-night, who are to give +us our farewell supper; you would not +ask a set like that to a lady's table?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">Edmonson laughed.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Why, and if I did," he answered, +"Elizabeth Royal would never fathom +them. She might think they drank +somewhat too much, and discover that +they were noisy; but as to the wild +pranks we have played, yes, you and I, +Bulchester, I out of pure enjoyment of +them, you, I do believe, more than half +not to be behind other men of fashion, +why, you might tell them to her safely, +for she would never comprehend. One +can't get along so well with her on the +little nothings one says to other women, +to be sure, but she has the greatest simplicity +in the world, and that touch of +evil that spices life is entirely beyond +her. But however that might be, I tell +you this, my lord: Gerald Edmonson is +always master, and always will be."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Yes," assented his hearer.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I only hope the extent of my impecuniosity +will not cross the water with +me. I have never pretended to be rich, +but I have said that my expectations +were excellent. So they are; for you +know, Bulchester, the heiress is not all +my errand to these outlandish colonies. +I have expectations there. Rather +strange ones, to be sure, so strange, and +to be come at so strangely, that if I +can make anything out of them I shall +enjoy it a thousand times more than by +any stupid old way of inheritance."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"It strikes me, though, you would not +object to the stupid if a good plum +should fall down on your head from an +ancestral tree."</p> + +<p class="dgp">Edmonson laughed.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"You have me there, Bul," he said. +"But, on your honor, you are not to +betray my plans, or I have no chance at +all," he added, suddenly facing his +companion.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"What do you take me for, a +traitor?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">"No," exclaimed Edmonson with an +oath.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"For a tattler, then?"</p> + + + +<p class="dgp">"No," came the answer again. "Only, +inadvertence is sometimes as mischievous +in its results."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I, inadvertent?" cried Bulchester.</p> + +<p class="dgp">His listener smiled slyly. The other +felt that caution was his strong point, +and Edmonson's diplomacy would not +assault this vigorously; his aim had +been merely to warn Bulchester and +strengthen the defences. Soon after +this they reached the inn, where they +were boisterously greeted by their companions, +who had been waiting for them +in what was then one of the fashionable +public houses of London, though long +since fallen out of date and forgotten.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Don't be flattered," said Edmonson +aside, "all this welcome is not for +us; the feast is to begin now that we +have arrived." And a cynical smile +flashed over his handsome face.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It was hours after this. The high +revel had gone on with jest, and laugh, +and song, with play, too, and some +purses were empty that before had been +none too well filled. Through it all +Edmonson, the life of the party, kept +the control over himself that many had +lost. There was no credit due to him +for the fact that he could drink more +wine without being overcome than any +other man there. His face was flushed +with it, his eyes somewhat blood-shot +and his fair hair disordered as, at last, +looking at his opposite neighbor, he +nodded to him, leaned across the table +and touched glasses with him. Then, +"Let us drink this toast standing," he +said, rising as he spoke; and at the +movement ten other young men, full of +the effrontery of a long carousal, pushed +back their chairs noisily and rose, exclaiming +in tones varying in degrees of +intoxication:</p> + +<p class="dgp">"We pledge."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Yes," returned the man opposite Edmonson, +repeating the pledge that they +all without exception would meet one +hundred years from that night to pledge +each other again.</p> + +<p class="dgp">A shout, more of drunken acquiescence +than of comprehension went up +in chorus from all but one of the revelers; +he held his glass silently a moment, +disposed to put it untasted on the table.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Bulchester's backing out," cried Edmonson +giving him a scornful glance.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Oh, ho! Backing out!" echoed +nine derisive voices.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"We have made it too hot for him," +called out Edmonson again.</p> + +<p class="dgp">At which remark another shout +arose, and the glasses were tossed off +with bravado, Bulchester's also being +set down empty.</p> + +<p class="dgp">After this the party broke up boisterously, +Edmonson and Bulchester receiving +the good wishes of the company for +their prosperous voyage.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Leaving the inn, they went out into +the night again, in which the October +moon veiled in clouds was doing its best +to light the streets now almost deserted. +Bulchester looked with disapprobation at +his smiling companion. It was for the +first time in their acquaintance, but the +compact into which the earl had so unwillingly +entered had sobered him, and +was still ringing in his ears, giving him a +sort of horror. He said this to Edmonson, +who burst out laughing.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"A mere drunken freak, Bul, that +counts for nothing. You will be an angel +sitting on a cold cloud singing psalms +long before that time. I'll warrant it. +You are a good fellow. Don't bother +your brains about such nonsense."</p> + +<p class="dgp">The third of November, Edmonson +and Lord Bulchester sailed from Liverpool +in the "Ariel" for Boston.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_18"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">CHAPTER X.</h3> +<h3 class="sub">TWO WHO WOULD EXCHANGE PLACES.</h3> + +<p class="noindent">The winds were baffling, and Edmonson + +and Lord Bulchester had a longer +voyage than they had counted upon. +They found it tedious, and it was with +satisfaction that they at last set foot on +land and drove through the streets of +Boston to the Royal Exchange. Edmonson's +projects inspired him rather than +made him anxious. It was, of course, +possible that Elizabeth Royal might refuse +him, but in his heart he had the +attitude of a Londoner toward provincials +and was not burdened with doubts +as to the result of his wooing, and so +the one necessary grain of uncertainty +only gave flavor to the whole affair.</p> + +<p class="dgp">A few hours after his arrival he left +the house to try his fortune.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I may not be home until late," he +said to Bulchester. "I shall tackle +pater-familias first, then the young lady +herself. It is possible they will invite me +to tea, you know. Don't wait for me if +you find anything to do or anywhere to +go in this puritanical hole." And the +young man, in all the tasteful splendor of +attire that the times allowed, closed the +door behind him and left Lord Bulchester +looking at the oaken panels which +had suddenly taken the place in which +his friend had been standing, and seeing, +not these, but Edmonson's fine +figure and his bold smile.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"No woman can resist his wooing," +the nobleman said to himself with a +sigh at the thought of his own indifferent +appearance. Therefore it was with +amazement that two hours later coming +home from a stroll he learned that the +other had returned, and going to his +room found him prone on the sofa.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Why! What is the—," he began, +then checked himself, considering that +since only failure could be the matter, +this was hardly a generous question.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Headache," growled Edmonson. +"No," he cried with an oath, "that is +a lie," and springing up, turned blood-shot +eyes upon his companion. "I am +mad, Bulchester," he cried, "raving +mad. It is all over with me in that +quarter."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"She has refused you? Or the father +has?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Hang it! they couldn't do anything +else, either of them. I did not see Mistress +Royal, Mistress Archdale, rather. +Yes, married!" as Bulchester echoed +the name. "There's been an interesting +drama with one knave and two +fools. If I could only catch the knave! +Perhaps it is as well to let the fools go, +since I can't help it." He was silent a +moment. Then after a moment he added. +"Well! what is the use of cursing +one's luck?" "There are several +others I know of doing the same thing +at this moment, and I like to be original. +I declare, if he didn't stand in +my way, I should be tempted to pity +young Archdale. He wishes himself in +my shoes as much, and I suspect a good +deal more, than I do myself in his. I +don't wonder that the young lady keeps +herself retired for a time. I did not see +her, as I told you. Mr. Royal made +as light of the matter as possible, merely +saying that something which might +prove to have been a real marriage ceremony, +though he thought not, had taken +place in a joke between his daughter +and Stephen Archdale, that the matter +was to be thoroughly investigated at once, +and if it turned out that Elizabeth was +not Mistress Archdale, I had his permission +to receive her answer from her own +lips. He was guarded enough; but on +the way home I met Clinton who had +been one of the guests at Mistress +Katie's attempted wedding last week. +He gave me details. Here they are." +And these details lost nothing through +Edmonson's racy recital of them. "No, +Bulchester," he finished, "out of six +people that I could name mixed up in + +this affair, on the whole, I am the best +off."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Six?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Yes; counting in the love-lorn +Waldo; that knave Harwin, who ought +to swing for it; the poor little bride that +lost her bridegroom; and the bridegroom; +the young lady that got him +when she didn't want him, and missed +me, whom, perhaps (without too much +vanity) she did want a little; and last on +the list of wounded spirits, your humble +servant. How wise that man was who +said that one sinner destroyed much +good. By the way, Bulchester, who was +he? It is an excellent thing to quote in +regard to this affair, and I should like +to know where it comes from."</p> + +<p class="dgp">An anxious expression crossed the +other's face as he cried:</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Good heavens! Edmonson, if you +go to quoting the Bible and asking +where the quotation comes from, you will +get into awful disgrace with this strictest-sect-of-our-religion +people, and then +what will become of the other scheme +that is bound to pull through?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">"True, most sapient counsellor, and +I will be on my guard. To show how I +profit by your sageness, let us drop all +thought of this royal maiden who is +probably out of my reach, and attend to +the other business. It is good to have +a sympathetic friend, Bul."</p> + +<p class="dgp">They talked for nearly an hour after +this, but not about Edmonson's wooing. +When Bulchester left, the other sat looking +after him a moment.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Yes," he said to himself, "it is well +to have a sympathetic creature like that +sometimes, but not if one tell him all +his heart. I hid my rage well, I passed +it off for mere spleen. But we are not +a race to get over things in that way. +It is hate, <em>hate</em>, I say," And he ground +his teeth, and again threw himself upon +the sofa his face downward and buried +in his hands as if he were meditating +deeply.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Edmonson told his friend of having +met one of the guests at Katie Archdale's +wedding, but he did not say to +him that coming out of Mr. Royal's +house and walking quickly down the +street, he had met the bridegroom himself, +and had returned Archdale's bow +with a politeness equally cold, while anger +had leaped up within him. Was Archdale +going to call upon his wife?</p> + +<p class="dgp">Stephen Archdale had come to Boston +to collect whatever facts he could about +Harwin, and about the places and the +people that the confession referred to. +Nothing was farther from his thoughts +than any such visit. It was his wish that +Elizabeth and himself need never meet +again, and he knew that it was hers. +Indeed, so far from thinking of the +woman who was perhaps his wife, he +was living over again the glimpse he +had had of the one from whom he had +been separated. Three days ago he +had taken his gun early in the morning +and had gone out hunting, made more +miserable than before by something he +had perceived in his father's mind. +The Colonel was not in sympathy with +him; he was consoling himself that, +after all, Elizabeth Royal was a richer +woman than Katie Archdale. At his +light insinuation of this to his son, the +young man had flamed out into a heat +of passion and declared that one golden +hair of Katie's head was worth both +Elizabeth and her fortune. He had +rushed out of the house with the wish +for destroying something in his mind. +As he stopped in the hall to snatch his +gun, the flintlock caught, and tore a hole +in the tapestry hanging. He saw it, +pushed the great stag's antlers that the +gun had been swung on a little aside, +and covered the torn place. Then he +forgot the accident almost as soon as + +this was done, left the house and went +striding over the fields, not so much to +chase the foxes, as to be alone. And +when that point was gained he would +have gone a step further if he could +and escaped from himself also. But he +was only all the more with his own +thoughts as he wandered aimlessly +through great stretches of pine trees +with the light snow of the night before +still white on their lower boughs, except +when in some opening it had melted +into dewdrops in the December sun, +and still clung to the trees, ready when +the sun had passed by them towards its +setting to turn into filmy icicles. The +sky was brilliant; the long winter already +upon the earth smiled gently, as +if to say that its reign would be mild. +Stephen went along so much preoccupied +that only the baying of his +hound made him notice the light fox-prints +by the roadside. Then the instinct +of the hunter stirred within him, +and he followed on, listening now and +then to the distant bark while pursued +and the pursuer were going farther +away. He waited, knowing fox nature +well and that there were a hundred +chances to one that the creature would +come back near the spot from which it +was started. As he waited close by +the road which here led through the +woods, two men passed along it without +seeing him. They were talking as +they went. Stephen knew them; one +was an old man who used to be a servant +in the family when Colonel Archdale +was a boy. He had married long +ago and was now living in a little house +not far from his old home. The young man +with him was his son. Stephen +was in no mood even for a passing +word, and he stood still, perceiving +that a clump of bushes hid him. A few +sentences of the conversation reached +him through the stillness, but it meant +nothing to him; he was not conscious +even of listening until Katie's name +caught his ear. They were talking of +this marriage then, as every body was; +he was the gossip of the very servants. +But his attention once caught was held +until the speakers passed out of hearing. +Surely they knew nothing about +the matter that he did not.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"She is such a pretty young lady," +said the elder man, "and any girl would +feel it to miss the handsome young +master for a husband."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Um!" assented the son. "Well, +I suppose she will miss the sight of him +if her heart is set upon him, but there is +many a young man nicer to my thinking, +and not so proud in his ways."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Has he ever been unjust or overbearing +to you, Nathan?" inquired the +old man severely.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Oh, no, he has been uncommonly +civil, he would think it beneath him to +be anything else. I know the cut of +him; if he had any spite he would take +it out on a gentleman. He thinks we +are made of different clay from him." +And the embryo republican threw back +his shoulders impatiently.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"So we are," returned the other, with +the Englishman's ingrained belief in caste; +"but, to be sure, you feel it with +some more than with others, with the +young man more than with his father. +But I like it better than the softly way +the Colonel has. Stephen is more like +his grandfather."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"His grandfather!" echoed the son. +"Why, he was a—."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Hush!" cried the other so suddenly +and sharply that if the word had been, +uttered at all Stephen lost it, though, +now he was listening eagerly enough. +"Do you remember you swore that +you would never speak that word?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Well," returned the young man in a +sullen tone, "if I did, what harm in saying + +it here with not a soul but you +around? And my feeling is," he went +on, "that this broken-off wedding is a +judgment for his grandfather's—." He +hesitated.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"When you learned it by accident, +Nathan," returned his father, "you swore +to satisfy me, that you would never speak +the word in connection with him. Who +knows what person may be round?" +And he glanced cautiously about him. +Stephen half resolved to confront him +and force him to tell this secret. But +the very quality in himself which the +men had been discussing held him back +until the opportunity had passed. "No, +I don't want you to name it at all, Nathan. +That is what you swore," continued +the old man.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"You have said enough about it," retorted +the younger. "I will keep my word, +of course; you know that." His tone +was loud with anger.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Yes, yes, I know," said his companion, +"But, you see, I was fond of the +young master if he was a bit wild; he +was a fine, free gentleman, though he +changed very much after this—this accident +and his coming over to the Colonies, +which wasn't no ways suited to him like +London, only he found it a good place +to get rich in. You see, Nathan, it +all happened this way; he told me +about it his own self with tears in his +eyes, as I might say, for his family,—he—."</p> + +<p class="dgp">But it was in vain that Stephen strained +his ears, the voices that had not been +drowned in the noise of footsteps had +been growing fainter with distance, and +now were lost altogether.</p> + +<p class="dgp">So there had been something in the +family, thought Stephen, that he knew +nothing about, something that his grandfather +had done which this man, the son +of his grandfather's butler, considered +had brought down vengeance on Katie +and himself as the grandchildren. The +very suggestion oppressed him in this land +of the Puritans, although he told himself +that he believed neither in the vengeance +nor even in the crime itself. But he had +not dreamed of anything, anything at all, +which had even shadowed the fair fame +of the Archdales. Did his father know +of it? Nothing that Stephen had ever +seen in him looked like such knowledge, +but that did not make the son +quite sure, for the old butler's remark +about the Colonel's suavity was just; +his elaborate manners made Stephen +almost brusque at times, and aroused a +secret antagonism in both, so that they +sometimes met one another with armor +on, and Stephen's keen thrust would occasionally +penetrate the shield which +his father skilfully interposed between +that and some fact.</p> + +<p class="dgp">That morning Stephen sank down +upon a rock near by while his mind +ranged over his recollections to find +some clue to this mystery. But he +found none. He was sure that his +grandfather had never been referred to +as being connected with anything +secret, still less, disgraceful, or perhaps +criminal. It was impossible to imagine +where the old butler's idea came from, +but it could not be founded upon truth. +Yet, this snatch of talk which Stephen +had heard made him curious and uncomfortable. +And he knew that he +must resign himself to feeling so; he +could ask his father, to be sure, but he +would get no satisfaction out of that; +either the Colonel did not know, or, +evidently he had resolved that there +should seem to be nothing to tell. After +all, it did not matter very much. His +thoughts came back to his own position +with almost wonder that anything could +have drawn them away from it. While +he sat there the baying of the hound +drew nearer, and suddenly a rabbit + +started up from a bush on his right. He +raised his gun, but instantly lowered it +again. He had not moved, so it had +not been he that had startled the rabbit, +but the larger game that was following +it. The little creature scampered away, +and in another moment the fox which +his dog had started ran past him. Again +he raised his gun and took aim with a +hand accustomed to bring down what +he sighted. But to-day the gun dropped +once more at his side, for here was a +creature that wanted its life, that was +straining for it. "Let him have the +worthless gift if he values it," thought +Archdale, feeling that the gun had better +have been turned the other way in +his hands. The fox disappeared after +the rabbit, and in another moment +Stephen rose with a sneer at himself, +and turned toward home. Evidently, +he could accomplish nothing that day, +matters must have gone hard with him +to make him lose even the nerve of a +hunter. He whistled to his dog, but +the hound had no intention of giving +up the chase as his master had done, +and rushed past in full cry. The young +man left him to follow home at his +pleasure, and walked along the road +with a sombre face. Soon the sound of +distant bells reached him. A minute +after a sleigh appeared coming toward +him from the vanishing point of the +road that here ran straight through the +woods for some distance. It made no +difference to Stephen who was in the +sleigh. As it came nearer and nearer +he never even glanced at it, until as it +was passing, some instinct, or perhaps +eyes fixed upon him, made him look up. +He started, stopped, bowed low, took +off his fur cap with deference, holding +it in his hand until the sleigh had gone +slowly by. Then he turned and stood +looking after it, the flush that had come +suddenly to his face fading away as his +eyes followed Katie Archdale's figure +until it was lost to sight. He could see +her clinging to her father's arm; he +seemed to see her face before him for +days, her face pale and sad, and so +lovely. Neither had spoken. Mr. Archdale +had not waited; what had they +to say? Stephen had not really wished +it; every thought was deeper than speech, +and probably Katie, too, had preferred +to go on. And yet to pass in this +way—it was like their lives.</p> + +<p class="dgp">That afternoon he started for Boston. +It was doing something. Edmonson +who met him just arrived, need not +have feared that he was going to Elizabeth. +He was in the city only to prove +that the frolic of that summer evening +had been frolic merely, and that he was +still free to follow that charming face +that had passed him by, so reluctantly, +he knew, in the woods.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">[TO BE CONTINUED.]</p> +</div> +</div> + + + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_19"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">WENDELL PHILLIPS.</h2> + + +<p class="noindent">While delivering an address in Faneuil +Hall, in 1875, the late distinguished +Wendell Phillips declared that he had +never cast a ballot in his life.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Such a confession, coming from the +liberty-loving champion of the rights +and freedom of all people, was not a +little startling.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Months later he was requested to explain +what seemed to be a serious inconsistency, +as bearing on the question—how +can an American citizen wilfully +refrain from the high prerogative of exercising +his right and duty to vote?</p> + +<p class="dgp">The following is a copy of his letter +stating the reason why he had not +voted.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The letter hitherto has never been +made public. It is of historical value.</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: right">7 Aug't '76.</p> + +<p class="dgp">DEAR SIR:</p> + +<p class="dgp">I am in receipt of your kind note.</p> + +<p class="dgp">This is the explanation: Premising +that I entirely agree with you as to the +transcendant importance of the vote +and the duty of every citizen to use it—to +let no slight obstacle prevent +his voting.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The few years after I came of age I +was moving about and it happened, curiously +enough, that I never lived in one +town long enough to get the vote there +and never could be, at the proper time, +in the town where I had the right.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Then soon I became an abolitionist +and conscientiously refused to vote or +accept citizenship under a constitution +which ordered the return of fugitive +slaves.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The XVth. amendment was the first +release from this bar, as I judged. +Since that, I have never voted but once. +Absence from the city &c prevented my +doing so. <em>I should have taken special +care</em> to be at home if living in a ward +where my vote would have availed anything, +or if candidates were such as I +could trust.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">Truly,</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">WENDELL PHILLIPS.</p> +</div> + +</div> + + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_20"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">EASY CHAIR.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">BY ELBRIDGE H. GOSS.</p> + +<p class="dgp">This is an age of magazines. Every +guild, every issue, has its monthly or +quarterly. If a new athletic exercise +should be evolved to-morrow, a new +magazine, in its interest, would follow; +and there seems to be a field for every +new venture.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Among our older magazines, Harper's +"New Monthly" still pursues its popular +course. In June, 1850, I bought the +first number, and from that day to this +it has been one of my household treasures. +A complete set, sixty nine (69) +volumes, forms a most excellent library in +itself; a fair compendium of the world's +history for the last thirty odd years. +Story, essay, and event, has filled these +sixty thousand pages. In October, 1851, +the department called the "Editor's +Easy Chair," was established by Donald +G. Mitchell, the genial "Ik: Marvel." +Here are his first words:</p> + +<p class="dgp">"After our more severe Editorial work +is done—the scissors laid in our drawer, +and the monthly record, made as full as +our pages will bear, of history—we have +a way of throwing ourselves back into +an old red-back <em>Easy Chair</em>, that has + +long been an ornament of our dingy +office, and indulging in an easy, and +careless overlook of the gossiping +papers of the day, and in such chit chat +with chance visitors, as keeps us informed +of the drift of the towntalk, +while it relieves greatly the monotony of +our office hours." Here is the well remembered +flavor of the "Reveries of a +Bachelor" and "Dream-Life"!</p> + +<p class="dgp">A year or so afterward, George William +Curtis became a co-writer of a +part of the articles for this department, +and soon after he became the sole occupant +of the now famous "Easy Chair;" +and each month, as regularly as the appearance +of the magazine itself, these +very interesting, most readable, and instructive +notelets upon the current +topics of the time have appeared. +Their pure style, graceful and delicate +humor, and the vast range of culture +and observation, give them a distinctively +personal characteristic. He would +have made one of our first novelists; +but he has chosen to give the strength +of his powers to journalism, and the +study of political affairs.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It is safe to say that each number of +the magazine has had an average of +at least five pages of "Easy Chair," +making very nearly or quite two thousand +(2,000) pages in all; or a quantity +more than sufficient to fill two and +a half volumes of the sixty nine (69) +thus far issued, each volume containing +eight hundred and sixty four (864) +pages. Before beginning to write these +delectable tid-bits, he had published +"Nile notes of a Howadji," "The Howadji +in Syria," and "Lotus Eating;" +soon after appeared "Potiphar Papers," +"Prue and I," and "Tramps." For +twenty years he was constantly on the +lecture platform; and for twenty one +years he has been the political editor +of "Harper's Weekly." Although offered +missions to the courts of England and +Germany, and other positions of trust +and honor, he never accepted; his nearest +approach to the holding of any political +office was the accepting of an +appointment, for a while, of the chairmanship +of the "Civil Service Advisory +Board." As has been well said by +George Parsons Lathrop, "The idea +often occurs to one that he, more than +any one else, continues the example +which Washington Irving set: an example +of kindliness and good nature +blended with indestructible dignity, and +a delicately imaginative mind consecrating +much of its energy to public +service."</p> + +<p class="dgp">As for the "Easy Chair," with me, its +leaves are first cut in each fresh number; +and while enjoying the last one, I wondered +why some deft hand had not +culled some of the choicest specimens, +and that the Harpers had not given +them to the world in a volume by themselves. +They are most certainly worthy +of it. A few passages taken here and +there, from these rich fields, will prove +this assertion. The subjects treated in +the whole "Easy Chair" number nearly +or quite twenty-five hundred (2,500),—reminiscences +of Emerson and Longfellow—first +presentation of a new +Oratorios—a celebrated painting—the +visit of a Lord Chief Justice of England,—a +vast range of topics. Consult +the nine closely printed octavo pages of +their titles in the "Index to the first +Sixty Volumes"—from "Abbott, Commodore, +xiii. 271," to "Zurich, University +of, xlviii. 443," and one will be +amazed at the great number and variety +of themes upon which the "Easy Chair" +has had its say. And it would seem +that its occupant has had some similar +thoughts to these, for, in a recent number +there is a retrospective glance—a +wondering as to what future generations + +may have to say, and wish to know regarding +matters and things of this generation +about which it has discoursed:</p> + +<p class="dgp">"The Easy Chair, mindful of posterity, +and of that future loiterer in the retired +alcoves of coming libraries who will +turn to the pages of an old magazine to +catch some glimpse of the daily aspect +and the homely fact of our day, which +will be then a kind of quaint remembrance, +like the 'Augustan age' of Anne +to Victorian epoch, puts here upon record +for his unborn reader—whom he +salutes with hope and Godspeed—that +the winter of 1883-4 in the city of New +York was a gray and gloomy season almost +beyond precedent, during which +the persistent fogs and mists appeared +half to have obliterated the sun."</p> + +<p class="dgp">Here are a few excerpts which may be +called "Gems for the Easy Chair;" but +those given are no better than thousands +of others that are scattered +through these many volumes.</p> + +<p class="dgp">A Madonna. Once in Dresden the +Easy Chair climbed into a little room +where an engraver was finishing a picture +which is now famous. He had +worked long and faithfully upon it. It +was truly a work of love, and it had +cost him his most precious and essential +possession for his art—his eyesight. +The engraver was Steinla, and +the picture was the Madonna di +Sisto.... It can be seen only by +those who go to Dresden. Among pictures +there is none more justly famous, +and the devoted engraver toiled long +and patiently, and at such enormous +sacrifice to re-produce it, so far as lines +could do it, from the same love and instinct +that produced the picture.</p> +</div> + + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_21"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">PUBLISHERS' DEPARTMENT.</h2> +<h2 class="sub">NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.</h2> + +<div class="div"> +<p class="noindent">MIDDLESEX COUNTY MANUAL. By +CHARLES COWLEY. LL.D. Penhallow +Printing Company, Lowell, Mass.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In this handy volume, the "Historical +Sketch of the County of Middlesex," +Judge Cowley has made a valuable +contribution to the recorded history +of our Commonwealth. He has traced +in a clear and concise manner the important +events of Middlesex County +from 1643, the year of its incorporation, +down to Shay's Rebellion.</p> +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<p class="noindent">REMINISCENCES OF JAMES COOK +AVER AND THE TOWN OF AVER. By +CHARLES COWLEY, LL.D.</p> + +<p class="dgp">This work is one of many for which +the public are indebted to Judge Cowley. +It presents many facts of great +historical value, and in the usual pungent +and agreeable style of their author.</p> +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<p class="noindent">SHOPPELL'S BUILDING PLANS FOR +MODERN LOW COST HOUSES. The +Co-operative Building Plan Association, New +York. Price, 50 cents.</p> + +<p class="dgp">This book contains a mass of information +to builders and would-be <em>home +owners</em>. Its many and varied plans are +for the construction of neat, comfortable +and very attractive buildings at very reasonable +cost.</p> +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<h3 class="dgp">CORRECTION.</h3> + +<p class="noindent">In the sketch of Saugus in the December +number of the BAY STATE MONTHLY, +line 14, on page 149, should read +"as early as 1828" instead of 1848.—E.P.R.</p> +</div> +</div> + +</div> + + <hr class="doublepage"> + +<div class="back"> + <div class="div" id="footnotes"><a name="toc_22"></a><h2 class="dgp">Notes</h2><dl class="footnote"> +<dt><a name="note_1">1.</a></dt><dd><p class="noindent">This was printed in the sketch of Melrose in "History +of Middlesex County," vol. II.</p></dd><dt><a name="note_2">2.</a></dt><dd><p class="noindent">This inscription is still in existence, the engraving +shown herewith is a good representation of it, as it appears +at the present time.</p></dd><dt><a name="note_3">3.</a></dt><dd><p class="noindent">Captain John Smith was never in Bermuda. He derived +all his information from his opportunities as a member +of the Virginia Company, and from correspondence +or personal narratives of returned planters. This was +his habitual way, as is shown by the number of authorities +that he quotes. He probably obtained the sketches, +from which these illustrations were made, from Richard +Norwood, the schoolmaster.</p></dd><dt><a name="note_4">4.</a></dt><dd><p class="noindent">Writings of George Washington, by J. Sparks, vol. +iii, page 47.</p></dd><dt><a name="note_5">5.</a></dt><dd><p class="noindent">Writings of George Washington, +by J. Sparks, vol. iii., page 77.</p></dd><dt><a name="note_6">6.</a></dt><dd><p class="noindent">Journal of Congress, November 22, 1775.</p></dd><dt><a name="note_7">7.</a></dt><dd><p class="noindent">These were probably the vessels sent out from Rhode +Island under the command of Captain Whipple.</p></dd></dl></div> + </div> + +</div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. 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No. 5, +February, 1885, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. No. 5, February, 1885 + A Massachusetts Magazine + +Author: Various + +Release Date: November 23, 2004 [EBook #14132] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAY STATE MONTHLY *** + + + + +Produced by Joshua Hutchinson, Josephine Paolucci, Cornell University +and the PG Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + +[Illustration: W'm Gaston.] + + + + +THE + +BAY STATE MONTHLY. + +_A Massachusetts Magazine_. + +VOL. II. + +FEBRUARY, 1885. + +No. 5. + + + * * * * * + +WILLIAM GASTON. + +By ARTHUR P. DODGE. + + +Victor Hugo has written: "The historian of morals and ideas has a +mission no less austere than that of the historian of events. The latter +has the surface of civilization, the struggles of the crowns, the births +of princes, the marriages of Kings, the battles, the assemblies, the +great public men, the revolutions in the sunlight, all exterior; the +other historian has the interior, the foundation, the people who work, +who suffer and who wait ... Have these historians of hearts and souls +lesser duties than the historian of exterior facts?" + +There is much unwritten history of the Bay State: of the exterior, much +is recorded; of the interior, far less. Both are valuable to posterity. +It is believed that succeeding ages will hold of far greater value, and +the youth of our day be benefitted more by the study of the underlying +principles and causes of those events which are given a conspicuous +place in history, rather than by the mere record of the surface facts. + +It is profitable to study the habits and methods of individuals who +stand out in bold relief in history. To derive the greatest interest and +value from such lives it is well to follow them from early childhood. +Indeed it is profitable to trace back the ancestry and lineage from +which the man has descended, to study the characteristics peculiar to +each generation, and to note the result of racial mixtures tending to +the typical and representative American of to-day. + +Many prominent men received their first incentive to ambition and +industry and perseverence by reading--when their minds were immature, +but fresh and retentive--of the life and achievements of Benjamin +Franklin and such other grand models for the young. + +No history of a country or state is complete without studies of the +lives of those men who have made and are making history. + +William Gaston comes from an honored and distinguished ancestry on both +his paternal and maternal side as will be seen by the succeeding +genealogical notes. + +He was born at Killingly, Connecticut, October 3, 1820. + + GENEALOGY. + + Jean Gaston was born in France, probably about the year 1600. There + are traditions about the particular family to which he belonged, + but only little is definitely known. He was a Huguenot, and is said + to have been banished from France on account of his religion. His + property was confiscated. His brothers and family, although + Catholics, sent money to him in Scotland for his support. He is + said to have been forty years of age and unmarried when he went to + Scotland. Between 1662 and 1668, during a season of persecution in + Scotland, his sons, John, William, and Alexander, went over into + the north of Ireland, whither many of their friends were fleeing + for safety and religious freedom. There is some uncertainty as to + which of these three brothers was the founder of this branch of the + family, but numerous facts point almost conclusively to John as + such founder. One generation was born in Ireland. + + John Gaston had three sons born in Ireland: William, born about + 1680; lived at Caranleigh Clough Water; John, born 1703-4, died in + America 1783; Alexander, born 1714, died in America. + + The former lived all his days in Caranleigh Clough Water, Ireland, + where he died about 1770. John and Alexander came to New England + during or shortly prior to 1730. Tradition has it that they landed + at Marblehead. From this place they went soon, if not immediately, + to Connecticut. As their ancestors had done, so did they, seek + religious liberty in a foreign land. They were Separatists and + probably were drawn to Voluntown because a Church holding that + faith was there established. Alexander returned to Massachusetts a + few years later, residing in Richmond, where some of his + descendants now reside; but most of that branch of the family are + living in the western states. + + John Gaston was made a freeman of Voluntown at the organization of + its town government in 1736-7. He was a prominent member of the + Separatists Church in that town, the meeting for the settlement of + Reverend Alexander Miller, their pastor, being held at his house. + He was the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. His + three children were born in America: Margaret, born 1737, died + 1810; Alexander, born 1739, was a commissioned officer in the + French and Indian War; John, born 1750, died 1805. + + John Gaston married Ruth Miller, daughter of Reverend Alexander + Miller. Their children were Alexander, born in Voluntown, August 2, + 1772; Margaret, born December 13, 1781. The latter died in early + childhood. + + Alexander Gaston married Olive Dunlap, a daughter of Joshua Dunlap, + of Plainfield, Connecticut, who was born 1769, died in Killingly, + September 7, 1814. He married for his second wife in Killingly, in + April, 1816, Kezia Arnold, daughter of Aaron Arnold, born in + Burrillville, Rhode Island, November, 1779, died in Roxbury, + Massachusetts, January 30, 1856. His death occurred in Roxbury, + February 11, 1856. The children of first marriage: Esther, born + 1804, died 1860; John, born 1806, died 1824. William Gaston, of + whom this sketch is written, was the sole issue of the second + marriage. He was born at Killingly October 3, 1820. With his + parents he moved to Roxbury in the summer of 1838. On December 27, + 1830, was born at Boston, Louisa A. Beecher to whom Mr. Gaston was + married May 27, 1852. Mrs. Gaston is a daughter of Laban S. and + Frances A. (Lines) Beecher, both of whom were natives of New Haven, + Connecticut, and were direct descendants of the very first settlers + of Connecticut in 1638. The children of Governor and Mrs. Gaston + were: Sarah Howard, William Alexander, and Theodore Beecher. The + latter was born February 8, 1861; died July 16, 1869. + + The death of Theodore was a severe blow to his family. He was a + beautiful and promising boy. This sad calamity seemed like the + withdrawal of sunlight from the household, causing his loving + parents the keenest anguish. + + Of this branch of the family there are but very few relatives of + Governor Gaston. His son William is the only male representative of + his generation. It is, singularly enough, true that in his family + line of descent there have been three generations where each had + but one male representative, and two generations having but one + representative of either sex. Thus the Carolina Gastons are of the + nearest kindred to Governor Gaston's particular branch. + + Kezia (Arnold) Gaston, the mother of Governor Gaston, was a + daughter of Aaron Arnold and Rhoda (Hunt) Arnold, and a lineal + descendant of Thomas Arnold, who, with his brother William, came to + New England in 1636. William Arnold went to Rhode Island with Roger + Williams, being one of the fifty-four proprietors of that + Plantation. His brother Thomas followed him there in 1654. The + latter was born in England in 1599, probably in Leamington, that + being the birth-place of his brother William. His second wife was + Phoebe Parkhurst, daughter of George Parkhurst of Watertown, + Massachusetts. The family record is carried back to 1100, being + undoubtedly accurate to about the year 1570, when the name Arnold + was first used as a surname; possibly accurate throughout. + + The arms of the Family; Gules, a chevron ermine between three + Pheons, or; appear on the tombstone of Oliver Arnold, and of + William Arnold, the original settler. The same arms are on a tablet + in the Parish Church of Churcham in Gloucestershire, England, + placed there in memory of his ancestor John Arnold of Lanthony, + Monmouthshire, afterwards of Hingham, who acquired the manor of + Churcham in 1541. + + + TRADITIONS. + + The most ancient written record of the family which the writer has + consulted was written by John Roseborough, late Clerk of the + Circuit Court, Chester District, South Carolina. He was the son of + Alexander Roseborough and Martha Gaston, whose father, William + Gaston of Caranleigh Clough Water, Ireland, was grandson of Jean + Gaston, the Huguenot ancestor of the family. + + The statement is as follows, the words enclosed in parenthesis + being supplied by way of information. + + "Jean Gaston emigrated from France to Scotland on account of his + religion, as a persecution then raged against the Protestants. He + had two sons who emigrated from Scotland to Ireland between 1662 + and 1668 during a time of persecution in Scotland. There was a John + and a William, but which of them was the ancestor of our + grandfather is not known. William Gaston, my grandfather, lived at + Caranleigh Clough Water. He married Miss Lemmon and had four sons + and as many daughters: John Gaston (King's Justice) died on Fishing + Creek, near Cedar Shoal, Chester District, South Carolina; Rev. + Hugh Gaston, author of 'Concordance and Collections'; Dr. Alexander + Gaston, killed by the British at Newbern, South Carolina (father of + Judge William Gaston); Robert Gaston, and William Gaston." + + One fact is established, that many of Jean Gaston's descendants had + settled in America before the Revolution and were actively engaged + in that contest for liberty. + +Springing from such ancestry in which are joined the characteristics of +the French Huguenot, the Scotch Presbyterian, the Scotch-Irish patriot, +the follower of Roger Williams, the May Flower Pilgrim, one is not +surprised to find in William Gaston a strong man; a man who inherited as +a birthright the qualities of leadership. + +His father was a well known merchant of Connecticut, of sterling +integrity, and of remarkably strong force of character. He was +commissioned a Captain at the early age of twenty-two, and was for many +years in the Legislature. The father of the latter was also in the +Connecticut Legislature for many years. + +In early youth William gave promise of a superb manhood by displaying +those qualities which have since distinguished him. He was a studious +boy, eager for knowledge. He attended the Academy in Brooklyn, +Connecticut, and subsequently fitted for College at the Plainfield +Academy. At the age of fifteen he left his quiet village home for Brown +University, where his intellect was trained in a routine sanctioned by +the experience of centuries, and where contact with his fellows soon +roused his ambition and gave him confidence in his own ability to enter +the struggle with the world for place and honor. William, having a +married sister, who was many years his senior, residing in Providence, +his father decided to send him, then scarcely more than a lad, to Brown +University where he would be surrounded by family influences and enjoy +the social advantages offered by his sister's home. He maintained a high +rank, graduating with honors in 1840. + +For his life work he decided upon the legal profession--a wise choice as +subsequent time has shown his peculiar fitness therefor. He first +entered the office of Judge Francis Hilliard of Roxbury, remaining for a +time and then continued his legal studies with the distinguished +lawyers and jurists Charles P. and Benjamin R. Curtis of Boston, with +whom he remained until his admission to the Bar in 1844. + +At Roxbury in 1846 he opened his first law office, taking comparatively +soon a leading position at the Bar. He there continued his practice +until 1865 when he formed with the late Hon. Harvey Jewell and the since +associate justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, the Hon. Walbridge A. +Field, the famous and successful law firm, having offices at number 5 +Tremont street, of Jewell, Gaston and Field. This firm continued until +the election of Mr. Gaston to the gubernatorial chair of Massachusetts +in 1874. He was the Democratic candidate the year previous for this +office, his competitor being Mr. Washburn, who was elected but did not +long retain the chair of State, being elected to the United States +Senate. At the convention nominating William B. Washburn for Governor +there were four other candidates for the honor: Alexander H. Rice, +George B. Loring, Harvey Jewell and Benjamin F. Butler. The latter +created no little unquiet by the zeal and strength of his support. The +upshot was that there was a harmonious combination of the forces of the +four contestants of Butler upon Mr. Washburn. It is remembered that some +of the party organs were upon nettles, fearing that General Butler would +bolt the nomination, but he came out squarely and declared that as he +had staked his issues with the convention he would abide the result. + +In the canvass of 1874 Mr. Gaston was opposed by Hon. Thomas Talbot, +who, by reason of Governor Washburn's election to the Senate as stated, +was acting as Governor, having been elected Lieutenant Governor on the +ticket with Mr. Washburn. Governor Gaston's majority over Mr. Talbot was +7,033. In the following canvass of 1875, Mr. Gaston having been +re-nominated by the Democracy, his competitor was Hon. Alexander H. +Rice. By this time, that part of the country represented by the +strongly-intrenched Republican party, was fully aroused to the exigency +of the hour. The edict came from the political centre at Washington to +the effect that the Republican party could not stand another defeat in +Massachusetts, especially on the eve of a presidential campaign. The +national organization concentrated a wonderfully _efficient_ auxiliary +force in aid of the intense activity already exerted by the local +managers, who so well understood the popularity of Mr. Gaston and of the +strong hold he had upon the people. It seems now that the Democratic +managers accepted or anticipated failure as a foregone conclusion, and +no great fight was made; otherwise they would probably have won the +election, as Mr. Rice was elected by only the small plurality of 5,306 +votes. This is very significant, taken in connection with the fact that +General Grant carried Massachusetts in 1872 by 74,212 majority. + +In 1876, that memorable year--memorable as the year of the electoral +commission--Governor Gaston magnanimously declined the re-nomination, +which a large majority of the convention was undoubtedly eager to +confer. The nomination of Charles Francis Adams was to the rank and file +and to the party managers a disappointment, and the enthusiasm that he +was expected to arouse was not materialized. + +The press of the State justly commended Mr. Gaston's conduct in not +forcing his own nomination, a course so completely in accord with his +character, and his entire devotion to the party welfare. He did not +display the least semblance of self-seeking. + +He has seen not a little of public life, but with the exception of five +years, has succeeded in conducting his large and important professional +practice the entire period from his early beginning to this day. The +five years referred to were: two years, 1861 and 1862, while he was +Mayor of the city of Roxbury; the two years, 1871 and 1872, as Mayor of +Boston (this being after the annexation of Roxbury), and the year 1875 +when Governor. + +His mayoralty term of Roxbury antedated the years he was Mayor of Boston +by just ten years. While such Mayor of Roxbury in 1861-2 he was very +active in speechmaking and raising troops in preservation of the +American Union. He went to the front several times, and was +enthusiastically patriotic during the entire critical period. + +He was five years City Solicitor of Roxbuxy. In 1853 and 1854 he was +elected to the Legislature as a Whig, and in 1856 was re-elected by a +fusion of Whigs and Democrats in opposition to the Know-Nothing +candidate. In 1868, although the district was strongly Republican, he +was elected as a Democrat to the State Senate. + +In the fall of 1872 Mr. Gaston positively declined the further use of +his name in the Mayoralty election in Boston that year. He concluded to +be a candidate, however, upon the earnest solicitation of so many of the +best citizens, and of the press, and in consideration of the perfectly +unanimous action of the ward and city committee, in reporting in favor +of his re-nomination and speaking of him as a man pre-eminently +qualified for the duties which required "wisdom, discretion, firmness +and courage when needed, combined with the most exalted integrity and +unselfish devotion to the honor, welfare, and prosperity of the city." + +In commenting on this subject the _Post_ in an editorial, November 26, +1872, said in commendation of the above words of the committee: "The +language employed is none too strong or emphatic. The history of Mayor +Gaston's two administrations is an eminently successful one, so far as +he is personally responsible for them, and there is not the least room +to question that if he were to be re-elected and supported by a board of +aldermen of similar character and purpose the city would at once find +the uttermost requirements of its government satisfied." In that +election in December, 1872, for the year 1873 his opponent, Hon. Henry +L. Pierce, was declared elected Mayor by only seventy-nine plurality. +This fact indicates Mr. Gaston's popularity, as General Grant had +carried Boston the year previous by about 5,500 majority. As her +Representative, her presiding officer, her head of affairs, Mayor Gaston +was a success; an honor to the great city which honored him. + +In 1870 he was a candidate for Congress, but failed of an election, Hon. +Ginery Twitchell receiving a majority of the votes. + +In 1875 Harvard College and also his Alma Mater, Brown University, +conferred upon him the degree of LL.D. + +While he was Governor the somewhat notorious Jesse Pomeroy case was the +occasion of more or less criticism; the Governor himself receiving _pro_ +and _con_ his full share thereof. He was in some instances charged with +a lack of firmness, but time has completely vindicated his course. Many +of those alleging at the time the Governor's want of "back-bone" have +lived long enough to fully realize that his firmness consisted in +adhering with an honest persistency to his convictions, indicating the +identical course he pursued in that as in all other matters of public +import. + +Among those who know him best there exists the consciousness that Mr. +Gaston is not only an exceedingly cautious man, but consistently +conscientious. Bringing such lofty principles, together with a +discerning mind and sound judgement, into activity in the discharge of +his duty, his administration was, it was generally conceded, a wise one. +It should be borne in mind that he occupied a somewhat novel position, +there having been no Democratic Governor of the State for many years. +The scrutiny directed to him and his acts was intense. His success in +bringing his official relations as excessive to such a happy termination +is abundant proof of his being the man this paper endeavors to picture +him. + +It was during his term of office that the lamented Henry Wilson died. At +the State House, in Doric Hall, in November, 1875, Governor Gaston, on +receiving the sacred remains in behalf of the Commonwealth, said in his +address to the committee: "Massachusetts receives from you her +illustrious dead. She will see to it that he whose dead body you bear to +us, but whose spirit has entered upon its higher service, shall receive +honors befitting the great office which in life he held, and I need not +assure you that her people, with hearts full of respect, of love, and of +veneration, will not only guard and protect the body, the coffin, and +the grave, but will also ever cherish his name and fame. Gentlemen, for +the pious service which you have so kindly and tenderly rendered, accept +the thanks of a grateful Commonwealth." + +Among the appointments made by Governor Gaston were the following: that +of the late Hon. Otis P. Lord to be Associate Justice of the Supreme +Judicial Court; Honorable Waldo Colburn and Honorable William S. Gardner +to Associate Justiceships of the Superior Court. + +The writer has preserved in his scrap books various selections from Mr. +Gaston's public utterances, so excellent and so numerous that it would +be difficult to single out any of them for insertion here, even would +space permit so doing. + +It is incomparable, the duties he has performed, the labors he has +accomplished. His life is, and ever has been, a busy life. One marvels +to know how he accomplishes so much. + +In the political world, in literature, in the legal profession, +monuments have arisen in testimony of his toil. + +As a lawyer his successes have been such as have been vouchsafed to but +few. The word success is applied both where it ought to be applied and +where not deserved. Gaining great wealth, distinguished professional +standing, extensive political renown, pre-eminence in other avenues may +be, or may not be, in the highest sense, success. Most men of strong +points are sadly deficient in other and essential traits needed to +constitute a well-biased, grandly-rounded life. It is rare, indeed, that +a person is encountered possessing such well-proportioned, +evenly-balanced, distinguishing characteristics as it has been Mr. +Gaston's lot to enjoy. + +His steady, onward march over the rough places and up the hill in his +learned profession abundantly attest his greatness. No being can occupy, +nor even approach, the very foremost rank in the legal arena save he be +great. Of all representatives of human experiences the lawyer, and more +particularly the advocate, has the least opportunity to occupy falsely a +position of real prominence. Advocacy is the most jealous of +mistresses. Undoubtedly it is true that nowhere else must there be ever +present and ever ready to respond at a moment's notice such a happy +combination of those qualities already noted. + +It is not long ago that one of the most worthy of Boston's Judges +remarked to the writer: "You can count the really excellent advocates at +the Suffolk Bar upon the fingers of both hands." He began by naming the +subject of this sketch, following with the names of Honorable A.A. +Ranney, Honorable William G. Russell, Honorable Robert M. Morse, Jr., +and others. The learned Judge must, it seems, have had in mind a very +high standard of advocacy, for there are not a few among the something +like two thousand Boston lawyers who have well earned, and justly, the +right to be called able and eloquent. + +In his historical article entitled "The Bench and Bar," by Erastus +Worthington, and contained in the "History of Norfolk County, +Massachusetts," after writing of those eminent advocates, Ezra Wilkinson +and John J. Clarke, he refers to Governor Gaston and Judge Colburn in +the following words: "The successors to the leadership of the bar, after +the retirement of Mr. Wilkinson and Mr. Clarke, were William Gaston of +Roxbury, and Waldo Colburn of Dedham. Mr. Gaston was not admitted to +practice in this county, but he studied law with Mr. Clarke, and +practiced in this county for many years, and considered himself a +Norfolk lawyer. He was an eloquent and successful advocate and had an +excellent practice. He had removed to Boston prior to the annexation of +Roxbury. + +"Mr. Colburn practiced in Dedham until he was appointed an Associate +Justice of the Superior Court in 1875. He attained a high position in +his profession as a wise counsellor, an able trier of causes, and a +lawyer in whose hands the interests of his clients were always safe." + +On his election to the Governorship Mr. Gaston absolutely relinquished +his practice and gave his undivided attention to the duties of his +office. He had been quite unable to devote his customary labor to the +benefit of his law partnership and the good of their clientage during +the two years that he was Mayor of Boston. + +When he retired from the executive chair it is said that he had neither +a "case" nor a client. + +He took offices in Sears Building and it was not long before he was +again enjoying a large and lucrative practice. In 1879 he took into +partnership C.L.B. Whitney, Esq.; and last year William A. Gaston, Esq., +was admitted to the firm. + +An imperishable chain binds Ex-Governor Gaston to the bright side of the +history of the Commonwealth. His life and its renown are one and +inseparable. Such is the inevitable result of a life that has ever been +linked to honorable endeavors and principles. So thoroughly identified +with, and endeared to, her best interests, it is difficult to believe +that Massachusetts can claim him by adoption only. In private life Mr. +Gaston is all that can be desired. He is quiet, and remarkably modest +and unassuming. + +He enjoys the delightful home quietness away from his labors. But what +little time he has for such enjoyment! He seems to love work. How he has +performed so much of it is a wonder, although it is well known that he +inherits and enjoys remarkable powers of endurance. Among his favorite +authors are Scott and Burke. He is temperate, refined in his habits, has +the manners of a perfect gentleman, and deserves the blessed fruits of a +well directed life. + + * * * * * + +REMINISCENCES OF DANIEL WEBSTER. + +BY HON. GEORGE W. NESMITH, LL.D. + + +The following is a copy of a letter originally addressed to Rev. Mr. +Savage of Franklin, N.H. The original is dated October 10, 1852, +fourteen days before the decease of Mr. Webster. It was dictated to his +Clerk, C.J. Abbott, Esq. It was the same letter that gave rise to the +humorous anecdote, so well related by Mr. Curtice in his Biography of +Mr. Webster, vol. 2, page 683. + +We now present this letter to the public to show how worthily one of the +last days of Mr. Webster was employed. In this case he presented a +_Peace Offering_ to old friends, which proved effectual in preventing a +severe litigation and consequent loss of money and friendship: + + "MARSHFIELD, Oct. 10, 1852. + + MY DEAR SIR: I learn that there is likely to be a lawsuit between + Mr. Horace Noyes and his Mother respecting his father's will. + + This gives me great pain. Mr. Parker Noyes and myself have been + fast friends for near a half century. I have known his wife also + from a time before her marriage, and have always felt a warm regard + for her, and much respect for her connexions in Newburyport. Mr. + Horace Noyes and his wife I have long known. Her grandfather, Major + Nathan Taylor, late of Sanbornton, was an especial friend of my + father, and I learned to love everybody upon whom he set his + _Stamp_. + + These families during many years have been my most intimate friends + and neighbors whenever I have been in Franklin. It would wound me + exceedingly if any thing as a Lawsuit should now occur between + Mother and Son. It would very much destroy my interest in the + families, and whatever might be the result, it could not but cast + some degree of reflection upon the memory of Parker Noyes. I know + nothing of the circumstances except what I learn from Mr. John + Taylor, and I do not wish to express any judgement of my own as to + what ought to be done, at least without more full information, but + I do think it a case for Christian Intercession. And the particular + object of this Letter is to invite your attention, and that of the + members of the Church, to it in this aspect. Mr. Noyes is + understood to have left a very pretty property, but a controversy + about his Will would very likely absorb one half of it. My end is + accomplished, my dear Sir, when I have made these Suggestions to + you. You will give them such consideration, as you think they + deserve. It has given me pleasure to hope that I might write half a + dozen pages respecting Mr. Parker Noyes, and our long friendship, + but I could have no heart for this if a family feud after his death + was to come in, and overwhelm all pleasant recollections. + + I dictate this letter to my clerk, as the state of my eyes preclude + me from writing much with my own hand. + + Yours with sincere regard, + + DAN'L. WEBSTER. + REV. Mr. SAVAGE + FRANKLIN, N.H." + +This interesting letter produced the happy effect of reconciling the +contending parties, and bringing about an honorable and satisfactory +settlement of all difficulties between them. The letter was timely, +bringing healing in its wings. Here were "words fitly spoken, like +apples of gold in pictures of silver;" to the parties it soon was the +_voice_ from the _dead_, "proclaiming peace on earth, and good will +towards men." As adviser and counsel of the mother, my own exertions for +peace had proved impotent, but the letter of the eminent dying +statesman, containing the salutary advice of an old friend, proved +irresistible in its influence, and brought to the troubled waters +immediate quiet, without resort to the Church or other legal tribunal. + +Mr. Webster made allusion to the honored name of Taylor, then of +Sanbornton. Both father, and son were brave officers of Revolutionary +stock. The father, Captain Chase Taylor, commanded a company composed +chiefly of Sanbornton and Meredith men, at the battle of Bennington, on +the sixteenth of August, 1777, and was there severely wounded--his left +leg being broken, which disabled him for life. He died in 1805. In 1786 +he received a small pension from the State. His surgeon, Josiah Chase of +Canterbury, and his Colonel, Stickney of Concord, each furnishing their +certificates in his behalf. Early in the history of the Revolutionary +war the son, Nathan Taylor, was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the +Corps of Rangers, commanded by Colonel Whitcomb. Lieutenant Taylor had +the command of a small detachment of fourteen men. On the sixteenth day +of June, 1777, being stationed on the western bank of Lake Champlain, at +a place which has ever since been called _Taylor's Creek_, he was +surprised by a superior force of Indians. Taylor bravely resisted this +attack, and was successful in driving the enemy off, though at the +expense of a severe wound in his right shoulder. Three others of his +band were also wounded. Both father and son were confined at home in the +same house several months before recovery from their wounds. Lieutenant +Taylor returned to active service in the army. He afterwards received +the military title of Major, and occupied many civil offices after the +war in his own town, as well as in behalf of the State. He was member of +the House of Representatives, also of the Senate and Council, for a +number of years. He died in March, A.D. 1840, aged 85, much lamented. + +Then there was John Taylor of Revolutionary fame. He and many of his +descendants have occupied high and enviable stations in Sanbornton, and +their biography and good deeds have been ably commemorated by the +historian, Rev. M.T. Runnels. In adhering to the Taylor families Mr. +Webster obeyed the injunction of Solomon who said, "Thine own friend, +and thy _father's friend_ forsake not." Mr. Webster's letter furnishes +strong evidence, that he did not forsake "his own friend," _Parker +Noyes_. The friendship between these men commenced when Mr. Noyes +entered the _Law_ office of Thomas W. Thompson as early as 1798, and +continued intimate, cordial, unabated, "_fast_" during their lives. The +earthly existence of both terminated in the same year, Mr. Noyes having +deceased August, 19, 1852, and Mr. Webster on the twenty-fourth of the +succeeding October. + +The dwelling houses of both in Franklin were within the distance of +twenty rods; their intercourse was frequent during the last fifty-four +years of their lives. + +During the time Mr. Webster practiced law in New Hampshire they often +met at the same bar, and measured intellectual lances in various legal +contests. These meetings were most frequent when Mr. Webster first +settled in Boscawen in 1805, and for the next two years, before his +removal to Portsmouth. + +We were present in A.D. 1848, when these two friends met and recited +many of the interesting and humorous events that occurred in their early +practice. In those days, they often had for a veteran client a man who +then resided in West Boscawen, now Webster, by the name of Corser. He +was represented as one who loved the law, not for its pecuniary profits, +but for its exciting, stimulating effects. It was said of him, that at +the end of a term of the Court, once held at Hopkinton, he was found +near the Court House by a friend, shedding tears. The friend inquired +the cause of his great sorrow. His answer was, "I have _no longer_ a +_case in court._" The same Corser had been a Revolutionary soldier, and +belonged to the army when discharged by Washington at Newburg, at the +termination of the war. He had but little money to bear his expenses +home. When he reached Springfield, Massachusetts, his money was +exhausted, and he was obliged to resort to his talent at begging. +Accordingly he called at a farm house, and requested the good loyal lady +of the establishment to give him a pie, adding at the same time, that he +wanted _another_ for his _Brother Jonathan_. The lady well supposing +that his Brother Jonathan was then his companion in arms, and in the +street suffering with hunger, readily granted his request, when in truth +and in fact Jonathan was then at home cultivating his farm in Boscawen. + +Brother Jonathan, upon learning the conduct of his brother, rebuked him +for useing his name, instead of his own, thereby deceiving the good +woman. In justification of his conduct, the brother answered, "My hunger +was great. I contrived to satisfy it. The kind woman had my thanks; you +was not injured. At most, by strict morals, I committed only a _pious +fraud_ in getting two pies, instead of one." Mr. Webster remarked, that +he was once present when this case was stated, and argued by the two +brothers, and was much interested in the discussion of the celebrated +pie case. + + * * * * * + +THE DARK DAY. + +BY ELBIDGE H. GOSS. + + +The Spragues of Melrose, formerly North Malden, were one of the old +families. They descended from Ralph Sprague, who settled in Charlestown +in 1629. The first one, who came to Melrose about the year 1700, was +named Phineas. His grandson, also named Phineas, served during the +Revolutionary War, and a number of interesting anecdotes are told about +him. He was a slaveholder, and Artemas Barrett, Esq., a native of +Melrose, owns an original bill of sale of "a negro woman named Pidge, +with one negro boy;" also other documents, among which is Mr. Sprague's +diary, wherein he gives the following account of the wonderfully dark +day in 1780, a good reminder of which we experienced September 6, 1881, +a century later: + + FRIDA May the 19th 1780. + + This day was the most Remarkable day that ever my eyes beheld the + air had bin full of smoak to an uncommon degree so that wee could + scairce see a mountain at two miles distance for 3 or 4 days Past + till this day after Noon the smoak all went off to the South at + sunset a very black bank of a cloud appeared in the south and west + the Nex morning cloudey and thundered in the west about ten oclock + it began to Rain and grew vere dark and at 12 it was almost as dark + as Nite so that wee was obliged to lite our candels and Eate our + dinner by candel lite at noon day but between 1 and 2 oclock it + grew lite again but in the evening the cloud came, over us again, + the moon was about the full it was the darkest Nite that ever was + seen, by us in the world.[A] + +[Footnote A: This was printed in the sketch of Melrose in "History of +Middlesex County," vol. II.] + + * * * * * + +NAMES AND NICKNAMES. + +BY GILBERT NASH. + + +To the antiquarian, the historian, or the general scholar, there are few +more interesting studies than that of names. It is a pursuit of rare +delight to trace out the derivation of those with which we have been +long familiar, and to follow up the associations that have rendered them +dear, curious or ridiculous, as the case may be. The names themselves +may be of no value, but the spot or circumstance that gave them birth +cannot fail to throw around them an atmosphere of peculiar interest. The +subject is a broad one and may be, with time and inclination, +extensively cultivated; and, even in the limits of a short article, many +phases of it of general importance and interest may be satisfactorily +treated, and it is proposed in the following paragraphs to present only +a few of them. + +In the present rage for nicknames, pet names, diminutives and +contractions there is fair prospect of an abundant harvest of trouble +and perplexity to the genealogist and historian of the future. In fact, +the students of the present day are already beginning to realize, in no +small degree, the annoyance that arises from the custom. The changes are +so many and intricate that to understand them fully requires much +valuable time and the patience that could better be employed in more +important work. + +The difficulty arises, of course, from indifference, inadvertence or +carelessness, rather than from set purpose; yet the result is the same +in its evil effects. It is true there are some of these nicknames that +have been so long in use, and have become so common that no one is +disturbed by them and their employment, and they are readily understood. +Many of these, however, have served their turn and are gradually going +out of use, and will, in a short time, be only "dead words" to the +community. + +Of this class are the familiar favorites of our grandparents, such as +Sally, for Sarah; Polly or Molly, for Mary; Patty, for Martha, and +Peggy, for Margaret, representative names of the class. Some of these, +with perhaps slight changes, have become legitimatized, and their origin +has been nearly, or quite, forgotten. Of such we recognize Betsy, or its +modern equivalent, Bettie or Bessie, as a very proper name. Few, +perhaps, of our present generation would recognize in "Nancy," the +features of its parent, "Ann" or "Nan." + +Some of these old nicknames have already gone nearly or quite out of +use, so much so that many of our young people will be surprised to learn +that Patty was, not long ago, the vernacular for Martha, and would never +imagine that "Margaret" could ever have responded to the call of +"Peggy;" "Hitty" and "Kitty," for the staid and sober "Mehitable," and +the volatile Katherine, are more easily recognized, while it might +require several guesses to establish the relationship between "Milly" +and "Amelia," or "Emily." + +Stranger than either, perhaps because both the proper name and its +diminutive have become so uncommon, is that transformation which reduced +"Tabitha," to "Bertha," with the accent upon the first syllable, and its +vowel long. A curious instance of the change in this name, and the +further variation made in it in consequence of its forgotten +derivation, has recently occurred in the record of the death of an old +lady who was baptized "Tabitha," called in her youth "Bitha," and now in +her obituary styled Mrs. "Bertha," probably from the similarity of sound +to her youthful nickname. Her relatives of the present generation had +forgotten her real name and knew her only under that of an imitation of +her diminutive. The transition from "Bitha" to "Bertha" is easy, but how +is the perplexed genealogist to ascertain the original when he has only +the records for his guide? + +Such illustrations might be multiplied almost indefinitely, but those +already given are enough to show what an infinite amount of trouble has +come and must still come from their continued usage. They also serve +well to show with how much care and watchfulness the historian must +pursue his work; how constantly he must be upon his guard, and how +closely and critically he must scrutinize the names that pass under his +eye. + +Nor was this custom of nicknames confined to the daughters of the +family, but the boys, also, were among its subjects, perhaps in not so +great a variety, yet very general. Among the more common we only need +mention such as Bill, Ned, Jack, and Frank, to illustrate this. Nor were +there wanting among the masculine nicknames those whose derivations seem +very remote and far-fetched, as "El" for "Alphus;" "Hal" for "Henry;" +"Jot" for "Jonathan;" "Seph" for "Josephus;" "Nol" for "Oliver;" "Dick" +for "Richard," and a multitude of others equally well known. + +The instances named are old and have been in general use so long that +those who are called upon to deal with them are upon their guard and not +likely to be led astray by them, but the class of pet names, now, for a +few years in use, will necessarily be more misleading because they are +new, and in many cases very blind; in many instances the same nickname +being used to represent perhaps a dozen different proper names, so that +it is impossible to tell, from the nickname, what the real name is. +Among the most annoying of this class are those that not only represent +several names each, but are masculine or feminine, as occasion calls. + +Of the latter class are "Allie" for Alice, Albert or Alexander, and +"Bertie," used in place of so many that it is needless to specify, the +latter being the worst of its species, since it is wholly indefinite, +applying equally to boy or girl, and for a multitude of either sex, some +of which are so far-fetched that all possible connection is lost in the +journey of transmission. Most of the old fashioned nicknames indicate +the sex quite distinctly, and in this they have much the advantage of +some of their modern competitors. They were also much more expressive if +not so euphonious. A person need but glance at any of our town records +for the past few years to see how the use of these pet names has +increased, and it requires no prophet to foresee what confusion must +naturally arise from the continuance of the custom, and how difficult it +will be in the near future to follow the record accurately. + +Another and very different class of nicknames are those derived from +accident or local circumstance, and have no other connection with the +real name of the person to whom they are attached, and to whom they +cling as a foul excrescence long after the circumstances that called +them forth is forgotten. These sometimes originate at home in childhood, +at school among playmates, or after the arrival of the person at mature +age, and are oftentimes ridiculous in the extreme. They are nearly +always a source of great mortification to those who so unwillingly bear +them, who would give almost anything to rid themselves of the nuisance; +yet these, once fixed, seldom lose their hold, but must be borne with +the best grace possible. + +It will not be necessary to cite instances of this class, as every one +will recall many such that it might be highly improper to mention +publicly as being personal or taken to be so. Some are simply indicative +of temperament; some of a peculiarity of manner, or a locality in which +they happened to have first seen the light; and others, perhaps the most +unfortunate of all and the most mischievous, are derived from an +ill-timed word or act, said or done in a moment of passion or +thoughtlessness, which the individual would like to recall at almost any +price, but cannot. The saddest of all are those unfortunates, for there +are such, to whom their parents, they knew not why, gave such names. + +Another class are those given at first as a term of reproach or +disgrace, accepted without protest, and afterwards borne as a title of +honor. The name "Old Hickory" will at once suggest itself as such an +instance. Truly fortunate is the person who has the tact and is in +circumstances to do this, and thus turn the weapons of his enemies +against themselves. There are others, again, whose character and +position are such that they permit no familiarity, and every name of +reproach or ridicule rolls off like shot from the iron shell of the +monitor. The name of our Washington suggests such an individual. Whoever +for an instant thought of approaching him with familiarity, or of +applying to him a nickname as a term of reproach or ridicule, or even as +an expression of good nature. + +As will be readily seen, the evil resulting from this custom is wide +spread and alarming. It would also seem to be almost without remedy, +since it is the result of irresponsible action, committed by persons who +are not fully aware of what they are doing, by those who are +indifferent, as to what may follow, or by those who are actuated by +malice; against these there is no law except the steady, persistent +movement of the thinking public setting its face squarely against the +practice, with the passage of time, which usually brings about, we know +not always how, the remedy for such evils; but we are seldom willing to +wait for such a cure. + +As before intimated parents are sometimes guilty of this offence, and +thus place upon a child a stigma that will follow it through life. A +little care on their part will remedy the evil, to that extent, and they +surely should be willing to do their share in the work. Teachers and +those who have the charge of the young are sometimes thoughtless enough +to commit the same fault. Should it not be crime? For they have no right +to be thus inconsiderate, when a little restraint upon their part will +prevent the wrong as far as they are concerned. With these two +influences setting in the right direction, added to that of the thinking +community, a current may very likely be formed that shall obliterate +wholly the custom and deliver us from its attendant difficulties. + +Another practice now quite common, and one which bids fair to create +much confusion, is that which permits the wife to take the Christian +name of her husband: for instance, Mrs. Mary, wife of John Smith, signs +her name Mrs. John Smith, a name which has no legal existence, which she +is entitled to use only by courtesy, and which should be allowed in +none but necessary cases to distinguish her from some other bearing the +same name, or to address her when her own Christian name is not known. +Mrs. is but a general title to designate the class of persons to which +she belongs, and not a name, any more than Mr. or Esq. Who ever knew a +man to sign his name Mr. so and so, or so and so, Esq.? + +To show the absurdity and impropriety of this misuse of the name it will +be needful to mention but a single illustration. Suppose a note or check +is made payable to Mrs. John Smith. Mrs. being only a title, and no part +of the name, the endorsement would be plain John Smith, and nobody, not +even his wife, has any right to forge his signature. An instrument thus +drawn is a mistake, since no one can be authorized to execute it. + +The trouble to the genealogist and historian is of a somewhat different +nature, since he merely desires to identify the individual and cares +nothing about the money value of the document. Much the safer and better +way is for the wife always to sign and use her proper name and to add, +if she thinks it necessary to be more explicit, "wife of," using her +husband's name. By doing this a vast deal of perplexity would be +avoided, and sometimes a serious legal difficulty. + +Another custom, as common, and quite a favorite one with many married +ladies, is that which changes her middle name by substituting her maiden +surname; for example, Mary Jane Smith marries James Gray, and +immediately her name is assumed to be Mary Smith Gray, instead of Mary +Jane Gray, her legal name. The wife, if she so chooses, has the right by +general consent, if not by law, to retain her full name, adding her +husband's surname; but she has no right to use her own maiden surname in +place of her discarded middle name. Much confusion might arise from this +practice, as the following illustration will show. Mary Jane Gray +receives a check payable to her order, and she, being in the habit of +signing her name Mary Smith Gray, thus endorses it, and forwards it by +mail or otherwise for collection, and is surprised when it comes back to +her to be properly executed. + +Again, Mary Jane Gray has a little money which she deposits in the +savings bank, and, for the reason already given, takes out her book in +the name of Mary S. Gray. She dies and her administrator finding the +book tries to collect the money, but he being the administrator of Mary +Jane Gray and not of Mary S. Gray may find the Treasurer of the bank +unwilling to pay over the money until he is satisfied as to the identity +of the apparently two Mary Grays, which, under some circumstances, might +be a difficult process. + +These changes are usually made thoughtlessly, but the result is none the +less serious than though it were done with the intent to deceive or +mislead, and the mischief that often arises in consequence is very +great. These changes that have been noted from the nature of the case +can only occur with women, since men have no occasion to make them, and +in point of fact cannot; but there are those, quite analagous in +character, that are common to both sexes and should be avoided unless +the necessity is very apparent. Double names are sometimes very +convenient for purposes of identification, but they may also prove +fruitful sources of difficulty and trouble. As an illustration, Mary +Jane Smith is known at home by her family and to her acquaintances as +Mary. For some fanciful reason or local circumstance she wearies of +that name and becomes Jane. Both are equally hers, but her acquaintances +who knew her as Mary might well plead ignorance when asked about Jane +Smith; and the acquaintances of the latter might never surmise that Mary +Smith had ever existed. + +Again, James Henry Gray is known at home in his youth as James H. Gray, +and the name is very satisfactory to him; but as he arrives at manhood +he enters a new business and finds a new residence. For some reason he +thinks that a change of name also may be of benefit to him, and +therefore he signs himself J. Henry Gray, and henceforth is a stranger +to his former acquaintances. He has some money in bank at his old home +which he draws for under his new name, and wonders when his check comes +back to him dishonored, forgetting that he has never notified the +officers of his change of name. + +He finds it necessary, upon some occasion, to write to one of his former +friends for information of importance, and is surprised that his old +associate declines to give it to a stranger, for he does not remember, +that, while he may easily retain his own identity, under any change of +name, it may not be so easy to assure it to another at a distance. It +can thus be seen how easily, and at times, how unavoidably, a great deal +of vexation may be produced by this practice, and yet it is extensively +followed. + +Looking at the subject in another aspect, we find a grievance that has +borne and is now bearing with intolerable weight upon many an +individual, who would, at almost any sacrifice, relieve himself of it, +but it is saddled upon him in such a manner, and is surrounded by such +circumstances as to render it quite impossible for him to do so. It is a +practice, all too common, but none the less reprehensible, to give to +children legitimate names of such a character as to render them +veritable "old men of the sea," so graphically described by Sindbad. + +They are given for various reasons, sometimes simply for their oddity, +sometimes because the name has been borne by a relative or friend, or it +may have been borrowed from the pages of some favorite author, or +suggested by accidental circumstance. A boy whose Christian name was +Baring Folly, and we should not have far to go to find its counterpart +in real life, could hardly be expected to get through the world without +feeling severely the burden and ridicule of such a name, each part +proper and well enough in its place as a surname, but particularly +unfortunate when united and required to do duty as a Christian name. + +We ridicule, and it may be wisely, the old-fashioned custom of giving a +child a name merely because it happened to be found in the Scriptures, +where with its special meaning it was singularly appropriate, yet, when +used as a name without that special signification, it would be equally +inappropriate. But are we wholly free from the same fault in another +direction? How many children have been so burdened with a name that had +been made illustrious by the life and services of its original bearer +that they were always ashamed to hear it spoken; that very name of honor +becoming in its present position a reproach and a hindrance, rather than +a stimulus, because the bearers feel that they cannot sustain its +ancient renown, and therefore they become mere nothings, simply from the +fact of having been borne down to the dust under the burden of a great +name. + +Who can tell how many have become notorious, or have committed vagaries +which have rendered them ridiculous, and destroyed their usefulness, +from a sincere desire to bear worthily an honored name? Who shall say +that the eccentricities of a certain celebrity of acknowledged talent, +whose name would be quickly recognized, were not the result of the same +cause, the length, and weight of the name given him at his birth proving +too great an incumbrance for him to overcome. + +How many ignoble George Washingtons, Henry Clays, Patrick Henrys, and +other equally illustrious names, are wandering aimlessly about our +streets, shiftless, worthless, utterly unworthy the names they bear, +simply because they bear them, when, had they been given plain, honest, +common names, they might have been held in respect and esteem. The +burden is too great for them. A ship with a drag attached to her cannot +make progress, be she ever so swift without it. Even the eagle will +refuse his flight when burdened with excessive weight. + +A little lack of consideration or want of thought in this matter on the +part of parents often entail an immense amount of suffering upon those +who are wholly innocent as to its cause. Let the boy or girl be given +such a name, as shall be his or hers, worthy or unworthy, as the bearer +shall make. Give them all a fair show. We may not be able to tell in all +cases, perhaps not in many, how this affair of names has affected the +lives of their owners. Give a child a silly or ridiculous name and the +chances are that the child's character will correspond with that name. +Give a child a name already illustrious and the chances are also fair +that the burden will prove its ruin. + +It is unnecessary to extend the subject, the present purpose being +merely to call attention to those practices, and so to present them that +more natural and healthy customs will be sought after and followed, that +a true aesthetic taste may be cultivated, and thus alleviate or remove a +part, at least, of the burden under which society groans. + +It is also intended to illustrate some of the trials and perplexities +that beset the genealogist and historian in their researches, arising +from these unfortunate habits that pervade society. It would seem that +the evils produced by the practices, only need exposure to result in +reformation, and that no parent, with the full knowledge of the +possible, yes probable, and almost inevitable effect, would so thrust +upon his offspring an annoyance, to use the mildest possible term, which +should subject them to such disagreeable consequences all through life. + +It would seem, also, that no guardian, teacher, or other individual +having the care and oversight of children, could be so thoughtless and +inconsiderate, or allow a personal or private reason so to influence +him, as to assume for the child any name that would be liable to cause +it future shame or sorrow. Too much care cannot be taken in this regard, +and it is a duty owing to the child that its rights in this respect +shall be strictly guarded. + +It is the object of this paper simply to call attention to a few of the +more prominent points suggested by this subject in order that it may be +examined and discussed, and, if it may be, more judicious and wiser +practices introduced, that nature, art, and taste may combine to produce +a system of names that shall be at the same time, convenient, useful and +beautiful, and that shall carry no burden with them. + + * * * * * + +JOHN PRESCOTT, THE FOUNDER OF LANCASTER. + +1603 TO 1682. + +By HON. HENRY S. NOURSE. + + +The facts that have come down to us whereupon to build a biography of +John Prescott are scanty indeed, but enough to prove that he was that +rare type of man, the ideal pioneer. Not one of those famous +frontiersmen, whose figures stand out so prominently in early American +history, was better equipped with the manly qualities that win hero +worship in a new country, than was the father of the Nashaway +Plantation. Had Prescott like Daniel Boone been fortunate in the favor +of contemporary historians, to perpetuate anecdotes of his daily prowess +and fertility of resource, or had he had grateful successors withal to +keep his memory green, his name and romantic adventures would in like +manner adorn Colonial annals. Persecuted for his honest opinions, he +went out into the wilderness with his family to found a home, and for +forty years thought, fought and wrought to make that home the centre of +a prosperous community. Loaded from his first step with discouragements, +that soon appalled every other of the original co-partners in the +purchase of Nashaway from Showanon, Prescott alone, _tenax propositi_, +held to his purpose, and death found him at his post. His grave is in +the old "burial field" at Lancaster, yet not ten citizens can point it +out. Over it stands a rude fragment from some ledge of slate rock, +faintly incised with characters which few eyes can trace: + +JOHN PRESCOTT DESASED + +No date! no comment! That is his only memorial stone; his only epitaph +in the town of which, for its first forty years, he was the very heart +and soul, and for which he furnished a large share of the brains. This +fair township--now divided among nine towns--and all it has been and is +and is to be may be justly called his monument. The house of Deputies in +1652 voted it to be rightly his, and marked it by incorporative +enactment with his honored and honorable name, _Prescott_. +Unfortunately, however, some years before he had said something that +seemed to favor Doctor Robert Child's criticisms of the Provincial +system of taxation without representation; criticisms that grew and bore +good fruitage when the times were riper for individual freedom; when +Samuel Adams and James Otis took up the peoples' cause where Sir Henry +Vane and Robert Child had left it. Therefore when, in 1652, what had +been known as the Nashaway Plantation was fairly named for its founder +in accordance with the petition of its inhabitants, some one of +influence, whether magistrate or higher official, perhaps bethought +himself that no Governor of the Colony even had been so honored, and +that it might be well, before dignifying this busy blacksmith so much as +to name a town for him, to see if he could pass examination in the +catechism deemed orthodox at that date in Massachusetts Bay. Alas! John +Prescott was not a freeman. Having a conscience of his own, he had never +given public adhesion to the established church covenant and was +therefore debarred from holding any civil office, and even from the +privilege of voting for the magistrates. There was a year's delay, and, +in 1653, "Prescott" was expunged and _Lancaster_ began its history. + +As in the broad area of the township various centres of population grew +into villages and were one by one excised and made towns, it would be +supposed that each of them would have been eager to honor itself by +adopting so euphonious and appropriate a name as _Prescott_. But no! The +first candidate for a new designation, in 1732, chose the name of the +generous Charlestown clergyman, _Harvard_, for no appropriate local +reason now discoverable. Six years later another body corporate imported +the name--_Bolton_. Two years passed and a third district sought across +the ocean for its title _Leominster_. Then Woonksechocksett forgetful of +its benefactors and of the grand Indian names of its hills and waters +borrowed the title of a putative Scotch lord, who bravely fought for our +Independence, and, in adopting, paid him the poor compliment of +misspelling it--_Sterling_. The next seceder ambitiously chose the name +of a Prussian city--_Berlin_. The sixth perpetuated its early admiration +of the great small-pox inoculator, _Boylston_; and the last was +named--for a hotel. None so poor as to do Prescott reverence. But +surely, it would be thought, banks and manufactories, halls or at least +a fire engine, might with tardy respect have paid cheap tribute to his +name by bearing it. Is there any example! Yes, at last a short street +having little connection sentimental or real with the pioneer, bears his +name--this only in the aspiring town, almost a city, of which John +Prescott's old millstone is the visible foundation! _Clinton_. + +I have stated that Prescott was an ideal pioneer. Not that there was in +him anything of kinship to that race of frontiersmen now deployed along +the outer verge of American civilization, like the thread of froth +stranded along a beach outlining the extreme advance made by the last +wave of the tide. The frontiersmen of to-day, bibulous gamblers, +reckless duelists, blasphemous savages of mixed blood, had no prototype +in Colonial days, for even the human harvest then gathered to the +stocks, the whipping-post and the gallows, was of a far less obtrusive +class of offenders against morals and social decency. Prescott was a +Puritan soldier, a seeker of liberty not license; fiercely rebellious +against tyranny, but no contemner of moral law. It was no accident that +put him in the advance guard of Anglo-Saxon civilization, then just +starting on its westward march from the shores of Massachusetts Bay. The +position had awaited the man. When he set up his anvil and with skilful +blows hammered out the first plough-shares to compel the virgin soil of +the Nashaway valley to its proper fruitfulness, he was all unwittingly +helping to forge the destinies of this great republic;--was in his +humble sphere a true builder of the nation. His neighbors and friends, +John Tinker, Ralph Houghton, and Major Simon Willard, doubtless excelled +him in culture, but no neighbor surpassed him in natural personal force, +whether physical, mental or moral. Not only was he of commanding +stature, stern of mien and strong of limb, but he had a heart devoid of +fear, great physical endurance and an unbending will. These qualities +his savage neighbors early recognized and bowed before in deep respect, +and because of these no Lancaster enterprise but claimed him as its +leader. His manual skill and dexterity must have been great, his mental +capacity and business energy remarkable, for we find him not only a +farmer, trader, blacksmith and hunter, but a surveyor and builder of +roads, bridges and mills. The records of the town show that he was +seldom free from the conduct of some public labor. The greatest of his +benefactions to his neighbors were: His corn-mill erected in 1654, and +his saw-mill in 1659. The arrival of the first millstone in Lancaster +must have been an event of matchless interest to every man, woman and +child in the plantation. Till that began its tireless turning, the grain +for every loaf of bread had to be carried to Watertown mill, or ground +laboriously in a hand quern, or parched and brayed in a mortar, Indian +fashion. Before the starting of his saw-mill, the rude houses must have +been of logs, stone, and clay, for it was an impossibility to bring from +the lower towns on the existing "Bay road" and with the primitive +tumbril any large amount of sawn lumber. + +Of Prescott's wife we know only her name: Mary Platts. But her daughters +were sought for in marriage by men of whom we learn nothing that is not +praiseworthy, and her sons all honored their mother's memory, by useful +and unblemished lives. John Prescott was the youngest son of Ralph and +Ellen of Shevington, Lancashire, England. He was baptized in the Parish +of Standish in 1604-5 and married Mary Platts at Wigan, Lancashire, +January 21, 1629. He was a land owner in Shevington, but sold his +possessions there and took up his residence in Halifax Parish, Sowerby, +in Yorkshire. Leaving England to avoid religions persecutions, his first +haven was Barbadoes, where he is found a land owner in 1638. In 1640 he +landed in Boston, and immediately selected his home in Watertown, where +he became the possessor of six lots of land, aggregating one hundred and +twenty-six acres. In 1643, his name is found in association with Thomas +King of Watertown, Henry Symonds of Boston, and others, the first +proprietors of the Nashaway purchase. His children were eight in number +and all were married in due season. They were as follows: + +1. Mary, baptized at Halifax Parish February 24, 1630, married Thomas +Sawyer in 1648. The young couple selected their home lot adjoining +Prescott's in Lancaster and there eleven sons and daughters were born to +them. + +2. Martha, baptized at Halifax Parish March 11, 1632, married John Rugg +in 1655; and these twain began life together in sight of her paternal +home in Lancaster. She died with her twin babes in January 1656. + +3. John, baptized at Halifax Parish April 1, 1635, married Sarah Hayward +at Lancaster, November 11, 1668, and had five children. He was a farmer +and blacksmith, lived with his father, and succeeded him at the mills. + +4. Sarah, baptized in 1637, at Halifax Parish, married Richard Wheeler +at Lancaster, August 2, 1658, and lived in the immediate vicinity of +those before named. Wheeler was killed in the massacre of February 10, +1676, and the widowed Sarah married Joseph Rice of Marlborough. By her +first husband she had five children. + +5. Hannah, was probably born at Barbadoes in 1639. She became the second +wife of John Rugg May 4, 1660, and had eight children. She became a +widow in 1696, and was slain by the Indians in the massacre of September +11, 1697. + +6. Lydia, born at Watertown August 15, 1641, married Jonas Fairbank at +Lancaster, May 28, 1658. He owned the lands next south of Prescott's +home. Fairbank had seven children. In the massacre of February 10, 1676, +he and his son Joshua were victims. The widowed Lydia married Elias +Barron. + +7. Jonathan--if twenty three years old in 1670, as an unknown authority +has noted, or "about 38," November 6, 1683, as stated in a deposition of +that date--was probably born in Lancaster between 1645 and 1647. He was +a blacksmith and farmer, and married first Dorothy, August 3, 1670, in +Lancaster. She died in 1674, leaving a son Samuel, noted in the town +history as the unfortunate sentinel who, on November 6, 1704, killed by +mistake his neighbor, the beloved minister of Lancaster, Reverend Andrew +Gardner. Jonathan Prescott married second, Elizabeth, daughter of John +Hoar of Concord, who died in 1687 leaving six children. Jonathan's third +wife was Rebecca Bulkeley and his fourth Ruth, widow of Thomas Brown. He +did not reside in Lancaster after the massacre of 1676, but became an +influential citizen of Concord, which he served as representative for +nine years. He died December 5, 1721. + +8. Jonas, born June, 1648, in Lancaster, married Mary Loker of Sudbury, +December 14, 1672. The marriage took place in Lancaster and here their +first child was born, (they had twelve children in all), but later they +removed to Groton, where Jonas became Captain, Selectman and Justice. He +died in Groton, December 31, 1723. Of his more illustrious descendants +were Colonel William, and the historian William H. Prescott. + +In May 1644, John Winthrop records that "Many of Watertown and other +towns joined in a plantation at Nashaway "--and Reverend Timothy +Harrington in his Century Sermon states that the organization of this +company of planters was due to Thomas King. The immediate and final +disappearance of this original proprietor has seemed to previous writers +good warrant for charging that King and his partner Henry Symonds were +but land speculators, who bought the Indian's inheritance to retail by +the acre to adventurers. I believe this an unjust assumption. At the +date when Winthrop noted down the inception of the Nashaway Company, +Henry Symonds had already been dead seven months. He was that energetic +contractor of Boston noted as the leader in the project for establishing +tide mills at the Cove, and was no doubt the capitalist of the trading +firm of Symonds & King, who set up their "trucking house" as early as +1643 on the sunny slope of George Hill. Symond's widow a few months +after his death married Isaac Walker, who in 1645 was prominent among +the Nashaway proprietors. If King really sold his share of the Indian +purchase, may it not have been therefore because, his senior partner +being dead, he had no means to continue the enterprise? He too died +before the end of the year 1644, not yet thirty years of age. The +inventory of his estate sums but one hundred and fifty-eight pounds, +including his house and land in Watertown, his stock in trade, and +seventy-three pounds of debts due him from the Indians, John Prescott, +and sundry others. King's widow made haste to be consoled, and her +second husband, James Cutler, soon appears in the role of a Nashaway +proprietor. + +The direction of the company was at the outset in the hands of men whose +names were, or soon became, of some note throughout the Colony. Doctor +Robert Child, a scholar who had won the degrees of A.M. and M.D. at +Cambridge and Padua, a man of scientific acquirements, but inclined to +somewhat sanguine expectations of mineral treasure to be discovered in +the New England hills, seems to have been a leading spirit in the +adventure; and unfortunately so, since his political views about certain +inalienable rights of man, which now live, and are honored in the +Constitution of the Commonwealth, seemed vicious republicanism to the +ecclesiastical aristocracy then governing the Colony of the +Massachusetts Bay; and the odium that drove Child across the ocean, +attached also to his companion planters, and perhaps through the +prejudice of those in authority unfavorably affected for several years +the progress of the settlement on the Nashaway. Certainly such +prejudices found expression in all action or record of the government +respecting the proprietors and their petitions. The ecclesiastical +figure head--without which no body corporate could have grace within the +colony--was Nathaniel Norcross. Of him, if we can surmise aught from his +early return to England, it may be said, he was not imbued with the +martyr's spirit, and his defection was, some time later, more than made +good by the accession of the beloved Rowlandson. But far more important +to the enterprise than these two graduates from the English +University--Child the radical, and Norcross the preacher,--were two +mechanics, the restless planners and busy promoters of the company, both +workers in iron--Steven Day the locksmith and John Prescott the +blacksmith. Steven Day was the first in America, north of Mexico, to set +up a printing-press. The Colony had wisely recognized in him a public +benefactor, and sealed this recognition by substantial grant of lands. +He entered upon the Nashaway scheme with characteristic zeal and energy, +if we may believe his own manuscript testimony: but Day's zeal outran +his discretion, and his energy devoured his limited means, for in 1644 +we find him in jail for debt remonstrating piteously against the +injustice of a hard hearted creditor. He parted with all rights at +Nashaway before many years and finally delved as a journey man at the +press he had founded. + +John Prescott deserted of all his original co-partners was sufficient +for the emergency, a host in himself. He sells his one hundred and +twenty six acres and house at Watertown, puts his all into the venture, +prepares a rude dwelling in the wilderness, moves thither his cattle, +and chattels, and finally, mounting wife and children and his few +remaining goods upon horses' backs, bids his old neighbors good bye, and +threads the narrow Indian trail through the forest westward. The scorn +of men high in authority is to follow him, but now the most formidable +enemy in his path is the swollen Sudbury River and its bordering marsh. +We find the aristocratic scorn mingling with the story of Prescott's +dearly bought victory over this natural obstacle, told in Winthrop's +History of New England among what the author classes as remarkable +"special providences." + +"Prescot another favorer of the Petitioners lost a horse and his loading +in Sudbury river, and a week after his wife and children being upon +another horse were hardly saved from drowning." That the kindly hearted +Winthrop could coolly attribute the pitiable disaster of the brave +pioneer to the wrath of God towards the political philosophy of Robert +Child, pictures vividly the bigotry natural to the age and race, a +bigotry which culminated in the horrors of the persecution for +witchcraft. This Sudbury swamp was the lion in the path from the bay +westward during many a decade. In 1645, an earnest petition went up to +the council from Prescott and his associates, complaining that much time +and means had been spent in discovering Nashaway and preparing for the +settlement there, and that on account of the lack of bridge and causeway +at the Sudbury River, the proprietors could not pass to and from the +bay towns--"without exposing our persons to perill and our cattell and +goods to losse and spoyle; as yo'r petitioners are able to make prooffe +of by sad experience of what wee suffered there within these few dayes." +The General Court ordered the bridge and way to be made, "passable for +loaden horse," and allowed twenty pounds to Sudbury, "so it be donne +w'thin a twelve monthe." The twelve month passed and no bridge spanned +the stream. That the dangers and difficulties of the crossing were not +over-stated by the petitioners is proven by the fact that more than one +hundred years afterwards, the bridge and causeway at this place "half a +mile long"--were represented to the General Court as dangerous and in +time of floods impassable. Between 1759 and 1761, the proceeds of +special lotteries amounting to twelve hundred and twenty seven pounds +were expended in the improvement of the crossing. + +John Winthrop, writing of the Nashaway planters, tells us that "he whom +they had called to be their minister, [Norcross] left them for their +delays," but omits mention of the fact recorded by the planters +themselves in their petition, that the chief and sufficient cause of +their slow progress was in the inability or unwillingness of the +Governor and magistrates to afford effective aid in providing a passable +crossing over a small river. + +Prescott, at least, was chargeable with no delay. By June 1645, he and +his family had become permanent residents on the Nashaway. Richard +Linton, Lawrence Waters the carpenter, and John Ball the tailor, were +his only neighbors; these three men having been sent up to build, plant, +and prepare for the coming of other proprietors. But two houses had been +built. Linton probably lived with his son-in-law Waters, in his home +near the fording place in the North Branch of the Nashaway, contiguous +to the lot of intervale land which Harmon Garrett and others of the +first proprietors had fenced in to serve as a "night pasture" for their +cattle. Ball had left his children and their mother in Watertown; she +being at times insane. Prescott's first lot embraced part of the grounds +upon which the public buildings in Lancaster now stand, but this he soon +parted with, and took up his abode a mile to the south west, on the +sunny slope of George Hill, where, beside a little brooklet of pure cool +water, which then doubtless came rollicking down over its gravelly bed +with twice the flow it has to-day, there had been built, two years at +least before, the trucking house of Symonds & King. This trading post +was the extreme outpost of civilization; beyond was interminable forest, +traversed only by the Indian trails, which were but narrow paths, hard +to find and easy to lose, unless the traveller had been bred to the arts +of wood-craft. Here passed the united trails from Washacum, Wachusett, +Quaboag, and other Indian villages of the west, leading to the wading +place of the Nashaway River near the present Atherton Bridge, and so +down the "Bay Path" over Wataquadock to Concord. The little plateau half +way down the sheltering hill, with fertile fields sloping to the +southeast and its never failing springs, was and is an attractive spot; +but its material advantages to the pioneer of 1645 were far greater than +those apparent to the Lancastrian of this nineteenth century in the +changed conditions of life. With the privilege of first choice +therefore, it is not strange that Prescott and his sturdy sons-in-law +grasped the rich intervales, and warm easily tilled slopes, stretching +along the Nashaway south branch from the "meeting of the waters" to +"John's jump" on the east, and extending west to the crown of George +Hill; lands now covered by the village of South Lancaster. + +In 1650 John Prescott found himself the only member of the company +resident at Nashaway. Of the co-partners Symonds, King, and John Hill +were dead; Norcross and Child had gone to England; Cowdall had sold his +rights to Prescott; Chandler, Davis, Walker, and others had formally +abandoned their claims; Garrett, Shawe, Day, Adams, and perhaps two or +three others, retained their claims to allotments, making no +improvements, and contributing nothing by their presence or tithes to +the growth of the settlement, thus becoming effectual stumbling blocks +in the way of progress. Prescott, very reasonably, held this a +grievance, and having no other means of redress asked equitable judgment +in the matter from the magistrates, in a petition which cannot be found. +His answer was the following official snub: + +"Whereas John Prescot & others, the inhabitants of Nashaway p'ferd a +petition to this Courte desiringe power to recover all common charges of +all such as had land there, not residinge w'th them, for answer +whereunto this Court, understandinge that the place before mentioned is +not fit to make a plantation, (so a ministry to be erected and +mayntayned there,) which if the petitioners, before the end of the next +session of this Courte, shall not sufficiently make the sey'd place +appeare to be capable to answer the ends above mentioned doth order that +the p'ties inhabitinge there shalbe called there hence, & suffered to +live without the meanes, as they have done no longer." This dire threat +of the closing sentence may have been simply "sound and fury, signifying +nothing," or Prescott may have been able to prove to the authorities +that Nashaway was fit and waiting for its St. John, but found none +willing for the service. In fact, its St. John was then a junior at +Harvard College, writing a pasquinade to post upon the Ipswich +meeting-house, and Nashaway was "suffered to live without the meanes," +waiting for him until 1654. + +John Prescott retained possession of his early home,--the site of the +"trucking house," which he had purchased of John Cowdall,--as long as he +lived, but did not reside there many years. No sooner had the plantation +attained the dignity of a township under the classic name of Lancaster, +than its founder bent all his energies towards those enterprises best +calculated to promote the comfort and prosperity of its then +inhabitants, and to attract by material advantages, a desirable and +permanent immigration. His practical eye had doubtless long before +marked the best site for a mill in all the region round about, and on +the slope, scarce a gun shot away, he set up a new home, afterwards well +known to friend and savage foe as Prescott's Garrison. Those who remain +of the generation familiar with this region before the invention of the +power loom made such towns as Clinton possible, remember the depression +that told where Prescott dug his cellar. The oldest water mill in New +England was scarce twenty years old when Prescott contracted to grind +the com of the Nashaway planters. His "Covenant to build a Corne mill" +has been preserved through a copy made by Ralph Houghton, Lancaster's +first Clerk of the Writs, and is as follows: + + "Know all men by these presents that I John Prescott blackssmith, + hath Covenanted and bargained with Jno. ffounell of Charlestowne + for the building of a Corne mill, within the said Towne of + Lanchaster. This witnesseth that wee the Inhabitants of Lanchaster + for his encouragement in so good a worke for the behoofe of our + Towne, vpon condition that the said intended worke by him or his + assignes be finished, do freely and fully giue, grant, enfeoffe, & + confirme vnto the said John Prescott, thirty acres of intervale + Land lying on the north riuer, lying north west of Henry Kerly, and + ten acres of Land adjoyneing to the mill; and forty acres of Land + on the south east of the mill brooke, lying between the mill brooke + and Nashaway Riuer in such place as the said John Prescott shall + choose with all the priuiledges and appurtenances thereto + apperteyneing. To haue and to hold the said land and eurie parcell + thereof to the said John Prescott his heyeres & assignes for euer, + to his and their only propper vse and behoofe. Also wee do covenant + & promise to lend the said John Prescott fiue pounds in current + money one yeare for the buying of Irons for the mill. And also wee + do covenant and grant to and with the said John Prescott his heyres + and assignes that the said mill, with all the aboue named Land + thereto apperteyneing shall be freed from all com'on charges for + seauen yeares next ensueing, after the first finishing and setting + the said mill to worke. + + In witnes whereof wee haue herevnto put our hands this 20th day of + the 9mo. In the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred + fifty and three. + + THOMAS JAMES + WILL'M KERLY SEN'R LAWRENCE WATERS + JNO PRESCOTT EDMUND PARKER + JNO WHITE RICHARD LINTON + RALPH HOUGHTON RICHARD SMITH + JNO LEWIS JAMES ATHERTON + JACOB FARRER WILL'M KERLY JUN'R + + In six months from that date the mill was done, and Prescott "began + to grind corne the 23d day of the 3 mo, 1654." + +The commissioners, appointed by the General Court to oversee the +prudential management of the town, met at John Prescott's in 1657 and +confirmed "the imunityes provided for" in the above covenant specifying +that they "should continue and remayne to him the said Jno. Prescott his +heyres and assignes vntil the 23d of May, in the yeare of our Lord +sixteen hundred sixty and two." + +The corn mill was located a little lower upon the brook than the +extensive factory buildings now utilizing its water power. The half used +force of the rapid stream, and the giant pines of the virgin forest then +shadowed all the region about, were full of reproach to the restless +miller. His busy brain was soon planning a new benefaction to his fellow +citizens, and when his means grew sufficiently to warrant the +enterprise, his busy hands wrought its consummation. As before, a formal +agreement preceded the work: + + "Know all men by these presents that for as much as the Inhabitants + of Lanchaster, or the most part of them being gathered together on + a trayneing day, the 15th of the 9th mo, 1658, a motion was made by + Jno. Prescott blackesmith of the same towne, about the setting vp + of a saw mill for the good of the Towne, and y't he the said Jno + Prescott, would by the help of God set vp the saw mill, and to + supply the said Inhabitants with boords and other sawne worke, as + is afforded at other saw mills in the countrey. In case the Towne + would giue, grant, and confirms vnto the said John Prescott, a + certeine tract of Land, lying Eastward of his water mill, be it + more or less, bounded by the riuer east, the mill west the stake of + the mill land and the east end of a ledge of Iron Stone Rocks + southards, and forty acres of his owne land north, the said land to + be to him his heyres and assignes for euer, and all the said land + and eurie part thereof to be rate free vntill it be improued, or + any p't of it, and that his saws, & saw mill should be free from + any rates by the Towne, therefore know ye that the ptyes abouesaid + did mutually agree and consent each with other concerning the + aforementioned propositions as followeth: + + The towne on their part did giue, grant & confirme, vnto the said + John Prescott his heyres and assignes for euer, all the + aforementioned tract of land butted & bounded as aforesaid, to be + to him his heyres and asssignes for euer with all the priuiledges + and appurtenances thereon, and therevnto belonging to be to his and + their owne propper vse and behoofe as aforesaid, and the land and + eurie part of it to be free from all rates vntil it or any pt of it + be improued, and also his saw, sawes, and saw-mill to be free from + all town rates, or ministers rates, prouided the aforementioned + worke be finished & compleated as abouesaid for the good of the + towne, in some convenient time after this present contract covenant + and agrem't. + + And the said John Prescott did and doth by these prsents bynd + himself, his heyres and assignes to set vp a saw-mill as aforesaid + within the bounds of the aforesaid Towne, and to supply the Towne + with boords and other sawne worke as aforesaid and truly and + faithfully to performe, fullfill, & accomplish, all the + aforementioned p'misses for the good of the Towne as aforesaid. + + Therefore the Selectmen conceiving this saw-mill to be of great vse + to the Towne, and the after good of the place, Haue and do hereby + act to rattifie and confirme all the aforemencconed acts, + covenants, gifts, grants, & im'unityes, in respect of rates, and + what euer is aforementioned, on their owne pt, and in behalfe of + the Towne, and to the true performance hereof, both partyes haue + and do bynd themselves by subscribing their hands, this + twenty-fifth day of February, one thousand six hundred and fifty + nine. + + JOHN PRESCOTT. + + The worke above mencconed was finished according to this covenant + as witnesseth. + + RALPH HOUGHTON. + + Signed & Delivr'd In presence of, + + THOMAS WILDER + THOMAS SAWYER + RALPH HOUGHTON + +Monday, the seventeenth of February, 1659, "the Company granted him to +fall pines on the Com'ons to supply his saw-mill." + +In April 1659, Ensign Noyes came to make accurate survey of the eighty +square miles granted to the town, and John Prescott was deputed by the +townsmen at their March meeting to aid in the survey and "mark the +bounds." Among his varied accomplishments, natural and acquired, +Prescott seems to have had some practical skill in surveying, the laying +out of highways and the construction of bridges. In 1648 John Winthrop +records: "This year a new way was found out to Connecticut by Nashua +which avoided much of the hilly way." As appears by a later petition +Prescott was the pioneer of this new path. In 1657 he was appointed by +the government a member of a committee upon the building of bridges "at +Billirriky and Misticke." In 1658 he with his son-in-law Jonas Fairbank +was appointed to survey a farm of six hundred and fifty acres for +Captain Richard Davenport, upon which farm the chief part of West +Boylston now stands. + +To the General Court which met October 18, 1659, the following petition +was presented: + + "The humble petition of John Prescot of Lancaster humblye Sheweth, + That whereas yr petitioner about nine or ten yeares since, was + desired by the late hon'red Governour Mr. Winthrop, w'th other + Magistrates, as also by Mr. Wilson of Boston, Mr. Shephard of + Cambridge with many others, did lay & marke out a way at ye north + side of the great pond & soe by Lancaster, which then was taken by + Mr. Hopkins & many others to bee of great vse; This I did meerly + vpon the request of these honored gentlemen, to my great detrimt, + by being vpon it part of two summers not only myselfe but hiring + others alsoe to helpe mee, whereby my family suffered much: I doe + not question but many of ye Court remember the same, as alsoe that + this hath not laine dead all this while, but I haue formerly + mentioned it, but yet haue noe recompence for the same; the charge + whereof came at 2's p day to about 10'l; it is therefore the desire + of y'r petitioner yt you would bee pleased to grant him a farme in + some place vndisposed of which will engage him to you and encourage + him and others in publique occasions & y'r petitioner shall pray + etc." + +One hundred acres of land were granted him, and speedily laid out near +the Washacum ponds, where now stand the railroad buildings at Sterling +Junction. + +We get very few glimpses of Prescott from the meagre records of +succeeding years, but those serve to indicate that he was busy, +prosperous and annually honored by his neighbors with the public duties +for which his sturdy integrity, shrewd business tact, and wisely +directed energy peculiarly fitted him. He had taken the oath of fidelity +in 1652. Such owning of allegiance was by law prerequisite to the +holding of real estate. Refusing such oath he might better have been a +Nipmuck so far as civil rights or privileges were concerned. He was not +yet a member of the recognized church however, and therefore lacked the +political dignities of a freeman; although his intimate relations with +Master Joseph Rowlandson, and his personal connection with the earlier +cases of church discipline in Lancaster, sufficiently attest the +austerity of his puritanism. Doubtless Governor John Winthrop in his +hasty and harsh dictum respecting the Nashaway planters, classed John +Prescott among those "corrupt in judgment." But it must be remembered +that in Winthrop's visionary commonwealth there was no room for liberty +of conscience. All were esteemed corrupt in judgment or even profane +whose religious beliefs, when tested all about by the ecclesiastic +callipers, proved not to have been cast in the doctrinal mould +prescribed by the self-sanctified founders of the Massachusetts Bay +Colony. No known fact in any way warrants even the conjecture that +Prescott was not a sincere Christian earnestly pursuing his own +convictions of duty, without fear and without reproach. + +Prescott's mechanical skill and business ability had more than a local +reputation. In 1667, we find him contracting with the authorities of +Groton, to erect "a good and sufficient corne mill or mills, and the +same to finish so as may be fitting to grind the corne of the said +Towne." ... For the fulfillment of this agreement he received five +hundred and twenty acres of land, and mill and lands were exempted from +taxation for twenty years. Assistance towards the building of the mill +were also promised to the amount of "two days worke of a man for every +house lott or family within the limitts of the said Towne, and at such +time or times to be done or performed, as the said John Prescott shall +see meete to call for the same, vpon reasonable notice given." The +covenant was fulfilled by the completion of a mill at Nonacoiacus, then +in the southern part of Groton. The mill site is now in Harvard. +Prescott's youngest son, Jonas, was the first miller. The history of the +old mill is obscured by the shadows of two hundred years, but a bright +gleam of romantic tradition concerning the first miller is warm with +human interest now. Perhaps at points the romantic may infringe upon the +historic, but: + + _Se non e vero, + E ben trovato._ + +Down by the green meadows of Sudbury there dwelt a bewitchingly fair +maiden, the musical dissyllables of whose name were often upon the lips +of the young men in all the country round about, and whose smile could +awaken voiceless poetry in the heart of the most prosaic Puritan swain. +There is little of aristocratic sound in Mary Loker's name, but her +parents sat on Sunday at the meeting house in a "dignified" pew, and +were rich in fields and cattle. Whether pushed by pride of land or pride +of birth, in their plans and aspirations, this daughter was +predestinated to enhance the family dignity by an aristocratic alliance. +In Colonial days a maiden who added a handsome prospective dowry to her +personal witchery was rare indeed, and Mary Loker had, coming from far +and near, inflammable suitors perpetually burning at her shrine. From +among these the father and mother soon made their choice upon strictly +business principles, and shortly announced to Mary that a certain +ambitious gentleman of the legal profession had furnished the most +satisfactory credentials, and that nothing remained but for her to name +the day. Now the fourth commandment was very far from being the dead +letter in 1670 that it is in 1885, and it was matter for grave surprise +to the elders that their usually obedient daughter, when the lawyer +proceeded to plead, refused to hear, and peremptorily adjourned his +cause without day. Maternal expostulation and paternal threats availed +nothing. The because of Mary's contumacy was not far to seek. A stalwart +Vulcan in the guise of an Antinous, known as Jonas Prescott, had +wandered from his father's forge in Lancaster down the Bay Path to +Sudbury. Mary and he had met, and the lingering of their parting boded +ill for any predestination not stamped with their joint seal of consent. +With that lack of astuteness proverbially exhibited by parents +disappointed in match-making designs upon their children, the vexed +father and mother began a course of vigorous repression, and thereby +riveted more firmly than ever the chains which the errant young +blacksmith and his apprentice Cupid had forged. In due time, they +perforce learned that love's flame burns the brighter fed upon a bread +and water diet; and that confinement to an attic may be quite endurable +when Cupid's messages fly in and out of its lattice at pleasure. + +Finally Mary was secretly sent to an out-of-the-way neighborhood in the +vain hope that the chill of absence might hinder what home rule had only +served to help. But one day Jonas on a hunting excursion made the +acquaintance of some youth, who, among other chitchat, happened to break +into ecstatic praise of the graces of a certain fair damsel who had +recently come to live in a farm-house near their home. Of course the +anvil missed Jonas for the next day, and the next, and the next, while +he experienced the hospitalities of his new-found friends--and their +neighbors. It was time for a recognition of the inevitable by all +concerned, but when, and with what grace Mary's stubborn parents +yielded, if at all, is not recorded. But what mattered that? Old John +Prescott installed Jonas at the Nonacoicus Mill, and endowed him with +all his Groton lands, and in Lancaster, December 14, 1672, Jonas and +Mary were married. For over fifty years fortunes railed upon their +union. Four sons and eight daughters graced their fireside, and the +father was trusted and clothed with local dignities. In after time the +memory of Jonas and Mary has been honored by many worthy descendants, +and especially by the gallant services of Colonel William Prescott at +Bunker Hill, and the literary renown of William Hickling Prescott, the +historian. + +In 1669, John Prescott was proclaimed a Freeman. He may have been long a +Church member, or may not even at this date have yielded the +conscientious scruples that had a quarter of a century earlier subjected +him to the reproach of an ecclesiastical oligarchy. The laws concerning +Freemen, in reluctant obedience to the letter of Charles II., were so +changed in 1665 that those not Church members could become Freemen, if +freeholders of a sufficient estate, and guaranteed by the local minister +"to be Orthodox and not vicious in their lives." Prescott had the true +Englishman's love of landed possessions, and about this time added a +large tract to his acreage by purchase from his Indian neighbors. This +transaction gave cause for the following petition: + + _To the honorable the Gov'r the Deputy Gov'r mag'tr & Deputy es + assembled in the gen'rall Court_: + + The Petition of Jno Prescott of Lanchaster, In most humble wise + sheweth. Whereas ye Petition'r hath purchased an Indian right to a + small parcell of Land, occasioned and circumstanced for quantity & + quality according to the deed of sale herevnto annexed and a pt. + thereof not being legally setled vpon piee vnlesse I may obteyne + the favor of this Court for the Confirmation thereof, These are + humbly to request the Court's favor for that end, the Lord hauing + dealt graciously with mee in giueing mee many children I account it + my duty to endeauor their provission & setling and do hope that + this may be of some vse in yt kind. I know not any claime made to + the said land by any towne, or any legall right y't any other + persons haue therein, and therefore are free for mee to occupy & + subdue as any other, may I obteyne the Court's approbation. I shall + not vse further motiues, my condition in other respecks & w't my + trouble & expenses haue been according to my poor ability in my + place being not altogether vnknowne to some of ye Court. That ye + Lord's prsence may be with & his blessing accompany all yo'r psons, + Counsells, & endeauors for his honor & ye weale of his poor people + is ye pray'r of + + Yo'r supplliant + + JOHN PRESCOTT SEN'R. + +This request was referred to a special committee, composed of Edward +Tyng, George Corwin and Humphrey Davie, who reported as follows: + + "In Reference to this Petition the Comittee being well informed + that the Pet'r is an ancient Planter and hath bin a vseful helpfull + and publique spirited man doinge many good offices ffor the + Country, Relatinge to the Road to Conecticott, marking trees, + directinge of Passengers &c, and that the Land Petitioned for + beinge but about 107 Acres & Lyinge not very Convenient for any + other Plantation, and only accomoclable for the Pet'r, we judge it + reasonable to Confirme the Indian Grant to him & his heyers if ye + honored Court see meete." + +This report was approved. James Wiser _alias_ Quanapaug, the Christian +Nashaway Chief, who appears as grantor of the land, was a warrior whose +bravery had been tested in the contest between the Nipmucks and the +Mohawks; and was so firm a friend of his white neighbors at Lancaster, +that when Philip persuaded the tribe with its Sagamore Sam, to go upon +the war path, James refused to join them. He even served as a spy and +betrayed Philip's plans to the English at imminent risk of his life, +doing his utmost to save Lancaster from destruction. General Daniel +Gookin acknowledged that Quanapaug's information would have averted the +horrible massacre of February 10, 1676, had it been duly heeded. The +fact of the friendly relations existing between Prescott and the tribe +whose fortified residence stood between the two Washacum ponds is +interesting and confirms tradition. It is related that at his first +coming he speedily won the respect of the savages, not only by his +fearlessness and great physical strength, but by the power of his eye +and his dignity of mien. They soon learned to stand in awe of his long +musket and unerring skill as a marksman. He had brought with him from +England a suit of mail, helmet and cuirass such as were worn by the +soldiers of Cromwell. Clothed with these, his stately figure seemed to +the sons of the forest something almost supernatural. One day some +Indians, having taken away a horse of his, he put on his armor, pursued +them alone, and soon overtook them. The chief of the party seeing him +approach unsupported, advanced menacingly with uplifted tomahawk. +Prescott dared him to strike, and was immediately taken at his word, but +the rude weapon glanced harmless from the helmet, to the amazement of +the red men. Naturally the Indian desired to try upon his own head so +wonderful a hat, and the owner obligingly gratified him claiming the +privilege, however, of using the tomahawk in return. The helmet proving +a scant fit, or its wearer neglecting to bring it down to its proper +bearings, Prescott's vengeful blow not only astounded him but left very +little cuticle on either side of his head, and nearly deprived him of +ears. Prescott was permitted to jog home in peace upon his horse. + +After hostilities began, it is said that at one time the savages set +fire to his barn, but fled when he sallied out clad in armor with his +dreaded gun; and thus he was enabled to save his stock, though the +building was consumed. More than once attempts were made to destroy the +mill, but a sight of the man in mail with the far reaching gun was +enough to send them to a safe distance and rescue the property. Many +stories have been told of Prescott's prowess, but some bear so close a +resemblance to those credibly historic in other localities and of other +heroes, that there attaches to them some suspicions of adaptation at +least. Such perhaps is the story that in an assault upon the town "he +had several muskets but no one in the house save his wife to assist him. +She loaded the guns and he discharged them with fatal effect. The +contest continued for nearly half an hour, Mr. Prescott all the while +giving orders as if to soldiers, so loud that the Indians could hear +him, to load their muskets though he had no soldiers but his wife. At +length they withdrew carrying off several of their dead and wounded." + +In 1673 Prescott had nearly attained the age of three score and ten. The +weight of years that had been full of exposure, anxiety and toil rested +heavily upon even his rugged frame, and some sharp touch of bodily +ailment warning him of his mortality, he made his will. It is signed +with "his mark," although he evidently tried to force his unwilling hand +to its accustomed work, his peculiar J being plainly written and +followed by characters meant for the remaining letters of his first +name. To earlier documents he was wont to affix a simple neat signature, +and although not a clerkly penman like his friends John Tinker, Master +Joseph Rowlandson and Ralph Houghton, his writing is superior to that of +Major Simon Willard. + + JOHN PRESCOTT'S WILL. + + Theis presents witneseth that John Prescott of Lancaster in the + Countie of Midlesex in New England Blaksmith being vnder the + sencible decayes of nature and infirmities of old age and at + present vnder a great deale of anguish and paine but of a good and + sound memorie at the writing hereof being moved vpon considerations + aforesaid togather with advis of Christian friends to set his house + in order in Reference to the dispose of those outward good things + the lord in mercie hath betrusted him with, theirfore the said John + Prescott doth hereby declare his last will and testament to be as + followeth, first and cheifly Comiting and Contending his soule to + almightie god that gaue it him and his bodie to the comon burying + place here in Lancaster, and after his bodie being orderly and + decently buryed and the Charge theirof defrayed togather with all + due debts discharged, the Rest of his Lands and estate to be + disposed of as followeth: first in Reference to the Comfortable + being of his louing wife during the time of her naturall Life, it + is his will that his said wife haue that end of the house where he + and shee now dwelleth togather with halfe the pasture and halfe the + fruit of the aple trees and all the goods in the house, togather + with two cowes which shee shall Chuse and medow sufisiant for + wintering of them, out of the medowes where she shall Chuse, the + said winter pvision for the two cowes to be equaly and seasonably + pvided by his two sons John and Jonathan. And what this may fall + short in Reference to convenient food and cloathing and other + nesesaries for her comfort in sicknes and in health, to be equaly + pvided by the aforesaid John and Jonathan out of the estate. And at + the death of his aforesaid louing wife it is his will that the said + cowes and household goods be equally deuided betwene his two sons + aforesaid, and the other part of the dwelling house, out housing, + pasture and orchard togather with the term acres of house lott + lying on Georges hill which was purchased of daniell gains to be + equaly deuided betwene the said John and Jonathan and alsoe that + part of the house and outhousing what is Convenient for the two + Cowes and their winter pvision pasture and orchard willed to his + louing wife during her life, at her death to be equaly deuided + alsoe betwene the said John and Jonathan. And furthermore it is his + will that John Prescott his eldest son haue the Intervaile land at + John's Jumpe, the lower Mille and the land belonging to it and + halfe the saw mille and halfe the land belonging to it and all the + house and barne theire erected, and alsoe the house and farme at + Washacomb pond, and all the land their purchased from the indians + and halfe the medowes in all deuisions in the towne acept sum litle + part at bar hill wh. is after willed to James Sawyer and one halfe + of the Comon Right in the towne, and in Reference to second + deuision land, that part of it which lyeth at danforths farme both + vpland and interuaile is willed to Jonathan and sixtie acres of + that part at Washacom litle pond to James Sawyer and halfe of sum + brushie land Capable of being made medow at the side of the great + pine plain to be within the said James Sawyers sixtie acres and all + the Rest of the second deuision land both vpland and Interuaile to + be equaly deuided betwene John Prescott and Jonathan aformentioned. + And Jonathan Prescott his second son to haue the Ryefeild and all + the interuaile lott at Nashaway Riuer that part which he hath in + posesion and the other part joyneing to the highway and alsoe his + part of second deuision land aforementioned and alsoe one halfe of + all the medowes in all deuisions in the towne not willed to John + Prescott and James Sawyer aformentioned, and alsoe the other halfe + of the saw mille and land belonging to it, and it is to be + vnderstood that all timber on the land belonging to both Corne + Mille and Saw Mille be Comon to the vse of the Saw Mille. And in + Reference to his third son Jonas Prescott it is herby declared that + he hath Received a full childs portion at nonecoicus in a Corne + mille and Lands and other goods. And James Sawyer his granchild and + Servant it is his will that he haue the sixtie acres of vpland + aformentioned and the two peices of medow at bare hill one being + part of his second deuision the upermost peic on the brook and the + other being part of his third deuision lying vpon Nashaway River + purchased of goodman Allin. Prouided the Said James Sawyer carie it + beter then he did to his said granfather in his time and carie so + as becoms an aprentic & vntil he be one and twentie years of age + vnto the executors of this will namly John Prescott and Jonathan + Prescott who are alsoe herby engaged to pforme vnto the said James + what was pmised by his said granfather, which was to endeuor to + learne him the art and trade of a blaksmith. And in Case the said + James doe not pforme on his part as is afor expresed to the + satisfaction of the overseers of this will, or otherwise, If he doe + not acept of the land aformentioned, then the said land and medow + to be equaly deuided betwene the aforsaid John and Jonathan. And in + Reference to his three daughters, namly Marie, Sara and Lydia they + to haue and Receive eurie of them fiue pounds to be paid to them by + the executors to eurie of them fiftie shillings by the yeare two + years after the death of theire father to be paid out of the + mouables and Martha Ruge his granchild to haue a cow at the choic + of her granmother. And it is the express will and charge of the + testator to his wife and all his Children that they labor and + endeuor to prescrue loue and unitie among themselves and the + vpholding of Church and Comonwealth. And to the end that this his + last will and testament may be truly pformed in all the parts of + it, the said testator hath and herby doth constitut and apoynt his + two sons namly John Prescott and Jonathan Prescott Joynt executors + of this his last will. And for the preuention of after trouble + among those that suruiue about the dispose of the estate acording + to this his will he hath hereby Chosen desired and apoynted the + Reuerend Mr. Joseph Rowlandson, deacon Sumner and Ralph Houghton + overseers of this his will; vnto whom all the parties concerned in + this his will in all dificult Cases are to Repaire, and that + nothing be done without their Consent and aprobation. And + furthermore in Reference to the mouables it is his will that his + son John have his anvill and after the debts and legacies + aformentioned be truly paid and fully discharged by the executors + and the speciall trust pformed vnto my wife during her life and at + her death, in Respect of, sicknes funerall expences, the Remainder + of the movables to be equaly deuided betwene my two sons John and + Jonathan aforementioned. And for a further and fuller declaration + and confirmation of this will to be the last will and testament of + the afornamed John Prescott he hath herevnto put his hand and + seale this 8 of 2 month one thousand six hundred seaventie three. + + JOHN PRESCOTT, + + his _John_ mark. + + Sealed signed owned to be the Last will and testament of the + testator afornamed In the presence of + + JOSEPH ROWLANDSON, + ROGER SUMNER, + RALPH HOUGHTON. + + April 4: 82. + + ROGER SUMNER, } + RALPH HOUGHTON, } Appearing in Court + made oath to the above s'd will, + + JONATHAN REMINGTON, _Cleric_." + +But John Prescott's pilgrimage was far from ended, and severer +chastenings than any yet experienced awaited him. He had survived to see +the settlement that called him father, struggle upward from discouraging +beginnings, to become a thriving and happy community of over fifty +families. Where at his coming all had been pathless woods, now fenced +fields and orchards yielded annually their golden and ruddy harvests; +gardens bloomed; mechanic's plied their various crafts; herds wandered +in lush meadows; bridges spanned the rivers, and roads wound through the +landscape from cottage to cottage and away to neighboring towns. All +this fair scene of industry and rural content, of which he might in +modest truth say "_Magna pars fui_," he lived to see in a single day +made more desolate than the howling wilderness from which it had been +laboriously conquered. He was spared to see dear neighbors and kindred +massacred in every method of revolting atrocity, and their wives and +children carried into loathsome captivity by foes more relentlessly +cruel than wolves. When now weighed down with age and bodily +infirmities, the rest he had thought won was to be denied him, and he +and his were driven from the ashes of pleasant homes--about which +clustered the memories of thirty years' joys and sorrows--to beg shelter +from the charity of strangers. For more than three years his enforced +banishment endured. In October 1679, John Prescott with his sons John +and Jonathan, his sons-in-law Thomas Sawyer and John Rugg, his grand-son +Thomas Sawyer, Jr. and his neighbor's John Moore, Thomas Wilder, and +Josiah White, petitioned the Middlesex Court for permission to resettle +the town, and their prayer was granted. Soon most of the inhabitants who +had survived the massacre and exile, were busily building new homes, +some upon the cinders of the old, others upon their second division +lands east of the rivers where they were less exposed to the stealthy +incursions of their savage enemies. The two John Prescotts rebuilt the +mills and dwelt there. Whether the pioneer's life long helpmate died +before their settlement, in exile, or shortly after the return, has not +been ascertained, but it would seem that he survived her. Jonathan +having married a second wife remained in Concord. For two years the old +man lived with his eldest son, seeing the Nashaway Valley blooming with +the fruits of civilized labor; seeing new families filling the woeful +gaps made in the old by Philip's warriors; seeing children and +grandchildren grasping the implements that had fallen from the nerveless +hold of the earliest bread-winners, with hopeful and pertinacious +purpose to extend the paternal domain; seeing too, may we not trust, +from the Pisgah height of prophetic vision the glorious promise awaiting +this his Canaan; these softly rounded hills and broad valleys dotted +with the winsome homes of thousands of freemen; churches and schools, +shops of artisans, and busy marts of trade clustered about his mill +site; and, above all, seeing the assertion of political freedom and +liberty of conscience which Governor John Winthrop had reproached him +for favoring in the petition of Robert Child, become the corner stone of +a giant republic. + +No record of John Prescott's death is found; but when upon his death +bed, feeling that the changed condition of his own and his son +Jonathan's affairs required some modification of the will made in 1673, +he summoned two of his townsmen to hear his nuncupative codicil to that +document. From the affidavit, here appended, it is certain that his +death occurred about the middle of December, 1681. + + "The Deposition of Thos: Wilder aged 37 years sworn say'th that + being with Jno: Prescott Sen'r About six hours before he died he ye + s'd Jno. Prescott gaue to his eldest sonn Jno: Presscott his house + lott with all belonging to ye same & ye two mills, corn mill & saw + mill with ye land belonging thereto & three scor Acors of land nere + South medow and fourty Acors of land nere Wonchesix & a pece of + enteruile caled Johns Jump & Bridge medow on both sids ye Brook. + Cyprian Steevens Testifieth to all ye truth Aboue writen. + + DECEM. 20. 81. + + Sworn in Court. J.R.C." + +Though two or more years short of fourscore at the time of his death he +was Lancaster's oldest inhabitant. His fellow pioneer, Lawrence Waters, +who was the elder by perhaps a years, till survived, though blind and +helpless; but he dwelt with a son in Charlestown, after the destruction +of his home, and never returned to Lancaster. John and Ralph Houghton, +much younger men, were now the veterans of the town. + + * * * * * + +A GLIMPSE. + +BY MARY H. WHEELER. + + We met but once; 'twas many years ago. + I walked, with others, idly through the grounds + Where thou did'st minister in daily rounds. + I knew thee by thy garb, all I might know, + Sister of Charity, in hood like snow. + My heart was weary with the sight and sounds + Of sick and suffering soldiers in the wards below. + Disgusted with my thoughts of war and wounds. + 'Twas then, by sudden chance, I met thine eyes, + What saw I there? A light from heaven above, + A gleam of calm, self-sacrificing love, + A smile that fill'd my heart with glad surprise, + Reflected in my breast an answering glow, + And haunts me still, wherever I may go. + + * * * * * + +EARLY HISTORY OF THE BERMUDA ISLANDS. + +By JAMES H. STARK. + + +The singular collection of islands known as the Bermudas are situated +about seven hundred miles from Boston, in a southeast direction, and +about the same distance from Halifax, or Florida. The nearest land to +Bermuda is Cape Hatteras, distant 625 miles. + +Within sixty-five hours' sail from New York it is hardly possible to +find so complete a change in government, climate, scenery and +vegetation, as Bermuda offers; and yet these islands are strangely +unfamiliar to most well-informed Americans. + +Speaking our own language, having the same origin, with manners, which +in many ways illustrate those prevalent in New England a century ago, +the people are bound to us by many natural ties; and it is only now that +these islands, having come to the front as a winter resort, have led us +to inquire into their history and resources. Settled in 1612, Virginia +only of the English colonies outdating it, life in Bermuda has been as +placid as its lovely waters on a summer day; no agitation of sufficient +occurrence having occurred to attract the attention of the outside +world, from which it is so absolutely isolated. + +The only communication with the mainland is by the Quebec Steamship +Company, who dispatch a steamer every alternate Thursday between New +York and Hamilton, Bermuda, the fare for the round trip, including meals +and stateroom, is fifty dollars. During the crop season, in the months +of April, May and June, steamers are run weekly. + +The Cunard Company also have a monthly service between Halifax, Bermuda, +Turks Island and Jamaica, under contract with the Admiralty. + +The Bermudas were first discovered in 1515 by a Spanish vessel, called +La Garza, on a voyage from Spain to Cuba, with a cargo of hogs, and +commanded by Juan Bermudez, and having on board Gonzalez Oviedo, the +historian of the Indies, to whom we are indebted for the first account +of these islands. They approached near to the islands, and from the +appearance of the place concluded that it was uninhabited. They resolved +to send a boat ashore to make observations, and leave a few hogs, which +might breed and be afterwards useful. When, however, they were preparing +to debark a strong contrary gale arose, which obliged them to sheer off +and be content with the view already obtained. The islands were named by +the Spaniards indifferently, La Garza from the ship and Bermuda from the +captain, but the former term is long since disused. + +[Illustration: INSCRIPTION ON SPANISH ROCK] + +It does not appear that the Spaniards made any attempt to settle there, +although Philip II. granted the islands to one Ferdinand Camelo, a +Portuguese, who never improved his gift, beyond taking possession by the +form of landing in 1543, and carving on a prominent cliff on the +southern shore of the island[A] the initials of his name and the year, +to which, in conformity with the practical zeal of the times, he +super-added a cross, to protect his acquisition from the encroachments +of roving heretics and the devil, for the stormy seas and dangerous +reefs gave rise to so many disasters as to render the group exceedingly +formidable in the eyes of the most experienced navigators. It was even +invested in their imagination with superstitious terrors, being +considered as unapproachable by man, and given up in full dominion to +the spirits of darkness. The Spaniards therefore called them "Los +Diabolos," the Devil's Islands. + +[Footnote A: This inscription is still in existence, the engraving shown +herewith is a good representation of it, as it appears at the present +time.] + +[Illustration: Fac-simile reproduction of a Map of Bermuda made in 1614 +by Captain John Smith.] + +[Illustration: View of the State House and reference as to location of +the fort, bridges, etc., shown herewith on Smith's map of 1614. +(Fac-simile reproduction.)] + +These islands were first introduced to the notice of the English by a +dreadful shipwreck. In 1591 Henry May sailed to the East Indies, along +with Captain Lancaster, on a buccaneering expedition. Having reached the +coast of Sumatra and Malacca, they scoured the adjacent seas, and made +some valuable captures. In 1593 they again doubled the Cape of Good Hope +and returned to the West Indies for supplies, which they much needed. +They first came in sight of Trinidad, but did not dare to approach a +coast which was in possession of the Spaniards, and their distress +became so great that it was with the utmost difficulty that the men +could be prevented from leaving the ship. They shortly afterwards fell +in with a French buccaneer, commanded by La Barbotiere, who kindly +relieved their wants by a gift of bread and provisions. Their stores +were soon again exhausted, and, coming across the French ship the second +time, application was made to the French Captain for more supplies, but +he declared that his own stock was so much reduced that he could spare +but little, but the sailors persuaded themselves that the Frenchman's +scarcity was feigned, and also that May, who conducted the negotiations, +was regailing himself with good cheer on board without any trouble about +their distress. Among these men, inured to bold and desperate deeds, a +company was formed to seize the French pinnace, and then to capture the +large vessel with its aid. They succeeded in their first object, but the +French Captain, who observed their actions, sailed away at full speed, +and May, who was dining with him on board at the time, requested that he +might stay and return home on the vessel so that he could inform his +employers of the events of the voyage and the unruly behavior of the +crew. As they approached Bermuda strict watch was kept while they +supposed themselves to be near that dreaded spot, but when the pilot +declared that they were twelve leagues south of it they threw aside all +care and gave themselves up to carousing. Amid their jollity, about +midnight, the ship struck with such violence that she immediately filled +and sank. They had only a small boat, to which they attached a +hastily-constructed raft to be towed along with it; room, however, was +made for only twenty-six, while the crew exceeded fifty. In the wild and +desperate struggle for existence that ensued May fortunately got into +the boat. They had to beat about nearly all the next day, dragging the +raft after them, and it was almost dark before they reached the shore; +they were tormented with thirst, and had nearly despaired of finding a +drop of water when some was discovered in a rock where the rain waters +had collected. + +[Illustration: St. George's and Warwick Fort in 1614. (Fac-simile of +Smith's engraving.)] + +The land was covered with one unbroken forest of cedar. Here they would +have to remain for life unless a vessel could be constructed. They made +a voyage to the wreck and secured the shrouds, tackles and carpenters' +tools, and then began to cut down the cedars, with which they +constructed a vessel of eighteen tons. For pitch they took lime, +rendered adhesive by a mixture of turtle oil, and forced it into the +seams, where it became hard as stone. + +During a residence of five months here May had observed that Bermuda, +hitherto supposed to be a single island, was broken up into a number of +islands of different sizes, enclosing many fine bays, and forming good +harbors. The vessel being finished they set sail for Newfoundland, +expecting to meet fishing vessels there, on which they could obtain +passage to Europe. On the eleventh of May they found themselves with joy +clear of the islands. They had a very favorable voyage, and on the +twentieth arrived at Cape Breton. May arrived in England in August, +1594, where he gave a description of the islands; he stated that they +found hogs running wild all over the islands, which proves that this was +not the first landing made there. + +It was owing to a shipwreck that Bermuda again came under the view of +the English, and that led England to appropriate these islands. + +In 1609, during the most active period of the colonization of Virginia, +an expedition of nine ships, commanded by Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George +Somers and Captain Newport, bound for Virginia, was dispersed by a great +storm. One of the vessels, the Sea Adventure, in which were Gates, +Somers and Newport, seems to have been involved in the thickest of the +tempest. The vessel sprung aleak, which it was found impossible to stop. +All hands labored at the pumps for life, even the Governor and Admiral +took their turns, and gentlemen who had never had an hour's hard work in +their life toiled with the rest. The water continued to gain on them, +and when about to give up in despair, Sir George Somers, who had been +watching at the poop deck day and night, cried out land, and there in +the early dawn of morning could be seen the welcome sight of land. +Fortunately they lighted on the only secure entrance through the reefs. +The vessel was run ashore and wedged between two rocks, and thereby was +preserved from sinking, till by means of a boat and skiff the whole crew +of one hundred and fifty, with provisions, tackle and stores, reached +the land. At that time the hogs still abounded, and these, with the +turtle, birds and fish which they caught, afforded excellent food for +the castaways. The Isle of Devils Sir George Somers and party found "the +richest, healthfulest and pleasantest" they ever saw. + +Robert Walsingham and Henry Shelly discovered two bays abounding in +excellent fish; these bays are still called by their names. Gates and +Somers caused the long boat to be decked over, and sent Raven, the mate, +with eight men, to Virginia to bring assistance to them, but nothing was +ever heard of them afterwards, and after waiting six months all hopes +were then given up. The chiefs of the expedition then determined to +build two vessels of cedar, one of eighty tons and one of thirty. Their +utmost exertions, however, did not prevent disturbances, which nearly +baffled the enterprise. These were fomented by persons noted for their +religious zeal, of Puritan principles and the accompanying spirit of +independence. They represented that the recent disaster had dissolved +the authority of the Governor, and their business was now to provide, as +they best could, for themselves and their families. They had come out in +search of an easy and plentiful subsistence, which could nowhere be +found in greater perfection and security than here, while in Virginia +its attainment was not only doubtful, but attended with many hardships. +These arguments were so convincing with the larger number of the men +that, had it rested with them, they would have lived and died on the +islands. + +[Illustration: Entrance to St. George Harbor, between Smith's and +Paget's Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving. 1614.)] + +Two successive conspiracies were formed by large parties to separate +from the rest and form a colony. Both were defeated by the vigilance of +Gates, who allowed the ringleaders to escape with a slight punishment. +This lenity only emboldened the malcontents, and a third plot was formed +to seize the stores and take entire possession of the islands. It was +determined to make an example of one of the leaders named Payne; He was +condemned to be hanged, but, on the plea of being a gentleman, his +sentence was commuted into that of being shot, which was immediately +done. This had a salutary effect, and prevented any further trouble. + +[Illustration: View of ancient forts. (Re-produced from Smith's +engraving, 1614)] + +Two children, a boy and girl, were born during this period; the former +was christened Bermudas and the latter Bermuda; they were probably the +first human beings born on these islands. + +Before leaving the islands Gates caused a cross to be made of the wood +saved from the wreck of his ship, which he secured to a large cedar; a +silver coin with the king's head was placed in the middle of it, +together with an inscription on a copper plate describing what had +happened--That the cross was the remains of a ship of three hundred +tons, called the Sea Venture, bound with eight more to Virginia; that +she contained two knights, Sir Thomas Gates, governor of the colony, and +Sir George Summers, admiral of the seas, who, together with her captain, +Christopher Newport, and one hundred and fifty mariners and passengers +besides, had got safe ashore, when she was lost, July 28, 1609. + +On the tenth of May, 1610, they sailed with a fair wind, and, before +reaching the open sea, they struck on a rock and were nearly wrecked the +second time. On the twenty-third they arrived safely at Jamestown. This +settlement they found in a most destitute condition on their arrival, +and it was determined to abandon the place, but Sir George Summers, +"whose noble mind ever regarded the general good more than his own +ends," offered to undertake a voyage to the Bermudas for the purpose of +forming a settlement, from which supplies might be obtained for the +Jamestown colony. He accordingly sailed June 19, in his cedar vessel, +and his name was then given to the islands, though Bermuda has since +prevailed. + +[Illustration: Entrance to Castle Harbor, between Castle and +Southhampton Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving, +1614.)] + +Contrary winds and storms carried him to the northward, to the vicinity +of Cape Cod. Somers persevered and reached the islands, but age, anxiety +and exertion contributed to produce his end. Perceiving the approach of +death he exhorted his companions to continue their exertions for the +benefit of the plantations, and to return to Virginia. Alarmed at the +untimely fate of their leader, the colonists embalmed his body, and +disregarding his dying injunction, sailed for England. Three only of the +men volunteered to remain, and for some time after their companions left +they continued to cultivate the soil, but unfortunately they found some +ambergris, and they fell into innumerable quarrels respecting its +possession. They at length resolved to build a boat and sail for +Newfoundland with their prize, but, happily for them, they were +prevented by the arrival of a ship from Europe. An extraordinary +interest was excited in England by the relation of Captain Mathew +Somers, the nephew and heir of Sir George. The usual exaggerations were +published, and public impressions were heightened by contrast with the +dark ideas formerly prevalent concerning these islands. A charter was +obtained of King James I., and one hundred and twenty gentlemen detached +themselves from the Virginia company and formed a company under the name +and style of the Governor and Company of the City of London, for the +plantation of the Somer Islands. + +On the twenty-eighth of April, 1612, the first ship was sent out with +sixty emigrants, under the charge of Richard Moore, who was appointed +the Governor of the colony. They met the boat containing the three men +left on the island, who were overjoyed at seeing the ship, and conducted +her into the harbor. It was not long before intelligence of the +discovery of the ambergris reached the Governor; he promptly deprived +the three men of it. One of them named Chard, who denied all knowledge +of it, and caused considerable disturbance, which at one time seemed +likely to result in a sanguinary encounter, was condemned to be hanged, +and was only reprieved when on the ladder. + +The Governor now applied himself actively to his duties. He had +originally landed on Smith's Island, but he soon removed to the spot +where St. George's now stands, and built the town which was named after +Sir George Somers, and which became, and remained for two centuries, the +capital of Bermuda. He laid the foundation of eight or nine forts for +the defence of the harbor, and also trained the men to arms in order +that they might defend the infant colony from attack. This proved +necessary, for, in 1614, two Spanish ships attempted to enter the +harbor; the forts were promptly manned and two shots fired at the enemy, +who, finding them better prepared than they imagined, bore away. + +Before the close of 1615 six vessels had arrived with three hundred and +forty passengers, among whom were a Marshall and one Bartlett, who were +sent out expressly to divide the colony into tribes or shares; but the +Governor finding no mention of any shares for himself, and the persons +with him, as had been agreed on, forbade his proceeding with his survey. +The survey was afterward made by Richard Norwood, which divided the land +into tribes, now parishes; these shares form, the foundation of the land +tenure of the islands, even to this day, the divisional lines in many +cases yet remaining intact. Moore, whose time had expired, went back to +England in 1615, leaving the administration of the government to six +persons, who were to rule, each in turn, one month. They proceeded to +elect by lot their first ruler, the choice falling upon Charles +Caldicot, who then went, with a crew of thirty-two men, in a vessel to +the West Indies for the purpose of procuring plants, goats and young +cattle for the islands. The vessel was wrecked there, and the crew were +indebted to an English pirate for being rescued from a desert island on +which they had been cast. + +For a time the colony was torn by contention and discord, as well as by +scarcity of food. The news of these dissensions having reached England +the company sent out Daniel Tucker as Governor. Tucker was a stern, hard +master, and he enforced vigorous measures to compel the people to work +for the company. The provisions and stores he issued in certain +quantities, and paid each laborer a stated sum in brass coin, struck by +the proprietor for the purpose, having a hog on one side, in +commemoration of the abundance of those animals found by the first +settlers, and on the reverse a ship. Pieces of this curious hog money, +as it is called, is frequently found, and it brings a high price. + +[Illustration: HOG MONEY.] + +Shortly after Governor Tucker arrived he sent to the West Indies for +plants and fruit trees. The vessel returned with figs, pine-apples, +sugar-cane, plantain and paw-paw, which were all planted and rapidly +multiplied. This vessel also brought the first slaves into the colony, +an Indaian and a negro. + +The company dispatched a small bark, called the Hopewell, with supplies +for the colony, under the command of Captain Powell. On his way he met a +Portuguese vessel homeward bound from Brazil, with a cargo of sugar, +and, as Smith adds, "liked the sugar and passengers so well" he made a +prize of her. Fearing to face Governor Tucker after this piratical act +he directed his course to the West Indies. On his arrival there he met a +French pirate, who pretended to have a warm regard for him, and invited +him, with his officers, to an entertainment. Suspecting nothing he +accepted the invitation, but no sooner had they been well seated at the +table than they were all seized and threated with instant death, unless +they surrendered their prize. This Powell was, of course, compelled to +do, and finding his provisions failing him he put the Portuguese crew on +shore and sailed for Bermuda, where he managed to excuse himself to the +Governor. Powell again went to the West Indies pirating, and in May he +arrived with three prizes, laden with meal, hides, and ammunition. +Tucker received him kindly and treated him with consideration, until he +had the goods in his own possession, when he reproached the Captain with +his piratical conduct and called him to account for his proceedings. The +unlucky buccaneer was, in the end, glad to escape to England, leaving +his prizes in the hands of the Governor. + +The discipline and hard labor required of the people reduced them to a +condition but little better than that of slaves, and caused many to make +desperate efforts to escape from the islands. Five persons, neither of +whom were sailors, built a fishing boat for the Governor, and when +completed they borrowed a compass from their preacher, for whom they +left a farewell epistle. In this they reminded him how often he had +exhorted them to patience under ill-treatment, and had told them how +Providence would pay them, if man did not. They trusted, therefore, that +he would now practice what he had so often preached. + +[Illustration: Reproduction of Smith's engraving, 1614, showing his coat +of arms with the three Turk heads.] + +These brave men endured great hardships in their boat of three tons +during their rash voyage; but at the end of about forty-two days they +arrived at Ireland, where their exploit was considered so wonderful that +the Earl of Thomond caused them to be received and entertained, and hung +up their boat as a monument of this extraordinary voyage. The Governor +was greatly exasperated at their escape, and threatened to hang the +whole of them if they returned. + +Another party of three, one of whom was a lady, attempted in a like +manner to reach Virginia, but were never afterwards heard of. Six others +were discovered before they effected their departure, and one was +executed. John Wood, who was found guilty of speaking "many distasteful +and mutinous speeches against the Governor," was also condemned and +executed. + +As there were at that time only about five hundred inhabitants on these +islands, it would appear from Captain Smith's History that Tucker hanged +a good percentage of them. Many were the complaints that were forwarded +to England concerning the tyrannical government of Tucker, and he, +fearing to be recalled, at last returned to England of his own accord, +having appointed a person named Kendall as his deputy. + +Kendall was disposed to be attentive to his office, but wanted energy, +and the company took an early opportunity to relieve him; this was not +very agreeable to the people, but they did not offer any resistance. + +Governor Butler arrived with four ships and five hundred men on the +twentieth of October, 1619, which raised the number of the colonists to +1000, and at his departure three years later, it had increased to 1500. + +On the first of August, 1620, in conformity with instructions sent out +by the company, the Governor summoned the first general assembly at St. +George's for the dispatch of public business. It consisted of the +Governor, Council, Bailiffs, Burgesses, Secretary, and Clerk. It appears +that they all sat in one house, which was probably the "State House" +shown on Smith's engraving. Most of the Acts passed on this occasion +were creditable to the new legislators. + +Governor Butler, as Moore had done before him, turned his chief +attention to the building of forts and magazines; he also finished the +cedar Church at St. George's, and caused the assembly to pass an Act for +the building of three bridges, and then initiated the useful project of +connecting together the principal islands. When Governor Butler returned +to England he left the islands in a greatly improved condition. But in +his time, also, there were such frequent mutinies and discontent, that +at last "he longed for deliverance from his thankless and troublesome +employment." It was probably during Governor Butler's administration +that Captain[A] John Smith had a map and illustrations of the "Summer +Ils" made, for in it we find the three bridges, numerous +well-constructed forts, and the State House at St. George's. The map and +illustrations were published in "Smith's General Historic of Virginia, +New England and the Summer Ils" 1624; they are of the greatest value and +importance, as they show accurately the class of buildings and forts +erected on these islands at that early period; such details even are +entered into as the showing of the stocks in the market place of St. +George's, and the architecture and the substantial manner in which the +buildings were constructed is remarkable, especially so when it is +considered that previous to 1620 the Puritans had not settled at +Plymouth, and it was ten years from that date before the settlement of +Boston: in fact, with the exception of Jamestown in Virginia, the +English had not secured a foot-hold in North America at the time these +buildings and forts were constructed. There are very few copies of this +rare print in existence, even in Smith's history it is usually found +wanting, and it was only after considerable trouble and expense that the +writer succeeded in obtaining a reproduction of it. + +[Footnote A: Captain John Smith was never in Bermuda. He derived all his +information from his opportunities as a member of the Virginia Company, +and from correspondence or personal narratives of returned planters. +This was his habitual way, as is shown by the number of authorities that +he quotes. He probably obtained the sketches, from which these +illustrations were made, from Richard Norwood, the schoolmaster.] + +The early history of Bermuda is in many important points similar to that +of New England. Like motives had in most instances induced emigration, +and the distinguished characteristics of those people were repeated +here. + +Like the Salem and Boston colonists they had their witchcraft delusions, +anticipating that, however, some twenty years, Christian North was +tried for it in 1668, but was acquited. Somewhat later a negro woman, +Sarah Basset, was burned at Paget for the same offence. The Quakers were +persecuted by fines, imprisonment, and banishment, by the stem and +dark-souled Puritans, who had emigrated to this place to escape +oppression, and to enjoy religious toleration, but were not willing to +grant to others who differed from them in their religious belief the +same privileges as they themselves enjoyed. + +The company discovered by degrees that the Bermudas were not the +Eldorado which they had fondly imagined them to be. The colonists were +now numerous, and every day showed a strong disposition to break away +from the control of the company. The company had issued an order +forbidding the inhabitants to receive any ships but such as were +commissioned by them. The company complained against the quality of +tobacco shipped to London, as well as the quantity. + +The people were forbidden to cut cedar without a special license, and as +they were in the habit of exporting oranges in chests made of this wood, +the regulation operated very materially to the injury of the place. +Previous to this order many homeward-bound West Indiamen arrived at +Castle Harbor to load with this fruit for the English market. Whaling +was claimed as an exclusive privilege, and was conducted for the sole +benefit of the proprietors. Numerous attempts were made to boil sugar, +but the company directed the Governor to prevent it, as it would require +too much wood for fuel. + +In consequence of instructions from England Governor Turner called upon +all the inhabitants of the islands to take the oath of supremacy and +allegiance to his majesty, but as the Puritans had left their native +country on account of their republican sentiments, they refused to +comply, and the prisons were soon filled to overflowing. + +The rapid change of affairs in England during the civil war, in which +the Puritans were victorious, and Cromwell was elevated to the +Protectorship, opened the doors of the prisons, and stopped all further +persecutions, both political and religious. + +It must be said in favor of the company that they had, at an early +period, established schools throughout the colony, and appropriated +lands in most of the tribes or parishes, for the maintainance of the +teachers. + +From 1630 to 1680 many negro and Indian slaves were brought to the +colony; the negroes from Africa and the West Indies, and a large number +of Indians from Massachusetts, prisoners taken in the Pequot and King +Philip's wars. The traces of their Indian ancestry can readily be seen +in many of the colored people of these islands at the present time. + +In October, 1661, the Protestant inhabitants were alarmed by rumors of a +proposed combination between the negroes and the Irish. The plan was to +arm themselves and massacre the whites who were not Catholics. +Fortunately the plot was discovered in time, and measures adopted to +disarm the slaves and the disaffected. + +The proprietary form of government continued until 1685, with a long +succession of good, bad, and indifferent Governors. + +Many acts of piracy were perpetrated at different times by the +inhabitants of these islands. In 1665 Captain John Wentworth made a +descent upon the island of Tortola and brought off about ninety slaves, +the property of the Governor of the place. Governor Seymour received a +letter from him in which he stated that "upon the ninth day of July +there came hither against me a pirate or sea robber, named John +Wentworth, the which over-run my lands, and that against the will of +mine owne inhabits, and shewed himself a tyrant, in robbing and firing, +and took my negroes from my Isle, belonging to no man but myself. And +likewise I doe understand that this said John Wentworth, a sea robber, +is an indweller with you, soe I desire that you would punish this rogue, +according to your good law. I desire you, soe soon as you have this +truth of mine, if you don't of yourself, restore all my negroes againe, +whereof I shall stay here three months, and in default of this, soe be +assured, that wee shall speake together very shortly, and then I shall +be my owne judge." + +This threatening letter caused great consternation, and immediately +steps were taken to place the colony in the best posture for defence, +reliance being had on the impregnability of the islands, instead of +delivering up the plunder, especially as Captain Wentworth held a +commission from the Governor and Council, and acted under their +instructions. + +Isaac Richier, who became Governor of the colony in 1691, was another +celebrated freebooter. The account of his reign reads like a romance. +The love of gold, and the determination to possess it, was the one idea +of his statesmanship. He was a pirate at sea and a brigand on land. +Nevertheless, it does not appear that any of his misdeeds, such as +hanging innocent people, and robbing British ships, as well as others, +led to his recall, or caused any degree of indignation which such +conduct usually arouses. The fact appears to be that, although Governor +Richier was a bold, bad man, yet few of his subjects were entitled to +throw the first stone at his excellency. + +Benjamin Bennett became Governor of the colony in 1701. At this time the +Bahama Islands had become a rendezvous for pirates, and a few years +later, King George the First issued a proclamation for their +dislodgment. Governor Bennett accordingly dispatched a sloop, ordering +the marauders to surrender. Those who were on shore on his arrival +gladly accepted the opportunity to escape, and declared that they did +not doubt but that their companions who were at sea would follow their +example. Captain Henry Jennings and fifteen others sailed for Bermuda, +and were soon followed by four other Captains--Leslie, Nichols, +Hornigold, and Burges, with one hundred men, who all surrendered. + +In 1710 the Spaniards made a descent on Turk's Island, which had been +settled by the Bermudians for the purpose of gathering salt, and took +possession of the island, making prisoners of the people. The +Bermudians, at their own expense and own accord, dispatched a force +under Captain Lewis Middleton to regain possession of the Bahama Cays. +The expedition was successful, and a victory gained over the Spaniards, +and they were driven from the islands; they still, however, continued to +make predatory attacks on the salt-rakers at the ponds, and on the +vessels going for and carrying away salt. To repel these aggressions and +afford security to their trade, the Bermudians went to the expense of +arming their vessels. + +In 1775 the discontent in the American provinces had broken out into +open opposition to the crown, and the people were forbidden to trade +with their late fellow subjects. Bermuda suffered great want in +consequence, for at this period, instead of exporting provisions the +island had become dependent on the continent for the means of +subsistence. This, together with the fact that many of the people +possessed near relatives engaged in the struggle with the crown, tended +to destroy good feelings towards the British government. These +circumstances must be considered in order to judge fairly of the +following transaction, which has always been regarded to have cast a +stain upon the patriotism and loyalty of the Bermudians. + +At the outbreak of the American Revolution, two battles were fought in +the vicinity of Boston--Lexington and Bunker Hill, after which all +intercourse with the surrounding country ceased, and Boston was reduced +to a state of siege. Civil war commenced in all its horrors; the +sundering of social ties; the burning of peaceful homes; the butchery of +kindred and friends. + +Washington was appointed by the Continental Congress, Commander-in-Chief +of the American forces, and on July 3, 1775, two weeks after the battle +of Bunker Hill, he took formal command of the army at Cambridge. In a +letter to the President of Congress notifying him of his safe arrival +there, he made the following statement. "Upon the article of ammunition, +I must re-echo the former complaints on this subject. We are so +exceedingly destitute that our artillery will be of little use without a +supply both large and seasonable. What we have must be reserved for the +small arms, and that well managed with the utmost frugality." A few +weeks later General Washington wrote the following letter on the same +subject.[A] + +[Footnote A: Writings of George Washington, by J. Sparks, vol. iii, page +47.] + + TO GOVERNOR COOKE, OF RHODE ISLAND. + + Camp at Cambridge, 4 August, 1775. + + Sir, + + I am now, Sir, in strict confidence, to acquaint you, that our + necessities in the articles of powder and lead are so great, as to + require an immediate supply. I must earnestly entreat that you will + fall upon some measure to forward every pound of each in your + colony that can possibly be spared. It is not within the propriety + or safety of such a correspondence to say what I might on this + subject. It is sufficient that the case calls loudly for the most + strenuous exertions of every friend of his country, and does not + admit of the least delay. No quantity, however small, is beneath + notice, and, should any arrive, I beg it may be forwarded as soon + as possible. + + But a supply of this kind is so precarious, not only from the + danger of the enemy, but the opportunity of purchasing, that I have + revolved in my mind every other possible chance, and listened to + every proposition on the subject which could give the smallest + hope. Among others I have had one mentioned which has some weight + with me, as well as the other officers to whom I have proposed it. + A Mr. Harris has lately come from Bermuda, where there is a very + considerable magazine of powder in a remote part of the island; and + the inhabitants are well disposed, not only to our cause in + general, but to assist in this enterprise in particular. We + understand there are two armed vessels in your province, commanded + by men of known activity and spirit; one of which, it is proposed + to despatch on this errand with such assistance as may be + requisite. Harris is to go along, as the conductor of the + enterprise, that we may avail ourselves of his knowledge of the + island; but without any command. I am very sensible, that at first + view the project may appear hazardous; and its success must depend + on the concurrence of many circumstances; but we are in a + situation, which requires us to run all risks. No danger is to be + considered, when put in competition with the magnitude of the + cause, and the absolute necessity we are under of increasing our + stock. Enterprises, which appear chimerical, often prove successful + from that very circumstance. Common sense and prudence will suggest + vigilance and care, where the danger is plain and obvious; but + where little danger is apprehended, the more the enemy will be + unprepared; and consequently there is the fairest prospect of + success. + + Mr. Brown has been mentioned to me as a very proper person to be + consulted upon this occasion. You will judge of the propriety of + communicating it to him in part or the whole, and as soon as + possible favor me with your sentiments, and the steps you may have + taken to forward it. If no immediate and safe opportunity offers, + you will please to do it by express. Should it be inconvenient to + part with one of the armed vessels, perhaps some other might be + fitted out, or you could devise some other mode of executing this + plan; so that, in case of a disappointment, the vessel might + proceed to some other island to purchase. + + I am, Sir, + Your most obedient, humble servant, + G. Washington. + +This plan was approved by the Governor and Committee of Rhode Island, +and Captain Abraham Whipple agreed to engage in the affair, provided +General Washington would give him a certificate under his own hand, that +in case the Bermudians would assist the undertaking, he would recommend +to the Continental Congress to permit the exportation of provisions to +those islands from the colonies. + +General Washington accordingly sent the following address to the +Bermudians.[A] + +[Footnote A: Writings of George Washington, by J. Sparks, vol. iii., +page 77.] + + TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA. + + Camp at Cambridge, 6 September, 1775. + Gentlemen: + + In the great conflict, which agitates this continent, I cannot + doubt but the assertors of freedom and the rights of the + constitution are possessed of your most favorable regards and + wishes for success. As descendants of freemen, and heirs with us of + the same glorious inheritance, we flatter ourselves, that, though + divided by our situation, we are firmly united in sentiment. The + cause of virtue and liberty is confined to no continent or climate. + It comprehends, within its capacious limits, the wise and good, + however dispersed and separated in space or distance. + + You need not be informed that the violence and rapacity of a + tyrannic ministry have forced the citizens of America, your brother + colonist, into arms. We equally detest and lament the prevalence of + those counsels, which have led to the effusion of so much human + blood, and left us no alternative but a civil war, or a base + submission. The wise Disposer of all events has hitherto smiled + upon our virtuous efforts. Those mercenary troops, a few of whom + lately boasted of subjugating this vast continent, have been + checked in their earliest ravages, and now actually encircled + within a small space; their arms disgraced, and themselves + suffering all the calamities of a siege. The virtue, spirit, and + union of the provinces leave them nothing to fear, but the want of + ammunition. The application of our enemies to foreign states, and + their vigilance upon our coasts, are the only efforts they have + made against us with success. + + Under these circumstances, and with these sentiments, we have + turned our eyes to you, Gentlemen, for relief. We are informed, + that there is a very large magazine in your island under a very + feeble guard. We would not wish to involve you in an opposition, in + which, from your situation, we should be unable to support you; we + knew not, therefore, to what extent to solicit your assistance, in + availing ourselves of this supply; but, if your favor and + friendship to North America and its liberties have not been + misrepresented, I persuade myself you may, consistently with your + own safety, promote and further this scheme, so as to give it the + fairest prospect of success. Be assured, that, in this case, the + whole power and exertion of my influence will be made with the + honorable Continental Congress, that your island may not only be + supplied with provisions, but experience every other mark of + affection and friendship, which the grateful citizens of a free + country can bestow on its brethren and benefactors. I am, + Gentlemen, + + With much esteem, + Your humble servant, + + [Illustration: Signature G Washington] + +Captain Whipple had scarcely sailed from Providence before an account +appeared in the newspapers of one hundred barrels of powder having been +taken from Bermuda by a vessel supposed to be from Philadelphia, and +another from South Carolina. This was the same powder that Captain +Whipple had gone to procure. General Washington and Governor Cooke were +both of the opinion it was best to countermand his instructions. The +other armed vessel of Rhode Island was immediately dispatched in search +of the Captain with orders to return. + +But it was too late; he reached Bermuda and put in at the west end of +the island. The inhabitants were at first alarmed, supposing him to +command a king's armed vessel, and the women and children fled from that +vicinity; but when he showed them his commission and instructions they +treated him with much cordiality and friendship, and informed him that +they had assisted in removing the powder, which was made known to +General Gage, and he had sent a sloop of war to the island. They +professed themselves hearty friends to the American cause. Captain +Whipple being defeated in the object of his voyage returned to +Providence. + +Soon after the inhabitants of Bermuda petitioned Congress for relief, +representing their great distress in consequence of being deprived of +the supplies that usually came from the colonies. In consideration of +their being friendly to the cause of America, it was resolved by +Congress that provisions in certain quantities might be exported to +them.[A] + +[Footnote A: Journal of Congress, November 22, 1775.] + +The powder procured from the Bermudians led to the first great victory +gained by Washington in the Revolutionary war, the evacuation of Boston +by the British army. After the arrival of the powder Washington caused +numerous batteries to be erected in the immediate vicinity of the town. +On the night of March 4, 1776, Dorchester Heights were taken possession +of and works erected there, which commanded Boston, and the British +Fleet lying at anchor in the harbor. This caused the town to be +evacuated, and General Howe with his army and about one thousand +loyalists went aboard of the fleet and sailed for Halifax, March 17, +1776. + +Nothing could exceed the indignation of Governor Bruere when he received +intelligence of the plundering of the magazine; he promptly called upon +the legislature to take active measures for bringing the delinquents to +justice. No evidence could ever be obtained, and the whole transaction +is still enveloped in mystery. The Governor let no opportunity escape +him to accuse the Bermudians of disloyality, and no doubt severe +punishment would have been inflicted on the delinquents could they have +been discovered. + +Two American brigs under Republican colors arrived shortly after this +and remained some weeks at the west end of the islands unmolested, and +Governor Bruere complained bitterly of this to the assembly.[A] + +[Footnote A: These were probably the vessels sent out from Rhode Island +under the command of Captain Whipple.] + +Governor George James Bruere died in 1780, and the administration +devolved on the Honorable Thomas Jones, who was relieved by George +Bruere as Lieutenant Governor, in October, 1780. + +Governor Bruere was soon openly at variance with the assembly, and did +not hesitate to accuse the people of treason in supplying the revolted +provinces with salt, exchanging it for provisions. Mr. Bruere extremely +exasperated at their trading, which he considered to be treasonable +conduct, commented on it in his message to the assembly in no measured +terms. Some intercepted correspondence with the rebels added fuel to the +flame, and on the fifteenth of August, 1781, he addressed them in a +speech which could not fail to be offensive, although it contained much +sound argument. This was followed by a message more bitter and +acrimonious, all of which they treated with silent contempt, until the +twenty-eight of September, when they discharged their wrath in an +address, in which the Governor was handled most roughly for his attacks +on the inhabitants of these islands. In return he addressed a message, +equally uncourteous in its tone, and dissolved the house. + +The arrival of William Browne, whose administration commenced the fourth +of January, 1782, put an end to Mr. Bruere's rule. + +The high character of the new Governor had preceded him in the colony, +and he was joyfully received on his arrival. He was a native of Salem, +Massachusetts, and was high in office previous to the Revolution, was +Colonel of the Essex regiment, judge of the Supreme Court, and Mandamus +Counselor. After the passage of the Boston Port bill, he was waited on +by a committee of the Essex delegates, to inform him, that "it was with +grief that the country had viewed his exertions for carrying into +execution certain acts of parliament calculated to enslave and ruin his +native land; that while the country would continue the respect for +several years paid him, it resolved to detach, from every future +connection, all such as shall persist in supporting or in any way +countenancing the late arbitrary acts of Parliament; that the delegates +in the name of the country requested him to excuse them from the painful +necessity of considering and treating him as an enemy to his country, +unless he resigned his office as Counsellor and Judge." Colonel Browne +replied as follows: + +"As a judge and in every other capacity, I intend to act with honor and +integrity and to exert my best abilities; and be assured that neither +persuasion can allure me, nor menaces compel me, to do anything +derogatory to the character of a Counselor of his Majesty's province of +Massachusetts."--William Browne. + +Colonel Browne was esteemed among the most opulent and benevolent +individuals of that province prior to the Revolution; and so great was +his popularity that the gubernatorial chair of Massachusetts was offered +him by the "committee of safety," as an inducement for him to remain and +join the "sons of liberty." But he felt it a duty to adhere to +government; even at the expense of his great landed estate, both in +Massachusetts and Connecticut, the latter comprising fourteen valuable +farms, all of which were afterwards confiscated. + +By preferring to remain on the side representing law and authority, and +unwilling to adopt the course of the revolutionists, this courtly +representative of an ancient and honorable family, this sincere lover of +his country, this skilled man of affairs, this upright and merciful +judge, once so beloved by his fellow townsmen, drew upon himself their +wrath, and he fled from his native country never to return again. First +he sought refuge in Boston in 1774, then in Halifax, and from there he +went to England in 1776, where he remained till 1781, when he was +appointed Governor of Bermuda, as a slight return for his great +sacrifices and important services in behalf of the Crown. Colonel Browne +married his cousin, the daughter of Governor Wanton, of Rhode Island, +and was doubly connected with the Winthrop family; the wives of the +elder Browne and Governor Wanton being daughters of John Winthrop, great +grandson of the first Governor of Massachusetts. Colonel Browne's son +William was an officer in the British service at the siege of Gibralter +in 1784. + +Under the judicious management of Governor Browne the colony continued +to steadily flourish; he conducted the business of the colony in the +greatest harmony with the different branches of the legislature. He +found the financial affairs of the islands in a confused and ruinous +state, and left them flourishing. In 1778 he left for England, deeply +and sincerely regretted by the people, and was succeeded by Henry +Hamilton as Lieutenant Governor, during whose administration the town of +Hamilton was built and named in compliment of him. + +Near the close of the American Revolution a plan was on foot to take +Bermuda, in order to make it "a nest of hornets" for the annoyance of +British trade, but the war closed, and it was abandoned. It, however, +proved a nest of hornets to the United States during the late civil war. +At that time St. George's was a busy town, and was one of the hot-beds +of secession. Being a great resort for blockade runners, which were +hospitably welcomed here, immense quantities of goods were purchased in +England, and brought here on large ocean steamers, and then transferred +to swift-sailing blockade runners, waiting to receive it. These ran the +blockade into Charleston, Wilmington and Savannah. + +It was a risky business, but one that was well followed, and many made +large fortunes there during the first year of the war, but many were +bankrupt, or nearly so at its close. + +Here, too, was concocted the fiendish plot of Dr. Blackburn, a +Kentuckian, for introducing yellow fever into northern cities, by +sending thither boxes of infected clothing. + +[The foregoing article on the history of Bermuda was compiled by the +author of "Stark's Illustrated Bermuda Guide," published by the +Photo-Electrotype Company, of 63 Oliver Street, Boston. The work +contains about two hundred pages and is embellished with sixteen +photo-prints, numerous engravings, and a new map of Bermuda made from +the latest surveys.--ED.] + + * * * * * + +HEART AND I. + +BY MARY HELEN BOODEY. + + Singing, singing through the valleys; + Singing, singing up the hills; + Peace that comes, and Love that tarries, + Hope that cheers, and Faith that thrills, + Heart and I, are we not blest + At the thought of coming rest? + + Singing, singing 'neath the shadow; + Singing, singing in the light; + Plucking flowerets from the meadow, + Seeing beauty up the height, + Heart and I, are we not gay + Thinking of unclouded day? + + Singing, singing through the summer; + Singing, singing in the snow; + Glad to hear the brooklets murmur, + Patient when the wild winds blow, + Heart and I, can we do this? + Yes, because of future bliss. + + Singing, singing up to Heaven; + Singing, singing down to earth; + Unto all some good is given. + Unto all there cometh worth; + Heart and I, we sing to know + That the good God loves us so. + + * * * * * + + +ELIZABETH. + +A ROMANCE OF COLONIAL DAYS. + +BY FRANCES C. SPARHAWK, Author of "A Lazy Man's Work." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +DEPARTURE. + + +With suppressed ejaculations and outspoken condolences the party broke +up. It was not until the last one had gone that Mrs. Eveleigh, leaving +her post of observation in the corner, swept out to find Elizabeth who +disappeared after Stephen Archdale had gone with Katie. She found her in +her bed-room trying to put her things into her box. Her face was +flushed, and her hands cold and trembling. + +"Why have you waited so long?" she began. "We must go at once. Have you +sent for a carriage? We shall meet ours on the way." + +"My dear," answered the other seating herself, "that is impossible. They +will not turn you out, if you have made a mistake. You can not go until +to-morrow, of course; nobody will expect it. I am very sorry for poor +Archdale and the young lady, but I dare say it will turn out all right." + +Elizabeth raised herself from the box over which she had been stooping +throwing in her things in an agony of haste. She opened her lips, but +words failed her. The amazement and indignation of her look turned +slowly to an appealing glance that few could have resisted. She had been +used to Mrs. Eveleigh's not comprehending nice distinctions, but now it +seemed as if to be a woman would make one understand. If her father were +with her now! She turned away sharply. + +"Will you see that some conveyance is here within half an hour?" she +said. "If it is a cart I will not refuse to go in it. But leave here at +once I will, if it must be on foot. For yourself, do as you choose, only +give my order." + +There was something in Elizabeth's gesture, and a desperation in her +face that made Mrs. Eveleigh go away and leave her without a word. In a +moment she came back. + +"I met James in the hall and sent him off in hot haste," she said. Her +tones showed that she had recovered the equanimity which the girl's +unexpected conduct had disturbed. She seated herself again with no less +complacency and with more deliberation than before. + +"I brought you up to be polite, Elizabeth," she said. "Things do +sometimes happen that are very trying, to be sure, but we should not +give way to irritation. Why, where should I have been if I had? Think +how it would have distressed your dear mother to have you show such +temper." + +The girl looked up sharply, looked down again, her hands moving faster +than ever, though everything grew indistinct to her for a minute. + +"Are you going with me?" she asked after a pause. + +"I? O, my dear child, you will not go at all this way. Perhaps it is as +well to pack up and show your dignity, but they will not let you go, you +know, your father's daughter, and all,--I told James to tell them,--it +would be shameful, I should never forgive them." + +"The question is whether they will ever forgive me, whether I have not +killed Katie. Sometimes I think of it only that way, and sometimes--." + +She was silent again and busy. Then all at once she stopped and walked +to the window. Her hands grasped the sash and she stood looking out at +the sky that had not gathered a cloud from all this darkness of her +life. At length she began to walk up and down as if every footstep took +her away from the house. + +"I always thought it must be a dreadful thing to marry a man you did not +want," she said speaking out her thoughts as if alone; "but to marry a +man who does not want you,--that is the most terrible thing in the +world. I have done both." And she covered her face with her hands. + +"Poor girl," answered Mrs. Eveleigh, "it _is_ hard. But you gave him as +good as he sent, that's a fact. Governor Wentworth spoke about it after +you left." Elizabeth had raised her head and was looking steadily at her +companion. "When young Archdale looked at you as he passed out, I mean," +she went on. "'Great Heavens!' cried the Governor, 'did you see that +exchange of looks, scorn and hatred on both sides, and they may be +husband and wife? The Lord pity them. And poor Katie!'" + +"He said that?" + +"Exactly that. Why, everybody noticed it, of course. What did you say?" +she added at a faint sound from her listener. + +"Nothing." + +And Elizabeth said nothing until ten minutes later when the sound of +wheels sent her to the window to see that a conveyance at least fairly +comfortable had been found for them. Her bonnet and wraps were already +on. + +"Are you coming?" she said to the other abruptly. "I shall start in five +minutes." + +"For Heaven's sake, more time, my dear. I have not changed my dress yet. +I suppose I cannot let you go alone, I should not feel happy about it, +and your father would never forgive me in the world." + +A half smile of contempt touched the girl's lips. Mrs. Eveleigh knew +what was for her own comfort too well to get herself out of Mr. Royal's +good graces, and not to be devoted to his daughter would have been to +him the unpardonable sin. But nobody would have been more astonished +than this same lady to be told that she had not a thoroughly +conscientious care of Elizabeth. She combined duty and interest as +skilfully as the most Cromwellian old Presbyter among her ancestors. + +In the hall Elizabeth met her hostess. + +"May I speak to Katie?" she asked timidly. + +Mrs. Archdale hesitated a moment, nodded in silence and went on to the +library, the girl following. Mr. Archdale was there, and the Colonel and +his wife. Stephen sat by the great chair in which Katie was propped, +holding her hand and sometimes speaking softly to her, or looking into +her face with eyes that gave no comfort. Elizabeth seemed to see no one +but her friend, she went up to the chair, and said to her softly, +pleadingly, + +"Good by, Katie." + +But Katie turned away her head. + +The door closed, Elizabeth had gone. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +FORECASTINGS. + + +Gerald Edmonson, Esquire, and Lord Bulchester drove leisurely through +the streets of the London of 1743. They found in it that same element +that makes the fascination of the London of to-day; for the streets, +dim, narrower, and less splendid than now, were full of this same charm +of human life, and yet, human isolation. Then, as now, might a man +wander homeless and lost, or these grim houses might open their doors to +him and reveal the splendors beyond them; and whether he were desolate, +or shone brilliant as a star depended upon so many chances and changes +that this Fortune's-Wheel drew him toward itself like a magnet. + +"I tell you," said Edmonson to his companion as they went along, "there +is not a shadow of a chance for me. When a woman says, 'no,' you can +tell by her eyes if she means it, and if there had been the least sign +of relenting or a possibility of it in Lady Grace's eyes, do you think I +would have given up? She has led me a sorry chase, that pretty sister of +yours." + +"Her beauty would not have taken you ten steps out of your way, if she +had not been such an heiress," retorted Bulchester. + +"Don't be so blunt, my friend. Is it my fault that I am obliged to look +out for money? If a man has only a tenth of the income he needs to live +upon, what is he going to do? It is well enough for you to be above +sordidness, so could I be with your purse and your prospects. Besides, +you know that I told you frankly I found Lady Grace charming. I wonder," +he asked turning sharply round, "if you have been playing me false?" + +But Bulchester laughed. A laugh at such a time, and a laugh so full of +simplicity and amusement brought the other to his bearings again. + +"You know I favored the match," added the nobleman. "Hang it! I don't +see why my sister could not have had my taste. She does not know all +your deviltries as I do, but yet I think you the most fascinating fellow +in England." + +"Perhaps that is the reason, because she does not know," laughed +Edmonson. "But, then, you have not been very far beyond England, except +to the land of the frog, and nobody expects to delight in the messieurs +anywhere but on the point of the bayonet, as we had them lately at +Dettengen." In a moment, however, he added gravely, "I am afraid my suit +to your sister has damaged my prospects in another quarter, at least the +matrimonial part of them, and I can hardly expect to be so successful +otherwise as to enable me to marry a lady whose face is her fortune." + +"Hardly, with your tastes," said Bulchester. "But, for my part, I am +glad that I can afford to be sentimental if I like. For that very reason +I shall probably be extremely sensible." + +Edmonson smiled, half in amusement, half in contempt. + +"Suppose the lady should be so too?" he asked slyly; then added, "I hope +she will, Bulchester, and take you. I don't know her name yet." + +"Nor I. But I don't want to consider only the rent-roll of the future +Lady Bulchester." + +"My lord, I shall be devotion itself to Mistress Edmonson, and I assure +you that the young lady I have chosen, I having failed to win your +adorable sister, is not a nonentity, though I cannot say that she is +charming. But you will see her. Her father was very gracious to me when +I was in Boston last winter, and regretted that I was obliged to leave +in the spring on affairs of importance. How was he to know, he or the +fair Elizabeth, that the business was a love suit? That would not have +done. The old gentleman would not think the king himself too good for +his daughter; if he dreamed that she was second fiddle, he would want me +to find the door faster than he could shew me there. So, if you fall in +love with her and want to supersede me, there's your chance." + +"I'm Jonathan to your David," returned the smaller man, "the kingdom is +for you, Edmonson." And the speaker looked at his companion with an +admiration that was deep in proportion as he felt himself unable to +imitate that mixture of good nature, strong will, and audacity that in +Edmonson fascinated him. "Is she handsome?" he added. + +"No," said the other decidedly. "She has a smile that lights up her face +well, and occasionally she says good things, but half the time in +company she seems not to be attending to what is going on about her, she +is away off in a dream about something that nobody cares a pin for, and +of course, it gives her a peculiar manner. I could see I interested her +more than anybody else did, but I had hard work sometimes to know how to +answer her queer sayings, for I could scarcely tell what she was talking +about." + +"You don't like that," suggested Bulchester. "You like ladies who lead +in society." + +"Well," assented Edmonson, "I know. But she will have to set up for an +oddity, and, you see, she has money enough to be able to afford it. A +fortune in her own right, and large expectations from the old gentleman +who began with money and has never made a bad investment in his life. +Think of it! Gerald Edmonson will keep open house and live rather +differently from at present in his bachelor quarters; and all his old +friends will be welcome." + +"What do you say to those we are going to meet to-night, who are to give +us our farewell supper; you would not ask a set like that to a lady's +table?" + +Edmonson laughed. + +"Why, and if I did," he answered, "Elizabeth Royal would never fathom +them. She might think they drank somewhat too much, and discover that +they were noisy; but as to the wild pranks we have played, yes, you and +I, Bulchester, I out of pure enjoyment of them, you, I do believe, more +than half not to be behind other men of fashion, why, you might tell +them to her safely, for she would never comprehend. One can't get along +so well with her on the little nothings one says to other women, to be +sure, but she has the greatest simplicity in the world, and that touch +of evil that spices life is entirely beyond her. But however that might +be, I tell you this, my lord: Gerald Edmonson is always master, and +always will be." + +"Yes," assented his hearer. + +"I only hope the extent of my impecuniosity will not cross the water +with me. I have never pretended to be rich, but I have said that my +expectations were excellent. So they are; for you know, Bulchester, the +heiress is not all my errand to these outlandish colonies. I have +expectations there. Rather strange ones, to be sure, so strange, and to +be come at so strangely, that if I can make anything out of them I shall +enjoy it a thousand times more than by any stupid old way of +inheritance." + +"It strikes me, though, you would not object to the stupid if a good +plum should fall down on your head from an ancestral tree." + +Edmonson laughed. + +"You have me there, Bul," he said. "But, on your honor, you are not to +betray my plans, or I have no chance at all," he added, suddenly facing +his companion. + +"What do you take me for, a traitor?" + +"No," exclaimed Edmonson with an oath. + +"For a tattler, then?" + +"No," came the answer again. "Only, inadvertence is sometimes as +mischievous in its results." + +"I, inadvertent?" cried Bulchester. + +His listener smiled slyly. The other felt that caution was his strong +point, and Edmonson's diplomacy would not assault this vigorously; his +aim had been merely to warn Bulchester and strengthen the defences. Soon +after this they reached the inn, where they were boisterously greeted by +their companions, who had been waiting for them in what was then one of +the fashionable public houses of London, though long since fallen out of +date and forgotten. + +"Don't be flattered," said Edmonson aside, "all this welcome is not for +us; the feast is to begin now that we have arrived." And a cynical smile +flashed over his handsome face. + +It was hours after this. The high revel had gone on with jest, and +laugh, and song, with play, too, and some purses were empty that before +had been none too well filled. Through it all Edmonson, the life of the +party, kept the control over himself that many had lost. There was no +credit due to him for the fact that he could drink more wine without +being overcome than any other man there. His face was flushed with it, +his eyes somewhat blood-shot and his fair hair disordered as, at last, +looking at his opposite neighbor, he nodded to him, leaned across the +table and touched glasses with him. Then, "Let us drink this toast +standing," he said, rising as he spoke; and at the movement ten other +young men, full of the effrontery of a long carousal, pushed back their +chairs noisily and rose, exclaiming in tones varying in degrees of +intoxication: + +"We pledge." + +"Yes," returned the man opposite Edmonson, repeating the pledge that +they all without exception would meet one hundred years from that night +to pledge each other again. + +A shout, more of drunken acquiescence than of comprehension went up in +chorus from all but one of the revelers; he held his glass silently a +moment, disposed to put it untasted on the table. + +"Bulchester's backing out," cried Edmonson giving him a scornful glance. + +"Oh, ho! Backing out!" echoed nine derisive voices. + +"We have made it too hot for him," called out Edmonson again. + +At which remark another shout arose, and the glasses were tossed off +with bravado, Bulchester's also being set down empty. + +After this the party broke up boisterously, Edmonson and Bulchester +receiving the good wishes of the company for their prosperous voyage. + +Leaving the inn, they went out into the night again, in which the +October moon veiled in clouds was doing its best to light the streets +now almost deserted. Bulchester looked with disapprobation at his +smiling companion. It was for the first time in their acquaintance, but +the compact into which the earl had so unwillingly entered had sobered +him, and was still ringing in his ears, giving him a sort of horror. He +said this to Edmonson, who burst out laughing. + +"A mere drunken freak, Bul, that counts for nothing. You will be an +angel sitting on a cold cloud singing psalms long before that time. I'll +warrant it. You are a good fellow. Don't bother your brains about such +nonsense." + +The third of November, Edmonson and Lord Bulchester sailed from +Liverpool in the "Ariel" for Boston. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +TWO WHO WOULD EXCHANGE PLACES. + + +The winds were baffling, and Edmonson and Lord Bulchester had a longer +voyage than they had counted upon. They found it tedious, and it was +with satisfaction that they at last set foot on land and drove through +the streets of Boston to the Royal Exchange. Edmonson's projects +inspired him rather than made him anxious. It was, of course, possible +that Elizabeth Royal might refuse him, but in his heart he had the +attitude of a Londoner toward provincials and was not burdened with +doubts as to the result of his wooing, and so the one necessary grain of +uncertainty only gave flavor to the whole affair. + +A few hours after his arrival he left the house to try his fortune. + +"I may not be home until late," he said to Bulchester. "I shall tackle +pater-familias first, then the young lady herself. It is possible they +will invite me to tea, you know. Don't wait for me if you find anything +to do or anywhere to go in this puritanical hole." And the young man, in +all the tasteful splendor of attire that the times allowed, closed the +door behind him and left Lord Bulchester looking at the oaken panels +which had suddenly taken the place in which his friend had been +standing, and seeing, not these, but Edmonson's fine figure and his bold +smile. + +"No woman can resist his wooing," the nobleman said to himself with a +sigh at the thought of his own indifferent appearance. Therefore it was +with amazement that two hours later coming home from a stroll he learned +that the other had returned, and going to his room found him prone on +the sofa. + +"Why! What is the--," he began, then checked himself, considering that +since only failure could be the matter, this was hardly a generous +question. + +"Headache," growled Edmonson. "No," he cried with an oath, "that is a +lie," and springing up, turned blood-shot eyes upon his companion. "I am +mad, Bulchester," he cried, "raving mad. It is all over with me in that +quarter." + +"She has refused you? Or the father has?" + +"Hang it! they couldn't do anything else, either of them. I did not see +Mistress Royal, Mistress Archdale, rather. Yes, married!" as Bulchester +echoed the name. "There's been an interesting drama with one knave and +two fools. If I could only catch the knave! Perhaps it is as well to let +the fools go, since I can't help it." He was silent a moment. Then after +a moment he added. "Well! what is the use of cursing one's luck?" "There +are several others I know of doing the same thing at this moment, and I +like to be original. I declare, if he didn't stand in my way, I should +be tempted to pity young Archdale. He wishes himself in my shoes as +much, and I suspect a good deal more, than I do myself in his. I don't +wonder that the young lady keeps herself retired for a time. I did not +see her, as I told you. Mr. Royal made as light of the matter as +possible, merely saying that something which might prove to have been a +real marriage ceremony, though he thought not, had taken place in a joke +between his daughter and Stephen Archdale, that the matter was to be +thoroughly investigated at once, and if it turned out that Elizabeth was +not Mistress Archdale, I had his permission to receive her answer from +her own lips. He was guarded enough; but on the way home I met Clinton +who had been one of the guests at Mistress Katie's attempted wedding +last week. He gave me details. Here they are." And these details lost +nothing through Edmonson's racy recital of them. "No, Bulchester," he +finished, "out of six people that I could name mixed up in this affair, +on the whole, I am the best off." + +"Six?" + +"Yes; counting in the love-lorn Waldo; that knave Harwin, who ought to +swing for it; the poor little bride that lost her bridegroom; and the +bridegroom; the young lady that got him when she didn't want him, and +missed me, whom, perhaps (without too much vanity) she did want a +little; and last on the list of wounded spirits, your humble servant. +How wise that man was who said that one sinner destroyed much good. By +the way, Bulchester, who was he? It is an excellent thing to quote in +regard to this affair, and I should like to know where it comes from." + +An anxious expression crossed the other's face as he cried: + +"Good heavens! Edmonson, if you go to quoting the Bible and asking where +the quotation comes from, you will get into awful disgrace with this +strictest-sect-of-our-religion people, and then what will become of the +other scheme that is bound to pull through?" + +"True, most sapient counsellor, and I will be on my guard. To show how I +profit by your sageness, let us drop all thought of this royal maiden +who is probably out of my reach, and attend to the other business. It is +good to have a sympathetic friend, Bul." + +They talked for nearly an hour after this, but not about Edmonson's +wooing. When Bulchester left, the other sat looking after him a moment. + +"Yes," he said to himself, "it is well to have a sympathetic creature +like that sometimes, but not if one tell him all his heart. I hid my +rage well, I passed it off for mere spleen. But we are not a race to get +over things in that way. It is hate, _hate_, I say," And he ground his +teeth, and again threw himself upon the sofa his face downward and +buried in his hands as if he were meditating deeply. + +Edmonson told his friend of having met one of the guests at Katie +Archdale's wedding, but he did not say to him that coming out of Mr. +Royal's house and walking quickly down the street, he had met the +bridegroom himself, and had returned Archdale's bow with a politeness +equally cold, while anger had leaped up within him. Was Archdale going +to call upon his wife? + +Stephen Archdale had come to Boston to collect whatever facts he could +about Harwin, and about the places and the people that the confession +referred to. Nothing was farther from his thoughts than any such visit. +It was his wish that Elizabeth and himself need never meet again, and he +knew that it was hers. Indeed, so far from thinking of the woman who was +perhaps his wife, he was living over again the glimpse he had had of the +one from whom he had been separated. Three days ago he had taken his gun +early in the morning and had gone out hunting, made more miserable than +before by something he had perceived in his father's mind. The Colonel +was not in sympathy with him; he was consoling himself that, after all, +Elizabeth Royal was a richer woman than Katie Archdale. At his light +insinuation of this to his son, the young man had flamed out into a heat +of passion and declared that one golden hair of Katie's head was worth +both Elizabeth and her fortune. He had rushed out of the house with the +wish for destroying something in his mind. As he stopped in the hall to +snatch his gun, the flintlock caught, and tore a hole in the tapestry +hanging. He saw it, pushed the great stag's antlers that the gun had +been swung on a little aside, and covered the torn place. Then he forgot +the accident almost as soon as this was done, left the house and went +striding over the fields, not so much to chase the foxes, as to be +alone. And when that point was gained he would have gone a step further +if he could and escaped from himself also. But he was only all the more +with his own thoughts as he wandered aimlessly through great stretches +of pine trees with the light snow of the night before still white on +their lower boughs, except when in some opening it had melted into +dewdrops in the December sun, and still clung to the trees, ready when +the sun had passed by them towards its setting to turn into filmy +icicles. The sky was brilliant; the long winter already upon the earth +smiled gently, as if to say that its reign would be mild. Stephen went +along so much preoccupied that only the baying of his hound made him +notice the light fox-prints by the roadside. Then the instinct of the +hunter stirred within him, and he followed on, listening now and then to +the distant bark while pursued and the pursuer were going farther away. +He waited, knowing fox nature well and that there were a hundred chances +to one that the creature would come back near the spot from which it was +started. As he waited close by the road which here led through the +woods, two men passed along it without seeing him. They were talking as +they went. Stephen knew them; one was an old man who used to be a +servant in the family when Colonel Archdale was a boy. He had married +long ago and was now living in a little house not far from his old home. +The young man with him was his son. Stephen was in no mood even for a +passing word, and he stood still, perceiving that a clump of bushes hid +him. A few sentences of the conversation reached him through the +stillness, but it meant nothing to him; he was not conscious even of +listening until Katie's name caught his ear. They were talking of this +marriage then, as every body was; he was the gossip of the very +servants. But his attention once caught was held until the speakers +passed out of hearing. Surely they knew nothing about the matter that he +did not. + +"She is such a pretty young lady," said the elder man, "and any girl +would feel it to miss the handsome young master for a husband." + +"Um!" assented the son. "Well, I suppose she will miss the sight of him +if her heart is set upon him, but there is many a young man nicer to my +thinking, and not so proud in his ways." + +"Has he ever been unjust or overbearing to you, Nathan?" inquired the +old man severely. + +"Oh, no, he has been uncommonly civil, he would think it beneath him to +be anything else. I know the cut of him; if he had any spite he would +take it out on a gentleman. He thinks we are made of different clay from +him." And the embryo republican threw back his shoulders impatiently. + +"So we are," returned the other, with the Englishman's ingrained belief +in caste; "but, to be sure, you feel it with some more than with others, +with the young man more than with his father. But I like it better than +the softly way the Colonel has. Stephen is more like his grandfather." + +"His grandfather!" echoed the son. "Why, he was a--." + +"Hush!" cried the other so suddenly and sharply that if the word had +been, uttered at all Stephen lost it, though, now he was listening +eagerly enough. "Do you remember you swore that you would never speak +that word?" + +"Well," returned the young man in a sullen tone, "if I did, what harm in +saying it here with not a soul but you around? And my feeling is," he +went on, "that this broken-off wedding is a judgment for his +grandfather's--." He hesitated. + +"When you learned it by accident, Nathan," returned his father, "you +swore to satisfy me, that you would never speak the word in connection +with him. Who knows what person may be round?" And he glanced cautiously +about him. Stephen half resolved to confront him and force him to tell +this secret. But the very quality in himself which the men had been +discussing held him back until the opportunity had passed. "No, I don't +want you to name it at all, Nathan. That is what you swore," continued +the old man. + +"You have said enough about it," retorted the younger. "I will keep my +word, of course; you know that." His tone was loud with anger. + +"Yes, yes, I know," said his companion, "But, you see, I was fond of the +young master if he was a bit wild; he was a fine, free gentleman, though +he changed very much after this--this accident and his coming over to +the Colonies, which wasn't no ways suited to him like London, only he +found it a good place to get rich in. You see, Nathan, it all happened +this way; he told me about it his own self with tears in his eyes, as I +might say, for his family,--he--." + +But it was in vain that Stephen strained his ears, the voices that had +not been drowned in the noise of footsteps had been growing fainter with +distance, and now were lost altogether. + +So there had been something in the family, thought Stephen, that he knew +nothing about, something that his grandfather had done which this man, +the son of his grandfather's butler, considered had brought down +vengeance on Katie and himself as the grandchildren. The very suggestion +oppressed him in this land of the Puritans, although he told himself +that he believed neither in the vengeance nor even in the crime itself. +But he had not dreamed of anything, anything at all, which had even +shadowed the fair fame of the Archdales. Did his father know of it? +Nothing that Stephen had ever seen in him looked like such knowledge, +but that did not make the son quite sure, for the old butler's remark +about the Colonel's suavity was just; his elaborate manners made Stephen +almost brusque at times, and aroused a secret antagonism in both, so +that they sometimes met one another with armor on, and Stephen's keen +thrust would occasionally penetrate the shield which his father +skilfully interposed between that and some fact. + +That morning Stephen sank down upon a rock near by while his mind ranged +over his recollections to find some clue to this mystery. But he found +none. He was sure that his grandfather had never been referred to as +being connected with anything secret, still less, disgraceful, or +perhaps criminal. It was impossible to imagine where the old butler's +idea came from, but it could not be founded upon truth. Yet, this snatch +of talk which Stephen had heard made him curious and uncomfortable. And +he knew that he must resign himself to feeling so; he could ask his +father, to be sure, but he would get no satisfaction out of that; either +the Colonel did not know, or, evidently he had resolved that there +should seem to be nothing to tell. After all, it did not matter very +much. His thoughts came back to his own position with almost wonder that +anything could have drawn them away from it. While he sat there the +baying of the hound drew nearer, and suddenly a rabbit started up from +a bush on his right. He raised his gun, but instantly lowered it again. +He had not moved, so it had not been he that had startled the rabbit, +but the larger game that was following it. The little creature scampered +away, and in another moment the fox which his dog had started ran past +him. Again he raised his gun and took aim with a hand accustomed to +bring down what he sighted. But to-day the gun dropped once more at his +side, for here was a creature that wanted its life, that was straining +for it. "Let him have the worthless gift if he values it," thought +Archdale, feeling that the gun had better have been turned the other way +in his hands. The fox disappeared after the rabbit, and in another +moment Stephen rose with a sneer at himself, and turned toward home. +Evidently, he could accomplish nothing that day, matters must have gone +hard with him to make him lose even the nerve of a hunter. He whistled +to his dog, but the hound had no intention of giving up the chase as his +master had done, and rushed past in full cry. The young man left him to +follow home at his pleasure, and walked along the road with a sombre +face. Soon the sound of distant bells reached him. A minute after a +sleigh appeared coming toward him from the vanishing point of the road +that here ran straight through the woods for some distance. It made no +difference to Stephen who was in the sleigh. As it came nearer and +nearer he never even glanced at it, until as it was passing, some +instinct, or perhaps eyes fixed upon him, made him look up. He started, +stopped, bowed low, took off his fur cap with deference, holding it in +his hand until the sleigh had gone slowly by. Then he turned and stood +looking after it, the flush that had come suddenly to his face fading +away as his eyes followed Katie Archdale's figure until it was lost to +sight. He could see her clinging to her father's arm; he seemed to see +her face before him for days, her face pale and sad, and so lovely. +Neither had spoken. Mr. Archdale had not waited; what had they to say? +Stephen had not really wished it; every thought was deeper than speech, +and probably Katie, too, had preferred to go on. And yet to pass in this +way--it was like their lives. + +That afternoon he started for Boston. It was doing something. Edmonson +who met him just arrived, need not have feared that he was going to +Elizabeth. He was in the city only to prove that the frolic of that +summer evening had been frolic merely, and that he was still free to +follow that charming face that had passed him by, so reluctantly, he +knew, in the woods. + +[TO BE CONTINUED.] + + * * * * * + +WENDELL PHILLIPS. + + +While delivering an address in Faneuil Hall, in 1875, the late +distinguished Wendell Phillips declared that he had never cast a ballot +in his life. + +Such a confession, coming from the liberty-loving champion of the rights +and freedom of all people, was not a little startling. + +Months later he was requested to explain what seemed to be a serious +inconsistency, as bearing on the question--how can an American citizen +wilfully refrain from the high prerogative of exercising his right and +duty to vote? + +The following is a copy of his letter stating the reason why he had not +voted. + +The letter hitherto has never been made public. It is of historical +value. + + 7 Aug't '76. + + DEAR SIR: + + I am in receipt of your kind note. This is the explanation: + Premising that I entirely agree with you as to the transcendant + importance of the vote and the duty of every citizen to use it--to + let no slight obstacle prevent his voting. + + The few years after I came of age I was moving about and it + happened, curiously enough, that I never lived in one town long + enough to get the vote there and never could be, at the proper + time, in the town where I had the right. + + Then soon I became an abolitionist and conscientiously refused to + vote or accept citizenship under a constitution which ordered the + return of fugitive slaves. + + The XVth. amendment was the first release from this bar, as I + judged. Since that, I have never voted but once. Absence from the + city &c prevented my doing so. _I should have taken special care_ + to be at home if living in a ward where my vote would have availed + anything, or if candidates were such as I could trust. + + Truly, + + WENDELL PHILLIPS. + + * * * * * + +EASY CHAIR. + +BY ELBRIDGE H. GOSS. + + +This is an age of magazines. Every guild, every issue, has its monthly +or quarterly. If a new athletic exercise should be evolved to-morrow, a +new magazine, in its interest, would follow; and there seems to be a +field for every new venture. + +Among our older magazines, Harper's "New Monthly" still pursues its +popular course. In June, 1850, I bought the first number, and from that +day to this it has been one of my household treasures. A complete set, +sixty nine (69) volumes, forms a most excellent library in itself; a +fair compendium of the world's history for the last thirty odd years. +Story, essay, and event, has filled these sixty thousand pages. In +October, 1851, the department called the "Editor's Easy Chair," was +established by Donald G. Mitchell, the genial "Ik: Marvel." Here are his +first words: + +"After our more severe Editorial work is done--the scissors laid in our +drawer, and the monthly record, made as full as our pages will bear, of +history--we have a way of throwing ourselves back into an old red-back +_Easy Chair_, that has long been an ornament of our dingy office, and +indulging in an easy, and careless overlook of the gossiping papers of +the day, and in such chit chat with chance visitors, as keeps us +informed of the drift of the towntalk, while it relieves greatly the +monotony of our office hours." Here is the well remembered flavor of the +"Reveries of a Bachelor" and "Dream-Life"! + +A year or so afterward, George William Curtis became a co-writer of a +part of the articles for this department, and soon after he became the +sole occupant of the now famous "Easy Chair;" and each month, as +regularly as the appearance of the magazine itself, these very +interesting, most readable, and instructive notelets upon the current +topics of the time have appeared. Their pure style, graceful and +delicate humor, and the vast range of culture and observation, give them +a distinctively personal characteristic. He would have made one of our +first novelists; but he has chosen to give the strength of his powers to +journalism, and the study of political affairs. + +It is safe to say that each number of the magazine has had an average of +at least five pages of "Easy Chair," making very nearly or quite two +thousand (2,000) pages in all; or a quantity more than sufficient to +fill two and a half volumes of the sixty nine (69) thus far issued, each +volume containing eight hundred and sixty four (864) pages. Before +beginning to write these delectable tid-bits, he had published "Nile +notes of a Howadji," "The Howadji in Syria," and "Lotus Eating;" soon +after appeared "Potiphar Papers," "Prue and I," and "Tramps." For twenty +years he was constantly on the lecture platform; and for twenty one +years he has been the political editor of "Harper's Weekly." Although +offered missions to the courts of England and Germany, and other +positions of trust and honor, he never accepted; his nearest approach to +the holding of any political office was the accepting of an appointment, +for a while, of the chairmanship of the "Civil Service Advisory Board." +As has been well said by George Parsons Lathrop, "The idea often occurs +to one that he, more than any one else, continues the example which +Washington Irving set: an example of kindliness and good nature blended +with indestructible dignity, and a delicately imaginative mind +consecrating much of its energy to public service." + +As for the "Easy Chair," with me, its leaves are first cut in each fresh +number; and while enjoying the last one, I wondered why some deft hand +had not culled some of the choicest specimens, and that the Harpers had +not given them to the world in a volume by themselves. They are most +certainly worthy of it. A few passages taken here and there, from these +rich fields, will prove this assertion. The subjects treated in the +whole "Easy Chair" number nearly or quite twenty-five hundred +(2,500),--reminiscences of Emerson and Longfellow--first presentation of +a new Oratorios--a celebrated painting--the visit of a Lord Chief +Justice of England,--a vast range of topics. Consult the nine closely +printed octavo pages of their titles in the "Index to the first Sixty +Volumes"--from "Abbott, Commodore, xiii. 271," to "Zurich, University +of, xlviii. 443," and one will be amazed at the great number and variety +of themes upon which the "Easy Chair" has had its say. And it would seem +that its occupant has had some similar thoughts to these, for, in a +recent number there is a retrospective glance--a wondering as to what +future generations may have to say, and wish to know regarding matters +and things of this generation about which it has discoursed: + +"The Easy Chair, mindful of posterity, and of that future loiterer in +the retired alcoves of coming libraries who will turn to the pages of an +old magazine to catch some glimpse of the daily aspect and the homely +fact of our day, which will be then a kind of quaint remembrance, like +the 'Augustan age' of Anne to Victorian epoch, puts here upon record for +his unborn reader--whom he salutes with hope and Godspeed--that the +winter of 1883-4 in the city of New York was a gray and gloomy season +almost beyond precedent, during which the persistent fogs and mists +appeared half to have obliterated the sun." + +Here are a few excerpts which may be called "Gems for the Easy Chair;" +but those given are no better than thousands of others that are +scattered through these many volumes. + +A Madonna. Once in Dresden the Easy Chair climbed into a little room +where an engraver was finishing a picture which is now famous. He had +worked long and faithfully upon it. It was truly a work of love, and it +had cost him his most precious and essential possession for his art--his +eyesight. The engraver was Steinla, and the picture was the Madonna di +Sisto.... It can be seen only by those who go to Dresden. Among pictures +there is none more justly famous, and the devoted engraver toiled long +and patiently, and at such enormous sacrifice to re-produce it, so far +as lines could do it, from the same love and instinct that produced the +picture. + + * * * * * + +PUBLISHERS' DEPARTMENT. + +NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. + + +MIDDLESEX COUNTY MANUAL. By CHARLES COWLEY. LL.D. Penhallow Printing +Company, Lowell, Mass. + +In this handy volume, the "Historical Sketch of the County of +Middlesex," Judge Cowley has made a valuable contribution to the +recorded history of our Commonwealth. He has traced in a clear and +concise manner the important events of Middlesex County from 1643, the +year of its incorporation, down to Shay's Rebellion. + + +REMINISCENCES OF JAMES COOK AVER AND THE TOWN OF AVER. By CHARLES +COWLEY, LL.D. + +This work is one of many for which the public are indebted to Judge +Cowley. It presents many facts of great historical value, and in the +usual pungent and agreeable style of their author. + + +SHOPPELL'S BUILDING PLANS FOR MODERN LOW COST HOUSES. The Co-operative +Building Plan Association, New York. Price, 50 cents. + +This book contains a mass of information to builders and would-be _home +owners_. Its many and varied plans are for the construction of neat, +comfortable and very attractive buildings at very reasonable cost. + + * * * * * + +CORRECTION. + +In the sketch of Saugus in the December number of the BAY STATE MONTHLY, +line 14, on page 149, should read "as early as 1828" instead of +1848.--E.P.R. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. 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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..748bc4d --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #14132 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14132) diff --git a/old/14132-8.txt b/old/14132-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a688ccd --- /dev/null +++ b/old/14132-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4130 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. No. 5, +February, 1885, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. No. 5, February, 1885 + A Massachusetts Magazine + +Author: Various + +Release Date: November 23, 2004 [EBook #14132] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAY STATE MONTHLY *** + + + + +Produced by Joshua Hutchinson, Josephine Paolucci, Cornell University +and the PG Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + +[Illustration: W'm Gaston.] + + + + +THE + +BAY STATE MONTHLY. + +_A Massachusetts Magazine_. + +VOL. II. + +FEBRUARY, 1885. + +No. 5. + + + * * * * * + +WILLIAM GASTON. + +By ARTHUR P. DODGE. + + +Victor Hugo has written: "The historian of morals and ideas has a +mission no less austere than that of the historian of events. The latter +has the surface of civilization, the struggles of the crowns, the births +of princes, the marriages of Kings, the battles, the assemblies, the +great public men, the revolutions in the sunlight, all exterior; the +other historian has the interior, the foundation, the people who work, +who suffer and who wait ... Have these historians of hearts and souls +lesser duties than the historian of exterior facts?" + +There is much unwritten history of the Bay State: of the exterior, much +is recorded; of the interior, far less. Both are valuable to posterity. +It is believed that succeeding ages will hold of far greater value, and +the youth of our day be benefitted more by the study of the underlying +principles and causes of those events which are given a conspicuous +place in history, rather than by the mere record of the surface facts. + +It is profitable to study the habits and methods of individuals who +stand out in bold relief in history. To derive the greatest interest and +value from such lives it is well to follow them from early childhood. +Indeed it is profitable to trace back the ancestry and lineage from +which the man has descended, to study the characteristics peculiar to +each generation, and to note the result of racial mixtures tending to +the typical and representative American of to-day. + +Many prominent men received their first incentive to ambition and +industry and perseverence by reading--when their minds were immature, +but fresh and retentive--of the life and achievements of Benjamin +Franklin and such other grand models for the young. + +No history of a country or state is complete without studies of the +lives of those men who have made and are making history. + +William Gaston comes from an honored and distinguished ancestry on both +his paternal and maternal side as will be seen by the succeeding +genealogical notes. + +He was born at Killingly, Connecticut, October 3, 1820. + + GENEALOGY. + + Jean Gaston was born in France, probably about the year 1600. There + are traditions about the particular family to which he belonged, + but only little is definitely known. He was a Huguenot, and is said + to have been banished from France on account of his religion. His + property was confiscated. His brothers and family, although + Catholics, sent money to him in Scotland for his support. He is + said to have been forty years of age and unmarried when he went to + Scotland. Between 1662 and 1668, during a season of persecution in + Scotland, his sons, John, William, and Alexander, went over into + the north of Ireland, whither many of their friends were fleeing + for safety and religious freedom. There is some uncertainty as to + which of these three brothers was the founder of this branch of the + family, but numerous facts point almost conclusively to John as + such founder. One generation was born in Ireland. + + John Gaston had three sons born in Ireland: William, born about + 1680; lived at Caranleigh Clough Water; John, born 1703-4, died in + America 1783; Alexander, born 1714, died in America. + + The former lived all his days in Caranleigh Clough Water, Ireland, + where he died about 1770. John and Alexander came to New England + during or shortly prior to 1730. Tradition has it that they landed + at Marblehead. From this place they went soon, if not immediately, + to Connecticut. As their ancestors had done, so did they, seek + religious liberty in a foreign land. They were Separatists and + probably were drawn to Voluntown because a Church holding that + faith was there established. Alexander returned to Massachusetts a + few years later, residing in Richmond, where some of his + descendants now reside; but most of that branch of the family are + living in the western states. + + John Gaston was made a freeman of Voluntown at the organization of + its town government in 1736-7. He was a prominent member of the + Separatists Church in that town, the meeting for the settlement of + Reverend Alexander Miller, their pastor, being held at his house. + He was the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. His + three children were born in America: Margaret, born 1737, died + 1810; Alexander, born 1739, was a commissioned officer in the + French and Indian War; John, born 1750, died 1805. + + John Gaston married Ruth Miller, daughter of Reverend Alexander + Miller. Their children were Alexander, born in Voluntown, August 2, + 1772; Margaret, born December 13, 1781. The latter died in early + childhood. + + Alexander Gaston married Olive Dunlap, a daughter of Joshua Dunlap, + of Plainfield, Connecticut, who was born 1769, died in Killingly, + September 7, 1814. He married for his second wife in Killingly, in + April, 1816, Kezia Arnold, daughter of Aaron Arnold, born in + Burrillville, Rhode Island, November, 1779, died in Roxbury, + Massachusetts, January 30, 1856. His death occurred in Roxbury, + February 11, 1856. The children of first marriage: Esther, born + 1804, died 1860; John, born 1806, died 1824. William Gaston, of + whom this sketch is written, was the sole issue of the second + marriage. He was born at Killingly October 3, 1820. With his + parents he moved to Roxbury in the summer of 1838. On December 27, + 1830, was born at Boston, Louisa A. Beecher to whom Mr. Gaston was + married May 27, 1852. Mrs. Gaston is a daughter of Laban S. and + Frances A. (Lines) Beecher, both of whom were natives of New Haven, + Connecticut, and were direct descendants of the very first settlers + of Connecticut in 1638. The children of Governor and Mrs. Gaston + were: Sarah Howard, William Alexander, and Theodore Beecher. The + latter was born February 8, 1861; died July 16, 1869. + + The death of Theodore was a severe blow to his family. He was a + beautiful and promising boy. This sad calamity seemed like the + withdrawal of sunlight from the household, causing his loving + parents the keenest anguish. + + Of this branch of the family there are but very few relatives of + Governor Gaston. His son William is the only male representative of + his generation. It is, singularly enough, true that in his family + line of descent there have been three generations where each had + but one male representative, and two generations having but one + representative of either sex. Thus the Carolina Gastons are of the + nearest kindred to Governor Gaston's particular branch. + + Kezia (Arnold) Gaston, the mother of Governor Gaston, was a + daughter of Aaron Arnold and Rhoda (Hunt) Arnold, and a lineal + descendant of Thomas Arnold, who, with his brother William, came to + New England in 1636. William Arnold went to Rhode Island with Roger + Williams, being one of the fifty-four proprietors of that + Plantation. His brother Thomas followed him there in 1654. The + latter was born in England in 1599, probably in Leamington, that + being the birth-place of his brother William. His second wife was + Phoebe Parkhurst, daughter of George Parkhurst of Watertown, + Massachusetts. The family record is carried back to 1100, being + undoubtedly accurate to about the year 1570, when the name Arnold + was first used as a surname; possibly accurate throughout. + + The arms of the Family; Gules, a chevron ermine between three + Pheons, or; appear on the tombstone of Oliver Arnold, and of + William Arnold, the original settler. The same arms are on a tablet + in the Parish Church of Churcham in Gloucestershire, England, + placed there in memory of his ancestor John Arnold of Lanthony, + Monmouthshire, afterwards of Hingham, who acquired the manor of + Churcham in 1541. + + + TRADITIONS. + + The most ancient written record of the family which the writer has + consulted was written by John Roseborough, late Clerk of the + Circuit Court, Chester District, South Carolina. He was the son of + Alexander Roseborough and Martha Gaston, whose father, William + Gaston of Caranleigh Clough Water, Ireland, was grandson of Jean + Gaston, the Huguenot ancestor of the family. + + The statement is as follows, the words enclosed in parenthesis + being supplied by way of information. + + "Jean Gaston emigrated from France to Scotland on account of his + religion, as a persecution then raged against the Protestants. He + had two sons who emigrated from Scotland to Ireland between 1662 + and 1668 during a time of persecution in Scotland. There was a John + and a William, but which of them was the ancestor of our + grandfather is not known. William Gaston, my grandfather, lived at + Caranleigh Clough Water. He married Miss Lemmon and had four sons + and as many daughters: John Gaston (King's Justice) died on Fishing + Creek, near Cedar Shoal, Chester District, South Carolina; Rev. + Hugh Gaston, author of 'Concordance and Collections'; Dr. Alexander + Gaston, killed by the British at Newbern, South Carolina (father of + Judge William Gaston); Robert Gaston, and William Gaston." + + One fact is established, that many of Jean Gaston's descendants had + settled in America before the Revolution and were actively engaged + in that contest for liberty. + +Springing from such ancestry in which are joined the characteristics of +the French Huguenot, the Scotch Presbyterian, the Scotch-Irish patriot, +the follower of Roger Williams, the May Flower Pilgrim, one is not +surprised to find in William Gaston a strong man; a man who inherited as +a birthright the qualities of leadership. + +His father was a well known merchant of Connecticut, of sterling +integrity, and of remarkably strong force of character. He was +commissioned a Captain at the early age of twenty-two, and was for many +years in the Legislature. The father of the latter was also in the +Connecticut Legislature for many years. + +In early youth William gave promise of a superb manhood by displaying +those qualities which have since distinguished him. He was a studious +boy, eager for knowledge. He attended the Academy in Brooklyn, +Connecticut, and subsequently fitted for College at the Plainfield +Academy. At the age of fifteen he left his quiet village home for Brown +University, where his intellect was trained in a routine sanctioned by +the experience of centuries, and where contact with his fellows soon +roused his ambition and gave him confidence in his own ability to enter +the struggle with the world for place and honor. William, having a +married sister, who was many years his senior, residing in Providence, +his father decided to send him, then scarcely more than a lad, to Brown +University where he would be surrounded by family influences and enjoy +the social advantages offered by his sister's home. He maintained a high +rank, graduating with honors in 1840. + +For his life work he decided upon the legal profession--a wise choice as +subsequent time has shown his peculiar fitness therefor. He first +entered the office of Judge Francis Hilliard of Roxbury, remaining for a +time and then continued his legal studies with the distinguished +lawyers and jurists Charles P. and Benjamin R. Curtis of Boston, with +whom he remained until his admission to the Bar in 1844. + +At Roxbury in 1846 he opened his first law office, taking comparatively +soon a leading position at the Bar. He there continued his practice +until 1865 when he formed with the late Hon. Harvey Jewell and the since +associate justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, the Hon. Walbridge A. +Field, the famous and successful law firm, having offices at number 5 +Tremont street, of Jewell, Gaston and Field. This firm continued until +the election of Mr. Gaston to the gubernatorial chair of Massachusetts +in 1874. He was the Democratic candidate the year previous for this +office, his competitor being Mr. Washburn, who was elected but did not +long retain the chair of State, being elected to the United States +Senate. At the convention nominating William B. Washburn for Governor +there were four other candidates for the honor: Alexander H. Rice, +George B. Loring, Harvey Jewell and Benjamin F. Butler. The latter +created no little unquiet by the zeal and strength of his support. The +upshot was that there was a harmonious combination of the forces of the +four contestants of Butler upon Mr. Washburn. It is remembered that some +of the party organs were upon nettles, fearing that General Butler would +bolt the nomination, but he came out squarely and declared that as he +had staked his issues with the convention he would abide the result. + +In the canvass of 1874 Mr. Gaston was opposed by Hon. Thomas Talbot, +who, by reason of Governor Washburn's election to the Senate as stated, +was acting as Governor, having been elected Lieutenant Governor on the +ticket with Mr. Washburn. Governor Gaston's majority over Mr. Talbot was +7,033. In the following canvass of 1875, Mr. Gaston having been +re-nominated by the Democracy, his competitor was Hon. Alexander H. +Rice. By this time, that part of the country represented by the +strongly-intrenched Republican party, was fully aroused to the exigency +of the hour. The edict came from the political centre at Washington to +the effect that the Republican party could not stand another defeat in +Massachusetts, especially on the eve of a presidential campaign. The +national organization concentrated a wonderfully _efficient_ auxiliary +force in aid of the intense activity already exerted by the local +managers, who so well understood the popularity of Mr. Gaston and of the +strong hold he had upon the people. It seems now that the Democratic +managers accepted or anticipated failure as a foregone conclusion, and +no great fight was made; otherwise they would probably have won the +election, as Mr. Rice was elected by only the small plurality of 5,306 +votes. This is very significant, taken in connection with the fact that +General Grant carried Massachusetts in 1872 by 74,212 majority. + +In 1876, that memorable year--memorable as the year of the electoral +commission--Governor Gaston magnanimously declined the re-nomination, +which a large majority of the convention was undoubtedly eager to +confer. The nomination of Charles Francis Adams was to the rank and file +and to the party managers a disappointment, and the enthusiasm that he +was expected to arouse was not materialized. + +The press of the State justly commended Mr. Gaston's conduct in not +forcing his own nomination, a course so completely in accord with his +character, and his entire devotion to the party welfare. He did not +display the least semblance of self-seeking. + +He has seen not a little of public life, but with the exception of five +years, has succeeded in conducting his large and important professional +practice the entire period from his early beginning to this day. The +five years referred to were: two years, 1861 and 1862, while he was +Mayor of the city of Roxbury; the two years, 1871 and 1872, as Mayor of +Boston (this being after the annexation of Roxbury), and the year 1875 +when Governor. + +His mayoralty term of Roxbury antedated the years he was Mayor of Boston +by just ten years. While such Mayor of Roxbury in 1861-2 he was very +active in speechmaking and raising troops in preservation of the +American Union. He went to the front several times, and was +enthusiastically patriotic during the entire critical period. + +He was five years City Solicitor of Roxbuxy. In 1853 and 1854 he was +elected to the Legislature as a Whig, and in 1856 was re-elected by a +fusion of Whigs and Democrats in opposition to the Know-Nothing +candidate. In 1868, although the district was strongly Republican, he +was elected as a Democrat to the State Senate. + +In the fall of 1872 Mr. Gaston positively declined the further use of +his name in the Mayoralty election in Boston that year. He concluded to +be a candidate, however, upon the earnest solicitation of so many of the +best citizens, and of the press, and in consideration of the perfectly +unanimous action of the ward and city committee, in reporting in favor +of his re-nomination and speaking of him as a man pre-eminently +qualified for the duties which required "wisdom, discretion, firmness +and courage when needed, combined with the most exalted integrity and +unselfish devotion to the honor, welfare, and prosperity of the city." + +In commenting on this subject the _Post_ in an editorial, November 26, +1872, said in commendation of the above words of the committee: "The +language employed is none too strong or emphatic. The history of Mayor +Gaston's two administrations is an eminently successful one, so far as +he is personally responsible for them, and there is not the least room +to question that if he were to be re-elected and supported by a board of +aldermen of similar character and purpose the city would at once find +the uttermost requirements of its government satisfied." In that +election in December, 1872, for the year 1873 his opponent, Hon. Henry +L. Pierce, was declared elected Mayor by only seventy-nine plurality. +This fact indicates Mr. Gaston's popularity, as General Grant had +carried Boston the year previous by about 5,500 majority. As her +Representative, her presiding officer, her head of affairs, Mayor Gaston +was a success; an honor to the great city which honored him. + +In 1870 he was a candidate for Congress, but failed of an election, Hon. +Ginery Twitchell receiving a majority of the votes. + +In 1875 Harvard College and also his Alma Mater, Brown University, +conferred upon him the degree of LL.D. + +While he was Governor the somewhat notorious Jesse Pomeroy case was the +occasion of more or less criticism; the Governor himself receiving _pro_ +and _con_ his full share thereof. He was in some instances charged with +a lack of firmness, but time has completely vindicated his course. Many +of those alleging at the time the Governor's want of "back-bone" have +lived long enough to fully realize that his firmness consisted in +adhering with an honest persistency to his convictions, indicating the +identical course he pursued in that as in all other matters of public +import. + +Among those who know him best there exists the consciousness that Mr. +Gaston is not only an exceedingly cautious man, but consistently +conscientious. Bringing such lofty principles, together with a +discerning mind and sound judgement, into activity in the discharge of +his duty, his administration was, it was generally conceded, a wise one. +It should be borne in mind that he occupied a somewhat novel position, +there having been no Democratic Governor of the State for many years. +The scrutiny directed to him and his acts was intense. His success in +bringing his official relations as excessive to such a happy termination +is abundant proof of his being the man this paper endeavors to picture +him. + +It was during his term of office that the lamented Henry Wilson died. At +the State House, in Doric Hall, in November, 1875, Governor Gaston, on +receiving the sacred remains in behalf of the Commonwealth, said in his +address to the committee: "Massachusetts receives from you her +illustrious dead. She will see to it that he whose dead body you bear to +us, but whose spirit has entered upon its higher service, shall receive +honors befitting the great office which in life he held, and I need not +assure you that her people, with hearts full of respect, of love, and of +veneration, will not only guard and protect the body, the coffin, and +the grave, but will also ever cherish his name and fame. Gentlemen, for +the pious service which you have so kindly and tenderly rendered, accept +the thanks of a grateful Commonwealth." + +Among the appointments made by Governor Gaston were the following: that +of the late Hon. Otis P. Lord to be Associate Justice of the Supreme +Judicial Court; Honorable Waldo Colburn and Honorable William S. Gardner +to Associate Justiceships of the Superior Court. + +The writer has preserved in his scrap books various selections from Mr. +Gaston's public utterances, so excellent and so numerous that it would +be difficult to single out any of them for insertion here, even would +space permit so doing. + +It is incomparable, the duties he has performed, the labors he has +accomplished. His life is, and ever has been, a busy life. One marvels +to know how he accomplishes so much. + +In the political world, in literature, in the legal profession, +monuments have arisen in testimony of his toil. + +As a lawyer his successes have been such as have been vouchsafed to but +few. The word success is applied both where it ought to be applied and +where not deserved. Gaining great wealth, distinguished professional +standing, extensive political renown, pre-eminence in other avenues may +be, or may not be, in the highest sense, success. Most men of strong +points are sadly deficient in other and essential traits needed to +constitute a well-biased, grandly-rounded life. It is rare, indeed, that +a person is encountered possessing such well-proportioned, +evenly-balanced, distinguishing characteristics as it has been Mr. +Gaston's lot to enjoy. + +His steady, onward march over the rough places and up the hill in his +learned profession abundantly attest his greatness. No being can occupy, +nor even approach, the very foremost rank in the legal arena save he be +great. Of all representatives of human experiences the lawyer, and more +particularly the advocate, has the least opportunity to occupy falsely a +position of real prominence. Advocacy is the most jealous of +mistresses. Undoubtedly it is true that nowhere else must there be ever +present and ever ready to respond at a moment's notice such a happy +combination of those qualities already noted. + +It is not long ago that one of the most worthy of Boston's Judges +remarked to the writer: "You can count the really excellent advocates at +the Suffolk Bar upon the fingers of both hands." He began by naming the +subject of this sketch, following with the names of Honorable A.A. +Ranney, Honorable William G. Russell, Honorable Robert M. Morse, Jr., +and others. The learned Judge must, it seems, have had in mind a very +high standard of advocacy, for there are not a few among the something +like two thousand Boston lawyers who have well earned, and justly, the +right to be called able and eloquent. + +In his historical article entitled "The Bench and Bar," by Erastus +Worthington, and contained in the "History of Norfolk County, +Massachusetts," after writing of those eminent advocates, Ezra Wilkinson +and John J. Clarke, he refers to Governor Gaston and Judge Colburn in +the following words: "The successors to the leadership of the bar, after +the retirement of Mr. Wilkinson and Mr. Clarke, were William Gaston of +Roxbury, and Waldo Colburn of Dedham. Mr. Gaston was not admitted to +practice in this county, but he studied law with Mr. Clarke, and +practiced in this county for many years, and considered himself a +Norfolk lawyer. He was an eloquent and successful advocate and had an +excellent practice. He had removed to Boston prior to the annexation of +Roxbury. + +"Mr. Colburn practiced in Dedham until he was appointed an Associate +Justice of the Superior Court in 1875. He attained a high position in +his profession as a wise counsellor, an able trier of causes, and a +lawyer in whose hands the interests of his clients were always safe." + +On his election to the Governorship Mr. Gaston absolutely relinquished +his practice and gave his undivided attention to the duties of his +office. He had been quite unable to devote his customary labor to the +benefit of his law partnership and the good of their clientage during +the two years that he was Mayor of Boston. + +When he retired from the executive chair it is said that he had neither +a "case" nor a client. + +He took offices in Sears Building and it was not long before he was +again enjoying a large and lucrative practice. In 1879 he took into +partnership C.L.B. Whitney, Esq.; and last year William A. Gaston, Esq., +was admitted to the firm. + +An imperishable chain binds Ex-Governor Gaston to the bright side of the +history of the Commonwealth. His life and its renown are one and +inseparable. Such is the inevitable result of a life that has ever been +linked to honorable endeavors and principles. So thoroughly identified +with, and endeared to, her best interests, it is difficult to believe +that Massachusetts can claim him by adoption only. In private life Mr. +Gaston is all that can be desired. He is quiet, and remarkably modest +and unassuming. + +He enjoys the delightful home quietness away from his labors. But what +little time he has for such enjoyment! He seems to love work. How he has +performed so much of it is a wonder, although it is well known that he +inherits and enjoys remarkable powers of endurance. Among his favorite +authors are Scott and Burke. He is temperate, refined in his habits, has +the manners of a perfect gentleman, and deserves the blessed fruits of a +well directed life. + + * * * * * + +REMINISCENCES OF DANIEL WEBSTER. + +BY HON. GEORGE W. NESMITH, LL.D. + + +The following is a copy of a letter originally addressed to Rev. Mr. +Savage of Franklin, N.H. The original is dated October 10, 1852, +fourteen days before the decease of Mr. Webster. It was dictated to his +Clerk, C.J. Abbott, Esq. It was the same letter that gave rise to the +humorous anecdote, so well related by Mr. Curtice in his Biography of +Mr. Webster, vol. 2, page 683. + +We now present this letter to the public to show how worthily one of the +last days of Mr. Webster was employed. In this case he presented a +_Peace Offering_ to old friends, which proved effectual in preventing a +severe litigation and consequent loss of money and friendship: + + "MARSHFIELD, Oct. 10, 1852. + + MY DEAR SIR: I learn that there is likely to be a lawsuit between + Mr. Horace Noyes and his Mother respecting his father's will. + + This gives me great pain. Mr. Parker Noyes and myself have been + fast friends for near a half century. I have known his wife also + from a time before her marriage, and have always felt a warm regard + for her, and much respect for her connexions in Newburyport. Mr. + Horace Noyes and his wife I have long known. Her grandfather, Major + Nathan Taylor, late of Sanbornton, was an especial friend of my + father, and I learned to love everybody upon whom he set his + _Stamp_. + + These families during many years have been my most intimate friends + and neighbors whenever I have been in Franklin. It would wound me + exceedingly if any thing as a Lawsuit should now occur between + Mother and Son. It would very much destroy my interest in the + families, and whatever might be the result, it could not but cast + some degree of reflection upon the memory of Parker Noyes. I know + nothing of the circumstances except what I learn from Mr. John + Taylor, and I do not wish to express any judgement of my own as to + what ought to be done, at least without more full information, but + I do think it a case for Christian Intercession. And the particular + object of this Letter is to invite your attention, and that of the + members of the Church, to it in this aspect. Mr. Noyes is + understood to have left a very pretty property, but a controversy + about his Will would very likely absorb one half of it. My end is + accomplished, my dear Sir, when I have made these Suggestions to + you. You will give them such consideration, as you think they + deserve. It has given me pleasure to hope that I might write half a + dozen pages respecting Mr. Parker Noyes, and our long friendship, + but I could have no heart for this if a family feud after his death + was to come in, and overwhelm all pleasant recollections. + + I dictate this letter to my clerk, as the state of my eyes preclude + me from writing much with my own hand. + + Yours with sincere regard, + + DAN'L. WEBSTER. + REV. Mr. SAVAGE + FRANKLIN, N.H." + +This interesting letter produced the happy effect of reconciling the +contending parties, and bringing about an honorable and satisfactory +settlement of all difficulties between them. The letter was timely, +bringing healing in its wings. Here were "words fitly spoken, like +apples of gold in pictures of silver;" to the parties it soon was the +_voice_ from the _dead_, "proclaiming peace on earth, and good will +towards men." As adviser and counsel of the mother, my own exertions for +peace had proved impotent, but the letter of the eminent dying +statesman, containing the salutary advice of an old friend, proved +irresistible in its influence, and brought to the troubled waters +immediate quiet, without resort to the Church or other legal tribunal. + +Mr. Webster made allusion to the honored name of Taylor, then of +Sanbornton. Both father, and son were brave officers of Revolutionary +stock. The father, Captain Chase Taylor, commanded a company composed +chiefly of Sanbornton and Meredith men, at the battle of Bennington, on +the sixteenth of August, 1777, and was there severely wounded--his left +leg being broken, which disabled him for life. He died in 1805. In 1786 +he received a small pension from the State. His surgeon, Josiah Chase of +Canterbury, and his Colonel, Stickney of Concord, each furnishing their +certificates in his behalf. Early in the history of the Revolutionary +war the son, Nathan Taylor, was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the +Corps of Rangers, commanded by Colonel Whitcomb. Lieutenant Taylor had +the command of a small detachment of fourteen men. On the sixteenth day +of June, 1777, being stationed on the western bank of Lake Champlain, at +a place which has ever since been called _Taylor's Creek_, he was +surprised by a superior force of Indians. Taylor bravely resisted this +attack, and was successful in driving the enemy off, though at the +expense of a severe wound in his right shoulder. Three others of his +band were also wounded. Both father and son were confined at home in the +same house several months before recovery from their wounds. Lieutenant +Taylor returned to active service in the army. He afterwards received +the military title of Major, and occupied many civil offices after the +war in his own town, as well as in behalf of the State. He was member of +the House of Representatives, also of the Senate and Council, for a +number of years. He died in March, A.D. 1840, aged 85, much lamented. + +Then there was John Taylor of Revolutionary fame. He and many of his +descendants have occupied high and enviable stations in Sanbornton, and +their biography and good deeds have been ably commemorated by the +historian, Rev. M.T. Runnels. In adhering to the Taylor families Mr. +Webster obeyed the injunction of Solomon who said, "Thine own friend, +and thy _father's friend_ forsake not." Mr. Webster's letter furnishes +strong evidence, that he did not forsake "his own friend," _Parker +Noyes_. The friendship between these men commenced when Mr. Noyes +entered the _Law_ office of Thomas W. Thompson as early as 1798, and +continued intimate, cordial, unabated, "_fast_" during their lives. The +earthly existence of both terminated in the same year, Mr. Noyes having +deceased August, 19, 1852, and Mr. Webster on the twenty-fourth of the +succeeding October. + +The dwelling houses of both in Franklin were within the distance of +twenty rods; their intercourse was frequent during the last fifty-four +years of their lives. + +During the time Mr. Webster practiced law in New Hampshire they often +met at the same bar, and measured intellectual lances in various legal +contests. These meetings were most frequent when Mr. Webster first +settled in Boscawen in 1805, and for the next two years, before his +removal to Portsmouth. + +We were present in A.D. 1848, when these two friends met and recited +many of the interesting and humorous events that occurred in their early +practice. In those days, they often had for a veteran client a man who +then resided in West Boscawen, now Webster, by the name of Corser. He +was represented as one who loved the law, not for its pecuniary profits, +but for its exciting, stimulating effects. It was said of him, that at +the end of a term of the Court, once held at Hopkinton, he was found +near the Court House by a friend, shedding tears. The friend inquired +the cause of his great sorrow. His answer was, "I have _no longer_ a +_case in court._" The same Corser had been a Revolutionary soldier, and +belonged to the army when discharged by Washington at Newburg, at the +termination of the war. He had but little money to bear his expenses +home. When he reached Springfield, Massachusetts, his money was +exhausted, and he was obliged to resort to his talent at begging. +Accordingly he called at a farm house, and requested the good loyal lady +of the establishment to give him a pie, adding at the same time, that he +wanted _another_ for his _Brother Jonathan_. The lady well supposing +that his Brother Jonathan was then his companion in arms, and in the +street suffering with hunger, readily granted his request, when in truth +and in fact Jonathan was then at home cultivating his farm in Boscawen. + +Brother Jonathan, upon learning the conduct of his brother, rebuked him +for useing his name, instead of his own, thereby deceiving the good +woman. In justification of his conduct, the brother answered, "My hunger +was great. I contrived to satisfy it. The kind woman had my thanks; you +was not injured. At most, by strict morals, I committed only a _pious +fraud_ in getting two pies, instead of one." Mr. Webster remarked, that +he was once present when this case was stated, and argued by the two +brothers, and was much interested in the discussion of the celebrated +pie case. + + * * * * * + +THE DARK DAY. + +BY ELBIDGE H. GOSS. + + +The Spragues of Melrose, formerly North Malden, were one of the old +families. They descended from Ralph Sprague, who settled in Charlestown +in 1629. The first one, who came to Melrose about the year 1700, was +named Phineas. His grandson, also named Phineas, served during the +Revolutionary War, and a number of interesting anecdotes are told about +him. He was a slaveholder, and Artemas Barrett, Esq., a native of +Melrose, owns an original bill of sale of "a negro woman named Pidge, +with one negro boy;" also other documents, among which is Mr. Sprague's +diary, wherein he gives the following account of the wonderfully dark +day in 1780, a good reminder of which we experienced September 6, 1881, +a century later: + + FRIDA May the 19th 1780. + + This day was the most Remarkable day that ever my eyes beheld the + air had bin full of smoak to an uncommon degree so that wee could + scairce see a mountain at two miles distance for 3 or 4 days Past + till this day after Noon the smoak all went off to the South at + sunset a very black bank of a cloud appeared in the south and west + the Nex morning cloudey and thundered in the west about ten oclock + it began to Rain and grew vere dark and at 12 it was almost as dark + as Nite so that wee was obliged to lite our candels and Eate our + dinner by candel lite at noon day but between 1 and 2 oclock it + grew lite again but in the evening the cloud came, over us again, + the moon was about the full it was the darkest Nite that ever was + seen, by us in the world.[A] + +[Footnote A: This was printed in the sketch of Melrose in "History of +Middlesex County," vol. II.] + + * * * * * + +NAMES AND NICKNAMES. + +BY GILBERT NASH. + + +To the antiquarian, the historian, or the general scholar, there are few +more interesting studies than that of names. It is a pursuit of rare +delight to trace out the derivation of those with which we have been +long familiar, and to follow up the associations that have rendered them +dear, curious or ridiculous, as the case may be. The names themselves +may be of no value, but the spot or circumstance that gave them birth +cannot fail to throw around them an atmosphere of peculiar interest. The +subject is a broad one and may be, with time and inclination, +extensively cultivated; and, even in the limits of a short article, many +phases of it of general importance and interest may be satisfactorily +treated, and it is proposed in the following paragraphs to present only +a few of them. + +In the present rage for nicknames, pet names, diminutives and +contractions there is fair prospect of an abundant harvest of trouble +and perplexity to the genealogist and historian of the future. In fact, +the students of the present day are already beginning to realize, in no +small degree, the annoyance that arises from the custom. The changes are +so many and intricate that to understand them fully requires much +valuable time and the patience that could better be employed in more +important work. + +The difficulty arises, of course, from indifference, inadvertence or +carelessness, rather than from set purpose; yet the result is the same +in its evil effects. It is true there are some of these nicknames that +have been so long in use, and have become so common that no one is +disturbed by them and their employment, and they are readily understood. +Many of these, however, have served their turn and are gradually going +out of use, and will, in a short time, be only "dead words" to the +community. + +Of this class are the familiar favorites of our grandparents, such as +Sally, for Sarah; Polly or Molly, for Mary; Patty, for Martha, and +Peggy, for Margaret, representative names of the class. Some of these, +with perhaps slight changes, have become legitimatized, and their origin +has been nearly, or quite, forgotten. Of such we recognize Betsy, or its +modern equivalent, Bettie or Bessie, as a very proper name. Few, +perhaps, of our present generation would recognize in "Nancy," the +features of its parent, "Ann" or "Nan." + +Some of these old nicknames have already gone nearly or quite out of +use, so much so that many of our young people will be surprised to learn +that Patty was, not long ago, the vernacular for Martha, and would never +imagine that "Margaret" could ever have responded to the call of +"Peggy;" "Hitty" and "Kitty," for the staid and sober "Mehitable," and +the volatile Katherine, are more easily recognized, while it might +require several guesses to establish the relationship between "Milly" +and "Amelia," or "Emily." + +Stranger than either, perhaps because both the proper name and its +diminutive have become so uncommon, is that transformation which reduced +"Tabitha," to "Bertha," with the accent upon the first syllable, and its +vowel long. A curious instance of the change in this name, and the +further variation made in it in consequence of its forgotten +derivation, has recently occurred in the record of the death of an old +lady who was baptized "Tabitha," called in her youth "Bitha," and now in +her obituary styled Mrs. "Bertha," probably from the similarity of sound +to her youthful nickname. Her relatives of the present generation had +forgotten her real name and knew her only under that of an imitation of +her diminutive. The transition from "Bitha" to "Bertha" is easy, but how +is the perplexed genealogist to ascertain the original when he has only +the records for his guide? + +Such illustrations might be multiplied almost indefinitely, but those +already given are enough to show what an infinite amount of trouble has +come and must still come from their continued usage. They also serve +well to show with how much care and watchfulness the historian must +pursue his work; how constantly he must be upon his guard, and how +closely and critically he must scrutinize the names that pass under his +eye. + +Nor was this custom of nicknames confined to the daughters of the +family, but the boys, also, were among its subjects, perhaps in not so +great a variety, yet very general. Among the more common we only need +mention such as Bill, Ned, Jack, and Frank, to illustrate this. Nor were +there wanting among the masculine nicknames those whose derivations seem +very remote and far-fetched, as "El" for "Alphus;" "Hal" for "Henry;" +"Jot" for "Jonathan;" "Seph" for "Josephus;" "Nol" for "Oliver;" "Dick" +for "Richard," and a multitude of others equally well known. + +The instances named are old and have been in general use so long that +those who are called upon to deal with them are upon their guard and not +likely to be led astray by them, but the class of pet names, now, for a +few years in use, will necessarily be more misleading because they are +new, and in many cases very blind; in many instances the same nickname +being used to represent perhaps a dozen different proper names, so that +it is impossible to tell, from the nickname, what the real name is. +Among the most annoying of this class are those that not only represent +several names each, but are masculine or feminine, as occasion calls. + +Of the latter class are "Allie" for Alice, Albert or Alexander, and +"Bertie," used in place of so many that it is needless to specify, the +latter being the worst of its species, since it is wholly indefinite, +applying equally to boy or girl, and for a multitude of either sex, some +of which are so far-fetched that all possible connection is lost in the +journey of transmission. Most of the old fashioned nicknames indicate +the sex quite distinctly, and in this they have much the advantage of +some of their modern competitors. They were also much more expressive if +not so euphonious. A person need but glance at any of our town records +for the past few years to see how the use of these pet names has +increased, and it requires no prophet to foresee what confusion must +naturally arise from the continuance of the custom, and how difficult it +will be in the near future to follow the record accurately. + +Another and very different class of nicknames are those derived from +accident or local circumstance, and have no other connection with the +real name of the person to whom they are attached, and to whom they +cling as a foul excrescence long after the circumstances that called +them forth is forgotten. These sometimes originate at home in childhood, +at school among playmates, or after the arrival of the person at mature +age, and are oftentimes ridiculous in the extreme. They are nearly +always a source of great mortification to those who so unwillingly bear +them, who would give almost anything to rid themselves of the nuisance; +yet these, once fixed, seldom lose their hold, but must be borne with +the best grace possible. + +It will not be necessary to cite instances of this class, as every one +will recall many such that it might be highly improper to mention +publicly as being personal or taken to be so. Some are simply indicative +of temperament; some of a peculiarity of manner, or a locality in which +they happened to have first seen the light; and others, perhaps the most +unfortunate of all and the most mischievous, are derived from an +ill-timed word or act, said or done in a moment of passion or +thoughtlessness, which the individual would like to recall at almost any +price, but cannot. The saddest of all are those unfortunates, for there +are such, to whom their parents, they knew not why, gave such names. + +Another class are those given at first as a term of reproach or +disgrace, accepted without protest, and afterwards borne as a title of +honor. The name "Old Hickory" will at once suggest itself as such an +instance. Truly fortunate is the person who has the tact and is in +circumstances to do this, and thus turn the weapons of his enemies +against themselves. There are others, again, whose character and +position are such that they permit no familiarity, and every name of +reproach or ridicule rolls off like shot from the iron shell of the +monitor. The name of our Washington suggests such an individual. Whoever +for an instant thought of approaching him with familiarity, or of +applying to him a nickname as a term of reproach or ridicule, or even as +an expression of good nature. + +As will be readily seen, the evil resulting from this custom is wide +spread and alarming. It would also seem to be almost without remedy, +since it is the result of irresponsible action, committed by persons who +are not fully aware of what they are doing, by those who are +indifferent, as to what may follow, or by those who are actuated by +malice; against these there is no law except the steady, persistent +movement of the thinking public setting its face squarely against the +practice, with the passage of time, which usually brings about, we know +not always how, the remedy for such evils; but we are seldom willing to +wait for such a cure. + +As before intimated parents are sometimes guilty of this offence, and +thus place upon a child a stigma that will follow it through life. A +little care on their part will remedy the evil, to that extent, and they +surely should be willing to do their share in the work. Teachers and +those who have the charge of the young are sometimes thoughtless enough +to commit the same fault. Should it not be crime? For they have no right +to be thus inconsiderate, when a little restraint upon their part will +prevent the wrong as far as they are concerned. With these two +influences setting in the right direction, added to that of the thinking +community, a current may very likely be formed that shall obliterate +wholly the custom and deliver us from its attendant difficulties. + +Another practice now quite common, and one which bids fair to create +much confusion, is that which permits the wife to take the Christian +name of her husband: for instance, Mrs. Mary, wife of John Smith, signs +her name Mrs. John Smith, a name which has no legal existence, which she +is entitled to use only by courtesy, and which should be allowed in +none but necessary cases to distinguish her from some other bearing the +same name, or to address her when her own Christian name is not known. +Mrs. is but a general title to designate the class of persons to which +she belongs, and not a name, any more than Mr. or Esq. Who ever knew a +man to sign his name Mr. so and so, or so and so, Esq.? + +To show the absurdity and impropriety of this misuse of the name it will +be needful to mention but a single illustration. Suppose a note or check +is made payable to Mrs. John Smith. Mrs. being only a title, and no part +of the name, the endorsement would be plain John Smith, and nobody, not +even his wife, has any right to forge his signature. An instrument thus +drawn is a mistake, since no one can be authorized to execute it. + +The trouble to the genealogist and historian is of a somewhat different +nature, since he merely desires to identify the individual and cares +nothing about the money value of the document. Much the safer and better +way is for the wife always to sign and use her proper name and to add, +if she thinks it necessary to be more explicit, "wife of," using her +husband's name. By doing this a vast deal of perplexity would be +avoided, and sometimes a serious legal difficulty. + +Another custom, as common, and quite a favorite one with many married +ladies, is that which changes her middle name by substituting her maiden +surname; for example, Mary Jane Smith marries James Gray, and +immediately her name is assumed to be Mary Smith Gray, instead of Mary +Jane Gray, her legal name. The wife, if she so chooses, has the right by +general consent, if not by law, to retain her full name, adding her +husband's surname; but she has no right to use her own maiden surname in +place of her discarded middle name. Much confusion might arise from this +practice, as the following illustration will show. Mary Jane Gray +receives a check payable to her order, and she, being in the habit of +signing her name Mary Smith Gray, thus endorses it, and forwards it by +mail or otherwise for collection, and is surprised when it comes back to +her to be properly executed. + +Again, Mary Jane Gray has a little money which she deposits in the +savings bank, and, for the reason already given, takes out her book in +the name of Mary S. Gray. She dies and her administrator finding the +book tries to collect the money, but he being the administrator of Mary +Jane Gray and not of Mary S. Gray may find the Treasurer of the bank +unwilling to pay over the money until he is satisfied as to the identity +of the apparently two Mary Grays, which, under some circumstances, might +be a difficult process. + +These changes are usually made thoughtlessly, but the result is none the +less serious than though it were done with the intent to deceive or +mislead, and the mischief that often arises in consequence is very +great. These changes that have been noted from the nature of the case +can only occur with women, since men have no occasion to make them, and +in point of fact cannot; but there are those, quite analagous in +character, that are common to both sexes and should be avoided unless +the necessity is very apparent. Double names are sometimes very +convenient for purposes of identification, but they may also prove +fruitful sources of difficulty and trouble. As an illustration, Mary +Jane Smith is known at home by her family and to her acquaintances as +Mary. For some fanciful reason or local circumstance she wearies of +that name and becomes Jane. Both are equally hers, but her acquaintances +who knew her as Mary might well plead ignorance when asked about Jane +Smith; and the acquaintances of the latter might never surmise that Mary +Smith had ever existed. + +Again, James Henry Gray is known at home in his youth as James H. Gray, +and the name is very satisfactory to him; but as he arrives at manhood +he enters a new business and finds a new residence. For some reason he +thinks that a change of name also may be of benefit to him, and +therefore he signs himself J. Henry Gray, and henceforth is a stranger +to his former acquaintances. He has some money in bank at his old home +which he draws for under his new name, and wonders when his check comes +back to him dishonored, forgetting that he has never notified the +officers of his change of name. + +He finds it necessary, upon some occasion, to write to one of his former +friends for information of importance, and is surprised that his old +associate declines to give it to a stranger, for he does not remember, +that, while he may easily retain his own identity, under any change of +name, it may not be so easy to assure it to another at a distance. It +can thus be seen how easily, and at times, how unavoidably, a great deal +of vexation may be produced by this practice, and yet it is extensively +followed. + +Looking at the subject in another aspect, we find a grievance that has +borne and is now bearing with intolerable weight upon many an +individual, who would, at almost any sacrifice, relieve himself of it, +but it is saddled upon him in such a manner, and is surrounded by such +circumstances as to render it quite impossible for him to do so. It is a +practice, all too common, but none the less reprehensible, to give to +children legitimate names of such a character as to render them +veritable "old men of the sea," so graphically described by Sindbad. + +They are given for various reasons, sometimes simply for their oddity, +sometimes because the name has been borne by a relative or friend, or it +may have been borrowed from the pages of some favorite author, or +suggested by accidental circumstance. A boy whose Christian name was +Baring Folly, and we should not have far to go to find its counterpart +in real life, could hardly be expected to get through the world without +feeling severely the burden and ridicule of such a name, each part +proper and well enough in its place as a surname, but particularly +unfortunate when united and required to do duty as a Christian name. + +We ridicule, and it may be wisely, the old-fashioned custom of giving a +child a name merely because it happened to be found in the Scriptures, +where with its special meaning it was singularly appropriate, yet, when +used as a name without that special signification, it would be equally +inappropriate. But are we wholly free from the same fault in another +direction? How many children have been so burdened with a name that had +been made illustrious by the life and services of its original bearer +that they were always ashamed to hear it spoken; that very name of honor +becoming in its present position a reproach and a hindrance, rather than +a stimulus, because the bearers feel that they cannot sustain its +ancient renown, and therefore they become mere nothings, simply from the +fact of having been borne down to the dust under the burden of a great +name. + +Who can tell how many have become notorious, or have committed vagaries +which have rendered them ridiculous, and destroyed their usefulness, +from a sincere desire to bear worthily an honored name? Who shall say +that the eccentricities of a certain celebrity of acknowledged talent, +whose name would be quickly recognized, were not the result of the same +cause, the length, and weight of the name given him at his birth proving +too great an incumbrance for him to overcome. + +How many ignoble George Washingtons, Henry Clays, Patrick Henrys, and +other equally illustrious names, are wandering aimlessly about our +streets, shiftless, worthless, utterly unworthy the names they bear, +simply because they bear them, when, had they been given plain, honest, +common names, they might have been held in respect and esteem. The +burden is too great for them. A ship with a drag attached to her cannot +make progress, be she ever so swift without it. Even the eagle will +refuse his flight when burdened with excessive weight. + +A little lack of consideration or want of thought in this matter on the +part of parents often entail an immense amount of suffering upon those +who are wholly innocent as to its cause. Let the boy or girl be given +such a name, as shall be his or hers, worthy or unworthy, as the bearer +shall make. Give them all a fair show. We may not be able to tell in all +cases, perhaps not in many, how this affair of names has affected the +lives of their owners. Give a child a silly or ridiculous name and the +chances are that the child's character will correspond with that name. +Give a child a name already illustrious and the chances are also fair +that the burden will prove its ruin. + +It is unnecessary to extend the subject, the present purpose being +merely to call attention to those practices, and so to present them that +more natural and healthy customs will be sought after and followed, that +a true æsthetic taste may be cultivated, and thus alleviate or remove a +part, at least, of the burden under which society groans. + +It is also intended to illustrate some of the trials and perplexities +that beset the genealogist and historian in their researches, arising +from these unfortunate habits that pervade society. It would seem that +the evils produced by the practices, only need exposure to result in +reformation, and that no parent, with the full knowledge of the +possible, yes probable, and almost inevitable effect, would so thrust +upon his offspring an annoyance, to use the mildest possible term, which +should subject them to such disagreeable consequences all through life. + +It would seem, also, that no guardian, teacher, or other individual +having the care and oversight of children, could be so thoughtless and +inconsiderate, or allow a personal or private reason so to influence +him, as to assume for the child any name that would be liable to cause +it future shame or sorrow. Too much care cannot be taken in this regard, +and it is a duty owing to the child that its rights in this respect +shall be strictly guarded. + +It is the object of this paper simply to call attention to a few of the +more prominent points suggested by this subject in order that it may be +examined and discussed, and, if it may be, more judicious and wiser +practices introduced, that nature, art, and taste may combine to produce +a system of names that shall be at the same time, convenient, useful and +beautiful, and that shall carry no burden with them. + + * * * * * + +JOHN PRESCOTT, THE FOUNDER OF LANCASTER. + +1603 TO 1682. + +By HON. HENRY S. NOURSE. + + +The facts that have come down to us whereupon to build a biography of +John Prescott are scanty indeed, but enough to prove that he was that +rare type of man, the ideal pioneer. Not one of those famous +frontiersmen, whose figures stand out so prominently in early American +history, was better equipped with the manly qualities that win hero +worship in a new country, than was the father of the Nashaway +Plantation. Had Prescott like Daniel Boone been fortunate in the favor +of contemporary historians, to perpetuate anecdotes of his daily prowess +and fertility of resource, or had he had grateful successors withal to +keep his memory green, his name and romantic adventures would in like +manner adorn Colonial annals. Persecuted for his honest opinions, he +went out into the wilderness with his family to found a home, and for +forty years thought, fought and wrought to make that home the centre of +a prosperous community. Loaded from his first step with discouragements, +that soon appalled every other of the original co-partners in the +purchase of Nashaway from Showanon, Prescott alone, _tenax propositi_, +held to his purpose, and death found him at his post. His grave is in +the old "burial field" at Lancaster, yet not ten citizens can point it +out. Over it stands a rude fragment from some ledge of slate rock, +faintly incised with characters which few eyes can trace: + +JOHN PRESCOTT DESASED + +No date! no comment! That is his only memorial stone; his only epitaph +in the town of which, for its first forty years, he was the very heart +and soul, and for which he furnished a large share of the brains. This +fair township--now divided among nine towns--and all it has been and is +and is to be may be justly called his monument. The house of Deputies in +1652 voted it to be rightly his, and marked it by incorporative +enactment with his honored and honorable name, _Prescott_. +Unfortunately, however, some years before he had said something that +seemed to favor Doctor Robert Child's criticisms of the Provincial +system of taxation without representation; criticisms that grew and bore +good fruitage when the times were riper for individual freedom; when +Samuel Adams and James Otis took up the peoples' cause where Sir Henry +Vane and Robert Child had left it. Therefore when, in 1652, what had +been known as the Nashaway Plantation was fairly named for its founder +in accordance with the petition of its inhabitants, some one of +influence, whether magistrate or higher official, perhaps bethought +himself that no Governor of the Colony even had been so honored, and +that it might be well, before dignifying this busy blacksmith so much as +to name a town for him, to see if he could pass examination in the +catechism deemed orthodox at that date in Massachusetts Bay. Alas! John +Prescott was not a freeman. Having a conscience of his own, he had never +given public adhesion to the established church covenant and was +therefore debarred from holding any civil office, and even from the +privilege of voting for the magistrates. There was a year's delay, and, +in 1653, "Prescott" was expunged and _Lancaster_ began its history. + +As in the broad area of the township various centres of population grew +into villages and were one by one excised and made towns, it would be +supposed that each of them would have been eager to honor itself by +adopting so euphonious and appropriate a name as _Prescott_. But no! The +first candidate for a new designation, in 1732, chose the name of the +generous Charlestown clergyman, _Harvard_, for no appropriate local +reason now discoverable. Six years later another body corporate imported +the name--_Bolton_. Two years passed and a third district sought across +the ocean for its title _Leominster_. Then Woonksechocksett forgetful of +its benefactors and of the grand Indian names of its hills and waters +borrowed the title of a putative Scotch lord, who bravely fought for our +Independence, and, in adopting, paid him the poor compliment of +misspelling it--_Sterling_. The next seceder ambitiously chose the name +of a Prussian city--_Berlin_. The sixth perpetuated its early admiration +of the great small-pox inoculator, _Boylston_; and the last was +named--for a hotel. None so poor as to do Prescott reverence. But +surely, it would be thought, banks and manufactories, halls or at least +a fire engine, might with tardy respect have paid cheap tribute to his +name by bearing it. Is there any example! Yes, at last a short street +having little connection sentimental or real with the pioneer, bears his +name--this only in the aspiring town, almost a city, of which John +Prescott's old millstone is the visible foundation! _Clinton_. + +I have stated that Prescott was an ideal pioneer. Not that there was in +him anything of kinship to that race of frontiersmen now deployed along +the outer verge of American civilization, like the thread of froth +stranded along a beach outlining the extreme advance made by the last +wave of the tide. The frontiersmen of to-day, bibulous gamblers, +reckless duelists, blasphemous savages of mixed blood, had no prototype +in Colonial days, for even the human harvest then gathered to the +stocks, the whipping-post and the gallows, was of a far less obtrusive +class of offenders against morals and social decency. Prescott was a +Puritan soldier, a seeker of liberty not license; fiercely rebellious +against tyranny, but no contemner of moral law. It was no accident that +put him in the advance guard of Anglo-Saxon civilization, then just +starting on its westward march from the shores of Massachusetts Bay. The +position had awaited the man. When he set up his anvil and with skilful +blows hammered out the first plough-shares to compel the virgin soil of +the Nashaway valley to its proper fruitfulness, he was all unwittingly +helping to forge the destinies of this great republic;--was in his +humble sphere a true builder of the nation. His neighbors and friends, +John Tinker, Ralph Houghton, and Major Simon Willard, doubtless excelled +him in culture, but no neighbor surpassed him in natural personal force, +whether physical, mental or moral. Not only was he of commanding +stature, stern of mien and strong of limb, but he had a heart devoid of +fear, great physical endurance and an unbending will. These qualities +his savage neighbors early recognized and bowed before in deep respect, +and because of these no Lancaster enterprise but claimed him as its +leader. His manual skill and dexterity must have been great, his mental +capacity and business energy remarkable, for we find him not only a +farmer, trader, blacksmith and hunter, but a surveyor and builder of +roads, bridges and mills. The records of the town show that he was +seldom free from the conduct of some public labor. The greatest of his +benefactions to his neighbors were: His corn-mill erected in 1654, and +his saw-mill in 1659. The arrival of the first millstone in Lancaster +must have been an event of matchless interest to every man, woman and +child in the plantation. Till that began its tireless turning, the grain +for every loaf of bread had to be carried to Watertown mill, or ground +laboriously in a hand quern, or parched and brayed in a mortar, Indian +fashion. Before the starting of his saw-mill, the rude houses must have +been of logs, stone, and clay, for it was an impossibility to bring from +the lower towns on the existing "Bay road" and with the primitive +tumbril any large amount of sawn lumber. + +Of Prescott's wife we know only her name: Mary Platts. But her daughters +were sought for in marriage by men of whom we learn nothing that is not +praiseworthy, and her sons all honored their mother's memory, by useful +and unblemished lives. John Prescott was the youngest son of Ralph and +Ellen of Shevington, Lancashire, England. He was baptized in the Parish +of Standish in 1604-5 and married Mary Platts at Wigan, Lancashire, +January 21, 1629. He was a land owner in Shevington, but sold his +possessions there and took up his residence in Halifax Parish, Sowerby, +in Yorkshire. Leaving England to avoid religions persecutions, his first +haven was Barbadoes, where he is found a land owner in 1638. In 1640 he +landed in Boston, and immediately selected his home in Watertown, where +he became the possessor of six lots of land, aggregating one hundred and +twenty-six acres. In 1643, his name is found in association with Thomas +King of Watertown, Henry Symonds of Boston, and others, the first +proprietors of the Nashaway purchase. His children were eight in number +and all were married in due season. They were as follows: + +1. Mary, baptized at Halifax Parish February 24, 1630, married Thomas +Sawyer in 1648. The young couple selected their home lot adjoining +Prescott's in Lancaster and there eleven sons and daughters were born to +them. + +2. Martha, baptized at Halifax Parish March 11, 1632, married John Rugg +in 1655; and these twain began life together in sight of her paternal +home in Lancaster. She died with her twin babes in January 1656. + +3. John, baptized at Halifax Parish April 1, 1635, married Sarah Hayward +at Lancaster, November 11, 1668, and had five children. He was a farmer +and blacksmith, lived with his father, and succeeded him at the mills. + +4. Sarah, baptized in 1637, at Halifax Parish, married Richard Wheeler +at Lancaster, August 2, 1658, and lived in the immediate vicinity of +those before named. Wheeler was killed in the massacre of February 10, +1676, and the widowed Sarah married Joseph Rice of Marlborough. By her +first husband she had five children. + +5. Hannah, was probably born at Barbadoes in 1639. She became the second +wife of John Rugg May 4, 1660, and had eight children. She became a +widow in 1696, and was slain by the Indians in the massacre of September +11, 1697. + +6. Lydia, born at Watertown August 15, 1641, married Jonas Fairbank at +Lancaster, May 28, 1658. He owned the lands next south of Prescott's +home. Fairbank had seven children. In the massacre of February 10, 1676, +he and his son Joshua were victims. The widowed Lydia married Elias +Barron. + +7. Jonathan--if twenty three years old in 1670, as an unknown authority +has noted, or "about 38," November 6, 1683, as stated in a deposition of +that date--was probably born in Lancaster between 1645 and 1647. He was +a blacksmith and farmer, and married first Dorothy, August 3, 1670, in +Lancaster. She died in 1674, leaving a son Samuel, noted in the town +history as the unfortunate sentinel who, on November 6, 1704, killed by +mistake his neighbor, the beloved minister of Lancaster, Reverend Andrew +Gardner. Jonathan Prescott married second, Elizabeth, daughter of John +Hoar of Concord, who died in 1687 leaving six children. Jonathan's third +wife was Rebecca Bulkeley and his fourth Ruth, widow of Thomas Brown. He +did not reside in Lancaster after the massacre of 1676, but became an +influential citizen of Concord, which he served as representative for +nine years. He died December 5, 1721. + +8. Jonas, born June, 1648, in Lancaster, married Mary Loker of Sudbury, +December 14, 1672. The marriage took place in Lancaster and here their +first child was born, (they had twelve children in all), but later they +removed to Groton, where Jonas became Captain, Selectman and Justice. He +died in Groton, December 31, 1723. Of his more illustrious descendants +were Colonel William, and the historian William H. Prescott. + +In May 1644, John Winthrop records that "Many of Watertown and other +towns joined in a plantation at Nashaway "--and Reverend Timothy +Harrington in his Century Sermon states that the organization of this +company of planters was due to Thomas King. The immediate and final +disappearance of this original proprietor has seemed to previous writers +good warrant for charging that King and his partner Henry Symonds were +but land speculators, who bought the Indian's inheritance to retail by +the acre to adventurers. I believe this an unjust assumption. At the +date when Winthrop noted down the inception of the Nashaway Company, +Henry Symonds had already been dead seven months. He was that energetic +contractor of Boston noted as the leader in the project for establishing +tide mills at the Cove, and was no doubt the capitalist of the trading +firm of Symonds & King, who set up their "trucking house" as early as +1643 on the sunny slope of George Hill. Symond's widow a few months +after his death married Isaac Walker, who in 1645 was prominent among +the Nashaway proprietors. If King really sold his share of the Indian +purchase, may it not have been therefore because, his senior partner +being dead, he had no means to continue the enterprise? He too died +before the end of the year 1644, not yet thirty years of age. The +inventory of his estate sums but one hundred and fifty-eight pounds, +including his house and land in Watertown, his stock in trade, and +seventy-three pounds of debts due him from the Indians, John Prescott, +and sundry others. King's widow made haste to be consoled, and her +second husband, James Cutler, soon appears in the role of a Nashaway +proprietor. + +The direction of the company was at the outset in the hands of men whose +names were, or soon became, of some note throughout the Colony. Doctor +Robert Child, a scholar who had won the degrees of A.M. and M.D. at +Cambridge and Padua, a man of scientific acquirements, but inclined to +somewhat sanguine expectations of mineral treasure to be discovered in +the New England hills, seems to have been a leading spirit in the +adventure; and unfortunately so, since his political views about certain +inalienable rights of man, which now live, and are honored in the +Constitution of the Commonwealth, seemed vicious republicanism to the +ecclesiastical aristocracy then governing the Colony of the +Massachusetts Bay; and the odium that drove Child across the ocean, +attached also to his companion planters, and perhaps through the +prejudice of those in authority unfavorably affected for several years +the progress of the settlement on the Nashaway. Certainly such +prejudices found expression in all action or record of the government +respecting the proprietors and their petitions. The ecclesiastical +figure head--without which no body corporate could have grace within the +colony--was Nathaniel Norcross. Of him, if we can surmise aught from his +early return to England, it may be said, he was not imbued with the +martyr's spirit, and his defection was, some time later, more than made +good by the accession of the beloved Rowlandson. But far more important +to the enterprise than these two graduates from the English +University--Child the radical, and Norcross the preacher,--were two +mechanics, the restless planners and busy promoters of the company, both +workers in iron--Steven Day the locksmith and John Prescott the +blacksmith. Steven Day was the first in America, north of Mexico, to set +up a printing-press. The Colony had wisely recognized in him a public +benefactor, and sealed this recognition by substantial grant of lands. +He entered upon the Nashaway scheme with characteristic zeal and energy, +if we may believe his own manuscript testimony: but Day's zeal outran +his discretion, and his energy devoured his limited means, for in 1644 +we find him in jail for debt remonstrating piteously against the +injustice of a hard hearted creditor. He parted with all rights at +Nashaway before many years and finally delved as a journey man at the +press he had founded. + +John Prescott deserted of all his original co-partners was sufficient +for the emergency, a host in himself. He sells his one hundred and +twenty six acres and house at Watertown, puts his all into the venture, +prepares a rude dwelling in the wilderness, moves thither his cattle, +and chattels, and finally, mounting wife and children and his few +remaining goods upon horses' backs, bids his old neighbors good bye, and +threads the narrow Indian trail through the forest westward. The scorn +of men high in authority is to follow him, but now the most formidable +enemy in his path is the swollen Sudbury River and its bordering marsh. +We find the aristocratic scorn mingling with the story of Prescott's +dearly bought victory over this natural obstacle, told in Winthrop's +History of New England among what the author classes as remarkable +"special providences." + +"Prescot another favorer of the Petitioners lost a horse and his loading +in Sudbury river, and a week after his wife and children being upon +another horse were hardly saved from drowning." That the kindly hearted +Winthrop could coolly attribute the pitiable disaster of the brave +pioneer to the wrath of God towards the political philosophy of Robert +Child, pictures vividly the bigotry natural to the age and race, a +bigotry which culminated in the horrors of the persecution for +witchcraft. This Sudbury swamp was the lion in the path from the bay +westward during many a decade. In 1645, an earnest petition went up to +the council from Prescott and his associates, complaining that much time +and means had been spent in discovering Nashaway and preparing for the +settlement there, and that on account of the lack of bridge and causeway +at the Sudbury River, the proprietors could not pass to and from the +bay towns--"without exposing our persons to perill and our cattell and +goods to losse and spoyle; as yo'r petitioners are able to make prooffe +of by sad experience of what wee suffered there within these few dayes." +The General Court ordered the bridge and way to be made, "passable for +loaden horse," and allowed twenty pounds to Sudbury, "so it be donne +w'thin a twelve monthe." The twelve month passed and no bridge spanned +the stream. That the dangers and difficulties of the crossing were not +over-stated by the petitioners is proven by the fact that more than one +hundred years afterwards, the bridge and causeway at this place "half a +mile long"--were represented to the General Court as dangerous and in +time of floods impassable. Between 1759 and 1761, the proceeds of +special lotteries amounting to twelve hundred and twenty seven pounds +were expended in the improvement of the crossing. + +John Winthrop, writing of the Nashaway planters, tells us that "he whom +they had called to be their minister, [Norcross] left them for their +delays," but omits mention of the fact recorded by the planters +themselves in their petition, that the chief and sufficient cause of +their slow progress was in the inability or unwillingness of the +Governor and magistrates to afford effective aid in providing a passable +crossing over a small river. + +Prescott, at least, was chargeable with no delay. By June 1645, he and +his family had become permanent residents on the Nashaway. Richard +Linton, Lawrence Waters the carpenter, and John Ball the tailor, were +his only neighbors; these three men having been sent up to build, plant, +and prepare for the coming of other proprietors. But two houses had been +built. Linton probably lived with his son-in-law Waters, in his home +near the fording place in the North Branch of the Nashaway, contiguous +to the lot of intervale land which Harmon Garrett and others of the +first proprietors had fenced in to serve as a "night pasture" for their +cattle. Ball had left his children and their mother in Watertown; she +being at times insane. Prescott's first lot embraced part of the grounds +upon which the public buildings in Lancaster now stand, but this he soon +parted with, and took up his abode a mile to the south west, on the +sunny slope of George Hill, where, beside a little brooklet of pure cool +water, which then doubtless came rollicking down over its gravelly bed +with twice the flow it has to-day, there had been built, two years at +least before, the trucking house of Symonds & King. This trading post +was the extreme outpost of civilization; beyond was interminable forest, +traversed only by the Indian trails, which were but narrow paths, hard +to find and easy to lose, unless the traveller had been bred to the arts +of wood-craft. Here passed the united trails from Washacum, Wachusett, +Quaboag, and other Indian villages of the west, leading to the wading +place of the Nashaway River near the present Atherton Bridge, and so +down the "Bay Path" over Wataquadock to Concord. The little plateau half +way down the sheltering hill, with fertile fields sloping to the +southeast and its never failing springs, was and is an attractive spot; +but its material advantages to the pioneer of 1645 were far greater than +those apparent to the Lancastrian of this nineteenth century in the +changed conditions of life. With the privilege of first choice +therefore, it is not strange that Prescott and his sturdy sons-in-law +grasped the rich intervales, and warm easily tilled slopes, stretching +along the Nashaway south branch from the "meeting of the waters" to +"John's jump" on the east, and extending west to the crown of George +Hill; lands now covered by the village of South Lancaster. + +In 1650 John Prescott found himself the only member of the company +resident at Nashaway. Of the co-partners Symonds, King, and John Hill +were dead; Norcross and Child had gone to England; Cowdall had sold his +rights to Prescott; Chandler, Davis, Walker, and others had formally +abandoned their claims; Garrett, Shawe, Day, Adams, and perhaps two or +three others, retained their claims to allotments, making no +improvements, and contributing nothing by their presence or tithes to +the growth of the settlement, thus becoming effectual stumbling blocks +in the way of progress. Prescott, very reasonably, held this a +grievance, and having no other means of redress asked equitable judgment +in the matter from the magistrates, in a petition which cannot be found. +His answer was the following official snub: + +"Whereas John Prescot & others, the inhabitants of Nashaway p'ferd a +petition to this Courte desiringe power to recover all common charges of +all such as had land there, not residinge w'th them, for answer +whereunto this Court, understandinge that the place before mentioned is +not fit to make a plantation, (so a ministry to be erected and +mayntayned there,) which if the petitioners, before the end of the next +session of this Courte, shall not sufficiently make the sey'd place +appeare to be capable to answer the ends above mentioned doth order that +the p'ties inhabitinge there shalbe called there hence, & suffered to +live without the meanes, as they have done no longer." This dire threat +of the closing sentence may have been simply "sound and fury, signifying +nothing," or Prescott may have been able to prove to the authorities +that Nashaway was fit and waiting for its St. John, but found none +willing for the service. In fact, its St. John was then a junior at +Harvard College, writing a pasquinade to post upon the Ipswich +meeting-house, and Nashaway was "suffered to live without the meanes," +waiting for him until 1654. + +John Prescott retained possession of his early home,--the site of the +"trucking house," which he had purchased of John Cowdall,--as long as he +lived, but did not reside there many years. No sooner had the plantation +attained the dignity of a township under the classic name of Lancaster, +than its founder bent all his energies towards those enterprises best +calculated to promote the comfort and prosperity of its then +inhabitants, and to attract by material advantages, a desirable and +permanent immigration. His practical eye had doubtless long before +marked the best site for a mill in all the region round about, and on +the slope, scarce a gun shot away, he set up a new home, afterwards well +known to friend and savage foe as Prescott's Garrison. Those who remain +of the generation familiar with this region before the invention of the +power loom made such towns as Clinton possible, remember the depression +that told where Prescott dug his cellar. The oldest water mill in New +England was scarce twenty years old when Prescott contracted to grind +the com of the Nashaway planters. His "Covenant to build a Corne mill" +has been preserved through a copy made by Ralph Houghton, Lancaster's +first Clerk of the Writs, and is as follows: + + "Know all men by these presents that I John Prescott blackssmith, + hath Covenanted and bargained with Jno. ffounell of Charlestowne + for the building of a Corne mill, within the said Towne of + Lanchaster. This witnesseth that wee the Inhabitants of Lanchaster + for his encouragement in so good a worke for the behoofe of our + Towne, vpon condition that the said intended worke by him or his + assignes be finished, do freely and fully giue, grant, enfeoffe, & + confirme vnto the said John Prescott, thirty acres of intervale + Land lying on the north riuer, lying north west of Henry Kerly, and + ten acres of Land adjoyneing to the mill; and forty acres of Land + on the south east of the mill brooke, lying between the mill brooke + and Nashaway Riuer in such place as the said John Prescott shall + choose with all the priuiledges and appurtenances thereto + apperteyneing. To haue and to hold the said land and eurie parcell + thereof to the said John Prescott his heyeres & assignes for euer, + to his and their only propper vse and behoofe. Also wee do covenant + & promise to lend the said John Prescott fiue pounds in current + money one yeare for the buying of Irons for the mill. And also wee + do covenant and grant to and with the said John Prescott his heyres + and assignes that the said mill, with all the aboue named Land + thereto apperteyneing shall be freed from all com'on charges for + seauen yeares next ensueing, after the first finishing and setting + the said mill to worke. + + In witnes whereof wee haue herevnto put our hands this 20th day of + the 9mo. In the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred + fifty and three. + + THOMAS JAMES + WILL'M KERLY SEN'R LAWRENCE WATERS + JNO PRESCOTT EDMUND PARKER + JNO WHITE RICHARD LINTON + RALPH HOUGHTON RICHARD SMITH + JNO LEWIS JAMES ATHERTON + JACOB FARRER WILL'M KERLY JUN'R + + In six months from that date the mill was done, and Prescott "began + to grind corne the 23d day of the 3 mo, 1654." + +The commissioners, appointed by the General Court to oversee the +prudential management of the town, met at John Prescott's in 1657 and +confirmed "the imunityes provided for" in the above covenant specifying +that they "should continue and remayne to him the said Jno. Prescott his +heyres and assignes vntil the 23d of May, in the yeare of our Lord +sixteen hundred sixty and two." + +The corn mill was located a little lower upon the brook than the +extensive factory buildings now utilizing its water power. The half used +force of the rapid stream, and the giant pines of the virgin forest then +shadowed all the region about, were full of reproach to the restless +miller. His busy brain was soon planning a new benefaction to his fellow +citizens, and when his means grew sufficiently to warrant the +enterprise, his busy hands wrought its consummation. As before, a formal +agreement preceded the work: + + "Know all men by these presents that for as much as the Inhabitants + of Lanchaster, or the most part of them being gathered together on + a trayneing day, the 15th of the 9th mo, 1658, a motion was made by + Jno. Prescott blackesmith of the same towne, about the setting vp + of a saw mill for the good of the Towne, and y't he the said Jno + Prescott, would by the help of God set vp the saw mill, and to + supply the said Inhabitants with boords and other sawne worke, as + is afforded at other saw mills in the countrey. In case the Towne + would giue, grant, and confirms vnto the said John Prescott, a + certeine tract of Land, lying Eastward of his water mill, be it + more or less, bounded by the riuer east, the mill west the stake of + the mill land and the east end of a ledge of Iron Stone Rocks + southards, and forty acres of his owne land north, the said land to + be to him his heyres and assignes for euer, and all the said land + and eurie part thereof to be rate free vntill it be improued, or + any p't of it, and that his saws, & saw mill should be free from + any rates by the Towne, therefore know ye that the ptyes abouesaid + did mutually agree and consent each with other concerning the + aforementioned propositions as followeth: + + The towne on their part did giue, grant & confirme, vnto the said + John Prescott his heyres and assignes for euer, all the + aforementioned tract of land butted & bounded as aforesaid, to be + to him his heyres and asssignes for euer with all the priuiledges + and appurtenances thereon, and therevnto belonging to be to his and + their owne propper vse and behoofe as aforesaid, and the land and + eurie part of it to be free from all rates vntil it or any pt of it + be improued, and also his saw, sawes, and saw-mill to be free from + all town rates, or ministers rates, prouided the aforementioned + worke be finished & compleated as abouesaid for the good of the + towne, in some convenient time after this present contract covenant + and agrem't. + + And the said John Prescott did and doth by these prsents bynd + himself, his heyres and assignes to set vp a saw-mill as aforesaid + within the bounds of the aforesaid Towne, and to supply the Towne + with boords and other sawne worke as aforesaid and truly and + faithfully to performe, fullfill, & accomplish, all the + aforementioned p'misses for the good of the Towne as aforesaid. + + Therefore the Selectmen conceiving this saw-mill to be of great vse + to the Towne, and the after good of the place, Haue and do hereby + act to rattifie and confirme all the aforemencconed acts, + covenants, gifts, grants, & im'unityes, in respect of rates, and + what euer is aforementioned, on their owne pt, and in behalfe of + the Towne, and to the true performance hereof, both partyes haue + and do bynd themselves by subscribing their hands, this + twenty-fifth day of February, one thousand six hundred and fifty + nine. + + JOHN PRESCOTT. + + The worke above mencconed was finished according to this covenant + as witnesseth. + + RALPH HOUGHTON. + + Signed & Delivr'd In presence of, + + THOMAS WILDER + THOMAS SAWYER + RALPH HOUGHTON + +Monday, the seventeenth of February, 1659, "the Company granted him to +fall pines on the Com'ons to supply his saw-mill." + +In April 1659, Ensign Noyes came to make accurate survey of the eighty +square miles granted to the town, and John Prescott was deputed by the +townsmen at their March meeting to aid in the survey and "mark the +bounds." Among his varied accomplishments, natural and acquired, +Prescott seems to have had some practical skill in surveying, the laying +out of highways and the construction of bridges. In 1648 John Winthrop +records: "This year a new way was found out to Connecticut by Nashua +which avoided much of the hilly way." As appears by a later petition +Prescott was the pioneer of this new path. In 1657 he was appointed by +the government a member of a committee upon the building of bridges "at +Billirriky and Misticke." In 1658 he with his son-in-law Jonas Fairbank +was appointed to survey a farm of six hundred and fifty acres for +Captain Richard Davenport, upon which farm the chief part of West +Boylston now stands. + +To the General Court which met October 18, 1659, the following petition +was presented: + + "The humble petition of John Prescot of Lancaster humblye Sheweth, + That whereas yr petitioner about nine or ten yeares since, was + desired by the late hon'red Governour Mr. Winthrop, w'th other + Magistrates, as also by Mr. Wilson of Boston, Mr. Shephard of + Cambridge with many others, did lay & marke out a way at ye north + side of the great pond & soe by Lancaster, which then was taken by + Mr. Hopkins & many others to bee of great vse; This I did meerly + vpon the request of these honored gentlemen, to my great detrimt, + by being vpon it part of two summers not only myselfe but hiring + others alsoe to helpe mee, whereby my family suffered much: I doe + not question but many of ye Court remember the same, as alsoe that + this hath not laine dead all this while, but I haue formerly + mentioned it, but yet haue noe recompence for the same; the charge + whereof came at 2's p day to about 10'l; it is therefore the desire + of y'r petitioner yt you would bee pleased to grant him a farme in + some place vndisposed of which will engage him to you and encourage + him and others in publique occasions & y'r petitioner shall pray + etc." + +One hundred acres of land were granted him, and speedily laid out near +the Washacum ponds, where now stand the railroad buildings at Sterling +Junction. + +We get very few glimpses of Prescott from the meagre records of +succeeding years, but those serve to indicate that he was busy, +prosperous and annually honored by his neighbors with the public duties +for which his sturdy integrity, shrewd business tact, and wisely +directed energy peculiarly fitted him. He had taken the oath of fidelity +in 1652. Such owning of allegiance was by law prerequisite to the +holding of real estate. Refusing such oath he might better have been a +Nipmuck so far as civil rights or privileges were concerned. He was not +yet a member of the recognized church however, and therefore lacked the +political dignities of a freeman; although his intimate relations with +Master Joseph Rowlandson, and his personal connection with the earlier +cases of church discipline in Lancaster, sufficiently attest the +austerity of his puritanism. Doubtless Governor John Winthrop in his +hasty and harsh dictum respecting the Nashaway planters, classed John +Prescott among those "corrupt in judgment." But it must be remembered +that in Winthrop's visionary commonwealth there was no room for liberty +of conscience. All were esteemed corrupt in judgment or even profane +whose religious beliefs, when tested all about by the ecclesiastic +callipers, proved not to have been cast in the doctrinal mould +prescribed by the self-sanctified founders of the Massachusetts Bay +Colony. No known fact in any way warrants even the conjecture that +Prescott was not a sincere Christian earnestly pursuing his own +convictions of duty, without fear and without reproach. + +Prescott's mechanical skill and business ability had more than a local +reputation. In 1667, we find him contracting with the authorities of +Groton, to erect "a good and sufficient corne mill or mills, and the +same to finish so as may be fitting to grind the corne of the said +Towne." ... For the fulfillment of this agreement he received five +hundred and twenty acres of land, and mill and lands were exempted from +taxation for twenty years. Assistance towards the building of the mill +were also promised to the amount of "two days worke of a man for every +house lott or family within the limitts of the said Towne, and at such +time or times to be done or performed, as the said John Prescott shall +see meete to call for the same, vpon reasonable notice given." The +covenant was fulfilled by the completion of a mill at Nonacoiacus, then +in the southern part of Groton. The mill site is now in Harvard. +Prescott's youngest son, Jonas, was the first miller. The history of the +old mill is obscured by the shadows of two hundred years, but a bright +gleam of romantic tradition concerning the first miller is warm with +human interest now. Perhaps at points the romantic may infringe upon the +historic, but: + + _Se non e vero, + E ben trovato._ + +Down by the green meadows of Sudbury there dwelt a bewitchingly fair +maiden, the musical dissyllables of whose name were often upon the lips +of the young men in all the country round about, and whose smile could +awaken voiceless poetry in the heart of the most prosaic Puritan swain. +There is little of aristocratic sound in Mary Loker's name, but her +parents sat on Sunday at the meeting house in a "dignified" pew, and +were rich in fields and cattle. Whether pushed by pride of land or pride +of birth, in their plans and aspirations, this daughter was +predestinated to enhance the family dignity by an aristocratic alliance. +In Colonial days a maiden who added a handsome prospective dowry to her +personal witchery was rare indeed, and Mary Loker had, coming from far +and near, inflammable suitors perpetually burning at her shrine. From +among these the father and mother soon made their choice upon strictly +business principles, and shortly announced to Mary that a certain +ambitious gentleman of the legal profession had furnished the most +satisfactory credentials, and that nothing remained but for her to name +the day. Now the fourth commandment was very far from being the dead +letter in 1670 that it is in 1885, and it was matter for grave surprise +to the elders that their usually obedient daughter, when the lawyer +proceeded to plead, refused to hear, and peremptorily adjourned his +cause without day. Maternal expostulation and paternal threats availed +nothing. The because of Mary's contumacy was not far to seek. A stalwart +Vulcan in the guise of an Antinous, known as Jonas Prescott, had +wandered from his father's forge in Lancaster down the Bay Path to +Sudbury. Mary and he had met, and the lingering of their parting boded +ill for any predestination not stamped with their joint seal of consent. +With that lack of astuteness proverbially exhibited by parents +disappointed in match-making designs upon their children, the vexed +father and mother began a course of vigorous repression, and thereby +riveted more firmly than ever the chains which the errant young +blacksmith and his apprentice Cupid had forged. In due time, they +perforce learned that love's flame burns the brighter fed upon a bread +and water diet; and that confinement to an attic may be quite endurable +when Cupid's messages fly in and out of its lattice at pleasure. + +Finally Mary was secretly sent to an out-of-the-way neighborhood in the +vain hope that the chill of absence might hinder what home rule had only +served to help. But one day Jonas on a hunting excursion made the +acquaintance of some youth, who, among other chitchat, happened to break +into ecstatic praise of the graces of a certain fair damsel who had +recently come to live in a farm-house near their home. Of course the +anvil missed Jonas for the next day, and the next, and the next, while +he experienced the hospitalities of his new-found friends--and their +neighbors. It was time for a recognition of the inevitable by all +concerned, but when, and with what grace Mary's stubborn parents +yielded, if at all, is not recorded. But what mattered that? Old John +Prescott installed Jonas at the Nonacoicus Mill, and endowed him with +all his Groton lands, and in Lancaster, December 14, 1672, Jonas and +Mary were married. For over fifty years fortunes railed upon their +union. Four sons and eight daughters graced their fireside, and the +father was trusted and clothed with local dignities. In after time the +memory of Jonas and Mary has been honored by many worthy descendants, +and especially by the gallant services of Colonel William Prescott at +Bunker Hill, and the literary renown of William Hickling Prescott, the +historian. + +In 1669, John Prescott was proclaimed a Freeman. He may have been long a +Church member, or may not even at this date have yielded the +conscientious scruples that had a quarter of a century earlier subjected +him to the reproach of an ecclesiastical oligarchy. The laws concerning +Freemen, in reluctant obedience to the letter of Charles II., were so +changed in 1665 that those not Church members could become Freemen, if +freeholders of a sufficient estate, and guaranteed by the local minister +"to be Orthodox and not vicious in their lives." Prescott had the true +Englishman's love of landed possessions, and about this time added a +large tract to his acreage by purchase from his Indian neighbors. This +transaction gave cause for the following petition: + + _To the honorable the Gov'r the Deputy Gov'r mag'tr & Deputy es + assembled in the gen'rall Court_: + + The Petition of Jno Prescott of Lanchaster, In most humble wise + sheweth. Whereas ye Petition'r hath purchased an Indian right to a + small parcell of Land, occasioned and circumstanced for quantity & + quality according to the deed of sale herevnto annexed and a pt. + thereof not being legally setled vpon piee vnlesse I may obteyne + the favor of this Court for the Confirmation thereof, These are + humbly to request the Court's favor for that end, the Lord hauing + dealt graciously with mee in giueing mee many children I account it + my duty to endeauor their provission & setling and do hope that + this may be of some vse in yt kind. I know not any claime made to + the said land by any towne, or any legall right y't any other + persons haue therein, and therefore are free for mee to occupy & + subdue as any other, may I obteyne the Court's approbation. I shall + not vse further motiues, my condition in other respecks & w't my + trouble & expenses haue been according to my poor ability in my + place being not altogether vnknowne to some of ye Court. That ye + Lord's prsence may be with & his blessing accompany all yo'r psons, + Counsells, & endeauors for his honor & ye weale of his poor people + is ye pray'r of + + Yo'r supplliant + + JOHN PRESCOTT SEN'R. + +This request was referred to a special committee, composed of Edward +Tyng, George Corwin and Humphrey Davie, who reported as follows: + + "In Reference to this Petition the Comittee being well informed + that the Pet'r is an ancient Planter and hath bin a vseful helpfull + and publique spirited man doinge many good offices ffor the + Country, Relatinge to the Road to Conecticott, marking trees, + directinge of Passengers &c, and that the Land Petitioned for + beinge but about 107 Acres & Lyinge not very Convenient for any + other Plantation, and only accomoclable for the Pet'r, we judge it + reasonable to Confirme the Indian Grant to him & his heyers if ye + honored Court see meete." + +This report was approved. James Wiser _alias_ Quanapaug, the Christian +Nashaway Chief, who appears as grantor of the land, was a warrior whose +bravery had been tested in the contest between the Nipmucks and the +Mohawks; and was so firm a friend of his white neighbors at Lancaster, +that when Philip persuaded the tribe with its Sagamore Sam, to go upon +the war path, James refused to join them. He even served as a spy and +betrayed Philip's plans to the English at imminent risk of his life, +doing his utmost to save Lancaster from destruction. General Daniel +Gookin acknowledged that Quanapaug's information would have averted the +horrible massacre of February 10, 1676, had it been duly heeded. The +fact of the friendly relations existing between Prescott and the tribe +whose fortified residence stood between the two Washacum ponds is +interesting and confirms tradition. It is related that at his first +coming he speedily won the respect of the savages, not only by his +fearlessness and great physical strength, but by the power of his eye +and his dignity of mien. They soon learned to stand in awe of his long +musket and unerring skill as a marksman. He had brought with him from +England a suit of mail, helmet and cuirass such as were worn by the +soldiers of Cromwell. Clothed with these, his stately figure seemed to +the sons of the forest something almost supernatural. One day some +Indians, having taken away a horse of his, he put on his armor, pursued +them alone, and soon overtook them. The chief of the party seeing him +approach unsupported, advanced menacingly with uplifted tomahawk. +Prescott dared him to strike, and was immediately taken at his word, but +the rude weapon glanced harmless from the helmet, to the amazement of +the red men. Naturally the Indian desired to try upon his own head so +wonderful a hat, and the owner obligingly gratified him claiming the +privilege, however, of using the tomahawk in return. The helmet proving +a scant fit, or its wearer neglecting to bring it down to its proper +bearings, Prescott's vengeful blow not only astounded him but left very +little cuticle on either side of his head, and nearly deprived him of +ears. Prescott was permitted to jog home in peace upon his horse. + +After hostilities began, it is said that at one time the savages set +fire to his barn, but fled when he sallied out clad in armor with his +dreaded gun; and thus he was enabled to save his stock, though the +building was consumed. More than once attempts were made to destroy the +mill, but a sight of the man in mail with the far reaching gun was +enough to send them to a safe distance and rescue the property. Many +stories have been told of Prescott's prowess, but some bear so close a +resemblance to those credibly historic in other localities and of other +heroes, that there attaches to them some suspicions of adaptation at +least. Such perhaps is the story that in an assault upon the town "he +had several muskets but no one in the house save his wife to assist him. +She loaded the guns and he discharged them with fatal effect. The +contest continued for nearly half an hour, Mr. Prescott all the while +giving orders as if to soldiers, so loud that the Indians could hear +him, to load their muskets though he had no soldiers but his wife. At +length they withdrew carrying off several of their dead and wounded." + +In 1673 Prescott had nearly attained the age of three score and ten. The +weight of years that had been full of exposure, anxiety and toil rested +heavily upon even his rugged frame, and some sharp touch of bodily +ailment warning him of his mortality, he made his will. It is signed +with "his mark," although he evidently tried to force his unwilling hand +to its accustomed work, his peculiar J being plainly written and +followed by characters meant for the remaining letters of his first +name. To earlier documents he was wont to affix a simple neat signature, +and although not a clerkly penman like his friends John Tinker, Master +Joseph Rowlandson and Ralph Houghton, his writing is superior to that of +Major Simon Willard. + + JOHN PRESCOTT'S WILL. + + Theis presents witneseth that John Prescott of Lancaster in the + Countie of Midlesex in New England Blaksmith being vnder the + sencible decayes of nature and infirmities of old age and at + present vnder a great deale of anguish and paine but of a good and + sound memorie at the writing hereof being moved vpon considerations + aforesaid togather with advis of Christian friends to set his house + in order in Reference to the dispose of those outward good things + the lord in mercie hath betrusted him with, theirfore the said John + Prescott doth hereby declare his last will and testament to be as + followeth, first and cheifly Comiting and Contending his soule to + almightie god that gaue it him and his bodie to the comon burying + place here in Lancaster, and after his bodie being orderly and + decently buryed and the Charge theirof defrayed togather with all + due debts discharged, the Rest of his Lands and estate to be + disposed of as followeth: first in Reference to the Comfortable + being of his louing wife during the time of her naturall Life, it + is his will that his said wife haue that end of the house where he + and shee now dwelleth togather with halfe the pasture and halfe the + fruit of the aple trees and all the goods in the house, togather + with two cowes which shee shall Chuse and medow sufisiant for + wintering of them, out of the medowes where she shall Chuse, the + said winter pvision for the two cowes to be equaly and seasonably + pvided by his two sons John and Jonathan. And what this may fall + short in Reference to convenient food and cloathing and other + nesesaries for her comfort in sicknes and in health, to be equaly + pvided by the aforesaid John and Jonathan out of the estate. And at + the death of his aforesaid louing wife it is his will that the said + cowes and household goods be equally deuided betwene his two sons + aforesaid, and the other part of the dwelling house, out housing, + pasture and orchard togather with the term acres of house lott + lying on Georges hill which was purchased of daniell gains to be + equaly deuided betwene the said John and Jonathan and alsoe that + part of the house and outhousing what is Convenient for the two + Cowes and their winter pvision pasture and orchard willed to his + louing wife during her life, at her death to be equaly deuided + alsoe betwene the said John and Jonathan. And furthermore it is his + will that John Prescott his eldest son haue the Intervaile land at + John's Jumpe, the lower Mille and the land belonging to it and + halfe the saw mille and halfe the land belonging to it and all the + house and barne theire erected, and alsoe the house and farme at + Washacomb pond, and all the land their purchased from the indians + and halfe the medowes in all deuisions in the towne acept sum litle + part at bar hill wh. is after willed to James Sawyer and one halfe + of the Comon Right in the towne, and in Reference to second + deuision land, that part of it which lyeth at danforths farme both + vpland and interuaile is willed to Jonathan and sixtie acres of + that part at Washacom litle pond to James Sawyer and halfe of sum + brushie land Capable of being made medow at the side of the great + pine plain to be within the said James Sawyers sixtie acres and all + the Rest of the second deuision land both vpland and Interuaile to + be equaly deuided betwene John Prescott and Jonathan aformentioned. + And Jonathan Prescott his second son to haue the Ryefeild and all + the interuaile lott at Nashaway Riuer that part which he hath in + posesion and the other part joyneing to the highway and alsoe his + part of second deuision land aforementioned and alsoe one halfe of + all the medowes in all deuisions in the towne not willed to John + Prescott and James Sawyer aformentioned, and alsoe the other halfe + of the saw mille and land belonging to it, and it is to be + vnderstood that all timber on the land belonging to both Corne + Mille and Saw Mille be Comon to the vse of the Saw Mille. And in + Reference to his third son Jonas Prescott it is herby declared that + he hath Received a full childs portion at nonecoicus in a Corne + mille and Lands and other goods. And James Sawyer his granchild and + Servant it is his will that he haue the sixtie acres of vpland + aformentioned and the two peices of medow at bare hill one being + part of his second deuision the upermost peic on the brook and the + other being part of his third deuision lying vpon Nashaway River + purchased of goodman Allin. Prouided the Said James Sawyer carie it + beter then he did to his said granfather in his time and carie so + as becoms an aprentic & vntil he be one and twentie years of age + vnto the executors of this will namly John Prescott and Jonathan + Prescott who are alsoe herby engaged to pforme vnto the said James + what was pmised by his said granfather, which was to endeuor to + learne him the art and trade of a blaksmith. And in Case the said + James doe not pforme on his part as is afor expresed to the + satisfaction of the overseers of this will, or otherwise, If he doe + not acept of the land aformentioned, then the said land and medow + to be equaly deuided betwene the aforsaid John and Jonathan. And in + Reference to his three daughters, namly Marie, Sara and Lydia they + to haue and Receive eurie of them fiue pounds to be paid to them by + the executors to eurie of them fiftie shillings by the yeare two + years after the death of theire father to be paid out of the + mouables and Martha Ruge his granchild to haue a cow at the choic + of her granmother. And it is the express will and charge of the + testator to his wife and all his Children that they labor and + endeuor to prescrue loue and unitie among themselves and the + vpholding of Church and Comonwealth. And to the end that this his + last will and testament may be truly pformed in all the parts of + it, the said testator hath and herby doth constitut and apoynt his + two sons namly John Prescott and Jonathan Prescott Joynt executors + of this his last will. And for the preuention of after trouble + among those that suruiue about the dispose of the estate acording + to this his will he hath hereby Chosen desired and apoynted the + Reuerend Mr. Joseph Rowlandson, deacon Sumner and Ralph Houghton + overseers of this his will; vnto whom all the parties concerned in + this his will in all dificult Cases are to Repaire, and that + nothing be done without their Consent and aprobation. And + furthermore in Reference to the mouables it is his will that his + son John have his anvill and after the debts and legacies + aformentioned be truly paid and fully discharged by the executors + and the speciall trust pformed vnto my wife during her life and at + her death, in Respect of, sicknes funerall expences, the Remainder + of the movables to be equaly deuided betwene my two sons John and + Jonathan aforementioned. And for a further and fuller declaration + and confirmation of this will to be the last will and testament of + the afornamed John Prescott he hath herevnto put his hand and + seale this 8 of 2 month one thousand six hundred seaventie three. + + JOHN PRESCOTT, + + his _John_ mark. + + Sealed signed owned to be the Last will and testament of the + testator afornamed In the presence of + + JOSEPH ROWLANDSON, + ROGER SUMNER, + RALPH HOUGHTON. + + April 4: 82. + + ROGER SUMNER, } + RALPH HOUGHTON, } Appearing in Court + made oath to the above s'd will, + + JONATHAN REMINGTON, _Cleric_." + +But John Prescott's pilgrimage was far from ended, and severer +chastenings than any yet experienced awaited him. He had survived to see +the settlement that called him father, struggle upward from discouraging +beginnings, to become a thriving and happy community of over fifty +families. Where at his coming all had been pathless woods, now fenced +fields and orchards yielded annually their golden and ruddy harvests; +gardens bloomed; mechanic's plied their various crafts; herds wandered +in lush meadows; bridges spanned the rivers, and roads wound through the +landscape from cottage to cottage and away to neighboring towns. All +this fair scene of industry and rural content, of which he might in +modest truth say "_Magna pars fui_," he lived to see in a single day +made more desolate than the howling wilderness from which it had been +laboriously conquered. He was spared to see dear neighbors and kindred +massacred in every method of revolting atrocity, and their wives and +children carried into loathsome captivity by foes more relentlessly +cruel than wolves. When now weighed down with age and bodily +infirmities, the rest he had thought won was to be denied him, and he +and his were driven from the ashes of pleasant homes--about which +clustered the memories of thirty years' joys and sorrows--to beg shelter +from the charity of strangers. For more than three years his enforced +banishment endured. In October 1679, John Prescott with his sons John +and Jonathan, his sons-in-law Thomas Sawyer and John Rugg, his grand-son +Thomas Sawyer, Jr. and his neighbor's John Moore, Thomas Wilder, and +Josiah White, petitioned the Middlesex Court for permission to resettle +the town, and their prayer was granted. Soon most of the inhabitants who +had survived the massacre and exile, were busily building new homes, +some upon the cinders of the old, others upon their second division +lands east of the rivers where they were less exposed to the stealthy +incursions of their savage enemies. The two John Prescotts rebuilt the +mills and dwelt there. Whether the pioneer's life long helpmate died +before their settlement, in exile, or shortly after the return, has not +been ascertained, but it would seem that he survived her. Jonathan +having married a second wife remained in Concord. For two years the old +man lived with his eldest son, seeing the Nashaway Valley blooming with +the fruits of civilized labor; seeing new families filling the woeful +gaps made in the old by Philip's warriors; seeing children and +grandchildren grasping the implements that had fallen from the nerveless +hold of the earliest bread-winners, with hopeful and pertinacious +purpose to extend the paternal domain; seeing too, may we not trust, +from the Pisgah height of prophetic vision the glorious promise awaiting +this his Canaan; these softly rounded hills and broad valleys dotted +with the winsome homes of thousands of freemen; churches and schools, +shops of artisans, and busy marts of trade clustered about his mill +site; and, above all, seeing the assertion of political freedom and +liberty of conscience which Governor John Winthrop had reproached him +for favoring in the petition of Robert Child, become the corner stone of +a giant republic. + +No record of John Prescott's death is found; but when upon his death +bed, feeling that the changed condition of his own and his son +Jonathan's affairs required some modification of the will made in 1673, +he summoned two of his townsmen to hear his nuncupative codicil to that +document. From the affidavit, here appended, it is certain that his +death occurred about the middle of December, 1681. + + "The Deposition of Thos: Wilder aged 37 years sworn say'th that + being with Jno: Prescott Sen'r About six hours before he died he ye + s'd Jno. Prescott gaue to his eldest sonn Jno: Presscott his house + lott with all belonging to ye same & ye two mills, corn mill & saw + mill with ye land belonging thereto & three scor Acors of land nere + South medow and fourty Acors of land nere Wonchesix & a pece of + enteruile caled Johns Jump & Bridge medow on both sids ye Brook. + Cyprian Steevens Testifieth to all ye truth Aboue writen. + + DECEM. 20. 81. + + Sworn in Court. J.R.C." + +Though two or more years short of fourscore at the time of his death he +was Lancaster's oldest inhabitant. His fellow pioneer, Lawrence Waters, +who was the elder by perhaps a years, till survived, though blind and +helpless; but he dwelt with a son in Charlestown, after the destruction +of his home, and never returned to Lancaster. John and Ralph Houghton, +much younger men, were now the veterans of the town. + + * * * * * + +A GLIMPSE. + +BY MARY H. WHEELER. + + We met but once; 'twas many years ago. + I walked, with others, idly through the grounds + Where thou did'st minister in daily rounds. + I knew thee by thy garb, all I might know, + Sister of Charity, in hood like snow. + My heart was weary with the sight and sounds + Of sick and suffering soldiers in the wards below. + Disgusted with my thoughts of war and wounds. + 'Twas then, by sudden chance, I met thine eyes, + What saw I there? A light from heaven above, + A gleam of calm, self-sacrificing love, + A smile that fill'd my heart with glad surprise, + Reflected in my breast an answering glow, + And haunts me still, wherever I may go. + + * * * * * + +EARLY HISTORY OF THE BERMUDA ISLANDS. + +By JAMES H. STARK. + + +The singular collection of islands known as the Bermudas are situated +about seven hundred miles from Boston, in a southeast direction, and +about the same distance from Halifax, or Florida. The nearest land to +Bermuda is Cape Hatteras, distant 625 miles. + +Within sixty-five hours' sail from New York it is hardly possible to +find so complete a change in government, climate, scenery and +vegetation, as Bermuda offers; and yet these islands are strangely +unfamiliar to most well-informed Americans. + +Speaking our own language, having the same origin, with manners, which +in many ways illustrate those prevalent in New England a century ago, +the people are bound to us by many natural ties; and it is only now that +these islands, having come to the front as a winter resort, have led us +to inquire into their history and resources. Settled in 1612, Virginia +only of the English colonies outdating it, life in Bermuda has been as +placid as its lovely waters on a summer day; no agitation of sufficient +occurrence having occurred to attract the attention of the outside +world, from which it is so absolutely isolated. + +The only communication with the mainland is by the Quebec Steamship +Company, who dispatch a steamer every alternate Thursday between New +York and Hamilton, Bermuda, the fare for the round trip, including meals +and stateroom, is fifty dollars. During the crop season, in the months +of April, May and June, steamers are run weekly. + +The Cunard Company also have a monthly service between Halifax, Bermuda, +Turks Island and Jamaica, under contract with the Admiralty. + +The Bermudas were first discovered in 1515 by a Spanish vessel, called +La Garza, on a voyage from Spain to Cuba, with a cargo of hogs, and +commanded by Juan Bermudez, and having on board Gonzalez Oviedo, the +historian of the Indies, to whom we are indebted for the first account +of these islands. They approached near to the islands, and from the +appearance of the place concluded that it was uninhabited. They resolved +to send a boat ashore to make observations, and leave a few hogs, which +might breed and be afterwards useful. When, however, they were preparing +to debark a strong contrary gale arose, which obliged them to sheer off +and be content with the view already obtained. The islands were named by +the Spaniards indifferently, La Garza from the ship and Bermuda from the +captain, but the former term is long since disused. + +[Illustration: INSCRIPTION ON SPANISH ROCK] + +It does not appear that the Spaniards made any attempt to settle there, +although Philip II. granted the islands to one Ferdinand Camelo, a +Portuguese, who never improved his gift, beyond taking possession by the +form of landing in 1543, and carving on a prominent cliff on the +southern shore of the island[A] the initials of his name and the year, +to which, in conformity with the practical zeal of the times, he +super-added a cross, to protect his acquisition from the encroachments +of roving heretics and the devil, for the stormy seas and dangerous +reefs gave rise to so many disasters as to render the group exceedingly +formidable in the eyes of the most experienced navigators. It was even +invested in their imagination with superstitious terrors, being +considered as unapproachable by man, and given up in full dominion to +the spirits of darkness. The Spaniards therefore called them "Los +Diabolos," the Devil's Islands. + +[Footnote A: This inscription is still in existence, the engraving shown +herewith is a good representation of it, as it appears at the present +time.] + +[Illustration: Fac-simile reproduction of a Map of Bermuda made in 1614 +by Captain John Smith.] + +[Illustration: View of the State House and reference as to location of +the fort, bridges, etc., shown herewith on Smith's map of 1614. +(Fac-simile reproduction.)] + +These islands were first introduced to the notice of the English by a +dreadful shipwreck. In 1591 Henry May sailed to the East Indies, along +with Captain Lancaster, on a buccaneering expedition. Having reached the +coast of Sumatra and Malacca, they scoured the adjacent seas, and made +some valuable captures. In 1593 they again doubled the Cape of Good Hope +and returned to the West Indies for supplies, which they much needed. +They first came in sight of Trinidad, but did not dare to approach a +coast which was in possession of the Spaniards, and their distress +became so great that it was with the utmost difficulty that the men +could be prevented from leaving the ship. They shortly afterwards fell +in with a French buccaneer, commanded by La Barbotiere, who kindly +relieved their wants by a gift of bread and provisions. Their stores +were soon again exhausted, and, coming across the French ship the second +time, application was made to the French Captain for more supplies, but +he declared that his own stock was so much reduced that he could spare +but little, but the sailors persuaded themselves that the Frenchman's +scarcity was feigned, and also that May, who conducted the negotiations, +was regailing himself with good cheer on board without any trouble about +their distress. Among these men, inured to bold and desperate deeds, a +company was formed to seize the French pinnace, and then to capture the +large vessel with its aid. They succeeded in their first object, but the +French Captain, who observed their actions, sailed away at full speed, +and May, who was dining with him on board at the time, requested that he +might stay and return home on the vessel so that he could inform his +employers of the events of the voyage and the unruly behavior of the +crew. As they approached Bermuda strict watch was kept while they +supposed themselves to be near that dreaded spot, but when the pilot +declared that they were twelve leagues south of it they threw aside all +care and gave themselves up to carousing. Amid their jollity, about +midnight, the ship struck with such violence that she immediately filled +and sank. They had only a small boat, to which they attached a +hastily-constructed raft to be towed along with it; room, however, was +made for only twenty-six, while the crew exceeded fifty. In the wild and +desperate struggle for existence that ensued May fortunately got into +the boat. They had to beat about nearly all the next day, dragging the +raft after them, and it was almost dark before they reached the shore; +they were tormented with thirst, and had nearly despaired of finding a +drop of water when some was discovered in a rock where the rain waters +had collected. + +[Illustration: St. George's and Warwick Fort in 1614. (Fac-simile of +Smith's engraving.)] + +The land was covered with one unbroken forest of cedar. Here they would +have to remain for life unless a vessel could be constructed. They made +a voyage to the wreck and secured the shrouds, tackles and carpenters' +tools, and then began to cut down the cedars, with which they +constructed a vessel of eighteen tons. For pitch they took lime, +rendered adhesive by a mixture of turtle oil, and forced it into the +seams, where it became hard as stone. + +During a residence of five months here May had observed that Bermuda, +hitherto supposed to be a single island, was broken up into a number of +islands of different sizes, enclosing many fine bays, and forming good +harbors. The vessel being finished they set sail for Newfoundland, +expecting to meet fishing vessels there, on which they could obtain +passage to Europe. On the eleventh of May they found themselves with joy +clear of the islands. They had a very favorable voyage, and on the +twentieth arrived at Cape Breton. May arrived in England in August, +1594, where he gave a description of the islands; he stated that they +found hogs running wild all over the islands, which proves that this was +not the first landing made there. + +It was owing to a shipwreck that Bermuda again came under the view of +the English, and that led England to appropriate these islands. + +In 1609, during the most active period of the colonization of Virginia, +an expedition of nine ships, commanded by Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George +Somers and Captain Newport, bound for Virginia, was dispersed by a great +storm. One of the vessels, the Sea Adventure, in which were Gates, +Somers and Newport, seems to have been involved in the thickest of the +tempest. The vessel sprung aleak, which it was found impossible to stop. +All hands labored at the pumps for life, even the Governor and Admiral +took their turns, and gentlemen who had never had an hour's hard work in +their life toiled with the rest. The water continued to gain on them, +and when about to give up in despair, Sir George Somers, who had been +watching at the poop deck day and night, cried out land, and there in +the early dawn of morning could be seen the welcome sight of land. +Fortunately they lighted on the only secure entrance through the reefs. +The vessel was run ashore and wedged between two rocks, and thereby was +preserved from sinking, till by means of a boat and skiff the whole crew +of one hundred and fifty, with provisions, tackle and stores, reached +the land. At that time the hogs still abounded, and these, with the +turtle, birds and fish which they caught, afforded excellent food for +the castaways. The Isle of Devils Sir George Somers and party found "the +richest, healthfulest and pleasantest" they ever saw. + +Robert Walsingham and Henry Shelly discovered two bays abounding in +excellent fish; these bays are still called by their names. Gates and +Somers caused the long boat to be decked over, and sent Raven, the mate, +with eight men, to Virginia to bring assistance to them, but nothing was +ever heard of them afterwards, and after waiting six months all hopes +were then given up. The chiefs of the expedition then determined to +build two vessels of cedar, one of eighty tons and one of thirty. Their +utmost exertions, however, did not prevent disturbances, which nearly +baffled the enterprise. These were fomented by persons noted for their +religious zeal, of Puritan principles and the accompanying spirit of +independence. They represented that the recent disaster had dissolved +the authority of the Governor, and their business was now to provide, as +they best could, for themselves and their families. They had come out in +search of an easy and plentiful subsistence, which could nowhere be +found in greater perfection and security than here, while in Virginia +its attainment was not only doubtful, but attended with many hardships. +These arguments were so convincing with the larger number of the men +that, had it rested with them, they would have lived and died on the +islands. + +[Illustration: Entrance to St. George Harbor, between Smith's and +Paget's Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving. 1614.)] + +Two successive conspiracies were formed by large parties to separate +from the rest and form a colony. Both were defeated by the vigilance of +Gates, who allowed the ringleaders to escape with a slight punishment. +This lenity only emboldened the malcontents, and a third plot was formed +to seize the stores and take entire possession of the islands. It was +determined to make an example of one of the leaders named Payne; He was +condemned to be hanged, but, on the plea of being a gentleman, his +sentence was commuted into that of being shot, which was immediately +done. This had a salutary effect, and prevented any further trouble. + +[Illustration: View of ancient forts. (Re-produced from Smith's +engraving, 1614)] + +Two children, a boy and girl, were born during this period; the former +was christened Bermudas and the latter Bermuda; they were probably the +first human beings born on these islands. + +Before leaving the islands Gates caused a cross to be made of the wood +saved from the wreck of his ship, which he secured to a large cedar; a +silver coin with the king's head was placed in the middle of it, +together with an inscription on a copper plate describing what had +happened--That the cross was the remains of a ship of three hundred +tons, called the Sea Venture, bound with eight more to Virginia; that +she contained two knights, Sir Thomas Gates, governor of the colony, and +Sir George Summers, admiral of the seas, who, together with her captain, +Christopher Newport, and one hundred and fifty mariners and passengers +besides, had got safe ashore, when she was lost, July 28, 1609. + +On the tenth of May, 1610, they sailed with a fair wind, and, before +reaching the open sea, they struck on a rock and were nearly wrecked the +second time. On the twenty-third they arrived safely at Jamestown. This +settlement they found in a most destitute condition on their arrival, +and it was determined to abandon the place, but Sir George Summers, +"whose noble mind ever regarded the general good more than his own +ends," offered to undertake a voyage to the Bermudas for the purpose of +forming a settlement, from which supplies might be obtained for the +Jamestown colony. He accordingly sailed June 19, in his cedar vessel, +and his name was then given to the islands, though Bermuda has since +prevailed. + +[Illustration: Entrance to Castle Harbor, between Castle and +Southhampton Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving, +1614.)] + +Contrary winds and storms carried him to the northward, to the vicinity +of Cape Cod. Somers persevered and reached the islands, but age, anxiety +and exertion contributed to produce his end. Perceiving the approach of +death he exhorted his companions to continue their exertions for the +benefit of the plantations, and to return to Virginia. Alarmed at the +untimely fate of their leader, the colonists embalmed his body, and +disregarding his dying injunction, sailed for England. Three only of the +men volunteered to remain, and for some time after their companions left +they continued to cultivate the soil, but unfortunately they found some +ambergris, and they fell into innumerable quarrels respecting its +possession. They at length resolved to build a boat and sail for +Newfoundland with their prize, but, happily for them, they were +prevented by the arrival of a ship from Europe. An extraordinary +interest was excited in England by the relation of Captain Mathew +Somers, the nephew and heir of Sir George. The usual exaggerations were +published, and public impressions were heightened by contrast with the +dark ideas formerly prevalent concerning these islands. A charter was +obtained of King James I., and one hundred and twenty gentlemen detached +themselves from the Virginia company and formed a company under the name +and style of the Governor and Company of the City of London, for the +plantation of the Somer Islands. + +On the twenty-eighth of April, 1612, the first ship was sent out with +sixty emigrants, under the charge of Richard Moore, who was appointed +the Governor of the colony. They met the boat containing the three men +left on the island, who were overjoyed at seeing the ship, and conducted +her into the harbor. It was not long before intelligence of the +discovery of the ambergris reached the Governor; he promptly deprived +the three men of it. One of them named Chard, who denied all knowledge +of it, and caused considerable disturbance, which at one time seemed +likely to result in a sanguinary encounter, was condemned to be hanged, +and was only reprieved when on the ladder. + +The Governor now applied himself actively to his duties. He had +originally landed on Smith's Island, but he soon removed to the spot +where St. George's now stands, and built the town which was named after +Sir George Somers, and which became, and remained for two centuries, the +capital of Bermuda. He laid the foundation of eight or nine forts for +the defence of the harbor, and also trained the men to arms in order +that they might defend the infant colony from attack. This proved +necessary, for, in 1614, two Spanish ships attempted to enter the +harbor; the forts were promptly manned and two shots fired at the enemy, +who, finding them better prepared than they imagined, bore away. + +Before the close of 1615 six vessels had arrived with three hundred and +forty passengers, among whom were a Marshall and one Bartlett, who were +sent out expressly to divide the colony into tribes or shares; but the +Governor finding no mention of any shares for himself, and the persons +with him, as had been agreed on, forbade his proceeding with his survey. +The survey was afterward made by Richard Norwood, which divided the land +into tribes, now parishes; these shares form, the foundation of the land +tenure of the islands, even to this day, the divisional lines in many +cases yet remaining intact. Moore, whose time had expired, went back to +England in 1615, leaving the administration of the government to six +persons, who were to rule, each in turn, one month. They proceeded to +elect by lot their first ruler, the choice falling upon Charles +Caldicot, who then went, with a crew of thirty-two men, in a vessel to +the West Indies for the purpose of procuring plants, goats and young +cattle for the islands. The vessel was wrecked there, and the crew were +indebted to an English pirate for being rescued from a desert island on +which they had been cast. + +For a time the colony was torn by contention and discord, as well as by +scarcity of food. The news of these dissensions having reached England +the company sent out Daniel Tucker as Governor. Tucker was a stern, hard +master, and he enforced vigorous measures to compel the people to work +for the company. The provisions and stores he issued in certain +quantities, and paid each laborer a stated sum in brass coin, struck by +the proprietor for the purpose, having a hog on one side, in +commemoration of the abundance of those animals found by the first +settlers, and on the reverse a ship. Pieces of this curious hog money, +as it is called, is frequently found, and it brings a high price. + +[Illustration: HOG MONEY.] + +Shortly after Governor Tucker arrived he sent to the West Indies for +plants and fruit trees. The vessel returned with figs, pine-apples, +sugar-cane, plantain and paw-paw, which were all planted and rapidly +multiplied. This vessel also brought the first slaves into the colony, +an Indaian and a negro. + +The company dispatched a small bark, called the Hopewell, with supplies +for the colony, under the command of Captain Powell. On his way he met a +Portuguese vessel homeward bound from Brazil, with a cargo of sugar, +and, as Smith adds, "liked the sugar and passengers so well" he made a +prize of her. Fearing to face Governor Tucker after this piratical act +he directed his course to the West Indies. On his arrival there he met a +French pirate, who pretended to have a warm regard for him, and invited +him, with his officers, to an entertainment. Suspecting nothing he +accepted the invitation, but no sooner had they been well seated at the +table than they were all seized and threated with instant death, unless +they surrendered their prize. This Powell was, of course, compelled to +do, and finding his provisions failing him he put the Portuguese crew on +shore and sailed for Bermuda, where he managed to excuse himself to the +Governor. Powell again went to the West Indies pirating, and in May he +arrived with three prizes, laden with meal, hides, and ammunition. +Tucker received him kindly and treated him with consideration, until he +had the goods in his own possession, when he reproached the Captain with +his piratical conduct and called him to account for his proceedings. The +unlucky buccaneer was, in the end, glad to escape to England, leaving +his prizes in the hands of the Governor. + +The discipline and hard labor required of the people reduced them to a +condition but little better than that of slaves, and caused many to make +desperate efforts to escape from the islands. Five persons, neither of +whom were sailors, built a fishing boat for the Governor, and when +completed they borrowed a compass from their preacher, for whom they +left a farewell epistle. In this they reminded him how often he had +exhorted them to patience under ill-treatment, and had told them how +Providence would pay them, if man did not. They trusted, therefore, that +he would now practice what he had so often preached. + +[Illustration: Reproduction of Smith's engraving, 1614, showing his coat +of arms with the three Turk heads.] + +These brave men endured great hardships in their boat of three tons +during their rash voyage; but at the end of about forty-two days they +arrived at Ireland, where their exploit was considered so wonderful that +the Earl of Thomond caused them to be received and entertained, and hung +up their boat as a monument of this extraordinary voyage. The Governor +was greatly exasperated at their escape, and threatened to hang the +whole of them if they returned. + +Another party of three, one of whom was a lady, attempted in a like +manner to reach Virginia, but were never afterwards heard of. Six others +were discovered before they effected their departure, and one was +executed. John Wood, who was found guilty of speaking "many distasteful +and mutinous speeches against the Governor," was also condemned and +executed. + +As there were at that time only about five hundred inhabitants on these +islands, it would appear from Captain Smith's History that Tucker hanged +a good percentage of them. Many were the complaints that were forwarded +to England concerning the tyrannical government of Tucker, and he, +fearing to be recalled, at last returned to England of his own accord, +having appointed a person named Kendall as his deputy. + +Kendall was disposed to be attentive to his office, but wanted energy, +and the company took an early opportunity to relieve him; this was not +very agreeable to the people, but they did not offer any resistance. + +Governor Butler arrived with four ships and five hundred men on the +twentieth of October, 1619, which raised the number of the colonists to +1000, and at his departure three years later, it had increased to 1500. + +On the first of August, 1620, in conformity with instructions sent out +by the company, the Governor summoned the first general assembly at St. +George's for the dispatch of public business. It consisted of the +Governor, Council, Bailiffs, Burgesses, Secretary, and Clerk. It appears +that they all sat in one house, which was probably the "State House" +shown on Smith's engraving. Most of the Acts passed on this occasion +were creditable to the new legislators. + +Governor Butler, as Moore had done before him, turned his chief +attention to the building of forts and magazines; he also finished the +cedar Church at St. George's, and caused the assembly to pass an Act for +the building of three bridges, and then initiated the useful project of +connecting together the principal islands. When Governor Butler returned +to England he left the islands in a greatly improved condition. But in +his time, also, there were such frequent mutinies and discontent, that +at last "he longed for deliverance from his thankless and troublesome +employment." It was probably during Governor Butler's administration +that Captain[A] John Smith had a map and illustrations of the "Summer +Ils" made, for in it we find the three bridges, numerous +well-constructed forts, and the State House at St. George's. The map and +illustrations were published in "Smith's General Historic of Virginia, +New England and the Summer Ils" 1624; they are of the greatest value and +importance, as they show accurately the class of buildings and forts +erected on these islands at that early period; such details even are +entered into as the showing of the stocks in the market place of St. +George's, and the architecture and the substantial manner in which the +buildings were constructed is remarkable, especially so when it is +considered that previous to 1620 the Puritans had not settled at +Plymouth, and it was ten years from that date before the settlement of +Boston: in fact, with the exception of Jamestown in Virginia, the +English had not secured a foot-hold in North America at the time these +buildings and forts were constructed. There are very few copies of this +rare print in existence, even in Smith's history it is usually found +wanting, and it was only after considerable trouble and expense that the +writer succeeded in obtaining a reproduction of it. + +[Footnote A: Captain John Smith was never in Bermuda. He derived all his +information from his opportunities as a member of the Virginia Company, +and from correspondence or personal narratives of returned planters. +This was his habitual way, as is shown by the number of authorities that +he quotes. He probably obtained the sketches, from which these +illustrations were made, from Richard Norwood, the schoolmaster.] + +The early history of Bermuda is in many important points similar to that +of New England. Like motives had in most instances induced emigration, +and the distinguished characteristics of those people were repeated +here. + +Like the Salem and Boston colonists they had their witchcraft delusions, +anticipating that, however, some twenty years, Christian North was +tried for it in 1668, but was acquited. Somewhat later a negro woman, +Sarah Basset, was burned at Paget for the same offence. The Quakers were +persecuted by fines, imprisonment, and banishment, by the stem and +dark-souled Puritans, who had emigrated to this place to escape +oppression, and to enjoy religious toleration, but were not willing to +grant to others who differed from them in their religious belief the +same privileges as they themselves enjoyed. + +The company discovered by degrees that the Bermudas were not the +Eldorado which they had fondly imagined them to be. The colonists were +now numerous, and every day showed a strong disposition to break away +from the control of the company. The company had issued an order +forbidding the inhabitants to receive any ships but such as were +commissioned by them. The company complained against the quality of +tobacco shipped to London, as well as the quantity. + +The people were forbidden to cut cedar without a special license, and as +they were in the habit of exporting oranges in chests made of this wood, +the regulation operated very materially to the injury of the place. +Previous to this order many homeward-bound West Indiamen arrived at +Castle Harbor to load with this fruit for the English market. Whaling +was claimed as an exclusive privilege, and was conducted for the sole +benefit of the proprietors. Numerous attempts were made to boil sugar, +but the company directed the Governor to prevent it, as it would require +too much wood for fuel. + +In consequence of instructions from England Governor Turner called upon +all the inhabitants of the islands to take the oath of supremacy and +allegiance to his majesty, but as the Puritans had left their native +country on account of their republican sentiments, they refused to +comply, and the prisons were soon filled to overflowing. + +The rapid change of affairs in England during the civil war, in which +the Puritans were victorious, and Cromwell was elevated to the +Protectorship, opened the doors of the prisons, and stopped all further +persecutions, both political and religious. + +It must be said in favor of the company that they had, at an early +period, established schools throughout the colony, and appropriated +lands in most of the tribes or parishes, for the maintainance of the +teachers. + +From 1630 to 1680 many negro and Indian slaves were brought to the +colony; the negroes from Africa and the West Indies, and a large number +of Indians from Massachusetts, prisoners taken in the Pequot and King +Philip's wars. The traces of their Indian ancestry can readily be seen +in many of the colored people of these islands at the present time. + +In October, 1661, the Protestant inhabitants were alarmed by rumors of a +proposed combination between the negroes and the Irish. The plan was to +arm themselves and massacre the whites who were not Catholics. +Fortunately the plot was discovered in time, and measures adopted to +disarm the slaves and the disaffected. + +The proprietary form of government continued until 1685, with a long +succession of good, bad, and indifferent Governors. + +Many acts of piracy were perpetrated at different times by the +inhabitants of these islands. In 1665 Captain John Wentworth made a +descent upon the island of Tortola and brought off about ninety slaves, +the property of the Governor of the place. Governor Seymour received a +letter from him in which he stated that "upon the ninth day of July +there came hither against me a pirate or sea robber, named John +Wentworth, the which over-run my lands, and that against the will of +mine owne inhabits, and shewed himself a tyrant, in robbing and firing, +and took my negroes from my Isle, belonging to no man but myself. And +likewise I doe understand that this said John Wentworth, a sea robber, +is an indweller with you, soe I desire that you would punish this rogue, +according to your good law. I desire you, soe soon as you have this +truth of mine, if you don't of yourself, restore all my negroes againe, +whereof I shall stay here three months, and in default of this, soe be +assured, that wee shall speake together very shortly, and then I shall +be my owne judge." + +This threatening letter caused great consternation, and immediately +steps were taken to place the colony in the best posture for defence, +reliance being had on the impregnability of the islands, instead of +delivering up the plunder, especially as Captain Wentworth held a +commission from the Governor and Council, and acted under their +instructions. + +Isaac Richier, who became Governor of the colony in 1691, was another +celebrated freebooter. The account of his reign reads like a romance. +The love of gold, and the determination to possess it, was the one idea +of his statesmanship. He was a pirate at sea and a brigand on land. +Nevertheless, it does not appear that any of his misdeeds, such as +hanging innocent people, and robbing British ships, as well as others, +led to his recall, or caused any degree of indignation which such +conduct usually arouses. The fact appears to be that, although Governor +Richier was a bold, bad man, yet few of his subjects were entitled to +throw the first stone at his excellency. + +Benjamin Bennett became Governor of the colony in 1701. At this time the +Bahama Islands had become a rendezvous for pirates, and a few years +later, King George the First issued a proclamation for their +dislodgment. Governor Bennett accordingly dispatched a sloop, ordering +the marauders to surrender. Those who were on shore on his arrival +gladly accepted the opportunity to escape, and declared that they did +not doubt but that their companions who were at sea would follow their +example. Captain Henry Jennings and fifteen others sailed for Bermuda, +and were soon followed by four other Captains--Leslie, Nichols, +Hornigold, and Burges, with one hundred men, who all surrendered. + +In 1710 the Spaniards made a descent on Turk's Island, which had been +settled by the Bermudians for the purpose of gathering salt, and took +possession of the island, making prisoners of the people. The +Bermudians, at their own expense and own accord, dispatched a force +under Captain Lewis Middleton to regain possession of the Bahama Cays. +The expedition was successful, and a victory gained over the Spaniards, +and they were driven from the islands; they still, however, continued to +make predatory attacks on the salt-rakers at the ponds, and on the +vessels going for and carrying away salt. To repel these aggressions and +afford security to their trade, the Bermudians went to the expense of +arming their vessels. + +In 1775 the discontent in the American provinces had broken out into +open opposition to the crown, and the people were forbidden to trade +with their late fellow subjects. Bermuda suffered great want in +consequence, for at this period, instead of exporting provisions the +island had become dependent on the continent for the means of +subsistence. This, together with the fact that many of the people +possessed near relatives engaged in the struggle with the crown, tended +to destroy good feelings towards the British government. These +circumstances must be considered in order to judge fairly of the +following transaction, which has always been regarded to have cast a +stain upon the patriotism and loyalty of the Bermudians. + +At the outbreak of the American Revolution, two battles were fought in +the vicinity of Boston--Lexington and Bunker Hill, after which all +intercourse with the surrounding country ceased, and Boston was reduced +to a state of siege. Civil war commenced in all its horrors; the +sundering of social ties; the burning of peaceful homes; the butchery of +kindred and friends. + +Washington was appointed by the Continental Congress, Commander-in-Chief +of the American forces, and on July 3, 1775, two weeks after the battle +of Bunker Hill, he took formal command of the army at Cambridge. In a +letter to the President of Congress notifying him of his safe arrival +there, he made the following statement. "Upon the article of ammunition, +I must re-echo the former complaints on this subject. We are so +exceedingly destitute that our artillery will be of little use without a +supply both large and seasonable. What we have must be reserved for the +small arms, and that well managed with the utmost frugality." A few +weeks later General Washington wrote the following letter on the same +subject.[A] + +[Footnote A: Writings of George Washington, by J. Sparks, vol. iii, page +47.] + + TO GOVERNOR COOKE, OF RHODE ISLAND. + + Camp at Cambridge, 4 August, 1775. + + Sir, + + I am now, Sir, in strict confidence, to acquaint you, that our + necessities in the articles of powder and lead are so great, as to + require an immediate supply. I must earnestly entreat that you will + fall upon some measure to forward every pound of each in your + colony that can possibly be spared. It is not within the propriety + or safety of such a correspondence to say what I might on this + subject. It is sufficient that the case calls loudly for the most + strenuous exertions of every friend of his country, and does not + admit of the least delay. No quantity, however small, is beneath + notice, and, should any arrive, I beg it may be forwarded as soon + as possible. + + But a supply of this kind is so precarious, not only from the + danger of the enemy, but the opportunity of purchasing, that I have + revolved in my mind every other possible chance, and listened to + every proposition on the subject which could give the smallest + hope. Among others I have had one mentioned which has some weight + with me, as well as the other officers to whom I have proposed it. + A Mr. Harris has lately come from Bermuda, where there is a very + considerable magazine of powder in a remote part of the island; and + the inhabitants are well disposed, not only to our cause in + general, but to assist in this enterprise in particular. We + understand there are two armed vessels in your province, commanded + by men of known activity and spirit; one of which, it is proposed + to despatch on this errand with such assistance as may be + requisite. Harris is to go along, as the conductor of the + enterprise, that we may avail ourselves of his knowledge of the + island; but without any command. I am very sensible, that at first + view the project may appear hazardous; and its success must depend + on the concurrence of many circumstances; but we are in a + situation, which requires us to run all risks. No danger is to be + considered, when put in competition with the magnitude of the + cause, and the absolute necessity we are under of increasing our + stock. Enterprises, which appear chimerical, often prove successful + from that very circumstance. Common sense and prudence will suggest + vigilance and care, where the danger is plain and obvious; but + where little danger is apprehended, the more the enemy will be + unprepared; and consequently there is the fairest prospect of + success. + + Mr. Brown has been mentioned to me as a very proper person to be + consulted upon this occasion. You will judge of the propriety of + communicating it to him in part or the whole, and as soon as + possible favor me with your sentiments, and the steps you may have + taken to forward it. If no immediate and safe opportunity offers, + you will please to do it by express. Should it be inconvenient to + part with one of the armed vessels, perhaps some other might be + fitted out, or you could devise some other mode of executing this + plan; so that, in case of a disappointment, the vessel might + proceed to some other island to purchase. + + I am, Sir, + Your most obedient, humble servant, + G. Washington. + +This plan was approved by the Governor and Committee of Rhode Island, +and Captain Abraham Whipple agreed to engage in the affair, provided +General Washington would give him a certificate under his own hand, that +in case the Bermudians would assist the undertaking, he would recommend +to the Continental Congress to permit the exportation of provisions to +those islands from the colonies. + +General Washington accordingly sent the following address to the +Bermudians.[A] + +[Footnote A: Writings of George Washington, by J. Sparks, vol. iii., +page 77.] + + TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA. + + Camp at Cambridge, 6 September, 1775. + Gentlemen: + + In the great conflict, which agitates this continent, I cannot + doubt but the assertors of freedom and the rights of the + constitution are possessed of your most favorable regards and + wishes for success. As descendants of freemen, and heirs with us of + the same glorious inheritance, we flatter ourselves, that, though + divided by our situation, we are firmly united in sentiment. The + cause of virtue and liberty is confined to no continent or climate. + It comprehends, within its capacious limits, the wise and good, + however dispersed and separated in space or distance. + + You need not be informed that the violence and rapacity of a + tyrannic ministry have forced the citizens of America, your brother + colonist, into arms. We equally detest and lament the prevalence of + those counsels, which have led to the effusion of so much human + blood, and left us no alternative but a civil war, or a base + submission. The wise Disposer of all events has hitherto smiled + upon our virtuous efforts. Those mercenary troops, a few of whom + lately boasted of subjugating this vast continent, have been + checked in their earliest ravages, and now actually encircled + within a small space; their arms disgraced, and themselves + suffering all the calamities of a siege. The virtue, spirit, and + union of the provinces leave them nothing to fear, but the want of + ammunition. The application of our enemies to foreign states, and + their vigilance upon our coasts, are the only efforts they have + made against us with success. + + Under these circumstances, and with these sentiments, we have + turned our eyes to you, Gentlemen, for relief. We are informed, + that there is a very large magazine in your island under a very + feeble guard. We would not wish to involve you in an opposition, in + which, from your situation, we should be unable to support you; we + knew not, therefore, to what extent to solicit your assistance, in + availing ourselves of this supply; but, if your favor and + friendship to North America and its liberties have not been + misrepresented, I persuade myself you may, consistently with your + own safety, promote and further this scheme, so as to give it the + fairest prospect of success. Be assured, that, in this case, the + whole power and exertion of my influence will be made with the + honorable Continental Congress, that your island may not only be + supplied with provisions, but experience every other mark of + affection and friendship, which the grateful citizens of a free + country can bestow on its brethren and benefactors. I am, + Gentlemen, + + With much esteem, + Your humble servant, + + [Illustration: Signature G Washington] + +Captain Whipple had scarcely sailed from Providence before an account +appeared in the newspapers of one hundred barrels of powder having been +taken from Bermuda by a vessel supposed to be from Philadelphia, and +another from South Carolina. This was the same powder that Captain +Whipple had gone to procure. General Washington and Governor Cooke were +both of the opinion it was best to countermand his instructions. The +other armed vessel of Rhode Island was immediately dispatched in search +of the Captain with orders to return. + +But it was too late; he reached Bermuda and put in at the west end of +the island. The inhabitants were at first alarmed, supposing him to +command a king's armed vessel, and the women and children fled from that +vicinity; but when he showed them his commission and instructions they +treated him with much cordiality and friendship, and informed him that +they had assisted in removing the powder, which was made known to +General Gage, and he had sent a sloop of war to the island. They +professed themselves hearty friends to the American cause. Captain +Whipple being defeated in the object of his voyage returned to +Providence. + +Soon after the inhabitants of Bermuda petitioned Congress for relief, +representing their great distress in consequence of being deprived of +the supplies that usually came from the colonies. In consideration of +their being friendly to the cause of America, it was resolved by +Congress that provisions in certain quantities might be exported to +them.[A] + +[Footnote A: Journal of Congress, November 22, 1775.] + +The powder procured from the Bermudians led to the first great victory +gained by Washington in the Revolutionary war, the evacuation of Boston +by the British army. After the arrival of the powder Washington caused +numerous batteries to be erected in the immediate vicinity of the town. +On the night of March 4, 1776, Dorchester Heights were taken possession +of and works erected there, which commanded Boston, and the British +Fleet lying at anchor in the harbor. This caused the town to be +evacuated, and General Howe with his army and about one thousand +loyalists went aboard of the fleet and sailed for Halifax, March 17, +1776. + +Nothing could exceed the indignation of Governor Bruere when he received +intelligence of the plundering of the magazine; he promptly called upon +the legislature to take active measures for bringing the delinquents to +justice. No evidence could ever be obtained, and the whole transaction +is still enveloped in mystery. The Governor let no opportunity escape +him to accuse the Bermudians of disloyality, and no doubt severe +punishment would have been inflicted on the delinquents could they have +been discovered. + +Two American brigs under Republican colors arrived shortly after this +and remained some weeks at the west end of the islands unmolested, and +Governor Bruere complained bitterly of this to the assembly.[A] + +[Footnote A: These were probably the vessels sent out from Rhode Island +under the command of Captain Whipple.] + +Governor George James Bruere died in 1780, and the administration +devolved on the Honorable Thomas Jones, who was relieved by George +Bruere as Lieutenant Governor, in October, 1780. + +Governor Bruere was soon openly at variance with the assembly, and did +not hesitate to accuse the people of treason in supplying the revolted +provinces with salt, exchanging it for provisions. Mr. Bruere extremely +exasperated at their trading, which he considered to be treasonable +conduct, commented on it in his message to the assembly in no measured +terms. Some intercepted correspondence with the rebels added fuel to the +flame, and on the fifteenth of August, 1781, he addressed them in a +speech which could not fail to be offensive, although it contained much +sound argument. This was followed by a message more bitter and +acrimonious, all of which they treated with silent contempt, until the +twenty-eight of September, when they discharged their wrath in an +address, in which the Governor was handled most roughly for his attacks +on the inhabitants of these islands. In return he addressed a message, +equally uncourteous in its tone, and dissolved the house. + +The arrival of William Browne, whose administration commenced the fourth +of January, 1782, put an end to Mr. Bruere's rule. + +The high character of the new Governor had preceded him in the colony, +and he was joyfully received on his arrival. He was a native of Salem, +Massachusetts, and was high in office previous to the Revolution, was +Colonel of the Essex regiment, judge of the Supreme Court, and Mandamus +Counselor. After the passage of the Boston Port bill, he was waited on +by a committee of the Essex delegates, to inform him, that "it was with +grief that the country had viewed his exertions for carrying into +execution certain acts of parliament calculated to enslave and ruin his +native land; that while the country would continue the respect for +several years paid him, it resolved to detach, from every future +connection, all such as shall persist in supporting or in any way +countenancing the late arbitrary acts of Parliament; that the delegates +in the name of the country requested him to excuse them from the painful +necessity of considering and treating him as an enemy to his country, +unless he resigned his office as Counsellor and Judge." Colonel Browne +replied as follows: + +"As a judge and in every other capacity, I intend to act with honor and +integrity and to exert my best abilities; and be assured that neither +persuasion can allure me, nor menaces compel me, to do anything +derogatory to the character of a Counselor of his Majesty's province of +Massachusetts."--William Browne. + +Colonel Browne was esteemed among the most opulent and benevolent +individuals of that province prior to the Revolution; and so great was +his popularity that the gubernatorial chair of Massachusetts was offered +him by the "committee of safety," as an inducement for him to remain and +join the "sons of liberty." But he felt it a duty to adhere to +government; even at the expense of his great landed estate, both in +Massachusetts and Connecticut, the latter comprising fourteen valuable +farms, all of which were afterwards confiscated. + +By preferring to remain on the side representing law and authority, and +unwilling to adopt the course of the revolutionists, this courtly +representative of an ancient and honorable family, this sincere lover of +his country, this skilled man of affairs, this upright and merciful +judge, once so beloved by his fellow townsmen, drew upon himself their +wrath, and he fled from his native country never to return again. First +he sought refuge in Boston in 1774, then in Halifax, and from there he +went to England in 1776, where he remained till 1781, when he was +appointed Governor of Bermuda, as a slight return for his great +sacrifices and important services in behalf of the Crown. Colonel Browne +married his cousin, the daughter of Governor Wanton, of Rhode Island, +and was doubly connected with the Winthrop family; the wives of the +elder Browne and Governor Wanton being daughters of John Winthrop, great +grandson of the first Governor of Massachusetts. Colonel Browne's son +William was an officer in the British service at the siege of Gibralter +in 1784. + +Under the judicious management of Governor Browne the colony continued +to steadily flourish; he conducted the business of the colony in the +greatest harmony with the different branches of the legislature. He +found the financial affairs of the islands in a confused and ruinous +state, and left them flourishing. In 1778 he left for England, deeply +and sincerely regretted by the people, and was succeeded by Henry +Hamilton as Lieutenant Governor, during whose administration the town of +Hamilton was built and named in compliment of him. + +Near the close of the American Revolution a plan was on foot to take +Bermuda, in order to make it "a nest of hornets" for the annoyance of +British trade, but the war closed, and it was abandoned. It, however, +proved a nest of hornets to the United States during the late civil war. +At that time St. George's was a busy town, and was one of the hot-beds +of secession. Being a great resort for blockade runners, which were +hospitably welcomed here, immense quantities of goods were purchased in +England, and brought here on large ocean steamers, and then transferred +to swift-sailing blockade runners, waiting to receive it. These ran the +blockade into Charleston, Wilmington and Savannah. + +It was a risky business, but one that was well followed, and many made +large fortunes there during the first year of the war, but many were +bankrupt, or nearly so at its close. + +Here, too, was concocted the fiendish plot of Dr. Blackburn, a +Kentuckian, for introducing yellow fever into northern cities, by +sending thither boxes of infected clothing. + +[The foregoing article on the history of Bermuda was compiled by the +author of "Stark's Illustrated Bermuda Guide," published by the +Photo-Electrotype Company, of 63 Oliver Street, Boston. The work +contains about two hundred pages and is embellished with sixteen +photo-prints, numerous engravings, and a new map of Bermuda made from +the latest surveys.--ED.] + + * * * * * + +HEART AND I. + +BY MARY HELEN BOODEY. + + Singing, singing through the valleys; + Singing, singing up the hills; + Peace that comes, and Love that tarries, + Hope that cheers, and Faith that thrills, + Heart and I, are we not blest + At the thought of coming rest? + + Singing, singing 'neath the shadow; + Singing, singing in the light; + Plucking flowerets from the meadow, + Seeing beauty up the height, + Heart and I, are we not gay + Thinking of unclouded day? + + Singing, singing through the summer; + Singing, singing in the snow; + Glad to hear the brooklets murmur, + Patient when the wild winds blow, + Heart and I, can we do this? + Yes, because of future bliss. + + Singing, singing up to Heaven; + Singing, singing down to earth; + Unto all some good is given. + Unto all there cometh worth; + Heart and I, we sing to know + That the good God loves us so. + + * * * * * + + +ELIZABETH. + +A ROMANCE OF COLONIAL DAYS. + +BY FRANCES C. SPARHAWK, Author of "A Lazy Man's Work." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +DEPARTURE. + + +With suppressed ejaculations and outspoken condolences the party broke +up. It was not until the last one had gone that Mrs. Eveleigh, leaving +her post of observation in the corner, swept out to find Elizabeth who +disappeared after Stephen Archdale had gone with Katie. She found her in +her bed-room trying to put her things into her box. Her face was +flushed, and her hands cold and trembling. + +"Why have you waited so long?" she began. "We must go at once. Have you +sent for a carriage? We shall meet ours on the way." + +"My dear," answered the other seating herself, "that is impossible. They +will not turn you out, if you have made a mistake. You can not go until +to-morrow, of course; nobody will expect it. I am very sorry for poor +Archdale and the young lady, but I dare say it will turn out all right." + +Elizabeth raised herself from the box over which she had been stooping +throwing in her things in an agony of haste. She opened her lips, but +words failed her. The amazement and indignation of her look turned +slowly to an appealing glance that few could have resisted. She had been +used to Mrs. Eveleigh's not comprehending nice distinctions, but now it +seemed as if to be a woman would make one understand. If her father were +with her now! She turned away sharply. + +"Will you see that some conveyance is here within half an hour?" she +said. "If it is a cart I will not refuse to go in it. But leave here at +once I will, if it must be on foot. For yourself, do as you choose, only +give my order." + +There was something in Elizabeth's gesture, and a desperation in her +face that made Mrs. Eveleigh go away and leave her without a word. In a +moment she came back. + +"I met James in the hall and sent him off in hot haste," she said. Her +tones showed that she had recovered the equanimity which the girl's +unexpected conduct had disturbed. She seated herself again with no less +complacency and with more deliberation than before. + +"I brought you up to be polite, Elizabeth," she said. "Things do +sometimes happen that are very trying, to be sure, but we should not +give way to irritation. Why, where should I have been if I had? Think +how it would have distressed your dear mother to have you show such +temper." + +The girl looked up sharply, looked down again, her hands moving faster +than ever, though everything grew indistinct to her for a minute. + +"Are you going with me?" she asked after a pause. + +"I? O, my dear child, you will not go at all this way. Perhaps it is as +well to pack up and show your dignity, but they will not let you go, you +know, your father's daughter, and all,--I told James to tell them,--it +would be shameful, I should never forgive them." + +"The question is whether they will ever forgive me, whether I have not +killed Katie. Sometimes I think of it only that way, and sometimes--." + +She was silent again and busy. Then all at once she stopped and walked +to the window. Her hands grasped the sash and she stood looking out at +the sky that had not gathered a cloud from all this darkness of her +life. At length she began to walk up and down as if every footstep took +her away from the house. + +"I always thought it must be a dreadful thing to marry a man you did not +want," she said speaking out her thoughts as if alone; "but to marry a +man who does not want you,--that is the most terrible thing in the +world. I have done both." And she covered her face with her hands. + +"Poor girl," answered Mrs. Eveleigh, "it _is_ hard. But you gave him as +good as he sent, that's a fact. Governor Wentworth spoke about it after +you left." Elizabeth had raised her head and was looking steadily at her +companion. "When young Archdale looked at you as he passed out, I mean," +she went on. "'Great Heavens!' cried the Governor, 'did you see that +exchange of looks, scorn and hatred on both sides, and they may be +husband and wife? The Lord pity them. And poor Katie!'" + +"He said that?" + +"Exactly that. Why, everybody noticed it, of course. What did you say?" +she added at a faint sound from her listener. + +"Nothing." + +And Elizabeth said nothing until ten minutes later when the sound of +wheels sent her to the window to see that a conveyance at least fairly +comfortable had been found for them. Her bonnet and wraps were already +on. + +"Are you coming?" she said to the other abruptly. "I shall start in five +minutes." + +"For Heaven's sake, more time, my dear. I have not changed my dress yet. +I suppose I cannot let you go alone, I should not feel happy about it, +and your father would never forgive me in the world." + +A half smile of contempt touched the girl's lips. Mrs. Eveleigh knew +what was for her own comfort too well to get herself out of Mr. Royal's +good graces, and not to be devoted to his daughter would have been to +him the unpardonable sin. But nobody would have been more astonished +than this same lady to be told that she had not a thoroughly +conscientious care of Elizabeth. She combined duty and interest as +skilfully as the most Cromwellian old Presbyter among her ancestors. + +In the hall Elizabeth met her hostess. + +"May I speak to Katie?" she asked timidly. + +Mrs. Archdale hesitated a moment, nodded in silence and went on to the +library, the girl following. Mr. Archdale was there, and the Colonel and +his wife. Stephen sat by the great chair in which Katie was propped, +holding her hand and sometimes speaking softly to her, or looking into +her face with eyes that gave no comfort. Elizabeth seemed to see no one +but her friend, she went up to the chair, and said to her softly, +pleadingly, + +"Good by, Katie." + +But Katie turned away her head. + +The door closed, Elizabeth had gone. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +FORECASTINGS. + + +Gerald Edmonson, Esquire, and Lord Bulchester drove leisurely through +the streets of the London of 1743. They found in it that same element +that makes the fascination of the London of to-day; for the streets, +dim, narrower, and less splendid than now, were full of this same charm +of human life, and yet, human isolation. Then, as now, might a man +wander homeless and lost, or these grim houses might open their doors to +him and reveal the splendors beyond them; and whether he were desolate, +or shone brilliant as a star depended upon so many chances and changes +that this Fortune's-Wheel drew him toward itself like a magnet. + +"I tell you," said Edmonson to his companion as they went along, "there +is not a shadow of a chance for me. When a woman says, 'no,' you can +tell by her eyes if she means it, and if there had been the least sign +of relenting or a possibility of it in Lady Grace's eyes, do you think I +would have given up? She has led me a sorry chase, that pretty sister of +yours." + +"Her beauty would not have taken you ten steps out of your way, if she +had not been such an heiress," retorted Bulchester. + +"Don't be so blunt, my friend. Is it my fault that I am obliged to look +out for money? If a man has only a tenth of the income he needs to live +upon, what is he going to do? It is well enough for you to be above +sordidness, so could I be with your purse and your prospects. Besides, +you know that I told you frankly I found Lady Grace charming. I wonder," +he asked turning sharply round, "if you have been playing me false?" + +But Bulchester laughed. A laugh at such a time, and a laugh so full of +simplicity and amusement brought the other to his bearings again. + +"You know I favored the match," added the nobleman. "Hang it! I don't +see why my sister could not have had my taste. She does not know all +your deviltries as I do, but yet I think you the most fascinating fellow +in England." + +"Perhaps that is the reason, because she does not know," laughed +Edmonson. "But, then, you have not been very far beyond England, except +to the land of the frog, and nobody expects to delight in the messieurs +anywhere but on the point of the bayonet, as we had them lately at +Dettengen." In a moment, however, he added gravely, "I am afraid my suit +to your sister has damaged my prospects in another quarter, at least the +matrimonial part of them, and I can hardly expect to be so successful +otherwise as to enable me to marry a lady whose face is her fortune." + +"Hardly, with your tastes," said Bulchester. "But, for my part, I am +glad that I can afford to be sentimental if I like. For that very reason +I shall probably be extremely sensible." + +Edmonson smiled, half in amusement, half in contempt. + +"Suppose the lady should be so too?" he asked slyly; then added, "I hope +she will, Bulchester, and take you. I don't know her name yet." + +"Nor I. But I don't want to consider only the rent-roll of the future +Lady Bulchester." + +"My lord, I shall be devotion itself to Mistress Edmonson, and I assure +you that the young lady I have chosen, I having failed to win your +adorable sister, is not a nonentity, though I cannot say that she is +charming. But you will see her. Her father was very gracious to me when +I was in Boston last winter, and regretted that I was obliged to leave +in the spring on affairs of importance. How was he to know, he or the +fair Elizabeth, that the business was a love suit? That would not have +done. The old gentleman would not think the king himself too good for +his daughter; if he dreamed that she was second fiddle, he would want me +to find the door faster than he could shew me there. So, if you fall in +love with her and want to supersede me, there's your chance." + +"I'm Jonathan to your David," returned the smaller man, "the kingdom is +for you, Edmonson." And the speaker looked at his companion with an +admiration that was deep in proportion as he felt himself unable to +imitate that mixture of good nature, strong will, and audacity that in +Edmonson fascinated him. "Is she handsome?" he added. + +"No," said the other decidedly. "She has a smile that lights up her face +well, and occasionally she says good things, but half the time in +company she seems not to be attending to what is going on about her, she +is away off in a dream about something that nobody cares a pin for, and +of course, it gives her a peculiar manner. I could see I interested her +more than anybody else did, but I had hard work sometimes to know how to +answer her queer sayings, for I could scarcely tell what she was talking +about." + +"You don't like that," suggested Bulchester. "You like ladies who lead +in society." + +"Well," assented Edmonson, "I know. But she will have to set up for an +oddity, and, you see, she has money enough to be able to afford it. A +fortune in her own right, and large expectations from the old gentleman +who began with money and has never made a bad investment in his life. +Think of it! Gerald Edmonson will keep open house and live rather +differently from at present in his bachelor quarters; and all his old +friends will be welcome." + +"What do you say to those we are going to meet to-night, who are to give +us our farewell supper; you would not ask a set like that to a lady's +table?" + +Edmonson laughed. + +"Why, and if I did," he answered, "Elizabeth Royal would never fathom +them. She might think they drank somewhat too much, and discover that +they were noisy; but as to the wild pranks we have played, yes, you and +I, Bulchester, I out of pure enjoyment of them, you, I do believe, more +than half not to be behind other men of fashion, why, you might tell +them to her safely, for she would never comprehend. One can't get along +so well with her on the little nothings one says to other women, to be +sure, but she has the greatest simplicity in the world, and that touch +of evil that spices life is entirely beyond her. But however that might +be, I tell you this, my lord: Gerald Edmonson is always master, and +always will be." + +"Yes," assented his hearer. + +"I only hope the extent of my impecuniosity will not cross the water +with me. I have never pretended to be rich, but I have said that my +expectations were excellent. So they are; for you know, Bulchester, the +heiress is not all my errand to these outlandish colonies. I have +expectations there. Rather strange ones, to be sure, so strange, and to +be come at so strangely, that if I can make anything out of them I shall +enjoy it a thousand times more than by any stupid old way of +inheritance." + +"It strikes me, though, you would not object to the stupid if a good +plum should fall down on your head from an ancestral tree." + +Edmonson laughed. + +"You have me there, Bul," he said. "But, on your honor, you are not to +betray my plans, or I have no chance at all," he added, suddenly facing +his companion. + +"What do you take me for, a traitor?" + +"No," exclaimed Edmonson with an oath. + +"For a tattler, then?" + +"No," came the answer again. "Only, inadvertence is sometimes as +mischievous in its results." + +"I, inadvertent?" cried Bulchester. + +His listener smiled slyly. The other felt that caution was his strong +point, and Edmonson's diplomacy would not assault this vigorously; his +aim had been merely to warn Bulchester and strengthen the defences. Soon +after this they reached the inn, where they were boisterously greeted by +their companions, who had been waiting for them in what was then one of +the fashionable public houses of London, though long since fallen out of +date and forgotten. + +"Don't be flattered," said Edmonson aside, "all this welcome is not for +us; the feast is to begin now that we have arrived." And a cynical smile +flashed over his handsome face. + +It was hours after this. The high revel had gone on with jest, and +laugh, and song, with play, too, and some purses were empty that before +had been none too well filled. Through it all Edmonson, the life of the +party, kept the control over himself that many had lost. There was no +credit due to him for the fact that he could drink more wine without +being overcome than any other man there. His face was flushed with it, +his eyes somewhat blood-shot and his fair hair disordered as, at last, +looking at his opposite neighbor, he nodded to him, leaned across the +table and touched glasses with him. Then, "Let us drink this toast +standing," he said, rising as he spoke; and at the movement ten other +young men, full of the effrontery of a long carousal, pushed back their +chairs noisily and rose, exclaiming in tones varying in degrees of +intoxication: + +"We pledge." + +"Yes," returned the man opposite Edmonson, repeating the pledge that +they all without exception would meet one hundred years from that night +to pledge each other again. + +A shout, more of drunken acquiescence than of comprehension went up in +chorus from all but one of the revelers; he held his glass silently a +moment, disposed to put it untasted on the table. + +"Bulchester's backing out," cried Edmonson giving him a scornful glance. + +"Oh, ho! Backing out!" echoed nine derisive voices. + +"We have made it too hot for him," called out Edmonson again. + +At which remark another shout arose, and the glasses were tossed off +with bravado, Bulchester's also being set down empty. + +After this the party broke up boisterously, Edmonson and Bulchester +receiving the good wishes of the company for their prosperous voyage. + +Leaving the inn, they went out into the night again, in which the +October moon veiled in clouds was doing its best to light the streets +now almost deserted. Bulchester looked with disapprobation at his +smiling companion. It was for the first time in their acquaintance, but +the compact into which the earl had so unwillingly entered had sobered +him, and was still ringing in his ears, giving him a sort of horror. He +said this to Edmonson, who burst out laughing. + +"A mere drunken freak, Bul, that counts for nothing. You will be an +angel sitting on a cold cloud singing psalms long before that time. I'll +warrant it. You are a good fellow. Don't bother your brains about such +nonsense." + +The third of November, Edmonson and Lord Bulchester sailed from +Liverpool in the "Ariel" for Boston. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +TWO WHO WOULD EXCHANGE PLACES. + + +The winds were baffling, and Edmonson and Lord Bulchester had a longer +voyage than they had counted upon. They found it tedious, and it was +with satisfaction that they at last set foot on land and drove through +the streets of Boston to the Royal Exchange. Edmonson's projects +inspired him rather than made him anxious. It was, of course, possible +that Elizabeth Royal might refuse him, but in his heart he had the +attitude of a Londoner toward provincials and was not burdened with +doubts as to the result of his wooing, and so the one necessary grain of +uncertainty only gave flavor to the whole affair. + +A few hours after his arrival he left the house to try his fortune. + +"I may not be home until late," he said to Bulchester. "I shall tackle +pater-familias first, then the young lady herself. It is possible they +will invite me to tea, you know. Don't wait for me if you find anything +to do or anywhere to go in this puritanical hole." And the young man, in +all the tasteful splendor of attire that the times allowed, closed the +door behind him and left Lord Bulchester looking at the oaken panels +which had suddenly taken the place in which his friend had been +standing, and seeing, not these, but Edmonson's fine figure and his bold +smile. + +"No woman can resist his wooing," the nobleman said to himself with a +sigh at the thought of his own indifferent appearance. Therefore it was +with amazement that two hours later coming home from a stroll he learned +that the other had returned, and going to his room found him prone on +the sofa. + +"Why! What is the--," he began, then checked himself, considering that +since only failure could be the matter, this was hardly a generous +question. + +"Headache," growled Edmonson. "No," he cried with an oath, "that is a +lie," and springing up, turned blood-shot eyes upon his companion. "I am +mad, Bulchester," he cried, "raving mad. It is all over with me in that +quarter." + +"She has refused you? Or the father has?" + +"Hang it! they couldn't do anything else, either of them. I did not see +Mistress Royal, Mistress Archdale, rather. Yes, married!" as Bulchester +echoed the name. "There's been an interesting drama with one knave and +two fools. If I could only catch the knave! Perhaps it is as well to let +the fools go, since I can't help it." He was silent a moment. Then after +a moment he added. "Well! what is the use of cursing one's luck?" "There +are several others I know of doing the same thing at this moment, and I +like to be original. I declare, if he didn't stand in my way, I should +be tempted to pity young Archdale. He wishes himself in my shoes as +much, and I suspect a good deal more, than I do myself in his. I don't +wonder that the young lady keeps herself retired for a time. I did not +see her, as I told you. Mr. Royal made as light of the matter as +possible, merely saying that something which might prove to have been a +real marriage ceremony, though he thought not, had taken place in a joke +between his daughter and Stephen Archdale, that the matter was to be +thoroughly investigated at once, and if it turned out that Elizabeth was +not Mistress Archdale, I had his permission to receive her answer from +her own lips. He was guarded enough; but on the way home I met Clinton +who had been one of the guests at Mistress Katie's attempted wedding +last week. He gave me details. Here they are." And these details lost +nothing through Edmonson's racy recital of them. "No, Bulchester," he +finished, "out of six people that I could name mixed up in this affair, +on the whole, I am the best off." + +"Six?" + +"Yes; counting in the love-lorn Waldo; that knave Harwin, who ought to +swing for it; the poor little bride that lost her bridegroom; and the +bridegroom; the young lady that got him when she didn't want him, and +missed me, whom, perhaps (without too much vanity) she did want a +little; and last on the list of wounded spirits, your humble servant. +How wise that man was who said that one sinner destroyed much good. By +the way, Bulchester, who was he? It is an excellent thing to quote in +regard to this affair, and I should like to know where it comes from." + +An anxious expression crossed the other's face as he cried: + +"Good heavens! Edmonson, if you go to quoting the Bible and asking where +the quotation comes from, you will get into awful disgrace with this +strictest-sect-of-our-religion people, and then what will become of the +other scheme that is bound to pull through?" + +"True, most sapient counsellor, and I will be on my guard. To show how I +profit by your sageness, let us drop all thought of this royal maiden +who is probably out of my reach, and attend to the other business. It is +good to have a sympathetic friend, Bul." + +They talked for nearly an hour after this, but not about Edmonson's +wooing. When Bulchester left, the other sat looking after him a moment. + +"Yes," he said to himself, "it is well to have a sympathetic creature +like that sometimes, but not if one tell him all his heart. I hid my +rage well, I passed it off for mere spleen. But we are not a race to get +over things in that way. It is hate, _hate_, I say," And he ground his +teeth, and again threw himself upon the sofa his face downward and +buried in his hands as if he were meditating deeply. + +Edmonson told his friend of having met one of the guests at Katie +Archdale's wedding, but he did not say to him that coming out of Mr. +Royal's house and walking quickly down the street, he had met the +bridegroom himself, and had returned Archdale's bow with a politeness +equally cold, while anger had leaped up within him. Was Archdale going +to call upon his wife? + +Stephen Archdale had come to Boston to collect whatever facts he could +about Harwin, and about the places and the people that the confession +referred to. Nothing was farther from his thoughts than any such visit. +It was his wish that Elizabeth and himself need never meet again, and he +knew that it was hers. Indeed, so far from thinking of the woman who was +perhaps his wife, he was living over again the glimpse he had had of the +one from whom he had been separated. Three days ago he had taken his gun +early in the morning and had gone out hunting, made more miserable than +before by something he had perceived in his father's mind. The Colonel +was not in sympathy with him; he was consoling himself that, after all, +Elizabeth Royal was a richer woman than Katie Archdale. At his light +insinuation of this to his son, the young man had flamed out into a heat +of passion and declared that one golden hair of Katie's head was worth +both Elizabeth and her fortune. He had rushed out of the house with the +wish for destroying something in his mind. As he stopped in the hall to +snatch his gun, the flintlock caught, and tore a hole in the tapestry +hanging. He saw it, pushed the great stag's antlers that the gun had +been swung on a little aside, and covered the torn place. Then he forgot +the accident almost as soon as this was done, left the house and went +striding over the fields, not so much to chase the foxes, as to be +alone. And when that point was gained he would have gone a step further +if he could and escaped from himself also. But he was only all the more +with his own thoughts as he wandered aimlessly through great stretches +of pine trees with the light snow of the night before still white on +their lower boughs, except when in some opening it had melted into +dewdrops in the December sun, and still clung to the trees, ready when +the sun had passed by them towards its setting to turn into filmy +icicles. The sky was brilliant; the long winter already upon the earth +smiled gently, as if to say that its reign would be mild. Stephen went +along so much preoccupied that only the baying of his hound made him +notice the light fox-prints by the roadside. Then the instinct of the +hunter stirred within him, and he followed on, listening now and then to +the distant bark while pursued and the pursuer were going farther away. +He waited, knowing fox nature well and that there were a hundred chances +to one that the creature would come back near the spot from which it was +started. As he waited close by the road which here led through the +woods, two men passed along it without seeing him. They were talking as +they went. Stephen knew them; one was an old man who used to be a +servant in the family when Colonel Archdale was a boy. He had married +long ago and was now living in a little house not far from his old home. +The young man with him was his son. Stephen was in no mood even for a +passing word, and he stood still, perceiving that a clump of bushes hid +him. A few sentences of the conversation reached him through the +stillness, but it meant nothing to him; he was not conscious even of +listening until Katie's name caught his ear. They were talking of this +marriage then, as every body was; he was the gossip of the very +servants. But his attention once caught was held until the speakers +passed out of hearing. Surely they knew nothing about the matter that he +did not. + +"She is such a pretty young lady," said the elder man, "and any girl +would feel it to miss the handsome young master for a husband." + +"Um!" assented the son. "Well, I suppose she will miss the sight of him +if her heart is set upon him, but there is many a young man nicer to my +thinking, and not so proud in his ways." + +"Has he ever been unjust or overbearing to you, Nathan?" inquired the +old man severely. + +"Oh, no, he has been uncommonly civil, he would think it beneath him to +be anything else. I know the cut of him; if he had any spite he would +take it out on a gentleman. He thinks we are made of different clay from +him." And the embryo republican threw back his shoulders impatiently. + +"So we are," returned the other, with the Englishman's ingrained belief +in caste; "but, to be sure, you feel it with some more than with others, +with the young man more than with his father. But I like it better than +the softly way the Colonel has. Stephen is more like his grandfather." + +"His grandfather!" echoed the son. "Why, he was a--." + +"Hush!" cried the other so suddenly and sharply that if the word had +been, uttered at all Stephen lost it, though, now he was listening +eagerly enough. "Do you remember you swore that you would never speak +that word?" + +"Well," returned the young man in a sullen tone, "if I did, what harm in +saying it here with not a soul but you around? And my feeling is," he +went on, "that this broken-off wedding is a judgment for his +grandfather's--." He hesitated. + +"When you learned it by accident, Nathan," returned his father, "you +swore to satisfy me, that you would never speak the word in connection +with him. Who knows what person may be round?" And he glanced cautiously +about him. Stephen half resolved to confront him and force him to tell +this secret. But the very quality in himself which the men had been +discussing held him back until the opportunity had passed. "No, I don't +want you to name it at all, Nathan. That is what you swore," continued +the old man. + +"You have said enough about it," retorted the younger. "I will keep my +word, of course; you know that." His tone was loud with anger. + +"Yes, yes, I know," said his companion, "But, you see, I was fond of the +young master if he was a bit wild; he was a fine, free gentleman, though +he changed very much after this--this accident and his coming over to +the Colonies, which wasn't no ways suited to him like London, only he +found it a good place to get rich in. You see, Nathan, it all happened +this way; he told me about it his own self with tears in his eyes, as I +might say, for his family,--he--." + +But it was in vain that Stephen strained his ears, the voices that had +not been drowned in the noise of footsteps had been growing fainter with +distance, and now were lost altogether. + +So there had been something in the family, thought Stephen, that he knew +nothing about, something that his grandfather had done which this man, +the son of his grandfather's butler, considered had brought down +vengeance on Katie and himself as the grandchildren. The very suggestion +oppressed him in this land of the Puritans, although he told himself +that he believed neither in the vengeance nor even in the crime itself. +But he had not dreamed of anything, anything at all, which had even +shadowed the fair fame of the Archdales. Did his father know of it? +Nothing that Stephen had ever seen in him looked like such knowledge, +but that did not make the son quite sure, for the old butler's remark +about the Colonel's suavity was just; his elaborate manners made Stephen +almost brusque at times, and aroused a secret antagonism in both, so +that they sometimes met one another with armor on, and Stephen's keen +thrust would occasionally penetrate the shield which his father +skilfully interposed between that and some fact. + +That morning Stephen sank down upon a rock near by while his mind ranged +over his recollections to find some clue to this mystery. But he found +none. He was sure that his grandfather had never been referred to as +being connected with anything secret, still less, disgraceful, or +perhaps criminal. It was impossible to imagine where the old butler's +idea came from, but it could not be founded upon truth. Yet, this snatch +of talk which Stephen had heard made him curious and uncomfortable. And +he knew that he must resign himself to feeling so; he could ask his +father, to be sure, but he would get no satisfaction out of that; either +the Colonel did not know, or, evidently he had resolved that there +should seem to be nothing to tell. After all, it did not matter very +much. His thoughts came back to his own position with almost wonder that +anything could have drawn them away from it. While he sat there the +baying of the hound drew nearer, and suddenly a rabbit started up from +a bush on his right. He raised his gun, but instantly lowered it again. +He had not moved, so it had not been he that had startled the rabbit, +but the larger game that was following it. The little creature scampered +away, and in another moment the fox which his dog had started ran past +him. Again he raised his gun and took aim with a hand accustomed to +bring down what he sighted. But to-day the gun dropped once more at his +side, for here was a creature that wanted its life, that was straining +for it. "Let him have the worthless gift if he values it," thought +Archdale, feeling that the gun had better have been turned the other way +in his hands. The fox disappeared after the rabbit, and in another +moment Stephen rose with a sneer at himself, and turned toward home. +Evidently, he could accomplish nothing that day, matters must have gone +hard with him to make him lose even the nerve of a hunter. He whistled +to his dog, but the hound had no intention of giving up the chase as his +master had done, and rushed past in full cry. The young man left him to +follow home at his pleasure, and walked along the road with a sombre +face. Soon the sound of distant bells reached him. A minute after a +sleigh appeared coming toward him from the vanishing point of the road +that here ran straight through the woods for some distance. It made no +difference to Stephen who was in the sleigh. As it came nearer and +nearer he never even glanced at it, until as it was passing, some +instinct, or perhaps eyes fixed upon him, made him look up. He started, +stopped, bowed low, took off his fur cap with deference, holding it in +his hand until the sleigh had gone slowly by. Then he turned and stood +looking after it, the flush that had come suddenly to his face fading +away as his eyes followed Katie Archdale's figure until it was lost to +sight. He could see her clinging to her father's arm; he seemed to see +her face before him for days, her face pale and sad, and so lovely. +Neither had spoken. Mr. Archdale had not waited; what had they to say? +Stephen had not really wished it; every thought was deeper than speech, +and probably Katie, too, had preferred to go on. And yet to pass in this +way--it was like their lives. + +That afternoon he started for Boston. It was doing something. Edmonson +who met him just arrived, need not have feared that he was going to +Elizabeth. He was in the city only to prove that the frolic of that +summer evening had been frolic merely, and that he was still free to +follow that charming face that had passed him by, so reluctantly, he +knew, in the woods. + +[TO BE CONTINUED.] + + * * * * * + +WENDELL PHILLIPS. + + +While delivering an address in Faneuil Hall, in 1875, the late +distinguished Wendell Phillips declared that he had never cast a ballot +in his life. + +Such a confession, coming from the liberty-loving champion of the rights +and freedom of all people, was not a little startling. + +Months later he was requested to explain what seemed to be a serious +inconsistency, as bearing on the question--how can an American citizen +wilfully refrain from the high prerogative of exercising his right and +duty to vote? + +The following is a copy of his letter stating the reason why he had not +voted. + +The letter hitherto has never been made public. It is of historical +value. + + 7 Aug't '76. + + DEAR SIR: + + I am in receipt of your kind note. This is the explanation: + Premising that I entirely agree with you as to the transcendant + importance of the vote and the duty of every citizen to use it--to + let no slight obstacle prevent his voting. + + The few years after I came of age I was moving about and it + happened, curiously enough, that I never lived in one town long + enough to get the vote there and never could be, at the proper + time, in the town where I had the right. + + Then soon I became an abolitionist and conscientiously refused to + vote or accept citizenship under a constitution which ordered the + return of fugitive slaves. + + The XVth. amendment was the first release from this bar, as I + judged. Since that, I have never voted but once. Absence from the + city &c prevented my doing so. _I should have taken special care_ + to be at home if living in a ward where my vote would have availed + anything, or if candidates were such as I could trust. + + Truly, + + WENDELL PHILLIPS. + + * * * * * + +EASY CHAIR. + +BY ELBRIDGE H. GOSS. + + +This is an age of magazines. Every guild, every issue, has its monthly +or quarterly. If a new athletic exercise should be evolved to-morrow, a +new magazine, in its interest, would follow; and there seems to be a +field for every new venture. + +Among our older magazines, Harper's "New Monthly" still pursues its +popular course. In June, 1850, I bought the first number, and from that +day to this it has been one of my household treasures. A complete set, +sixty nine (69) volumes, forms a most excellent library in itself; a +fair compendium of the world's history for the last thirty odd years. +Story, essay, and event, has filled these sixty thousand pages. In +October, 1851, the department called the "Editor's Easy Chair," was +established by Donald G. Mitchell, the genial "Ik: Marvel." Here are his +first words: + +"After our more severe Editorial work is done--the scissors laid in our +drawer, and the monthly record, made as full as our pages will bear, of +history--we have a way of throwing ourselves back into an old red-back +_Easy Chair_, that has long been an ornament of our dingy office, and +indulging in an easy, and careless overlook of the gossiping papers of +the day, and in such chit chat with chance visitors, as keeps us +informed of the drift of the towntalk, while it relieves greatly the +monotony of our office hours." Here is the well remembered flavor of the +"Reveries of a Bachelor" and "Dream-Life"! + +A year or so afterward, George William Curtis became a co-writer of a +part of the articles for this department, and soon after he became the +sole occupant of the now famous "Easy Chair;" and each month, as +regularly as the appearance of the magazine itself, these very +interesting, most readable, and instructive notelets upon the current +topics of the time have appeared. Their pure style, graceful and +delicate humor, and the vast range of culture and observation, give them +a distinctively personal characteristic. He would have made one of our +first novelists; but he has chosen to give the strength of his powers to +journalism, and the study of political affairs. + +It is safe to say that each number of the magazine has had an average of +at least five pages of "Easy Chair," making very nearly or quite two +thousand (2,000) pages in all; or a quantity more than sufficient to +fill two and a half volumes of the sixty nine (69) thus far issued, each +volume containing eight hundred and sixty four (864) pages. Before +beginning to write these delectable tid-bits, he had published "Nile +notes of a Howadji," "The Howadji in Syria," and "Lotus Eating;" soon +after appeared "Potiphar Papers," "Prue and I," and "Tramps." For twenty +years he was constantly on the lecture platform; and for twenty one +years he has been the political editor of "Harper's Weekly." Although +offered missions to the courts of England and Germany, and other +positions of trust and honor, he never accepted; his nearest approach to +the holding of any political office was the accepting of an appointment, +for a while, of the chairmanship of the "Civil Service Advisory Board." +As has been well said by George Parsons Lathrop, "The idea often occurs +to one that he, more than any one else, continues the example which +Washington Irving set: an example of kindliness and good nature blended +with indestructible dignity, and a delicately imaginative mind +consecrating much of its energy to public service." + +As for the "Easy Chair," with me, its leaves are first cut in each fresh +number; and while enjoying the last one, I wondered why some deft hand +had not culled some of the choicest specimens, and that the Harpers had +not given them to the world in a volume by themselves. They are most +certainly worthy of it. A few passages taken here and there, from these +rich fields, will prove this assertion. The subjects treated in the +whole "Easy Chair" number nearly or quite twenty-five hundred +(2,500),--reminiscences of Emerson and Longfellow--first presentation of +a new Oratorios--a celebrated painting--the visit of a Lord Chief +Justice of England,--a vast range of topics. Consult the nine closely +printed octavo pages of their titles in the "Index to the first Sixty +Volumes"--from "Abbott, Commodore, xiii. 271," to "Zurich, University +of, xlviii. 443," and one will be amazed at the great number and variety +of themes upon which the "Easy Chair" has had its say. And it would seem +that its occupant has had some similar thoughts to these, for, in a +recent number there is a retrospective glance--a wondering as to what +future generations may have to say, and wish to know regarding matters +and things of this generation about which it has discoursed: + +"The Easy Chair, mindful of posterity, and of that future loiterer in +the retired alcoves of coming libraries who will turn to the pages of an +old magazine to catch some glimpse of the daily aspect and the homely +fact of our day, which will be then a kind of quaint remembrance, like +the 'Augustan age' of Anne to Victorian epoch, puts here upon record for +his unborn reader--whom he salutes with hope and Godspeed--that the +winter of 1883-4 in the city of New York was a gray and gloomy season +almost beyond precedent, during which the persistent fogs and mists +appeared half to have obliterated the sun." + +Here are a few excerpts which may be called "Gems for the Easy Chair;" +but those given are no better than thousands of others that are +scattered through these many volumes. + +A Madonna. Once in Dresden the Easy Chair climbed into a little room +where an engraver was finishing a picture which is now famous. He had +worked long and faithfully upon it. It was truly a work of love, and it +had cost him his most precious and essential possession for his art--his +eyesight. The engraver was Steinla, and the picture was the Madonna di +Sisto.... It can be seen only by those who go to Dresden. Among pictures +there is none more justly famous, and the devoted engraver toiled long +and patiently, and at such enormous sacrifice to re-produce it, so far +as lines could do it, from the same love and instinct that produced the +picture. + + * * * * * + +PUBLISHERS' DEPARTMENT. + +NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. + + +MIDDLESEX COUNTY MANUAL. By CHARLES COWLEY. LL.D. Penhallow Printing +Company, Lowell, Mass. + +In this handy volume, the "Historical Sketch of the County of +Middlesex," Judge Cowley has made a valuable contribution to the +recorded history of our Commonwealth. He has traced in a clear and +concise manner the important events of Middlesex County from 1643, the +year of its incorporation, down to Shay's Rebellion. + + +REMINISCENCES OF JAMES COOK AVER AND THE TOWN OF AVER. By CHARLES +COWLEY, LL.D. + +This work is one of many for which the public are indebted to Judge +Cowley. It presents many facts of great historical value, and in the +usual pungent and agreeable style of their author. + + +SHOPPELL'S BUILDING PLANS FOR MODERN LOW COST HOUSES. The Co-operative +Building Plan Association, New York. Price, 50 cents. + +This book contains a mass of information to builders and would-be _home +owners_. Its many and varied plans are for the construction of neat, +comfortable and very attractive buildings at very reasonable cost. + + * * * * * + +CORRECTION. + +In the sketch of Saugus in the December number of the BAY STATE MONTHLY, +line 14, on page 149, should read "as early as 1828" instead of +1848.--E.P.R. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. No. 5, +February, 1885, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAY STATE MONTHLY *** + +***** This file should be named 14132-8.txt or 14132-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/1/3/14132/ + +Produced by Joshua Hutchinson, Josephine Paolucci, Cornell University +and the PG Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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No. 5, +February, 1885, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. No. 5, February, 1885 + A Massachusetts Magazine + +Author: Various + +Release Date: November 23, 2004 [EBook #14132] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAY STATE MONTHLY *** + + + + +Produced by Joshua Hutchinson, Josephine Paolucci, Cornell University +and the PG Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<div class="text"> +<div class="front"> + +<div class="div"> +<h2 class="dgp">The Bay State Monthly</h2> +<h2 class="sub">A Massachusetts Magazine</h2> +<h2 class="sub">Volume II</h2> +<h2 class="sub">February, 1885.</h2> +<h2 class="sub">Number 5.</h2> +<p class="noindent"></p> +</div> + + <hr class="doublepage"> + +<div class="div" id="toc"><a name="toc_1"></a><h2 class="dgp">Contents</h2><ul class="toc"> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_1">Contents</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_2">WILLIAM GASTON.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_3">GENEALOGY.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_4">TRADITIONS.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_5">REMINISCENCES OF DANIEL WEBSTER.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_6">THE DARK DAY.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_7">NAMES AND NICKNAMES.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_8">JOHN PRESCOTT, THE FOUNDER OF LANCASTER.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_9">JOHN PRESCOTT'S WILL.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_10">A GLIMPSE.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_11">EARLY HISTORY OF THE BERMUDA ISLANDS.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_12">TO GOVERNOR COOKE, OF RHODE ISLAND.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_13">TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_14">HEART AND I.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_15">ELIZABETH.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_16">CHAPTER VIII.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_17">CHAPTER IX.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 2em;"><a href="#toc_18">CHAPTER X.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_19">WENDELL PHILLIPS.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_20">EASY CHAIR.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_21">PUBLISHERS' DEPARTMENT.</a></li> +<li class="dgp" style="margin: 0em 0em;"><a href="#toc_22">Notes</a></li> +</ul></div> + +</div> +<div class="body"> + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image1.png" alt="W'm Gaston."></p> +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">W'm Gaston.</p> +</div> + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> + + + +<a name="toc_2"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">WILLIAM GASTON.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">By ARTHUR P. DODGE.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Victor Hugo has written: "The +historian of morals and ideas has a mission +no less austere than that of the historian +of events. The latter has the +surface of civilization, the struggles of +the crowns, the births of princes, the +marriages of Kings, the battles, the assemblies, +the great public men, the revolutions +in the sunlight, all exterior; +the other historian has the interior, the +foundation, the people who work, who +suffer and who wait ... Have +these historians of hearts and souls lesser +duties than the historian of exterior +facts?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">There is much unwritten history of +the Bay State: of the exterior, much +is recorded; of the interior, far less. +Both are valuable to posterity. It is believed +that succeeding ages will hold of +far greater value, and the youth of our +day be benefitted more by the study of +the underlying principles and causes of +those events which are given a conspicuous +place in history, rather than by +the mere record of the surface facts.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It is profitable to study the habits and +methods of individuals who stand out +in bold relief in history. To derive the +greatest interest and value from such +lives it is well to follow them from early +childhood. Indeed it is profitable to +trace back the ancestry and lineage from +which the man has descended, to study +the characteristics peculiar to each generation, +and to note the result of racial +mixtures tending to the typical and representative +American of to-day.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Many prominent men received their +first incentive to ambition and industry +and perseverence by reading—when their +minds were immature, but fresh and retentive—of +the life and achievements +of Benjamin Franklin and such other +grand models for the young.</p> + +<p class="dgp">No history of a country or state is +complete without studies of the lives +of those men who have made and are +making history.</p> + +<p class="dgp">William Gaston comes from an honored +and distinguished ancestry on both +his paternal and maternal side as will be +seen by the succeeding genealogical +notes.</p> + +<p class="dgp">He was born at Killingly, Connecticut, +October 3, 1820.</p> + + + +<div class="display"> +<a name="toc_3"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">GENEALOGY.</h3> + +<p class="noindent">Jean Gaston was born in France, probably +about the year 1600. There are traditions about +the particular family to which he belonged, but +only little is definitely known. He was a Huguenot, +and is said to have been banished from +France on account of his religion. His property +was confiscated. His brothers and family, +although Catholics, sent money to him in Scotland +for his support. He is said to have been +forty years of age and unmarried when he went +to Scotland. Between 1662 and 1668, during a +season of persecution in Scotland, his sons, +John, William, and Alexander, went over into +the north of Ireland, whither many of their +friends were fleeing for safety and religious +freedom. There is some uncertainty as to which +of these three brothers was the founder of this +branch of the family, but numerous facts point +almost conclusively to John as such founder. +One generation was born in Ireland.</p> + +<p class="dgp">John Gaston had three sons born in Ireland: +William, born about 1680; lived at Caranleigh +Clough Water; John, born 1703-4, died +in America 1783; Alexander, born 1714, died +in America.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The former lived all his days in Caranleigh +Clough Water, Ireland, where he died about +1770. John and Alexander came to New England +during or shortly prior to 1730. Tradition +has it that they landed at Marblehead. From +this place they went soon, if not immediately, +to Connecticut. As their ancestors had done, +so did they, seek religious liberty in a foreign +land. They were Separatists and probably were +drawn to Voluntown because a Church holding +that faith was there established. Alexander returned +to Massachusetts a few years later, residing +in Richmond, where some of his descendants +now reside; but most of that branch of +the family are living in the western states.</p> + +<p class="dgp">John Gaston was made a freeman of Voluntown +at the organization of its town government +in 1736-7. He was a prominent member +of the Separatists Church in that +town, the meeting for the settlement of +Reverend Alexander Miller, their pastor, being +held at his house. He was the great-grandfather +of the subject of this sketch. +His three children were born in America: Margaret, +born 1737, died 1810; Alexander, born +1739, was a commissioned officer in the French +and Indian War; John, born 1750, died 1805.</p> + +<p class="dgp">John Gaston married Ruth Miller, daughter +of Reverend Alexander Miller. Their children +were Alexander, born in Voluntown, August 2, +1772; Margaret, born December 13, 1781. +The latter died in early childhood.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Alexander Gaston married Olive Dunlap, +a daughter of Joshua Dunlap, of Plainfield, +Connecticut, who was born 1769, died in Killingly, +September 7, 1814. He married for +his second wife in Killingly, in April, 1816, +Kezia Arnold, daughter of Aaron Arnold, born +in Burrillville, Rhode Island, November, 1779, +died in Roxbury, Massachusetts, January 30, +1856. His death occurred in Roxbury, February +11, 1856. The children of first marriage: +Esther, born 1804, died 1860; John, +born 1806, died 1824. William Gaston, of +whom this sketch is written, was the sole +issue of the second marriage. He was born at +Killingly October 3, 1820. With his parents he +moved to Roxbury in the summer of 1838. On +December 27, 1830, was born at Boston, Louisa +A. Beecher to whom Mr. Gaston was married +May 27, 1852. Mrs. Gaston is a daughter of Laban +S. and Frances A. (Lines) Beecher, both of +whom were natives of New Haven, Connecticut, +and were direct descendants of the very +first settlers of Connecticut in 1638. The children +of Governor and Mrs. Gaston were: Sarah +Howard, William Alexander, and Theodore +Beecher. The latter was born February 8, 1861; +died July 16, 1869.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The death of Theodore was a severe blow +to his family. He was a beautiful and promising +boy. This sad calamity seemed like +the withdrawal of sunlight from the household, +causing his loving parents the keenest anguish.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Of this branch of the family there are but +very few relatives of Governor Gaston. His +son William is the only male representative of +his generation. It is, singularly enough, true +that in his family line of descent there have +been three generations where each had but one +male representative, and two generations +having but one representative of either sex. +Thus the Carolina Gastons are of the nearest +kindred to Governor Gaston's particular +branch.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Kezia (Arnold) Gaston, the mother of Governor +Gaston, was a daughter of Aaron Arnold +and Rhoda (Hunt) Arnold, and a lineal descendant +of Thomas Arnold, who, with his +brother William, came to New England in +1636. William Arnold went to Rhode Island +with Roger Williams, being one of the fifty-four +proprietors of that Plantation. His +brother Thomas followed him there in 1654. +The latter was born in England in 1599, +probably in Leamington, that being the birth-place + +of his brother William. His second +wife was Phoebe Parkhurst, daughter of George +Parkhurst of Watertown, Massachusetts. The +family record is carried back to 1100, being +undoubtedly accurate to about the year 1570, +when the name Arnold was first used as a surname; +possibly accurate throughout.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The arms of the Family; Gules, a chevron +ermine between three Pheons, or; appear on +the tombstone of Oliver Arnold, and of William +Arnold, the original settler. The same +arms are on a tablet in the Parish Church of +Churcham in Gloucestershire, England, placed +there in memory of his ancestor John Arnold +of Lanthony, Monmouthshire, afterwards +of Hingham, who acquired the manor of +Churcham in 1541.</p> +</div> + +<div class="display"> +<a name="toc_4"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">TRADITIONS.</h3> + +<p class="noindent">The most ancient written record of the family +which the writer has consulted was written +by John Roseborough, late Clerk of the Circuit +Court, Chester District, South Carolina. +He was the son of Alexander Roseborough +and Martha Gaston, whose father, William +Gaston of Caranleigh Clough Water, Ireland, +was grandson of Jean Gaston, the Huguenot +ancestor of the family.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The statement is as follows, the words enclosed +in parenthesis being supplied by way of +information.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Jean Gaston emigrated from France to Scotland +on account of his religion, as a persecution +then raged against the Protestants. +He had two sons who emigrated from +Scotland to Ireland between 1662 and 1668 +during a time of persecution in Scotland. There +was a John and a William, but which of them +was the ancestor of our grandfather is not +known. William Gaston, my grandfather, lived +at Caranleigh Clough Water. He married Miss +Lemmon and had four sons and as many daughters: +John Gaston (King's Justice) died on +Fishing Creek, near Cedar Shoal, Chester District, +South Carolina; Rev. Hugh Gaston, author +of 'Concordance and Collections'; Dr. Alexander +Gaston, killed by the British at Newbern, +South Carolina (father of Judge William +Gaston); Robert Gaston, and William +Gaston."</p> + +<p class="dgp">One fact is established, that many of Jean +Gaston's descendants had settled in America +before the Revolution and were actively engaged +in that contest for liberty. +</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">Springing from such ancestry in which +are joined the characteristics of the +French Huguenot, the Scotch Presbyterian, +the Scotch-Irish patriot, the follower +of Roger Williams, the May Flower +Pilgrim, one is not surprised to find in +William Gaston a strong man; a man +who inherited as a birthright the qualities +of leadership.</p> + +<p class="dgp">His father was a well known merchant +of Connecticut, of sterling integrity, +and of remarkably strong force of character. +He was commissioned a Captain +at the early age of twenty-two, and was +for many years in the Legislature. The +father of the latter was also in the Connecticut +Legislature for many years.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In early youth William gave promise +of a superb manhood by displaying those +qualities which have since distinguished +him. He was a studious boy, eager for +knowledge. He attended the Academy +in Brooklyn, Connecticut, and subsequently +fitted for College at the Plainfield +Academy. At the age of fifteen +he left his quiet village home for +Brown University, where his intellect +was trained in a routine sanctioned by +the experience of centuries, and where +contact with his fellows soon roused his +ambition and gave him confidence in his +own ability to enter the struggle with +the world for place and honor. William, +having a married sister, who was many +years his senior, residing in Providence, +his father decided to send him, then +scarcely more than a lad, to Brown +University where he would be surrounded +by family influences and enjoy +the social advantages offered by his +sister's home. He maintained a high +rank, graduating with honors in 1840.</p> + +<p class="dgp">For his life work he decided upon the +legal profession—a wise choice as subsequent +time has shown his peculiar fitness +therefor. He first entered the office +of Judge Francis Hilliard of Roxbury, +remaining for a time and then continued + +his legal studies with the distinguished +lawyers and jurists Charles P. and Benjamin +R. Curtis of Boston, with whom +he remained until his admission to the +Bar in 1844.</p> + +<p class="dgp">At Roxbury in 1846 he opened his +first law office, taking comparatively +soon a leading position at the Bar. +He there continued his practice until +1865 when he formed with the late +Hon. Harvey Jewell and the since +associate justice of the Supreme Judicial +Court, the Hon. Walbridge A. Field, +the famous and successful law firm, +having offices at number 5 Tremont +street, of Jewell, Gaston and Field. +This firm continued until the election of +Mr. Gaston to the gubernatorial chair +of Massachusetts in 1874. He was the +Democratic candidate the year previous +for this office, his competitor being Mr. +Washburn, who was elected but did not +long retain the chair of State, being +elected to the United States Senate. +At the convention nominating William +B. Washburn for Governor there were +four other candidates for the honor: +Alexander H. Rice, George B. Loring, +Harvey Jewell and Benjamin F. Butler. +The latter created no little unquiet +by the zeal and strength of his support. +The upshot was that there was a +harmonious combination of the forces of +the four contestants of Butler upon Mr. +Washburn. It is remembered that +some of the party organs were upon nettles, +fearing that General Butler would +bolt the nomination, but he came out +squarely and declared that as he had +staked his issues with the convention he +would abide the result.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In the canvass of 1874 Mr. Gaston +was opposed by Hon. Thomas Talbot, +who, by reason of Governor Washburn's +election to the Senate as stated, was +acting as Governor, having been elected +Lieutenant Governor on the ticket with +Mr. Washburn. Governor Gaston's majority +over Mr. Talbot was 7,033. In +the following canvass of 1875, Mr. Gaston +having been re-nominated by the +Democracy, his competitor was Hon. +Alexander H. Rice. By this time, that +part of the country represented by the +strongly-intrenched Republican party, +was fully aroused to the exigency of the +hour. The edict came from the political +centre at Washington to the effect +that the Republican party could not +stand another defeat in Massachusetts, +especially on the eve of a presidential +campaign. The national organization +concentrated a wonderfully <em>efficient</em> auxiliary +force in aid of the intense activity +already exerted by the local managers, +who so well understood the popularity +of Mr. Gaston and of the +strong hold he had upon the people. It +seems now that the Democratic managers +accepted or anticipated failure as a +foregone conclusion, and no great fight +was made; otherwise they would probably +have won the election, as Mr. Rice +was elected by only the small plurality +of 5,306 votes. This is very significant, +taken in connection with the fact that +General Grant carried Massachusetts in +1872 by 74,212 majority.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1876, that memorable year—memorable +as the year of the electoral +commission—Governor Gaston magnanimously +declined the re-nomination, +which a large majority of the convention +was undoubtedly eager to confer. +The nomination of Charles Francis +Adams was to the rank and file and to +the party managers a disappointment, +and the enthusiasm that he was expected +to arouse was not materialized.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The press of the State justly commended +Mr. Gaston's conduct in not +forcing his own nomination, a course so +completely in accord with his character, +and his entire devotion to the party + +welfare. He did not display the least +semblance of self-seeking.</p> + +<p class="dgp">He has seen not a little of public +life, but with the exception of five +years, has succeeded in conducting his +large and important professional practice +the entire period from his early beginning +to this day. The five years referred +to were: two years, 1861 and +1862, while he was Mayor of the city +of Roxbury; the two years, 1871 and +1872, as Mayor of Boston (this being +after the annexation of Roxbury), +and the year 1875 when Governor.</p> + +<p class="dgp">His mayoralty term of Roxbury antedated +the years he was Mayor of Boston +by just ten years. While such +Mayor of Roxbury in 1861-2 he was +very active in speechmaking and raising +troops in preservation of the American +Union. He went to the front several +times, and was enthusiastically patriotic +during the entire critical period.</p> + +<p class="dgp">He was five years City Solicitor of +Roxbuxy. In 1853 and 1854 he was +elected to the Legislature as a Whig, +and in 1856 was re-elected by a fusion +of Whigs and Democrats in opposition +to the Know-Nothing candidate. In +1868, although the district was strongly +Republican, he was elected as a Democrat +to the State Senate.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In the fall of 1872 Mr. Gaston positively +declined the further use of his +name in the Mayoralty election in Boston +that year. He concluded to be a +candidate, however, upon the earnest +solicitation of so many of the best citizens, +and of the press, and in consideration +of the perfectly unanimous action +of the ward and city committee, in reporting +in favor of his re-nomination and +speaking of him as a man pre-eminently +qualified for the duties which required +"wisdom, discretion, firmness and courage +when needed, combined with the +most exalted integrity and unselfish devotion +to the honor, welfare, and prosperity +of the city."</p> + +<p class="dgp">In commenting on this subject the +<em>Post</em> in an editorial, November 26, +1872, said in commendation of the +above words of the committee: "The +language employed is none too strong or +emphatic. The history of Mayor Gaston's +two administrations is an eminently +successful one, so far as he is +personally responsible for them, and +there is not the least room to question +that if he were to be re-elected and +supported by a board of aldermen of +similar character and purpose the city +would at once find the uttermost requirements +of its government satisfied." +In that election in December, 1872, for +the year 1873 his opponent, Hon. Henry +L. Pierce, was declared elected Mayor +by only seventy-nine plurality. This +fact indicates Mr. Gaston's popularity, +as General Grant had carried Boston +the year previous by about 5,500 +majority. As her Representative, her +presiding officer, her head of affairs, +Mayor Gaston was a success; an honor +to the great city which honored him.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1870 he was a candidate for Congress, +but failed of an election, Hon. +Ginery Twitchell receiving a majority +of the votes.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1875 Harvard College and also +his Alma Mater, Brown University, conferred +upon him the degree of LL.D.</p> + +<p class="dgp">While he was Governor the somewhat +notorious Jesse Pomeroy case was the +occasion of more or less criticism; the +Governor himself receiving <em>pro</em> and <em>con</em> +his full share thereof. He was in some +instances charged with a lack of firmness, +but time has completely vindicated +his course. Many of those alleging +at the time the Governor's want of +"back-bone" have lived long enough +to fully realize that his firmness consisted +in adhering with an honest persistency + +to his convictions, indicating the +identical course he pursued in that as +in all other matters of public import.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Among those who know him best +there exists the consciousness that Mr. +Gaston is not only an exceedingly cautious +man, but consistently conscientious. +Bringing such lofty principles, +together with a discerning mind and +sound judgement, into activity in the +discharge of his duty, his administration +was, it was generally conceded, +a wise one. It should be +borne in mind that he occupied +a somewhat novel position, there having +been no Democratic Governor +of the State for many years. The scrutiny +directed to him and his acts was +intense. His success in bringing his +official relations as excessive to such a +happy termination is abundant proof of +his being the man this paper endeavors +to picture him.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It was during his term of office that +the lamented Henry Wilson died. At the +State House, in Doric Hall, in November, +1875, Governor Gaston, on receiving +the sacred remains in behalf of the Commonwealth, +said in his address to the +committee: "Massachusetts receives +from you her illustrious dead. She will +see to it that he whose dead body you +bear to us, but whose spirit has entered +upon its higher service, shall receive honors +befitting the great office which in life +he held, and I need not assure you that +her people, with hearts full of respect, of +love, and of veneration, will not only +guard and protect the body, the coffin, +and the grave, but will also ever cherish +his name and fame. Gentlemen, for +the pious service which you have so +kindly and tenderly rendered, accept the +thanks of a grateful Commonwealth."</p> + +<p class="dgp">Among the appointments made by +Governor Gaston were the following: +that of the late Hon. Otis P. Lord +to be Associate Justice of the Supreme +Judicial Court; Honorable Waldo +Colburn and Honorable William S. +Gardner to Associate Justiceships of +the Superior Court.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The writer has preserved in his scrap +books various selections from Mr. Gaston's +public utterances, so excellent +and so numerous that it would be difficult +to single out any of them for insertion +here, even would space permit so doing.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It is incomparable, the duties he has +performed, the labors he has accomplished. +His life is, and ever has been, +a busy life. One marvels to know how +he accomplishes so much.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In the political world, in literature, in +the legal profession, monuments have +arisen in testimony of his toil.</p> + +<p class="dgp">As a lawyer his successes have been +such as have been vouchsafed to but +few. The word success is applied both +where it ought to be applied and where +not deserved. Gaining great wealth, +distinguished professional standing, extensive +political renown, pre-eminence +in other avenues may be, or may not be, +in the highest sense, success. Most +men of strong points are sadly deficient +in other and essential traits needed to +constitute a well-biased, grandly-rounded +life. It is rare, indeed, that a person +is encountered possessing such well-proportioned, +evenly-balanced, distinguishing +characteristics as it has been +Mr. Gaston's lot to enjoy.</p> + +<p class="dgp">His steady, onward march over the +rough places and up the hill in his +learned profession abundantly attest his +greatness. No being can occupy, nor +even approach, the very foremost +rank in the legal arena save he be +great. Of all representatives of human +experiences the lawyer, and more particularly +the advocate, has the least opportunity +to occupy falsely a position of +real prominence. Advocacy is the + +most jealous of mistresses. Undoubtedly +it is true that nowhere else must +there be ever present and ever ready +to respond at a moment's notice such +a happy combination of those qualities +already noted.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It is not long ago that one of the most +worthy of Boston's Judges remarked to +the writer: "You can count the really +excellent advocates at the Suffolk Bar +upon the fingers of both hands." He +began by naming the subject of this +sketch, following with the names of Honorable +A.A. Ranney, Honorable William +G. Russell, Honorable Robert M. Morse, +Jr., and others. The learned Judge +must, it seems, have had in mind a very +high standard of advocacy, for there +are not a few among the something like +two thousand Boston lawyers who have +well earned, and justly, the right to be +called able and eloquent.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In his historical article entitled "The +Bench and Bar," by Erastus Worthington, +and contained in the "History of +Norfolk County, Massachusetts," after +writing of those eminent advocates, +Ezra Wilkinson and John J. Clarke, he +refers to Governor Gaston and Judge +Colburn in the following words: "The +successors to the leadership of the bar, +after the retirement of Mr. Wilkinson +and Mr. Clarke, were William Gaston of +Roxbury, and Waldo Colburn of Dedham. +Mr. Gaston was not admitted to +practice in this county, but he studied +law with Mr. Clarke, and practiced in +this county for many years, and considered +himself a Norfolk lawyer. He was +an eloquent and successful advocate and +had an excellent practice. He had removed +to Boston prior to the annexation +of Roxbury.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Mr. Colburn practiced in Dedham +until he was appointed an Associate +Justice of the Superior Court in +1875. He attained a high position in +his profession as a wise counsellor, an +able trier of causes, and a lawyer in +whose hands the interests of his clients +were always safe."</p> + +<p class="dgp">On his election to the Governorship +Mr. Gaston absolutely relinquished his +practice and gave his undivided attention +to the duties of his office. He +had been quite unable to devote his +customary labor to the benefit of his +law partnership and the good of their +clientage during the two years that he +was Mayor of Boston.</p> + +<p class="dgp">When he retired from the executive +chair it is said that he had neither a +"case" nor a client.</p> + +<p class="dgp">He took offices in Sears Building and +it was not long before he was again enjoying +a large and lucrative practice. +In 1879 he took into partnership C.L.B. +Whitney, Esq.; and last year William +A. Gaston, Esq., was admitted to the firm.</p> + +<p class="dgp">An imperishable chain binds Ex-Governor +Gaston to the bright side of the +history of the Commonwealth. His life +and its renown are one and inseparable. +Such is the inevitable result of a life that +has ever been linked to honorable endeavors +and principles. So thoroughly +identified with, and endeared to, her best +interests, it is difficult to believe that +Massachusetts can claim him by adoption +only. In private life Mr. Gaston is +all that can be desired. He is quiet, +and remarkably modest and unassuming.</p> + +<p class="dgp">He enjoys the delightful home quietness +away from his labors. But what +little time he has for such enjoyment! +He seems to love work. How he has +performed so much of it is a wonder, although +it is well known that he inherits +and enjoys remarkable powers of endurance. +Among his favorite authors are +Scott and Burke. He is temperate, refined +in his habits, has the manners of +a perfect gentleman, and deserves the +blessed fruits of a well directed life.</p> +</div> + + + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_5"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">REMINISCENCES OF DANIEL WEBSTER.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">BY HON. GEORGE W. NESMITH, LL.D.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The following is a copy of a letter +originally addressed to Rev. Mr. Savage +of Franklin, N.H. The original is +dated October 10, 1852, fourteen days +before the decease of Mr. Webster. It +was dictated to his Clerk, C.J. Abbott, +Esq. It was the same letter that gave +rise to the humorous anecdote, so well +related by Mr. Curtice in his Biography +of Mr. Webster, vol. 2, page 683.</p> + +<p class="dgp">We now present this letter to the +public to show how worthily one of the +last days of Mr. Webster was employed. +In this case he presented a <em>Peace Offering</em> +to old friends, which proved effectual +in preventing a severe litigation +and consequent loss of money and +friendship:</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: right">"MARSHFIELD, Oct. 10, 1852.</p> + +<p class="dgp">MY DEAR SIR: I learn that there is likely +to be a lawsuit between Mr. Horace Noyes and +his Mother respecting his father's will.</p> + +<p class="dgp">This gives me great pain. Mr. Parker +Noyes and myself have been fast friends for +near a half century. I have known his wife +also from a time before her marriage, and have +always felt a warm regard for her, and much +respect for her connexions in Newburyport. +Mr. Horace Noyes and his wife I have long +known. Her grandfather, Major Nathan Taylor, +late of Sanbornton, was an especial friend +of my father, and I learned to love everybody +upon whom he set his <em>Stamp</em>.</p> + +<p class="dgp">These families during many years have been +my most intimate friends and neighbors whenever +I have been in Franklin. It would wound +me exceedingly if any thing as a Lawsuit should +now occur between Mother and Son. It would +very much destroy my interest in the families, +and whatever might be the result, it could not +but cast some degree of reflection upon the +memory of Parker Noyes. I know nothing of +the circumstances except what I learn from Mr. +John Taylor, and I do not wish to express any +judgement of my own as to what ought to be +done, at least without more full information, +but I do think it a case for Christian Intercession. +And the particular object of this Letter +is to invite your attention, and that of the +members of the Church, to it in this aspect. +Mr. Noyes is understood to have left a very +pretty property, but a controversy about his +Will would very likely absorb one half of it. +My end is accomplished, my dear Sir, when I +have made these Suggestions to you. You will +give them such consideration, as you think they +deserve. It has given me pleasure to hope +that I might write half a dozen pages respecting +Mr. Parker Noyes, and our long friendship, +but I could have no heart for this if a family +feud after his death was to come in, and overwhelm +all pleasant recollections.</p> + +<p class="dgp">I dictate this letter to my clerk, as the state +of my eyes preclude me from writing much +with my own hand.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">Yours with sincere regard,</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">DAN'L. WEBSTER.</p> + +<p class="dgp">REV. Mr. SAVAGE</p> +<p class="dgp">FRANKLIN, N.H."</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">This interesting letter produced the +happy effect of reconciling the contending +parties, and bringing about an honorable +and satisfactory settlement of all +difficulties between them. The letter +was timely, bringing healing in its wings. +Here were "words fitly spoken, like +apples of gold in pictures of silver;" +to the parties it soon was the <em>voice</em> from +the <em>dead</em>, "proclaiming peace on earth, +and good will towards men." As adviser +and counsel of the mother, my +own exertions for peace had proved impotent, +but the letter of the eminent +dying statesman, containing the salutary +advice of an old friend, proved +irresistible in its influence, and brought +to the troubled waters immediate quiet, +without resort to the Church or other +legal tribunal.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Mr. Webster made allusion to the +honored name of Taylor, then of Sanbornton. + +Both father, and son were +brave officers of Revolutionary stock. +The father, Captain Chase Taylor, +commanded a company composed +chiefly of Sanbornton and Meredith +men, at the battle of Bennington, on +the sixteenth of August, 1777, and was +there severely wounded—his left leg +being broken, which disabled him for +life. He died in 1805. In 1786 he +received a small pension from the State. +His surgeon, Josiah Chase of Canterbury, +and his Colonel, Stickney of Concord, +each furnishing their certificates +in his behalf. Early in the history of +the Revolutionary war the son, Nathan +Taylor, was commissioned as a Lieutenant +in the Corps of Rangers, commanded +by Colonel Whitcomb. Lieutenant +Taylor had the command of a +small detachment of fourteen men. +On the sixteenth day of June, 1777, +being stationed on the western bank of +Lake Champlain, at a place which has +ever since been called <em>Taylor's Creek</em>, +he was surprised by a superior force of +Indians. Taylor bravely resisted this +attack, and was successful in driving +the enemy off, though at the expense of +a severe wound in his right shoulder. +Three others of his band were also +wounded. Both father and son were +confined at home in the same house +several months before recovery from +their wounds. Lieutenant Taylor returned +to active service in the army. +He afterwards received the military +title of Major, and occupied many civil +offices after the war in his own town, as +well as in behalf of the State. He was +member of the House of Representatives, +also of the Senate and Council, +for a number of years. He died in +March, A.D. 1840, aged 85, much +lamented.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Then there was John Taylor of Revolutionary +fame. He and many of his +descendants have occupied high and +enviable stations in Sanbornton, and their +biography and good deeds have been +ably commemorated by the historian, +Rev. M.T. Runnels. In adhering to the +Taylor families Mr. Webster obeyed the +injunction of Solomon who said, "Thine +own friend, and thy <em>father's friend</em> forsake +not." Mr. Webster's letter furnishes +strong evidence, that he did not forsake +"his own friend," <em>Parker Noyes</em>. +The friendship between these men commenced +when Mr. Noyes entered the +<em>Law</em> office of Thomas W. Thompson +as early as 1798, and continued intimate, +cordial, unabated, "<em>fast</em>" during +their lives. The earthly existence of +both terminated in the same year, Mr. +Noyes having deceased August, 19, +1852, and Mr. Webster on the twenty-fourth +of the succeeding October.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The dwelling houses of both in +Franklin were within the distance of +twenty rods; their intercourse was frequent +during the last fifty-four years of +their lives.</p> + +<p class="dgp">During the time Mr. Webster practiced +law in New Hampshire they often +met at the same bar, and measured intellectual +lances in various legal contests. +These meetings were most frequent +when Mr. Webster first settled in +Boscawen in 1805, and for the next two +years, before his removal to Portsmouth.</p> + +<p class="dgp">We were present in A.D. 1848, when +these two friends met and recited many +of the interesting and humorous events +that occurred in their early practice. +In those days, they often had for a veteran +client a man who then resided in +West Boscawen, now Webster, by the +name of Corser. He was represented +as one who loved the law, not for its +pecuniary profits, but for its exciting, +stimulating effects. It was said of him, +that at the end of a term of the Court, +once held at Hopkinton, he was found + +near the Court House by a friend, shedding +tears. The friend inquired the +cause of his great sorrow. His answer +was, "I have <em>no longer</em> a <em>case in +court.</em>" The same Corser had been a +Revolutionary soldier, and belonged to +the army when discharged by Washington +at Newburg, at the termination of +the war. He had but little money to +bear his expenses home. When he +reached Springfield, Massachusetts, his +money was exhausted, and he was +obliged to resort to his talent at begging. +Accordingly he called at a farm +house, and requested the good loyal +lady of the establishment to give him a +pie, adding at the same time, that he +wanted <em>another</em> for his <em>Brother Jonathan</em>. +The lady well supposing that his +Brother Jonathan was then his companion +in arms, and in the street suffering +with hunger, readily granted his request, +when in truth and in fact Jonathan was +then at home cultivating his farm in +Boscawen.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Brother Jonathan, upon learning the +conduct of his brother, rebuked him +for useing his name, instead of his own, +thereby deceiving the good woman. In +justification of his conduct, the brother +answered, "My hunger was great. I +contrived to satisfy it. The kind woman +had my thanks; you was not injured. +At most, by strict morals, I committed +only a <em>pious fraud</em> in getting two pies, +instead of one." Mr. Webster remarked, +that he was once present when this case +was stated, and argued by the two brothers, +and was much interested in the discussion +of the celebrated pie case.</p> +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_6"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">THE DARK DAY.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">BY ELBIDGE H. GOSS.</p> + + +<p class="dgp">The Spragues of Melrose, formerly +North Malden, were one of the old families. +They descended from Ralph +Sprague, who settled in Charlestown in +1629. The first one, who came to Melrose +about the year 1700, was named +Phineas. His grandson, also named +Phineas, served during the Revolutionary +War, and a number of interesting anecdotes +are told about him. He was a slaveholder, +and Artemas Barrett, Esq., a native +of Melrose, owns an original bill of sale +of "a negro woman named Pidge, with +one negro boy;" also other documents, +among which is Mr. Sprague's diary, +wherein he gives the following account of +the wonderfully dark day in 1780, a good +reminder of which we experienced September +6, 1881, a century later:</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: right">FRIDA May the 19th 1780.</p> + +<p class="dgp">This day was the most Remarkable day that +ever my eyes beheld the air had bin full of +smoak to an uncommon degree so that wee +could scairce see a mountain at two miles distance +for 3 or 4 days Past till this day after Noon +the smoak all went off to the South at sunset a +very black bank of a cloud appeared in the +south and west the Nex morning cloudey and +thundered in the west about ten oclock it began +to Rain and grew vere dark and at 12 it was almost +as dark as Nite so that wee was obliged to +lite our candels and Eate our dinner by candel +lite at noon day but between 1 and 2 oclock it +grew lite again but in the evening the cloud +came, over us again, the moon was about the +full it was the darkest Nite that ever was seen, +by us in the world.<a href="#note_1"><span class="footnoteref">1</span></a> +</p> +</div> +</div> + + + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_7"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">NAMES AND NICKNAMES.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">BY GILBERT NASH.</p> + + +<p class="dgp">To the antiquarian, the historian, or +the general scholar, there are few more +interesting studies than that of names. +It is a pursuit of rare delight to trace +out the derivation of those with which +we have been long familiar, and to follow +up the associations that have rendered +them dear, curious or ridiculous, as the +case may be. The names themselves +may be of no value, but the spot or +circumstance that gave them birth cannot +fail to throw around them an atmosphere +of peculiar interest. The subject +is a broad one and may be, with +time and inclination, extensively cultivated; +and, even in the limits of a +short article, many phases of it of general +importance and interest may be +satisfactorily treated, and it is proposed +in the following paragraphs to present +only a few of them.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In the present rage for nicknames, +pet names, diminutives and contractions +there is fair prospect of an abundant +harvest of trouble and perplexity to the +genealogist and historian of the future. +In fact, the students of the present day +are already beginning to realize, in no +small degree, the annoyance that arises +from the custom. The changes are so +many and intricate that to understand +them fully requires much valuable time +and the patience that could better be +employed in more important work.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The difficulty arises, of course, from +indifference, inadvertence or carelessness, +rather than from set purpose; yet the +result is the same in its evil effects. It +is true there are some of these nicknames +that have been so long in use, +and have become so common that no +one is disturbed by them and their employment, +and they are readily understood. +Many of these, however, have +served their turn and are gradually +going out of use, and will, in a short +time, be only "dead words" to the +community.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Of this class are the familiar favorites +of our grandparents, such as Sally, for +Sarah; Polly or Molly, for Mary; Patty, +for Martha, and Peggy, for Margaret, +representative names of the class. +Some of these, with perhaps slight +changes, have become legitimatized, and +their origin has been nearly, or quite, +forgotten. Of such we recognize Betsy, +or its modern equivalent, Bettie or +Bessie, as a very proper name. Few, +perhaps, of our present generation +would recognize in "Nancy," the features +of its parent, "Ann" or "Nan."</p> + +<p class="dgp">Some of these old nicknames have already +gone nearly or quite out of use, +so much so that many of our young +people will be surprised to learn that +Patty was, not long ago, the vernacular +for Martha, and would never imagine +that "Margaret" could ever have responded +to the call of "Peggy;" +"Hitty" and "Kitty," for the staid and +sober "Mehitable," and the volatile +Katherine, are more easily recognized, +while it might require several guesses +to establish the relationship between +"Milly" and "Amelia," or "Emily."</p> + +<p class="dgp">Stranger than either, perhaps because +both the proper name and its diminutive +have become so uncommon, is +that transformation which reduced +"Tabitha," to "Bertha," with the accent +upon the first syllable, and its vowel +long. A curious instance of the change +in this name, and the further variation + +made in it in consequence of its forgotten +derivation, has recently occurred in +the record of the death of an old lady +who was baptized "Tabitha," called in +her youth "Bitha," and now in her +obituary styled Mrs. "Bertha," probably +from the similarity of sound to her +youthful nickname. Her relatives of +the present generation had forgotten +her real name and knew her only under +that of an imitation of her diminutive. +The transition from "Bitha" to +"Bertha" is easy, but how is the perplexed +genealogist to ascertain the original +when he has only the records for +his guide?</p> + +<p class="dgp">Such illustrations might be multiplied +almost indefinitely, but those already +given are enough to show what an infinite +amount of trouble has come and +must still come from their continued +usage. They also serve well to show +with how much care and watchfulness +the historian must pursue his work; how +constantly he must be upon his guard, +and how closely and critically he must +scrutinize the names that pass under his +eye.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Nor was this custom of nicknames +confined to the daughters of the family, +but the boys, also, were among its subjects, +perhaps in not so great a variety, +yet very general. Among the more +common we only need mention such as +Bill, Ned, Jack, and Frank, to illustrate +this. Nor were there wanting among +the masculine nicknames those whose +derivations seem very remote and far-fetched, +as "El" for "Alphus;" "Hal" +for "Henry;" "Jot" for "Jonathan;" +"Seph" for "Josephus;" "Nol" for +"Oliver;" "Dick" for "Richard," and +a multitude of others equally well known.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The instances named are old and +have been in general use so long that +those who are called upon to deal with +them are upon their guard and not +likely to be led astray by them, but the +class of pet names, now, for a few years +in use, will necessarily be more misleading +because they are new, and in many +cases very blind; in many instances +the same nickname being used to represent +perhaps a dozen different proper +names, so that it is impossible to tell, +from the nickname, what the real name +is. Among the most annoying of this +class are those that not only represent +several names each, but are masculine +or feminine, as occasion calls.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Of the latter class are "Allie" for +Alice, Albert or Alexander, and "Bertie," +used in place of so many that it is needless +to specify, the latter being the worst +of its species, since it is wholly indefinite, +applying equally to boy or girl, +and for a multitude of either sex, some +of which are so far-fetched that all possible +connection is lost in the journey of +transmission. Most of the old fashioned +nicknames indicate the sex quite +distinctly, and in this they have much +the advantage of some of their modern +competitors. They were also much +more expressive if not so euphonious. A +person need but glance at any of our +town records for the past few years to +see how the use of these pet names has +increased, and it requires no prophet +to foresee what confusion must naturally +arise from the continuance of the +custom, and how difficult it will be in +the near future to follow the record +accurately.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Another and very different class of +nicknames are those derived from accident +or local circumstance, and have +no other connection with the real name +of the person to whom they are attached, +and to whom they cling as a +foul excrescence long after the circumstances +that called them forth is forgotten. +These sometimes originate at +home in childhood, at school among + +playmates, or after the arrival of the +person at mature age, and are oftentimes +ridiculous in the extreme. They +are nearly always a source of great mortification +to those who so unwillingly +bear them, who would give almost anything +to rid themselves of the nuisance; +yet these, once fixed, seldom lose their +hold, but must be borne with the best +grace possible.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It will not be necessary to cite instances +of this class, as every one will +recall many such that it might be highly +improper to mention publicly as being +personal or taken to be so. Some are +simply indicative of temperament; some +of a peculiarity of manner, or a locality +in which they happened to have first +seen the light; and others, perhaps the +most unfortunate of all and the most +mischievous, are derived from an ill-timed +word or act, said or done in a +moment of passion or thoughtlessness, +which the individual would like to recall +at almost any price, but cannot. The +saddest of all are those unfortunates, +for there are such, to whom their parents, +they knew not why, gave such +names.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Another class are those given at first +as a term of reproach or disgrace, accepted +without protest, and afterwards +borne as a title of honor. The name +"Old Hickory" will at once suggest +itself as such an instance. Truly fortunate +is the person who has the tact and +is in circumstances to do this, and thus +turn the weapons of his enemies against +themselves. There are others, again, +whose character and position are such +that they permit no familiarity, and every +name of reproach or ridicule rolls off +like shot from the iron shell of the monitor. +The name of our Washington suggests +such an individual. Whoever for an +instant thought of approaching him with +familiarity, or of applying to him a nickname +as a term of reproach or ridicule, +or even as an expression of good nature.</p> + +<p class="dgp">As will be readily seen, the evil resulting +from this custom is wide spread and +alarming. It would also seem to be almost +without remedy, since it is the result +of irresponsible action, committed +by persons who are not fully aware of +what they are doing, by those who are +indifferent, as to what may follow, or by +those who are actuated by malice; +against these there is no law except the +steady, persistent movement of the +thinking public setting its face squarely +against the practice, with the passage of +time, which usually brings about, we +know not always how, the remedy for +such evils; but we are seldom willing to +wait for such a cure.</p> + +<p class="dgp">As before intimated parents are sometimes +guilty of this offence, and thus +place upon a child a stigma that will +follow it through life. A little care on +their part will remedy the evil, to that +extent, and they surely should be willing +to do their share in the work. +Teachers and those who have the charge +of the young are sometimes thoughtless +enough to commit the same fault. +Should it not be crime? For they have +no right to be thus inconsiderate, when a +little restraint upon their part will prevent +the wrong as far as they are concerned. +With these two influences setting in the +right direction, added to that of the +thinking community, a current may +very likely be formed that shall obliterate +wholly the custom and deliver us +from its attendant difficulties.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Another practice now quite common, +and one which bids fair to create much +confusion, is that which permits the +wife to take the Christian name of her +husband: for instance, Mrs. Mary, wife +of John Smith, signs her name Mrs. +John Smith, a name which has no legal +existence, which she is entitled to use + +only by courtesy, and which should be +allowed in none but necessary cases to +distinguish her from some other bearing +the same name, or to address her +when her own Christian name is not +known. Mrs. is but a general title to +designate the class of persons to which +she belongs, and not a name, any more +than Mr. or Esq. Who ever knew a man +to sign his name Mr. so and so, or so +and so, Esq.?</p> + +<p class="dgp">To show the absurdity and impropriety +of this misuse of the name it +will be needful to mention but a single +illustration. Suppose a note or check +is made payable to Mrs. John Smith. +Mrs. being only a title, and no part of +the name, the endorsement would be +plain John Smith, and nobody, not even +his wife, has any right to forge his signature. +An instrument thus drawn is a +mistake, since no one can be authorized +to execute it.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The trouble to the genealogist and +historian is of a somewhat different nature, +since he merely desires to identify +the individual and cares nothing about +the money value of the document. +Much the safer and better way is for +the wife always to sign and use her +proper name and to add, if she thinks +it necessary to be more explicit, "wife +of," using her husband's name. By doing +this a vast deal of perplexity would +be avoided, and sometimes a serious +legal difficulty.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Another custom, as common, and +quite a favorite one with many married +ladies, is that which changes her middle +name by substituting her maiden surname; +for example, Mary Jane Smith +marries James Gray, and immediately +her name is assumed to be Mary Smith +Gray, instead of Mary Jane Gray, her +legal name. The wife, if she so chooses, +has the right by general consent, if not +by law, to retain her full name, adding +her husband's surname; but she has no +right to use her own maiden surname in +place of her discarded middle name. +Much confusion might arise from this +practice, as the following illustration will +show. Mary Jane Gray receives a check +payable to her order, and she, being in +the habit of signing her name Mary +Smith Gray, thus endorses it, and forwards +it by mail or otherwise for collection, +and is surprised when it comes +back to her to be properly executed.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Again, Mary Jane Gray has a little +money which she deposits in the savings +bank, and, for the reason already +given, takes out her book in the name +of Mary S. Gray. She dies and her administrator +finding the book tries to collect +the money, but he being the administrator +of Mary Jane Gray and not of +Mary S. Gray may find the Treasurer of +the bank unwilling to pay over the +money until he is satisfied as to the identity +of the apparently two Mary Grays, +which, under some circumstances, might +be a difficult process.</p> + +<p class="dgp">These changes are usually made +thoughtlessly, but the result is none the +less serious than though it were done +with the intent to deceive or mislead, +and the mischief that often arises in consequence +is very great. These changes +that have been noted from the nature +of the case can only occur with +women, since men have no occasion to +make them, and in point of fact cannot; +but there are those, quite analagous in +character, that are common to both +sexes and should be avoided unless the +necessity is very apparent. Double +names are sometimes very convenient +for purposes of identification, but they +may also prove fruitful sources of difficulty +and trouble. As an illustration, +Mary Jane Smith is known at home by +her family and to her acquaintances as +Mary. For some fanciful reason or + +local circumstance she wearies of that +name and becomes Jane. Both are +equally hers, but her acquaintances who +knew her as Mary might well plead ignorance +when asked about Jane Smith; +and the acquaintances of the latter +might never surmise that Mary Smith +had ever existed.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Again, James Henry Gray is known +at home in his youth as James H. Gray, +and the name is very satisfactory to him; +but as he arrives at manhood he enters +a new business and finds a new residence. +For some reason he thinks that a change +of name also may be of benefit to him, +and therefore he signs himself J. Henry +Gray, and henceforth is a stranger to his +former acquaintances. He has some +money in bank at his old home which +he draws for under his new name, and +wonders when his check comes back to +him dishonored, forgetting that he has +never notified the officers of his change +of name.</p> + +<p class="dgp">He finds it necessary, upon some occasion, +to write to one of his former +friends for information of importance, +and is surprised that his old associate +declines to give it to a stranger, for he +does not remember, that, while he may +easily retain his own identity, under any +change of name, it may not be so easy +to assure it to another at a distance. It +can thus be seen how easily, and at +times, how unavoidably, a great deal of +vexation may be produced by this practice, +and yet it is extensively followed.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Looking at the subject in another aspect, +we find a grievance that has borne +and is now bearing with intolerable +weight upon many an individual, who +would, at almost any sacrifice, relieve +himself of it, but it is saddled upon +him in such a manner, and is surrounded +by such circumstances as to render it +quite impossible for him to do so. It is +a practice, all too common, but none the +less reprehensible, to give to children +legitimate names of such a character as +to render them veritable "old men of +the sea," so graphically described by +Sindbad.</p> + +<p class="dgp">They are given for various reasons, +sometimes simply for their oddity, sometimes +because the name has been borne +by a relative or friend, or it may have +been borrowed from the pages of some +favorite author, or suggested by accidental +circumstance. A boy whose +Christian name was Baring Folly, and +we should not have far to go to find its +counterpart in real life, could hardly be +expected to get through the world without +feeling severely the burden and ridicule +of such a name, each part proper +and well enough in its place as a surname, +but particularly unfortunate when +united and required to do duty as a +Christian name.</p> + +<p class="dgp">We ridicule, and it may be wisely, +the old-fashioned custom of giving a +child a name merely because it happened +to be found in the Scriptures, +where with its special meaning it was +singularly appropriate, yet, when used +as a name without that special signification, +it would be equally inappropriate. +But are we wholly free from the same +fault in another direction? How many +children have been so burdened with a +name that had been made illustrious by +the life and services of its original +bearer that they were always ashamed +to hear it spoken; that very name of +honor becoming in its present position +a reproach and a hindrance, rather than +a stimulus, because the bearers feel +that they cannot sustain its ancient renown, +and therefore they become mere +nothings, simply from the fact of having +been borne down to the dust under +the burden of a great name.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Who can tell how many have become +notorious, or have committed vagaries + +which have rendered them ridiculous, +and destroyed their usefulness, from a +sincere desire to bear worthily an honored +name? Who shall say that the eccentricities +of a certain celebrity of +acknowledged talent, whose name would +be quickly recognized, were not the result +of the same cause, the length, and +weight of the name given him at his +birth proving too great an incumbrance +for him to overcome.</p> + +<p class="dgp">How many ignoble George Washingtons, +Henry Clays, Patrick Henrys, and +other equally illustrious names, are +wandering aimlessly about our streets, +shiftless, worthless, utterly unworthy the +names they bear, simply because they +bear them, when, had they been given +plain, honest, common names, they +might have been held in respect and esteem. +The burden is too great for them. +A ship with a drag attached to her cannot +make progress, be she ever so swift +without it. Even the eagle will refuse +his flight when burdened with excessive +weight.</p> + +<p class="dgp">A little lack of consideration or want +of thought in this matter on the part of +parents often entail an immense amount +of suffering upon those who are wholly +innocent as to its cause. Let the boy +or girl be given such a name, as shall be +his or hers, worthy or unworthy, as the +bearer shall make. Give them all a fair +show. We may not be able to tell in all +cases, perhaps not in many, how this affair +of names has affected the lives of +their owners. Give a child a silly or ridiculous +name and the chances are that +the child's character will correspond with +that name. Give a child a name already +illustrious and the chances are also fair +that the burden will prove its ruin.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It is unnecessary to extend the subject, +the present purpose being merely +to call attention to those practices, and +so to present them that more natural +and healthy customs will be sought after +and followed, that a true æsthetic taste +may be cultivated, and thus alleviate or +remove a part, at least, of the burden +under which society groans.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It is also intended to illustrate some +of the trials and perplexities that beset +the genealogist and historian in their researches, +arising from these unfortunate +habits that pervade society. It would +seem that the evils produced by the +practices, only need exposure to result +in reformation, and that no parent, with +the full knowledge of the possible, yes +probable, and almost inevitable effect, +would so thrust upon his offspring an +annoyance, to use the mildest possible +term, which should subject them to such +disagreeable consequences all through +life.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It would seem, also, that no guardian, +teacher, or other individual having the +care and oversight of children, could be +so thoughtless and inconsiderate, or +allow a personal or private reason so to +influence him, as to assume for the child +any name that would be liable to cause +it future shame or sorrow. Too much +care cannot be taken in this regard, and +it is a duty owing to the child that its +rights in this respect shall be strictly +guarded.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It is the object of this paper simply +to call attention to a few of the more +prominent points suggested by this subject +in order that it may be examined +and discussed, and, if it may be, more +judicious and wiser practices introduced, +that nature, art, and taste may combine +to produce a system of names that shall +be at the same time, convenient, useful +and beautiful, and that shall carry no +burden with them.</p> +</div> + + + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_8"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">JOHN PRESCOTT, THE FOUNDER OF LANCASTER.</h2> + +<h2 class="sub">1603 TO 1682.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">By HON. HENRY S. NOURSE.</p> + + +<p class="dgp">The facts that have come down to us +whereupon to build a biography of John +Prescott are scanty indeed, but enough +to prove that he was that rare type of +man, the ideal pioneer. Not one of +those famous frontiersmen, whose figures +stand out so prominently in early American +history, was better equipped with +the manly qualities that win hero worship +in a new country, than was the +father of the Nashaway Plantation. Had +Prescott like Daniel Boone been fortunate +in the favor of contemporary historians, +to perpetuate anecdotes of his +daily prowess and fertility of resource, or +had he had grateful successors withal to +keep his memory green, his name and +romantic adventures would in like manner +adorn Colonial annals. Persecuted +for his honest opinions, he went out into +the wilderness with his family to found a +home, and for forty years thought, +fought and wrought to make that home +the centre of a prosperous community. +Loaded from his first step with discouragements, +that soon appalled every +other of the original co-partners in the +purchase of Nashaway from Showanon, +Prescott alone, <em>tenax propositi</em>, held to +his purpose, and death found him at his +post. His grave is in the old "burial +field" at Lancaster, yet not ten citizens +can point it out. Over it stands a rude +fragment from some ledge of slate rock, +faintly incised with characters which few +eyes can trace:</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">JOHN PRESCOTT DESASED</p> + +<p class="dgp">No date! no comment! That is his +only memorial stone; his only epitaph +in the town of which, for its first forty +years, he was the very heart and soul, +and for which he furnished a large share +of the brains. This fair township—now +divided among nine towns—and all it +has been and is and is to be may be +justly called his monument. The house +of Deputies in 1652 voted it to be +rightly his, and marked it by incorporative +enactment with his honored and +honorable name, <em>Prescott</em>. Unfortunately, +however, some years before he +had said something that seemed to favor +Doctor Robert Child's criticisms of the +Provincial system of taxation without +representation; criticisms that grew and +bore good fruitage when the times were +riper for individual freedom; when Samuel +Adams and James Otis took up the +peoples' cause where Sir Henry Vane +and Robert Child had left it. Therefore +when, in 1652, what had been known as +the Nashaway Plantation was fairly +named for its founder in accordance +with the petition of its inhabitants, +some one of influence, whether magistrate +or higher official, perhaps bethought +himself that no Governor of +the Colony even had been so honored, +and that it might be well, before dignifying +this busy blacksmith so much as +to name a town for him, to see if he +could pass examination in the catechism +deemed orthodox at that date in Massachusetts +Bay. Alas! John Prescott was +not a freeman. Having a conscience +of his own, he had never given public +adhesion to the established church covenant +and was therefore debarred from +holding any civil office, and even from +the privilege of voting for the magistrates. +There was a year's delay, and, + +in 1653, "Prescott" was expunged and +<em>Lancaster</em> began its history.</p> + +<p class="dgp">As in the broad area of the township +various centres of population grew into +villages and were one by one excised +and made towns, it would be supposed +that each of them would have been +eager to honor itself by adopting so euphonious +and appropriate a name as +<em>Prescott</em>. But no! The first candidate +for a new designation, in 1732, chose +the name of the generous Charlestown +clergyman, <em>Harvard</em>, for no appropriate +local reason now discoverable. Six years +later another body corporate imported +the name—<em>Bolton</em>. Two years passed +and a third district sought across the +ocean for its title <em>Leominster</em>. Then +Woonksechocksett forgetful of its benefactors +and of the grand Indian names +of its hills and waters borrowed the +title of a putative Scotch lord, who +bravely fought for our Independence, +and, in adopting, paid him the poor +compliment of misspelling it—<em>Sterling</em>. +The next seceder ambitiously chose the +name of a Prussian city—<em>Berlin</em>. +The sixth perpetuated its early admiration +of the great small-pox inoculator, +<em>Boylston</em>; and the last was named—for +a hotel. None so poor as to do Prescott +reverence. But surely, it would be +thought, banks and manufactories, halls +or at least a fire engine, might with tardy +respect have paid cheap tribute to his +name by bearing it. Is there any example! +Yes, at last a short street having +little connection sentimental or real +with the pioneer, bears his name—this +only in the aspiring town, almost a city, +of which John Prescott's old millstone is +the visible foundation! <em>Clinton</em>.</p> + +<p class="dgp">I have stated that Prescott was an +ideal pioneer. Not that there was in +him anything of kinship to that race of +frontiersmen now deployed along the +outer verge of American civilization, like +the thread of froth stranded along a +beach outlining the extreme advance +made by the last wave of the tide. +The frontiersmen of to-day, bibulous +gamblers, reckless duelists, blasphemous +savages of mixed blood, had no prototype +in Colonial days, for even the human +harvest then gathered to the stocks, +the whipping-post and the gallows, was +of a far less obtrusive class of offenders +against morals and social decency. Prescott +was a Puritan soldier, a seeker of +liberty not license; fiercely rebellious +against tyranny, but no contemner of +moral law. It was no accident that put +him in the advance guard of Anglo-Saxon +civilization, then just starting on its westward +march from the shores of Massachusetts +Bay. The position had awaited +the man. When he set up his anvil and +with skilful blows hammered out the first +plough-shares to compel the virgin soil +of the Nashaway valley to its proper +fruitfulness, he was all unwittingly helping +to forge the destinies of this great +republic;—was in his humble sphere a +true builder of the nation. His neighbors +and friends, John Tinker, Ralph +Houghton, and Major Simon Willard, +doubtless excelled him in culture, but no +neighbor surpassed him in natural personal +force, whether physical, mental or +moral. Not only was he of commanding +stature, stern of mien and strong +of limb, but he had a heart devoid of +fear, great physical endurance and an +unbending will. These qualities his savage +neighbors early recognized and +bowed before in deep respect, and because +of these no Lancaster enterprise +but claimed him as its leader. His +manual skill and dexterity must have +been great, his mental capacity and +business energy remarkable, for we find +him not only a farmer, trader, blacksmith +and hunter, but a surveyor and builder +of roads, bridges and mills. The records + +of the town show that he was seldom +free from the conduct of some public +labor. The greatest of his benefactions +to his neighbors were: His corn-mill +erected in 1654, and his saw-mill in +1659. The arrival of the first millstone +in Lancaster must have been an event of +matchless interest to every man, woman +and child in the plantation. Till that +began its tireless turning, the grain for +every loaf of bread had to be carried to +Watertown mill, or ground laboriously +in a hand quern, or parched and brayed +in a mortar, Indian fashion. Before +the starting of his saw-mill, the rude +houses must have been of logs, stone, +and clay, for it was an impossibility to +bring from the lower towns on the existing +"Bay road" and with the primitive +tumbril any large amount of sawn +lumber.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Of Prescott's wife we know only her +name: Mary Platts. But her daughters +were sought for in marriage by men of +whom we learn nothing that is not praiseworthy, +and her sons all honored their +mother's memory, by useful and unblemished +lives. John Prescott was the +youngest son of Ralph and Ellen of +Shevington, Lancashire, England. He +was baptized in the Parish of Standish +in 1604-5 and married Mary Platts at +Wigan, Lancashire, January 21, 1629. +He was a land owner in Shevington, but +sold his possessions there and took up +his residence in Halifax Parish, Sowerby, +in Yorkshire. Leaving England to avoid +religions persecutions, his first haven was +Barbadoes, where he is found a land +owner in 1638. In 1640 he landed in +Boston, and immediately selected his +home in Watertown, where he became +the possessor of six lots of land, aggregating +one hundred and twenty-six acres. +In 1643, his name is found in association +with Thomas King of Watertown, +Henry Symonds of Boston, and others, +the first proprietors of the Nashaway +purchase. His children were eight in +number and all were married in due season. +They were as follows:</p> + +<p class="dgp">1. Mary, baptized at Halifax Parish +February 24, 1630, married Thomas +Sawyer in 1648. The young couple +selected their home lot adjoining Prescott's +in Lancaster and there eleven +sons and daughters were born to them.</p> + +<p class="dgp">2. Martha, baptized at Halifax Parish +March 11, 1632, married John Rugg in +1655; and these twain began life together +in sight of her paternal home in +Lancaster. She died with her twin +babes in January 1656.</p> + +<p class="dgp">3. John, baptized at Halifax Parish +April 1, 1635, married Sarah Hayward +at Lancaster, November 11, 1668, and +had five children. He was a farmer and +blacksmith, lived with his father, and +succeeded him at the mills.</p> + +<p class="dgp">4. Sarah, baptized in 1637, at Halifax +Parish, married Richard Wheeler at +Lancaster, August 2, 1658, and lived in +the immediate vicinity of those before +named. Wheeler was killed in the massacre +of February 10, 1676, and the +widowed Sarah married Joseph Rice of +Marlborough. By her first husband she +had five children.</p> + +<p class="dgp">5. Hannah, was probably born at +Barbadoes in 1639. She became the +second wife of John Rugg May 4, 1660, +and had eight children. She became a +widow in 1696, and was slain by the Indians +in the massacre of September 11, +1697.</p> + +<p class="dgp">6. Lydia, born at Watertown August +15, 1641, married Jonas Fairbank at +Lancaster, May 28, 1658. He owned +the lands next south of Prescott's home. +Fairbank had seven children. In the +massacre of February 10, 1676, he and +his son Joshua were victims. The widowed +Lydia married Elias Barron.</p> + +<p class="dgp">7. Jonathan—if twenty three years + +old in 1670, as an unknown authority +has noted, or "about 38," November 6, +1683, as stated in a deposition of that +date—was probably born in Lancaster +between 1645 and 1647. He was a +blacksmith and farmer, and married first +Dorothy, August 3, 1670, in Lancaster. +She died in 1674, leaving a son +Samuel, noted in the town history as the +unfortunate sentinel who, on November +6, 1704, killed by mistake his neighbor, +the beloved minister of Lancaster, Reverend +Andrew Gardner. Jonathan Prescott +married second, Elizabeth, daughter +of John Hoar of Concord, who died +in 1687 leaving six children. Jonathan's +third wife was Rebecca Bulkeley +and his fourth Ruth, widow of Thomas +Brown. He did not reside in Lancaster +after the massacre of 1676, but became +an influential citizen of Concord, which +he served as representative for nine +years. He died December 5, 1721.</p> + +<p class="dgp">8. Jonas, born June, 1648, in Lancaster, +married Mary Loker of Sudbury, +December 14, 1672. The marriage +took place in Lancaster and here their +first child was born, (they had twelve +children in all), but later they removed +to Groton, where Jonas became Captain, +Selectman and Justice. He died in +Groton, December 31, 1723. Of his +more illustrious descendants were Colonel +William, and the historian William +H. Prescott.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In May 1644, John Winthrop records +that "Many of Watertown and +other towns joined in a plantation at +Nashaway "—and Reverend Timothy +Harrington in his Century Sermon states +that the organization of this company +of planters was due to Thomas King. +The immediate and final disappearance +of this original proprietor has seemed to +previous writers good warrant for charging +that King and his partner Henry +Symonds were but land speculators, who +bought the Indian's inheritance to retail +by the acre to adventurers. I believe +this an unjust assumption. At the date +when Winthrop noted down the inception +of the Nashaway Company, +Henry Symonds had already been dead +seven months. He was that energetic +contractor of Boston noted as the leader +in the project for establishing tide mills +at the Cove, and was no doubt the capitalist +of the trading firm of Symonds & +King, who set up their "trucking house" +as early as 1643 on the sunny slope of +George Hill. Symond's widow a few +months after his death married Isaac +Walker, who in 1645 was prominent +among the Nashaway proprietors. If +King really sold his share of the Indian +purchase, may it not have been therefore +because, his senior partner being +dead, he had no means to continue the +enterprise? He too died before the +end of the year 1644, not yet thirty +years of age. The inventory of his +estate sums but one hundred and fifty-eight +pounds, including his house and +land in Watertown, his stock in trade, +and seventy-three pounds of debts due +him from the Indians, John Prescott, +and sundry others. King's widow made +haste to be consoled, and her second +husband, James Cutler, soon appears in +the role of a Nashaway proprietor.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The direction of the company was at +the outset in the hands of men whose +names were, or soon became, of some +note throughout the Colony. Doctor +Robert Child, a scholar who had won +the degrees of A.M. and M.D. at Cambridge +and Padua, a man of scientific +acquirements, but inclined to somewhat +sanguine expectations of mineral treasure +to be discovered in the New England +hills, seems to have been a leading +spirit in the adventure; and unfortunately +so, since his political views about +certain inalienable rights of man, which + +now live, and are honored in the Constitution +of the Commonwealth, seemed +vicious republicanism to the ecclesiastical +aristocracy then governing the Colony +of the Massachusetts Bay; and the +odium that drove Child across the ocean, +attached also to his companion planters, +and perhaps through the prejudice of +those in authority unfavorably affected +for several years the progress of the settlement +on the Nashaway. Certainly +such prejudices found expression in all +action or record of the government respecting +the proprietors and their petitions. +The ecclesiastical figure head—without +which no body corporate could +have grace within the colony—was Nathaniel +Norcross. Of him, if we can +surmise aught from his early return to +England, it may be said, he was not imbued +with the martyr's spirit, and his defection +was, some time later, more than +made good by the accession of the beloved +Rowlandson. But far more important +to the enterprise than these two +graduates from the English University—Child +the radical, and Norcross the +preacher,—were two mechanics, the restless +planners and busy promoters of the +company, both workers in iron—Steven +Day the locksmith and John Prescott +the blacksmith. Steven Day was the +first in America, north of Mexico, +to set up a printing-press. The Colony +had wisely recognized in him a public +benefactor, and sealed this recognition +by substantial grant of lands. He entered +upon the Nashaway scheme with +characteristic zeal and energy, if we +may believe his own manuscript testimony: but +Day's zeal outran his discretion, +and his energy devoured his limited +means, for in 1644 we find him in jail +for debt remonstrating piteously against +the injustice of a hard hearted creditor. +He parted with all rights at Nashaway +before many years and finally delved as +a journey man at the press he had +founded.</p> + +<p class="dgp">John Prescott deserted of all his original +co-partners was sufficient for the +emergency, a host in himself. He sells +his one hundred and twenty six acres +and house at Watertown, puts his all +into the venture, prepares a rude dwelling +in the wilderness, moves thither his +cattle, and chattels, and finally, mounting +wife and children and his few remaining +goods upon horses' backs, bids +his old neighbors good bye, and threads +the narrow Indian trail through the forest +westward. The scorn of men high +in authority is to follow him, but now +the most formidable enemy in his path +is the swollen Sudbury River and its +bordering marsh. We find the aristocratic +scorn mingling with the story of +Prescott's dearly bought victory over +this natural obstacle, told in Winthrop's +History of New England among what +the author classes as remarkable "special +providences."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Prescot another favorer of the Petitioners +lost a horse and his loading in +Sudbury river, and a week after his wife +and children being upon another horse +were hardly saved from drowning." +That the kindly hearted Winthrop could +coolly attribute the pitiable disaster of +the brave pioneer to the wrath of God +towards the political philosophy of Robert +Child, pictures vividly the bigotry +natural to the age and race, a bigotry +which culminated in the horrors of the +persecution for witchcraft. This Sudbury +swamp was the lion in the path +from the bay westward during many a +decade. In 1645, an earnest petition +went up to the council from Prescott and +his associates, complaining that much +time and means had been spent in discovering +Nashaway and preparing for +the settlement there, and that on account +of the lack of bridge and causeway + +at the Sudbury River, the proprietors +could not pass to and from the bay +towns—"without exposing our persons +to perill and our cattell and goods to losse +and spoyle; as yo'r petitioners are able to +make prooffe of by sad experience of +what wee suffered there within these few +dayes." The General Court ordered +the bridge and way to be made, "passable +for loaden horse," and allowed +twenty pounds to Sudbury, "so it be +donne w'thin a twelve monthe." The +twelve month passed and no bridge +spanned the stream. That the dangers +and difficulties of the crossing were not +over-stated by the petitioners is proven +by the fact that more than one hundred +years afterwards, the bridge and causeway +at this place "half a mile long"—were +represented to the General Court +as dangerous and in time of floods impassable. +Between 1759 and 1761, the +proceeds of special lotteries amounting +to twelve hundred and twenty seven +pounds were expended in the improvement +of the crossing.</p> + +<p class="dgp">John Winthrop, writing of the Nashaway +planters, tells us that "he whom +they had called to be their minister, +[Norcross] left them for their delays," +but omits mention of the fact recorded by +the planters themselves in their petition, +that the chief and sufficient cause of +their slow progress was in the inability +or unwillingness of the Governor and +magistrates to afford effective aid in providing +a passable crossing over a small +river.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Prescott, at least, was chargeable with +no delay. By June 1645, he and his +family had become permanent residents +on the Nashaway. Richard Linton, +Lawrence Waters the carpenter, and +John Ball the tailor, were his only neighbors; +these three men having been sent +up to build, plant, and prepare for the +coming of other proprietors. But two +houses had been built. Linton probably +lived with his son-in-law Waters, in his +home near the fording place in the +North Branch of the Nashaway, contiguous +to the lot of intervale land which +Harmon Garrett and others of the first +proprietors had fenced in to serve as a +"night pasture" for their cattle. Ball +had left his children and their mother +in Watertown; she being at times insane. +Prescott's first lot embraced part +of the grounds upon which the public +buildings in Lancaster now stand, but +this he soon parted with, and took up +his abode a mile to the south west, on +the sunny slope of George Hill, where, +beside a little brooklet of pure cool water, +which then doubtless came rollicking +down over its gravelly bed with twice the +flow it has to-day, there had been built, +two years at least before, the trucking +house of Symonds & King. This trading +post was the extreme outpost of civilization; +beyond was interminable forest, +traversed only by the Indian trails, +which were but narrow paths, hard to +find and easy to lose, unless the traveller +had been bred to the arts of wood-craft. +Here passed the united trails from Washacum, +Wachusett, Quaboag, and other +Indian villages of the west, leading to +the wading place of the Nashaway River +near the present Atherton Bridge, and +so down the "Bay Path" over Wataquadock +to Concord. The little plateau +half way down the sheltering hill, with +fertile fields sloping to the southeast +and its never failing springs, was and is +an attractive spot; but its material advantages +to the pioneer of 1645 were +far greater than those apparent to the +Lancastrian of this nineteenth century +in the changed conditions of life. With +the privilege of first choice therefore, +it is not strange that Prescott and his +sturdy sons-in-law grasped the rich intervales, +and warm easily tilled slopes, + +stretching along the Nashaway south +branch from the "meeting of the +waters" to "John's jump" on the east, +and extending west to the crown of +George Hill; lands now covered by the +village of South Lancaster.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1650 John Prescott found himself +the only member of the company resident +at Nashaway. Of the co-partners +Symonds, King, and John Hill were +dead; Norcross and Child had gone to +England; Cowdall had sold his rights to +Prescott; Chandler, Davis, Walker, and +others had formally abandoned their +claims; Garrett, Shawe, Day, Adams, +and perhaps two or three others, retained +their claims to allotments, making +no improvements, and contributing +nothing by their presence or tithes to the +growth of the settlement, thus becoming +effectual stumbling blocks in the +way of progress. Prescott, very reasonably, +held this a grievance, and having +no other means of redress asked +equitable judgment in the matter from +the magistrates, in a petition which +cannot be found. His answer was the +following official snub:</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Whereas John Prescot & others, +the inhabitants of Nashaway p'ferd a +petition to this Courte desiringe power +to recover all common charges of all +such as had land there, not residinge +w<sup>th</sup> them, for answer whereunto this +Court, understandinge that the place +before mentioned is not fit to make a +plantation, (so a ministry to be erected +and mayntayned there,) which if the +petitioners, before the end of the next +session of this Courte, shall not sufficiently +make the sey'd place appeare to +be capable to answer the ends above +mentioned doth order that the p'ties inhabitinge +there shalbe called there +hence, & suffered to live without the +meanes, as they have done no longer." +This dire threat of the closing sentence +may have been simply "sound and fury, +signifying nothing," or Prescott may +have been able to prove to the authorities +that Nashaway was fit and waiting +for its St. John, but found none willing +for the service. In fact, its St. John +was then a junior at Harvard College, +writing a pasquinade to post upon the +Ipswich meeting-house, and Nashaway +was "suffered to live without the +meanes," waiting for him until 1654.</p> + +<p class="dgp">John Prescott retained possession of +his early home,—the site of the "trucking +house," which he had purchased of +John Cowdall,—as long as he lived, but +did not reside there many years. No +sooner had the plantation attained the +dignity of a township under the classic +name of Lancaster, than its founder +bent all his energies towards those enterprises +best calculated to promote the +comfort and prosperity of its then inhabitants, +and to attract by material advantages, +a desirable and permanent +immigration. His practical eye had +doubtless long before marked the best +site for a mill in all the region round +about, and on the slope, scarce a gun +shot away, he set up a new home, afterwards +well known to friend and savage +foe as Prescott's Garrison. Those who +remain of the generation familiar with +this region before the invention of the +power loom made such towns as Clinton +possible, remember the depression +that told where Prescott dug his cellar. +The oldest water mill in New England +was scarce twenty years old when Prescott +contracted to grind the com of the +Nashaway planters. His "Covenant to +build a Corne mill" has been preserved +through a copy made by Ralph Houghton, +Lancaster's first Clerk of the Writs, +and is as follows:</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent">"Know all men by these presents that I +John Prescott blackssmith, hath Covenanted +and bargained with Jno. ffounell of Charlestowne + +for the building of a Corne mill, within +the said Towne of Lanchaster. This witnesseth +that wee the Inhabitants of Lanchaster +for his encouragement in so good a +worke for the behoofe of our Towne, vpon +condition that the said intended worke +by him or his assignes be finished, do freely +and fully giue, grant, enfeoffe, & confirme +vnto the said John Prescott, thirty acres +of intervale Land lying on the north riuer, lying +north west of Henry Kerly, and ten acres +of Land adjoyneing to the mill; and forty acres +of Land on the south east of the mill brooke, +lying between the mill brooke and Nashaway +Riuer in such place as the said John Prescott +shall choose with all the priuiledges and appurtenances +thereto apperteyneing. To haue and +to hold the said land and eurie parcell thereof +to the said John Prescott his heyeres & assignes +for euer, to his and their only propper +vse and behoofe. Also wee do covenant & +promise to lend the said John Prescott fiue +pounds in current money one yeare for the +buying of Irons for the mill. And also wee do +covenant and grant to and with the said John +Prescott his heyres and assignes that the said +mill, with all the aboue named Land thereto +apperteyneing shall be freed from all com'on +charges for seauen yeares next ensueing, after +the first finishing and setting the said mill to +worke.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In witnes whereof wee haue herevnto put +our hands this 20th day of the 9mo. In the +yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred +fifty and three. +</p> + + +<p class="dgp"> THOMAS JAMES</p> +<p class="dgp">WILL<sup>M</sup> KERLY SEN<sup>R</sup></p><p class="dgp"> LAWRENCE WATERS</p> +<p class="dgp">JNO PRESCOTT</p><p class="dgp"> EDMUND PARKER</p> +<p class="dgp">JNO WHITE</p><p class="dgp"> RICHARD LINTON</p> +<p class="dgp">RALPH HOUGHTON</p><p class="dgp"> RICHARD SMITH</p> +<p class="dgp">JNO LEWIS</p><p class="dgp"> JAMES ATHERTON</p> +<p class="dgp">JACOB FARRER</p><p class="dgp"> WILL<sup>M</sup> KERLY JUN<sup>R</sup></p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">In six months from that date the +mill was done, and Prescott "began +to grind corne the 23d day of the 3 +mo, 1654."</p> + +<p class="dgp">The commissioners, appointed by the +General Court to oversee the prudential +management of the town, met at John +Prescott's in 1657 and confirmed "the +imunityes provided for" in the above +covenant specifying that they "should +continue and remayne to him the said +Jno. Prescott his heyres and assignes +vntil the 23d of May, in the yeare of +our Lord sixteen hundred sixty and +two."</p> + +<p class="dgp">The corn mill was located a little +lower upon the brook than the extensive +factory buildings now utilizing its +water power. The half used force of +the rapid stream, and the giant pines of +the virgin forest then shadowed all the +region about, were full of reproach to +the restless miller. His busy brain was +soon planning a new benefaction to his +fellow citizens, and when his means +grew sufficiently to warrant the enterprise, +his busy hands wrought its consummation. +As before, a formal agreement +preceded the work:</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent">"Know all men by these presents that for as +much as the Inhabitants of Lanchaster, or the +most part of them being gathered together on +a trayneing day, the 15th of the 9th mo, 1658, +a motion was made by Jno. Prescott blackesmith +of the same towne, about the setting vp +of a saw mill for the good of the Towne, and +y<sup>t</sup> he the said Jno Prescott, would by the help +of God set vp the saw mill, and to supply the +said Inhabitants with boords and other sawne +worke, as is afforded at other saw mills in the +countrey. In case the Towne would giue, grant, +and confirms vnto the said John Prescott, a +certeine tract of Land, lying Eastward of his +water mill, be it more or less, bounded by the +riuer east, the mill west the stake of the mill +land and the east end of a ledge of Iron Stone +Rocks southards, and forty acres of his owne +land north, the said land to be to him his +heyres and assignes for euer, and all the said +land and eurie part thereof to be rate free vntill +it be improued, or any p<sup>t</sup> of it, and that his +saws, & saw mill should be free from any rates +by the Towne, therefore know ye that the ptyes +abouesaid did mutually agree and consent each +with other concerning the aforementioned +propositions as followeth:</p> + +<p class="dgp">The towne on their part did giue, grant & +confirme, vnto the said John Prescott his +heyres and assignes for euer, all the aforementioned +tract of land butted & bounded as +aforesaid, to be to him his heyres and asssignes +for euer with all the priuiledges and appurtenances +thereon, and therevnto belonging to be +to his and their owne propper vse and behoofe + +as aforesaid, and the land and eurie part of it +to be free from all rates vntil it or any pt of it +be improued, and also his saw, sawes, and +saw-mill to be free from all town rates, or ministers +rates, prouided the aforementioned worke +be finished & compleated as abouesaid for the +good of the towne, in some convenient time +after this present contract covenant and agrem<sup>t</sup>.</p> + +<p class="dgp">And the said John Prescott did and doth by +these prsents bynd himself, his heyres and assignes +to set vp a saw-mill as aforesaid within +the bounds of the aforesaid Towne, and to supply +the Towne with boords and other sawne +worke as aforesaid and truly and faithfully to +performe, fullfill, & accomplish, all the aforementioned +p'misses for the good of the Towne +as aforesaid.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Therefore the Selectmen conceiving this saw-mill +to be of great vse to the Towne, and the +after good of the place, Haue and do hereby +act to rattifie and confirme all the aforemencconed +acts, covenants, gifts, grants, & im'unityes, +in respect of rates, and what euer is aforementioned, +on their owne pt, and in behalfe of the +Towne, and to the true performance hereof, +both partyes haue and do bynd themselves by +subscribing their hands, this twenty-fifth day of +February, one thousand six hundred and fifty +nine.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">JOHN PRESCOTT.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The worke above mencconed was finished +according to this covenant as witnesseth.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Signed & Delivr'd In presence of,</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">RALPH HOUGHTON.</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">THOMAS WILDER</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">THOMAS SAWYER</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">RALPH HOUGHTON</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">Monday, the seventeenth of February, +1659, "the Company granted him to +fall pines on the Com'ons to supply his +saw-mill."</p> + +<p class="dgp">In April 1659, Ensign Noyes came to +make accurate survey of the eighty +square miles granted to the town, +and John Prescott was deputed by the +townsmen at their March meeting to aid +in the survey and "mark the bounds." +Among his varied accomplishments, natural +and acquired, Prescott seems to +have had some practical skill in surveying, +the laying out of highways and the +construction of bridges. In 1648 John +Winthrop records: "This year a new +way was found out to Connecticut by +Nashua which avoided much of the hilly +way." As appears by a later petition +Prescott was the pioneer of this new +path. In 1657 he was appointed by +the government a member of a committee +upon the building of bridges "at +Billirriky and Misticke." In 1658 he +with his son-in-law Jonas Fairbank was +appointed to survey a farm of six hundred +and fifty acres for Captain Richard +Davenport, upon which farm the chief +part of West Boylston now stands.</p> + +<p class="dgp">To the General Court which met October +18, 1659, the following petition +was presented:</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent">"The humble petition of John Prescot of Lancaster +humblye Sheweth, That whereas yr petitioner +about nine or ten yeares since, was desired +by the late hon'red Governour Mr. Winthrop, +w<sup>th</sup> other Magistrates, as also by Mr. Wilson of +Boston, Mr. Shephard of Cambridge with many +others, did lay & marke out a way at ye north +side of the great pond & soe by Lancaster, +which then was taken by Mr. Hopkins & many +others to bee of great vse; This I did meerly +vpon the request of these honored gentlemen, +to my great detrimt, by being vpon it part of +two summers not only myselfe but hiring others +alsoe to helpe mee, whereby my family suffered +much: I doe not question but many of ye +Court remember the same, as alsoe that this +hath not laine dead all this while, but I haue +formerly mentioned it, but yet haue noe recompence +for the same; the charge whereof came +at 2<sup>s</sup> p day to about 10<sup>l</sup>; it is therefore the desire +of y<sup>r</sup> petitioner yt you would bee pleased to +grant him a farme in some place vndisposed of +which will engage him to you and encourage +him and others in publique occasions & +y'r petitioner shall pray etc." +</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">One hundred acres of land were +granted him, and speedily laid out near +the Washacum ponds, where now stand +the railroad buildings at Sterling Junction.</p> + +<p class="dgp">We get very few glimpses of Prescott +from the meagre records of succeeding +years, but those serve to indicate that +he was busy, prosperous and annually + +honored by his neighbors with the public +duties for which his sturdy integrity, +shrewd business tact, and wisely directed +energy peculiarly fitted him. He had +taken the oath of fidelity in 1652. Such +owning of allegiance was by law prerequisite +to the holding of real estate. +Refusing such oath he might better have +been a Nipmuck so far as civil rights or +privileges were concerned. He was not +yet a member of the recognized church +however, and therefore lacked the political +dignities of a freeman; although his +intimate relations with Master Joseph +Rowlandson, and his personal connection +with the earlier cases of church +discipline in Lancaster, sufficiently attest +the austerity of his puritanism. Doubtless +Governor John Winthrop in his +hasty and harsh dictum respecting the +Nashaway planters, classed John Prescott +among those "corrupt in judgment." +But it must be remembered +that in Winthrop's visionary commonwealth +there was no room for liberty of +conscience. All were esteemed corrupt +in judgment or even profane whose +religious beliefs, when tested all about +by the ecclesiastic callipers, proved not +to have been cast in the doctrinal mould +prescribed by the self-sanctified founders +of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. No +known fact in any way warrants even +the conjecture that Prescott was not a +sincere Christian earnestly pursuing his +own convictions of duty, without fear +and without reproach.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Prescott's mechanical skill and business +ability had more than a local reputation. +In 1667, we find him contracting +with the authorities of Groton, to +erect "a good and sufficient corne mill +or mills, and the same to finish so as +may be fitting to grind the corne of the +said Towne." ... For the fulfillment +of this agreement he received five hundred +and twenty acres of land, and mill +and lands were exempted from taxation +for twenty years. Assistance towards +the building of the mill were also promised +to the amount of "two days worke +of a man for every house lott or family +within the limitts of the said Towne, +and at such time or times to be done or +performed, as the said John Prescott +shall see meete to call for the same, +vpon reasonable notice given." The +covenant was fulfilled by the completion +of a mill at Nonacoiacus, then in +the southern part of Groton. The mill +site is now in Harvard. Prescott's +youngest son, Jonas, was the first miller. +The history of the old mill is obscured +by the shadows of two hundred +years, but a bright gleam of romantic +tradition concerning the first miller is +warm with human interest now. Perhaps +at points the romantic may infringe +upon the historic, but:</p> + +<div class="lg"> +<p class="l"><em>Se non e vero,</em></p> +<p class="l"><em>E ben trovato.</em></p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">Down by the green meadows of Sudbury +there dwelt a bewitchingly fair +maiden, the musical dissyllables of whose +name were often upon the lips of the +young men in all the country round +about, and whose smile could awaken +voiceless poetry in the heart of the most +prosaic Puritan swain. There is little of +aristocratic sound in Mary Loker's name, +but her parents sat on Sunday at the +meeting house in a "dignified" pew, +and were rich in fields and cattle. +Whether pushed by pride of land or +pride of birth, in their plans and aspirations, +this daughter was predestinated +to enhance the family dignity by an aristocratic +alliance. In Colonial days a +maiden who added a handsome prospective +dowry to her personal witchery was +rare indeed, and Mary Loker had, coming +from far and near, inflammable suitors +perpetually burning at her shrine. +From among these the father and + +mother soon made their choice upon +strictly business principles, and shortly +announced to Mary that a certain ambitious +gentleman of the legal profession +had furnished the most satisfactory +credentials, and that nothing remained +but for her to name the day. Now the +fourth commandment was very far from +being the dead letter in 1670 that it is +in 1885, and it was matter for grave surprise +to the elders that their usually obedient +daughter, when the lawyer proceeded +to plead, refused to hear, and +peremptorily adjourned his cause without +day. Maternal expostulation and +paternal threats availed nothing. The +because of Mary's contumacy was not +far to seek. A stalwart Vulcan in the +guise of an Antinous, known as Jonas +Prescott, had wandered from his father's +forge in Lancaster down the Bay Path +to Sudbury. Mary and he had met, and +the lingering of their parting boded ill +for any predestination not stamped with +their joint seal of consent. With that +lack of astuteness proverbially exhibited +by parents disappointed in match-making +designs upon their children, the +vexed father and mother began a course +of vigorous repression, and thereby +riveted more firmly than ever the chains +which the errant young blacksmith and +his apprentice Cupid had forged. In +due time, they perforce learned that +love's flame burns the brighter fed upon +a bread and water diet; and that confinement +to an attic may be quite endurable +when Cupid's messages fly in and +out of its lattice at pleasure.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Finally Mary was secretly sent to an +out-of-the-way neighborhood in the vain +hope that the chill of absence might +hinder what home rule had only served +to help. But one day Jonas on a hunting +excursion made the acquaintance of +some youth, who, among other chitchat, +happened to break into ecstatic praise of +the graces of a certain fair damsel +who had recently come to live in +a farm-house near their home. Of +course the anvil missed Jonas for the +next day, and the next, and the next, +while he experienced the hospitalities of +his new-found friends—and their neighbors. +It was time for a recognition of +the inevitable by all concerned, but +when, and with what grace Mary's stubborn +parents yielded, if at all, is not recorded. +But what mattered that? Old +John Prescott installed Jonas at the +Nonacoicus Mill, and endowed him with +all his Groton lands, and in Lancaster, +December 14, 1672, Jonas and Mary +were married. For over fifty years fortunes +railed upon their union. Four sons +and eight daughters graced their fireside, +and the father was trusted and clothed +with local dignities. In after time the +memory of Jonas and Mary has been +honored by many worthy descendants, +and especially by the gallant services of +Colonel William Prescott at Bunker Hill, +and the literary renown of William +Hickling Prescott, the historian.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1669, John Prescott was proclaimed +a Freeman. He may have been long a +Church member, or may not even at +this date have yielded the conscientious +scruples that had a quarter of a century +earlier subjected him to the reproach +of an ecclesiastical oligarchy. The +laws concerning Freemen, in reluctant +obedience to the letter of Charles II., +were so changed in 1665 that those not +Church members could become Freemen, +if freeholders of a sufficient estate, +and guaranteed by the local minister +"to be Orthodox and not vicious in their +lives." Prescott had the true Englishman's +love of landed possessions, and +about this time added a large tract to +his acreage by purchase from his +Indian neighbors. This transaction +gave cause for the following petition:</p> + + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent"><em>To the honorable the Gov<sup>r</sup> the Deputy +Gov<sup>r</sup> mag<sup>tr</sup> & Deputy es assembled in the +gen<sup>r</sup>all Court</em>:</p> + +<p class="dgp">The Petition of Jno Prescott of Lanchaster, +In most humble wise sheweth. Whereas ye +Petition<sup>r</sup> hath purchased an Indian right to a +small parcell of Land, occasioned and +circumstanced for quantity & quality according to the +deed of sale herevnto annexed and a pt. thereof +not being legally setled vpon piee vnlesse I +may obteyne the favor of this Court for the +Confirmation thereof, These are humbly to request +the Court's favor for that end, the Lord +hauing dealt graciously with mee in giueing mee +many children I account it my duty to endeauor +their provission & setling and do hope +that this may be of some vse in yt kind. I +know not any claime made to the said land by +any towne, or any legall right y<sup>t</sup> any other persons +haue therein, and therefore are free for +mee to occupy & subdue as any other, may I +obteyne the Court's approbation. I shall not +vse further motiues, my condition in other respecks +& w<sup>t</sup> my trouble & expenses haue been +according to my poor ability in my place being +not altogether vnknowne to some of ye Court. +That ye Lord's prsence may be with & his blessing +accompany all yo<sup>r</sup> psons, Counsells, & endeauors +for his honor & ye weale of his poor +people is ye pray<sup>r</sup> of</p> + +<p class="dgp">Yo<sup>r</sup> supplliant</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">JOHN PRESCOTT SEN<sup>r</sup>. +</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">This request was referred to a special +committee, composed of Edward Tyng, +George Corwin and Humphrey Davie, +who reported as follows:</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent">"In Reference to this Petition the Comittee +being well informed that the Pet<sup>r</sup> is an ancient +Planter and hath bin a vseful helpfull and publique +spirited man doinge many good offices +ffor the Country, Relatinge to the Road to +Conecticott, marking trees, directinge of Passengers +&c, and that the Land Petitioned for +beinge but about 107 Acres & Lyinge not very +Convenient for any other Plantation, and only +accomoclable for the Pet<sup>r</sup>, we judge it reasonable +to Confirme the Indian Grant to him & his +heyers if ye honored Court see meete." +</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">This report was approved. James +Wiser <em>alias</em> Quanapaug, the Christian +Nashaway Chief, who appears as grantor +of the land, was a warrior whose bravery +had been tested in the contest between +the Nipmucks and the Mohawks; +and was so firm a friend of his white +neighbors at Lancaster, that when Philip +persuaded the tribe with its Sagamore +Sam, to go upon the war path, James +refused to join them. He even served +as a spy and betrayed Philip's plans to +the English at imminent risk of his life, +doing his utmost to save Lancaster from +destruction. General Daniel Gookin +acknowledged that Quanapaug's information +would have averted the horrible +massacre of February 10, 1676, had it +been duly heeded. The fact of the +friendly relations existing between Prescott +and the tribe whose fortified residence +stood between the two Washacum +ponds is interesting and confirms tradition. +It is related that at his first coming +he speedily won the respect of the +savages, not only by his fearlessness and +great physical strength, but by the +power of his eye and his dignity of mien. +They soon learned to stand in awe of +his long musket and unerring skill as a +marksman. He had brought with him +from England a suit of mail, helmet and +cuirass such as were worn by the soldiers +of Cromwell. Clothed with these, his +stately figure seemed to the sons of the +forest something almost supernatural. +One day some Indians, having taken +away a horse of his, he put on his armor, +pursued them alone, and soon +overtook them. The chief of the party +seeing him approach unsupported, advanced +menacingly with uplifted tomahawk. +Prescott dared him to strike, and +was immediately taken at his word, but +the rude weapon glanced harmless from +the helmet, to the amazement of the +red men. Naturally the Indian desired +to try upon his own head so wonderful +a hat, and the owner obligingly gratified +him claiming the privilege, however, of +using the tomahawk in return. The + +helmet proving a scant fit, or its wearer +neglecting to bring it down to its proper +bearings, Prescott's vengeful blow not +only astounded him but left very little +cuticle on either side of his head, and +nearly deprived him of ears. Prescott +was permitted to jog home in peace +upon his horse.</p> + +<p class="dgp">After hostilities began, it is said that +at one time the savages set fire to his +barn, but fled when he sallied out clad +in armor with his dreaded gun; and +thus he was enabled to save his stock, +though the building was consumed. +More than once attempts were made to +destroy the mill, but a sight of the man +in mail with the far reaching gun was +enough to send them to a safe distance +and rescue the property. Many stories +have been told of Prescott's prowess, +but some bear so close a resemblance to +those credibly historic in other localities +and of other heroes, that there attaches +to them some suspicions of adaptation +at least. Such perhaps is the story that +in an assault upon the town "he had +several muskets but no one in the house +save his wife to assist him. She loaded +the guns and he discharged them with +fatal effect. The contest continued for +nearly half an hour, Mr. Prescott all the +while giving orders as if to soldiers, so +loud that the Indians could hear him, +to load their muskets though he had no +soldiers but his wife. At length they +withdrew carrying off several of their +dead and wounded."</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1673 Prescott had nearly attained +the age of three score and ten. The +weight of years that had been full of exposure, +anxiety and toil rested heavily +upon even his rugged frame, and some +sharp touch of bodily ailment warning +him of his mortality, he made his will. +It is signed with "his mark," although +he evidently tried to force his unwilling +hand to its accustomed work, his peculiar +J being plainly written and followed +by characters meant for the remaining +letters of his first name. To earlier +documents he was wont to affix a simple +neat signature, and although not a +clerkly penman like his friends John +Tinker, Master Joseph Rowlandson and +Ralph Houghton, his writing is superior +to that of Major Simon Willard.</p> + +<div class="display"> +<a name="toc_9"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">JOHN PRESCOTT'S WILL.</h3> + +<p class="noindent">Theis presents witneseth that John Prescott +of Lancaster in the Countie of Midlesex in +New England Blaksmith being vnder the sencible +decayes of nature and infirmities of old +age and at present vnder a great deale of anguish +and paine but of a good and sound +memorie at the writing hereof being moved +vpon considerations aforesaid togather with +advis of Christian friends to set his house in +order in Reference to the dispose of those outward +good things the lord in mercie hath betrusted +him with, theirfore the said John Prescott +doth hereby declare his last will and testament +to be as followeth, first and cheifly +Comiting and Contending his soule to almightie +god that gaue it him and his bodie to +the comon burying place here in Lancaster, and +after his bodie being orderly and decently buryed +and the Charge theirof defrayed togather with +all due debts discharged, the Rest of his Lands +and estate to be disposed of as followeth: first +in Reference to the Comfortable being of his +louing wife during the time of her naturall Life, +it is his will that his said wife haue that end of +the house where he and shee now dwelleth togather +with halfe the pasture and halfe the fruit +of the aple trees and all the goods in the house, +togather with two cowes which shee shall Chuse +and medow sufisiant for wintering of them, +out of the medowes where she shall Chuse, the +said winter pvision for the two cowes to be +equaly and seasonably pvided by his two sons +John and Jonathan. And what this may fall +short in Reference to convenient food and +cloathing and other nesesaries for her comfort +in sicknes and in health, to be equaly pvided +by the aforesaid John and Jonathan out of the +estate. And at the death of his aforesaid louing +wife it is his will that the said cowes and +household goods be equally deuided betwene +his two sons aforesaid, and the other part of +the dwelling house, out housing, pasture and + +orchard togather with the term acres of house +lott lying on Georges hill which was purchased +of daniell gains to be equaly deuided betwene +the said John and Jonathan and alsoe that part +of the house and outhousing what is Convenient +for the two Cowes and their winter pvision +pasture and orchard willed to his louing wife +during her life, at her death to be equaly deuided +alsoe betwene the said John and Jonathan. +And furthermore it is his will that John Prescott +his eldest son haue the Intervaile land at +John's Jumpe, the lower Mille and the land belonging +to it and halfe the saw mille and halfe +the land belonging to it and all the house and +barne theire erected, and alsoe the house and +farme at Washacomb pond, and all the land +their purchased from the indians and halfe the +medowes in all deuisions in the towne acept sum +litle part at bar hill wh. is after willed to James +Sawyer and one halfe of the Comon Right in +the towne, and in Reference to second deuision +land, that part of it which lyeth at danforths +farme both vpland and interuaile is +willed to Jonathan and sixtie acres of that part +at Washacom litle pond to James Sawyer and +halfe of sum brushie land Capable of being +made medow at the side of the great pine +plain to be within the said James Sawyers sixtie +acres and all the Rest of the second deuision +land both vpland and Interuaile to be equaly +deuided betwene John Prescott and Jonathan +aformentioned. And Jonathan Prescott his +second son to haue the Ryefeild and all the +interuaile lott at Nashaway Riuer that part +which he hath in posesion and the other part +joyneing to the highway and alsoe his part of +second deuision land aforementioned and alsoe +one halfe of all the medowes in all deuisions in +the towne not willed to John Prescott and +James Sawyer aformentioned, and alsoe the +other halfe of the saw mille and land belonging +to it, and it is to be vnderstood that all timber +on the land belonging to both Corne Mille and +Saw Mille be Comon to the vse of the Saw +Mille. And in Reference to his third son Jonas +Prescott it is herby declared that he hath Received +a full childs portion at nonecoicus in a +Corne mille and Lands and other goods. And +James Sawyer his granchild and Servant it is +his will that he haue the sixtie acres of vpland +aformentioned and the two peices of medow +at bare hill one being part of his second deuision +the upermost peic on the brook and the +other being part of his third deuision lying vpon +Nashaway River purchased of goodman Allin. +Prouided the Said James Sawyer carie it beter +then he did to his said granfather in his time +and carie so as becoms an aprentic & vntil he +be one and twentie years of age vnto the executors +of this will namly John Prescott and Jonathan +Prescott who are alsoe herby engaged to +pforme vnto the said James what was pmised +by his said granfather, which was to endeuor +to learne him the art and trade of a blaksmith. +And in Case the said James doe not pforme on +his part as is afor expresed to the satisfaction +of the overseers of this will, or otherwise, If +he doe not acept of the land aformentioned, +then the said land and medow to be equaly +deuided betwene the aforsaid John and Jonathan. +And in Reference to his three daughters, +namly Marie, Sara and Lydia they to haue and +Receive eurie of them fiue pounds to be paid +to them by the executors to eurie of them fiftie +shillings by the yeare two years after the death +of theire father to be paid out of the mouables +and Martha Ruge his granchild to haue a cow +at the choic of her granmother. And it is the +express will and charge of the testator to his +wife and all his Children that they labor and +endeuor to prescrue loue and unitie among +themselves and the vpholding of Church and +Comonwealth. And to the end that this his last +will and testament may be truly pformed in all +the parts of it, the said testator hath and herby +doth constitut and apoynt his two sons namly +John Prescott and Jonathan Prescott Joynt +executors of this his last will. And for the +preuention of after trouble among those that +suruiue about the dispose of the estate acording +to this his will he hath hereby Chosen desired +and apoynted the Reuerend Mr. Joseph +Rowlandson, deacon Sumner and Ralph +Houghton overseers of this his will; vnto whom +all the parties concerned in this his will +in all dificult Cases are to Repaire, and that +nothing be done without their Consent and +aprobation. And furthermore in Reference to +the mouables it is his will that his son John +have his anvill and after the debts and legacies +aformentioned be truly paid and fully discharged +by the executors and the speciall trust +pformed vnto my wife during her life and at +her death, in Respect of, sicknes funerall expences, +the Remainder of the movables to be +equaly deuided betwene my two sons John and +Jonathan aforementioned. And for a further +and fuller declaration and confirmation of this +will to be the last will and testament of the +afornamed John Prescott he hath herevnto + +put his hand and seale this 8 of 2 month one +thousand six hundred seaventie three.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">JOHN PRESCOTT,</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">his <em>John</em> mark.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Sealed signed owned to be the Last will and +testament of the testator afornamed In the +presence of +</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">JOSEPH ROWLANDSON,</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">ROGER SUMNER,</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">RALPH HOUGHTON.</p> + +<p class="dgp">April 4: 82.</p> + +<p class="dgp">ROGER SUMNER, }</p> +<p class="dgp">RALPH HOUGHTON, } Appearing in Court made oath to the above s<sup>d</sup> will,</p> +<p class="dgp">JONATHAN REMINGTON, <em>Cleric</em>."</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">But John Prescott's pilgrimage was +far from ended, and severer chastenings +than any yet experienced awaited him. +He had survived to see the settlement +that called him father, struggle upward +from discouraging beginnings, to become +a thriving and happy community of +over fifty families. Where at his coming +all had been pathless woods, now fenced +fields and orchards yielded annually +their golden and ruddy harvests; gardens +bloomed; mechanic's plied their +various crafts; herds wandered in lush +meadows; bridges spanned the rivers, +and roads wound through the landscape +from cottage to cottage and away to +neighboring towns. All this fair scene +of industry and rural content, of which +he might in modest truth say "<em>Magna +pars fui</em>," he lived to see in a single day +made more desolate than the howling +wilderness from which it had been laboriously +conquered. He was spared +to see dear neighbors and kindred massacred +in every method of revolting +atrocity, and their wives and children +carried into loathsome captivity by foes +more relentlessly cruel than wolves. +When now weighed down with age and +bodily infirmities, the rest he had +thought won was to be denied him, and +he and his were driven from the ashes +of pleasant homes—about which clustered +the memories of thirty years' +joys and sorrows—to beg shelter from +the charity of strangers. For more +than three years his enforced banishment +endured. In October 1679, John +Prescott with his sons John and Jonathan, +his sons-in-law Thomas Sawyer and +John Rugg, his grand-son Thomas Sawyer, +Jr. and his neighbor's John Moore, +Thomas Wilder, and Josiah White, petitioned +the Middlesex Court for permission +to resettle the town, and their prayer +was granted. Soon most of the inhabitants +who had survived the massacre +and exile, were busily building new +homes, some upon the cinders of the +old, others upon their second division +lands east of the rivers where they were +less exposed to the stealthy incursions +of their savage enemies. The two John +Prescotts rebuilt the mills and dwelt +there. Whether the pioneer's life long +helpmate died before their settlement, in +exile, or shortly after the return, has not +been ascertained, but it would seem that +he survived her. Jonathan having married +a second wife remained in Concord. +For two years the old man lived with +his eldest son, seeing the Nashaway +Valley blooming with the fruits of civilized +labor; seeing new families filling +the woeful gaps made in the old by +Philip's warriors; seeing children and +grandchildren grasping the implements +that had fallen from the nerveless hold +of the earliest bread-winners, with hopeful +and pertinacious purpose to extend +the paternal domain; seeing too, may +we not trust, from the Pisgah height of +prophetic vision the glorious promise +awaiting this his Canaan; these softly +rounded hills and broad valleys dotted +with the winsome homes of thousands +of freemen; churches and schools, +shops of artisans, and busy marts of +trade clustered about his mill site; and, +above all, seeing the assertion of political +freedom and liberty of conscience +which Governor John Winthrop had reproached + +him for favoring in the petition +of Robert Child, become the corner +stone of a giant republic.</p> + +<p class="dgp">No record of John Prescott's death +is found; but when upon his death bed, +feeling that the changed condition of +his own and his son Jonathan's affairs +required some modification of the will +made in 1673, he summoned two of his +townsmen to hear his nuncupative codicil +to that document. From the affidavit, +here appended, it is certain that +his death occurred about the middle +of December, 1681.</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent">"The Deposition of Thos: Wilder aged 37 +years sworn say'th that being with Jno: Prescott +Sen'r About six hours before he died he ye +s'd Jno. Prescott gaue to his eldest sonn Jno: +Presscott his house lott with all belonging +to ye same & ye two mills, corn mill & saw +mill with ye land belonging thereto & three scor +Acors of land nere South medow and fourty +Acors of land nere Wonchesix & a pece of enteruile +caled Johns Jump & Bridge medow on +both sids ye Brook. Cyprian Steevens Testifieth +to all ye truth Aboue writen.</p> + +<p class="dgp">DECEM. 20. 81.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">Sworn in Court. J.R.C."</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">Though two or more years short of +fourscore at the time of his death he +was Lancaster's oldest inhabitant. His +fellow pioneer, Lawrence Waters, who +was the elder by perhaps a years, till survived, +though blind and helpless; but he +dwelt with a son in Charlestown, after +the destruction of his home, and never +returned to Lancaster. John and Ralph +Houghton, much younger men, were +now the veterans of the town.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_10"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">A GLIMPSE.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">BY MARY H. WHEELER.</p> + +<div class="lg"> +<p class="l">We met but once; 'twas many years ago.</p> +<p class="l">I walked, with others, idly through the grounds</p> +<p class="l">Where thou did'st minister in daily rounds.</p> +<p class="l">I knew thee by thy garb, all I might know,</p> +<p class="l">Sister of Charity, in hood like snow.</p> +<p class="l">My heart was weary with the sight and sounds</p> +<p class="l">Of sick and suffering soldiers in the wards below.</p> +<p class="l">Disgusted with my thoughts of war and wounds.</p> +<p class="l">'Twas then, by sudden chance, I met thine eyes,</p> +<p class="l">What saw I there? A light from heaven above,</p> +<p class="l">A gleam of calm, self-sacrificing love,</p> +<p class="l">A smile that fill'd my heart with glad surprise,</p> +<p class="l">Reflected in my breast an answering glow,</p> +<p class="l">And haunts me still, wherever I may go.</p> +</div> +</div> + + + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_11"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">EARLY HISTORY OF THE BERMUDA ISLANDS.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">By JAMES H. STARK.</p> + + +<p class="dgp">The singular collection of islands +known as the Bermudas are situated +about seven hundred miles from Boston, +in a southeast direction, and about the +same distance from Halifax, or Florida. +The nearest land to Bermuda is Cape +Hatteras, distant 625 miles.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Within sixty-five hours' sail from New +York it is hardly possible to find so +complete a change in government, climate, +scenery and vegetation, as Bermuda +offers; and yet these islands are +strangely unfamiliar to most well-informed +Americans.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Speaking our own language, having +the same origin, with manners, which in +many ways illustrate those prevalent in +New England a century +ago, the people are +bound to us by many +natural ties; and it is +only now that these +islands, having come to +the front as a winter resort, +have led us to inquire +into their history +and resources. Settled +in 1612, Virginia only +of the English colonies +outdating it, life in Bermuda has been as +placid as its lovely waters on a summer +day; no agitation of sufficient occurrence +having occurred to attract the attention +of the outside world, from which it is so +absolutely isolated.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The only communication with the +mainland is by the Quebec Steamship +Company, who dispatch a steamer every +alternate Thursday between New York +and Hamilton, Bermuda, the fare for the +round trip, including meals and stateroom, +is fifty dollars. During the crop +season, in the months of April, May +and June, steamers are run weekly.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The Cunard Company also have a +monthly service between Halifax, Bermuda, +Turks Island and Jamaica, under +contract with the Admiralty.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The Bermudas were first discovered +in 1515 by a Spanish vessel, called La +Garza, on a voyage from Spain to Cuba, +with a cargo of hogs, and commanded +by Juan Bermudez, and having on board +Gonzalez Oviedo, the historian of the +Indies, to whom we are indebted for +the first account of these islands. +They approached near to the islands, +and from the appearance of the place +concluded that it was +uninhabited. They resolved +to send a boat +ashore to make observations, +and leave +a few hogs, which might +breed and be afterwards +useful. When, however, +they were preparing to +debark a strong contrary +gale arose, which obliged +them to sheer off and be +content with the view already obtained. +The islands were named by the Spaniards +indifferently, La Garza from the ship +and Bermuda from the captain, but +the former term is long since disused.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image2.png" alt="INSCRIPTION ON SPANISH ROCK"></p> +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">INSCRIPTION ON SPANISH ROCK</p> + +<p class="dgp">It does not appear that the Spaniards +made any attempt to settle there, although +Philip II. granted the islands to +one Ferdinand Camelo, a Portuguese, +who never improved his gift, beyond +taking possession by the form of landing +in 1543, and carving on a prominent + +cliff on the southern shore of the +island<a href="#note_2"><span class="footnoteref">2</span></a> the initials of his name and the +year, to which, in conformity with the +practical zeal of the times, he super-added +a cross, to protect his acquisition +from the encroachments of roving +heretics and the devil, for the stormy +seas and dangerous reefs gave rise to so +many disasters as to render the group +exceedingly formidable in the eyes of +the most experienced navigators. It +was even invested in their imagination +with superstitious terrors, being considered +as unapproachable by man, and +given up in full dominion to the spirits of +darkness. The Spaniards therefore +called them "Los Diabolos," the Devil's +Islands.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image3.png" alt="Fac-simile reproduction of a Map of Bermuda made in 1614 by Captain John Smith."></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">Fac-simile reproduction of a Map of Bermuda made in 1614 by Captain John Smith.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image4.png" alt="View of the State House and reference as to location of the fort, bridges, etc., shown herewith on Smith's map of 1614. (Fac-simile reproduction.)"></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">View of the State House and reference as to location of the fort, bridges, etc., shown herewith on Smith's map of 1614. (Fac-simile reproduction.)</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image5.png" alt=""></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"></p> + +<p class="dgp">These islands were first introduced to + +the notice of the +English by a dreadful +shipwreck. In 1591 +Henry May sailed to +the East Indies, along +with Captain Lancaster, +on a buccaneering +expedition. Having +reached the coast of +Sumatra and Malacca, +they scoured +the adjacent seas, and +made some valuable +captures. In 1593 +they again doubled +the Cape of Good +Hope and returned +to the West Indies +for supplies, which +they much needed. +They first came in +sight of Trinidad, +but did +not dare to approach +a coast +which was in +possession of +the Spaniards, +and their distress +became so +great that it +was with the +utmost difficulty +that the +men could be +prevented from +leaving the +ship. They +shortly afterwards +fell in +with a French +buccaneer, +commanded by La Barbotiere, who +kindly relieved their wants by a gift +of bread and provisions. Their stores +were soon again exhausted, and, coming +across the French ship the second +time, application was made to the +French Captain for more supplies, but he +declared that his own stock was so much +reduced that he could spare but little, +but the sailors persuaded themselves + +that the Frenchman's scarcity was +feigned, and also that May, who conducted +the negotiations, was regailing +himself with good cheer on board without +any trouble about their distress. +Among these men, inured to bold and +desperate deeds, a company was formed +to seize the French pinnace, and then +to capture the large vessel with its aid. +They succeeded in their first object, but +the French Captain, who observed their +actions, sailed away at full speed, and +May, who was dining with him on +board at the time, requested that he +might stay and return home on the vessel +so that he could inform his employers +of the events of the voyage and +the unruly behavior of the crew. As +they approached Bermuda strict watch +was kept while they supposed themselves +to be near that dreaded spot, but +when the pilot declared that they were +twelve leagues south of it they threw +aside all care and gave themselves up to +carousing. Amid their jollity, about +midnight, the ship struck with such violence +that she immediately filled and +sank. They had only a small boat, to +which they attached a hastily-constructed +raft to be towed along with it; room, +however, was made for only twenty-six, +while the crew exceeded fifty. In the +wild and desperate struggle for existence +that ensued May fortunately got +into the boat. They had to beat about +nearly all the next day, dragging the raft + +after them, and it was almost dark before +they reached the shore; they were +tormented with thirst, and had nearly +despaired of finding a drop of water +when some was discovered in a rock +where the rain waters had collected.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image6.png" alt="St. George's and Warwick Fort in 1614. (Fac-simile of Smith's engraving.)"></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">St. George's and Warwick Fort in 1614. (Fac-simile of Smith's engraving.)</p> + +<p class="dgp">The land was covered with one unbroken +forest of cedar. Here they would +have to remain for life unless a vessel +could be constructed. They made a +voyage to the wreck and secured the +shrouds, tackles and carpenters' tools, +and then began to cut down the cedars, +with which they constructed a vessel of +eighteen tons. For pitch they took lime, +rendered adhesive by a mixture of turtle +oil, and forced it into the seams, where +it became hard as stone.</p> + +<p class="dgp">During a residence of five months +here May had observed that Bermuda, +hitherto supposed to be a single island, +was broken up into a number of islands +of different sizes, enclosing many fine +bays, and forming good harbors. The +vessel being finished they set sail for +Newfoundland, expecting to meet fishing +vessels there, on which they could +obtain passage to Europe. On the eleventh +of May they found themselves with +joy clear of the islands. They had a very +favorable voyage, and on the twentieth +arrived at Cape Breton. May arrived in +England in August, 1594, where he gave +a description of the islands; he stated +that they found hogs running wild all +over the islands, which proves that this +was not the first landing made there.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It was owing to a shipwreck that Bermuda +again came under the view of +the English, and that led England to +appropriate these islands.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1609, during the most active period +of the colonization of Virginia, an +expedition of nine ships, commanded +by Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers +and Captain Newport, bound for +Virginia, was dispersed by a great storm. +One of the vessels, the Sea Adventure, +in which were Gates, Somers and Newport, +seems to have been involved in +the thickest of the tempest. The vessel +sprung aleak, which it was found +impossible to stop. All hands labored +at the pumps for life, even the Governor +and Admiral took their turns, and gentlemen +who had never had an hour's hard +work in their life toiled with the rest. +The water continued to gain on them, +and when about to give up in despair, +Sir George Somers, who had been watching +at the poop deck day and night, +cried out land, and there in the early +dawn of morning could be seen the welcome +sight of land. Fortunately they +lighted on the only secure entrance +through the reefs. The vessel was run +ashore and wedged between two rocks, +and thereby was preserved from sinking, +till by means of a boat and skiff the +whole crew of one hundred and fifty, with +provisions, tackle and stores, reached +the land. At that time the hogs still +abounded, and these, with the turtle, +birds and fish which they caught, afforded +excellent food for the castaways. +The Isle of Devils Sir George Somers +and party found "the richest, healthfulest +and pleasantest" they ever saw.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Robert Walsingham and Henry Shelly +discovered two bays abounding in excellent +fish; these bays are still called by +their names. Gates and Somers caused +the long boat to be decked over, and +sent Raven, the mate, with eight men, to +Virginia to bring assistance to them, but +nothing was ever heard of them afterwards, +and after waiting six months all +hopes were then given up. The chiefs +of the expedition then determined to +build two vessels of cedar, one of eighty +tons and one of thirty. Their utmost +exertions, however, did not prevent disturbances, +which nearly baffled the enterprise. +These were fomented by persons + +noted for their religious zeal, +of Puritan principles and the accompanying +spirit of independence. They +represented that the recent disaster had +dissolved the authority of the Governor, +and their business +was now to provide, +as they best could, for +themselves and their +families. They had come +out in search of an easy +and plentiful subsistence, +which could nowhere +be found in +greater perfection and +security than here, while +in Virginia its attainment +was not only +doubtful, but attended +with many hardships. +These arguments were +so convincing with the +larger number of the +men that, had it rested +with them, they would +have lived and died +on the islands.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image7.png" alt="Entrance to St. George Harbor, between Smith's and Paget's Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving. 1614.)"></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">Entrance to St. George Harbor, between Smith's and Paget's Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving. 1614.)</p> + +<p class="dgp">Two successive conspiracies +were formed by +large parties to separate +from the rest and form +a colony. Both were +defeated by the vigilance +of Gates, who allowed +the ringleaders to escape +with a slight punishment. +This lenity +only emboldened the +malcontents, and a third +plot was formed to seize +the stores and take entire +possession of the +islands. It was determined +to make an example +of one of the +leaders named Payne; +He was condemned to +be hanged, but, on the plea of being a +gentleman, his sentence was commuted +into that of being shot, which was immediately +done. This had a salutary effect, +and prevented any further trouble.</p> + + + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image8.png" alt="View of ancient forts. (Re-produced from Smith's engraving, 1614)"></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">View of ancient forts. (Re-produced from Smith's engraving, 1614)</p> + +<p class="dgp">Two children, a +boy and girl, were +born during this +period; the former +was christened +Bermudas +and the latter Bermuda; +they were +probably the first +human beings +born on these +islands.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Before leaving +the islands Gates +caused a cross to +be made of the +wood saved from +the wreck of his +ship, which he secured +to a large cedar; +a silver coin with the +king's head was placed +in the middle of it, together +with an inscription +on a copper plate +describing what had +happened—That the +cross was the remains of +a ship of three hundred +tons, called the Sea +Venture, bound with +eight more to Virginia; +that she contained two +knights, Sir Thomas +Gates, governor of the +colony, and Sir George +Summers, admiral of +the seas, who, together +with her captain, Christopher Newport, +and one hundred and fifty mariners and +passengers besides, had got safe ashore, +when she was lost, July 28, 1609.</p> + +<p class="dgp">On the tenth of May, 1610, they +sailed with a fair wind, and, before +reaching the open sea, they struck on a +rock and were nearly wrecked the second +time. On the twenty-third they +arrived safely at Jamestown. This settlement +they found in a most destitute +condition on their arrival, and it was determined +to abandon the place, but Sir +George Summers, "whose noble mind +ever regarded the general good more +than his own ends," offered to undertake +a voyage to the Bermudas for the +purpose of forming a settlement, from + +which supplies might be obtained for +the Jamestown colony. He accordingly +sailed June 19, in his cedar vessel, and +his name was then given to the islands, +though Bermuda has since prevailed.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image9.png" alt="Entrance to Castle Harbor, between Castle and Southhampton Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving, 1614.)"></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">Entrance to Castle Harbor, between Castle and Southhampton Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving, 1614.)</p> + +<p class="dgp">Contrary winds +and storms carried +him to the northward, +to the vicinity +of Cape Cod. +Somers persevered +and reached the +islands, but age, +anxiety and exertion +contributed +to produce his end. +Perceiving the approach +of death +he exhorted his +companions to +continue their +exertions for the +benefit of the +plantations, and to +return to Virginia. +Alarmed at the +untimely fate of +their leader, the +colonists embalmed +his body, +and disregarding +his dying injunction, +sailed for +England. Three +only of the men +volunteered to remain, +and for +some time after +their companions +left they continued +to cultivate the +soil, but unfortunately +they found +some ambergris, +and they fell into +innumerable quarrels +respecting its +possession. They at length resolved +to build a boat and sail for Newfoundland +with their prize, but, happily +for them, they were prevented by +the arrival of a ship from Europe. An + +extraordinary interest was excited in +England by the relation of Captain +Mathew Somers, the nephew and heir of +Sir George. The usual exaggerations +were published, and public impressions +were heightened by contrast with the +dark ideas formerly prevalent concerning +these islands. A charter was obtained +of King James I., and one hundred +and twenty gentlemen detached +themselves from the Virginia company +and formed a company under the name +and style of the Governor and Company +of the City of London, for the plantation +of the Somer Islands.</p> + +<p class="dgp">On the twenty-eighth of April, 1612, +the first ship was sent out with sixty +emigrants, under the charge of Richard +Moore, who was appointed the Governor +of the colony. They met the boat +containing the three men left on the +island, who were overjoyed at seeing +the ship, and conducted her into the +harbor. It was not long before intelligence +of the discovery of the ambergris +reached the Governor; he promptly +deprived the three men of it. One of +them named Chard, who denied all +knowledge of it, and caused considerable +disturbance, which at one time seemed +likely to result in a sanguinary encounter, +was condemned to be hanged, and +was only reprieved when on the ladder.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The Governor now applied himself +actively to his duties. He had originally +landed on Smith's Island, but he soon +removed to the spot where St. George's +now stands, and built the town which +was named after Sir George Somers, and +which became, and remained for two +centuries, the capital of Bermuda. He +laid the foundation of eight or nine +forts for the defence of the harbor, and +also trained the men to arms in order +that they might defend the infant colony +from attack. This proved necessary, +for, in 1614, two Spanish ships attempted +to enter the harbor; the forts +were promptly manned and two shots +fired at the enemy, who, finding them +better prepared than they imagined, +bore away.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Before the close of 1615 six vessels +had arrived with three hundred and +forty passengers, among whom were a +Marshall and one Bartlett, who were +sent out expressly to divide the colony +into tribes or shares; but the Governor +finding no mention of any shares for +himself, and the persons with him, as +had been agreed on, forbade his proceeding +with his survey. The survey +was afterward made by Richard Norwood, +which divided the land into +tribes, now parishes; these shares form, +the foundation of the land tenure of the +islands, even to this day, the divisional +lines in many cases yet remaining intact. +Moore, whose time had expired, +went back to England in 1615, leaving +the administration of the government to +six persons, who were to rule, each in +turn, one month. They proceeded to +elect by lot their first ruler, the choice +falling upon Charles Caldicot, who then +went, with a crew of thirty-two men, in +a vessel to the West Indies for the purpose +of procuring plants, goats and +young cattle for the islands. The vessel +was wrecked there, and the crew +were indebted to an English pirate for +being rescued from a desert island on +which they had been cast.</p> + +<p class="dgp">For a time the colony was torn by +contention and discord, as well as by +scarcity of food. The news of these +dissensions having reached England the +company sent out Daniel Tucker as +Governor. Tucker was a stern, hard +master, and he enforced vigorous measures +to compel the people to work for +the company. The provisions and stores +he issued in certain quantities, and paid +each laborer a stated sum in brass coin, + +struck by the proprietor for the purpose, +having a hog on one side, in commemoration +of the abundance of those +animals found by the first settlers, and +on the reverse a ship. Pieces of this +curious hog money, as it is called, is frequently +found, and it brings a high +price.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image10.png" alt="HOG MONEY."></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">HOG MONEY.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Shortly after Governor Tucker arrived +he sent to the West Indies for +plants and fruit trees. The vessel returned +with figs, pine-apples, sugar-cane, +plantain and paw-paw, which were all +planted and +rapidly multiplied. +This vessel +also brought +the first slaves +into the colony, +an Indaian and +a negro.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The company +dispatched +a small +bark, called the +Hopewell, with +supplies for the +colony, under +the command +of Captain +Powell. On his +way he met +a Portuguese +vessel homeward +bound +from Brazil, +with a cargo of sugar, and, as Smith +adds, "liked the sugar and passengers +so well" he made a prize of +her. Fearing to face Governor Tucker +after this piratical act he directed his +course to the West Indies. On his +arrival there he met a French pirate, +who pretended to have a warm regard +for him, and invited him, with his officers, +to an entertainment. Suspecting +nothing he accepted the invitation, but +no sooner had they been well seated at +the table than they were all seized and +threated with instant death, unless they +surrendered their prize. This Powell +was, of course, compelled to do, and +finding his provisions failing him he put +the Portuguese crew on shore and sailed +for Bermuda, where he managed to excuse +himself to the Governor. Powell +again went to the West Indies pirating, +and in May he arrived with three prizes, +laden with meal, hides, and ammunition. +Tucker received him kindly and +treated him +with consideration, +until he +had the goods +in his own possession, +when +he reproached +the Captain +with his piratical +conduct +and called him +to account for +his proceedings. +The unlucky +buccaneer +was, in the +end, glad to +escape to England, +leaving +his prizes in +the hands of +the Governor.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The discipline +and hard labor required of +the people reduced them to a condition +but little better than that of +slaves, and caused many to make desperate +efforts to escape from the islands. +Five persons, neither of whom +were sailors, built a fishing boat for the +Governor, and when completed they borrowed +a compass from their preacher, +for whom they left a farewell epistle. +In this they reminded him how often + +he had exhorted them to patience under +ill-treatment, and had told them +how Providence would pay them, if man +did not. They trusted, therefore, that +he would now practice what he had so +often preached.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/image11.png" alt="Reproduction of Smith's engraving, 1614, showing his coat of arms with the three Turk heads."></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: center">Reproduction of Smith's engraving, 1614, showing his coat of arms with the three Turk heads.</p> + +<p class="dgp">These brave men endured great hardships +in their boat of three tons during +their rash voyage; but at the end of +about forty-two days they arrived at +Ireland, where their exploit was considered +so wonderful that the Earl of +Thomond caused them to be received +and entertained, and hung up their boat +as a monument of this extraordinary +voyage. The Governor was greatly exasperated +at their escape, and threatened +to hang the whole of them if they +returned.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Another party of three, one of whom +was a lady, attempted in a like manner +to reach Virginia, but were never afterwards +heard of. Six others were discovered +before they effected their +departure, and one was executed. John +Wood, who was found guilty of speaking +"many distasteful and mutinous +speeches against the Governor," was +also condemned and executed.</p> + +<p class="dgp">As there were at that time only about +five hundred inhabitants on these islands, +it would appear from Captain +Smith's History that Tucker hanged a +good percentage of them. Many were + +the complaints that were forwarded to +England concerning the tyrannical government +of Tucker, and he, fearing +to be recalled, at last returned to England +of his own accord, having appointed +a person named Kendall as +his deputy.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Kendall was disposed to be attentive +to his office, but wanted energy, and the +company took an early opportunity to relieve +him; this was not very agreeable +to the people, but they did not offer any +resistance.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Governor Butler arrived with four +ships and five hundred men on the +twentieth of October, 1619, which +raised the number of the colonists to +1000, and at his departure three years +later, it had increased to 1500.</p> + +<p class="dgp">On the first of August, 1620, in conformity +with instructions sent out by the +company, the Governor summoned the +first general assembly at St. George's +for the dispatch of public business. It +consisted of the Governor, Council, +Bailiffs, Burgesses, Secretary, and Clerk. +It appears that they all sat in one house, +which was probably the "State House" +shown on Smith's engraving. Most of +the Acts passed on this occasion were +creditable to the new legislators.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Governor Butler, as Moore had done +before him, turned his chief attention +to the building of forts and magazines; +he also finished the cedar Church at +St. George's, and caused the assembly +to pass an Act for the building of three +bridges, and then initiated the useful +project of connecting together the principal +islands. When Governor Butler +returned to England he left the islands +in a greatly improved condition. But +in his time, also, there were such frequent +mutinies and discontent, that at last +"he longed for deliverance from his +thankless and troublesome employment." +It was probably during Governor +Butler's administration that Captain<a href="#note_3"><span class="footnoteref">3</span></a> +John Smith had a map and illustrations +of the "Summer Ils" made, for in +it we find the three bridges, numerous +well-constructed forts, and the State +House at St. George's. The map and +illustrations were published in "Smith's +General Historic of Virginia, New England +and the Summer Ils" 1624; they are +of the greatest value and importance, as +they show accurately the class of buildings +and forts erected on these islands +at that early period; such details even +are entered into as the showing of the +stocks in the market place of St. +George's, and the architecture and the +substantial manner in which the buildings +were constructed is remarkable, especially +so when it is considered that +previous to 1620 the Puritans had not +settled at Plymouth, and it was ten +years from that date before the settlement +of Boston: in fact, with the exception +of Jamestown in Virginia, the English +had not secured a foot-hold in +North America at the time these buildings +and forts were constructed. There +are very few copies of this rare print in +existence, even in Smith's history it is +usually found wanting, and it was only +after considerable trouble and expense +that the writer succeeded in obtaining a +reproduction of it.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The early history of Bermuda is in +many important points similar to that of +New England. Like motives had in +most instances induced emigration, and +the distinguished characteristics of those +people were repeated here.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Like the Salem and Boston colonists +they had their witchcraft delusions, anticipating + +that, however, some twenty +years, Christian North was tried for it in +1668, but was acquited. Somewhat +later a negro woman, Sarah Basset, was +burned at Paget for the same offence. +The Quakers were persecuted by fines, +imprisonment, and banishment, by the +stem and dark-souled Puritans, who had +emigrated to this place to escape oppression, +and to enjoy religious toleration, +but were not willing to grant to +others who differed from them in their +religious belief the same privileges as +they themselves enjoyed.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The company discovered by degrees +that the Bermudas were not the Eldorado +which they had fondly imagined +them to be. The colonists were now +numerous, and every day showed a +strong disposition to break away from +the control of the company. The company +had issued an order forbidding the +inhabitants to receive any ships but such +as were commissioned by them. The +company complained against the quality +of tobacco shipped to London, as well +as the quantity.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The people were forbidden to cut +cedar without a special license, and as +they were in the habit of exporting +oranges in chests made of this wood, +the regulation operated very materially +to the injury of the place. Previous to +this order many homeward-bound West +Indiamen arrived at Castle Harbor to +load with this fruit for the English market. +Whaling was claimed as an exclusive +privilege, and was conducted for +the sole benefit of the proprietors. Numerous +attempts were made to boil sugar, +but the company directed the Governor +to prevent it, as it would require too +much wood for fuel.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In consequence of instructions from +England Governor Turner called upon +all the inhabitants of the islands to take +the oath of supremacy and allegiance to +his majesty, but as the Puritans had left +their native country on account of their +republican sentiments, they refused to +comply, and the prisons were soon filled +to overflowing.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The rapid change of affairs in England +during the civil war, in which the +Puritans were victorious, and Cromwell +was elevated to the Protectorship, +opened the doors of the prisons, and +stopped all further persecutions, both +political and religious.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It must be said in favor of the company +that they had, at an early period, +established schools throughout the colony, +and appropriated lands in most of +the tribes or parishes, for the maintainance +of the teachers.</p> + +<p class="dgp">From 1630 to 1680 many negro and +Indian slaves were brought to the colony; +the negroes from Africa and the +West Indies, and a large number of Indians +from Massachusetts, prisoners +taken in the Pequot and King Philip's +wars. The traces of their Indian ancestry +can readily be seen in many of the +colored people of these islands at the +present time.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In October, 1661, the Protestant inhabitants +were alarmed by rumors of a +proposed combination between the negroes +and the Irish. The plan was to +arm themselves and massacre the whites +who were not Catholics. Fortunately the +plot was discovered in time, and measures +adopted to disarm the slaves and +the disaffected.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The proprietary form of government +continued until 1685, with a long succession +of good, bad, and indifferent +Governors.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Many acts of piracy were perpetrated +at different times by the inhabitants of +these islands. In 1665 Captain John +Wentworth made a descent upon the +island of Tortola and brought off about +ninety slaves, the property of the Governor + +of the place. Governor Seymour +received a letter from him in which he +stated that "upon the ninth day of +July there came hither against me a +pirate or sea robber, named John +Wentworth, the which over-run my +lands, and that against the will of mine +owne inhabits, and shewed himself a tyrant, +in robbing and firing, and took my +negroes from my Isle, belonging to no +man but myself. And likewise I doe +understand that this said John Wentworth, +a sea robber, is an indweller +with you, soe I desire that you would +punish this rogue, according to your +good law. I desire you, soe soon as +you have this truth of mine, if you +don't of yourself, restore all my negroes +againe, whereof I shall stay here three +months, and in default of this, soe be +assured, that wee shall speake together +very shortly, and then I shall be my +owne judge."</p> + +<p class="dgp">This threatening letter caused great +consternation, and immediately steps +were taken to place the colony in the +best posture for defence, reliance being +had on the impregnability of the +islands, instead of delivering up the +plunder, especially as Captain Wentworth +held a commission from the Governor +and Council, and acted under +their instructions.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Isaac Richier, who became Governor +of the colony in 1691, was another celebrated +freebooter. The account of his +reign reads like a romance. The love +of gold, and the determination to possess +it, was the one idea of his statesmanship. +He was a pirate at sea and a +brigand on land. Nevertheless, it does +not appear that any of his misdeeds, +such as hanging innocent people, and +robbing British ships, as well as others, +led to his recall, or caused any degree +of indignation which such conduct +usually arouses. The fact appears to +be that, although Governor Richier was +a bold, bad man, yet few of his subjects +were entitled to throw the first stone at +his excellency.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Benjamin Bennett became Governor +of the colony in 1701. At this time +the Bahama Islands had become a rendezvous +for pirates, and a few years later, +King George the First issued a proclamation +for their dislodgment. Governor +Bennett accordingly dispatched +a sloop, ordering the marauders to surrender. +Those who were on shore on +his arrival gladly accepted the opportunity +to escape, and declared that they +did not doubt but that their companions +who were at sea would follow their +example. Captain Henry Jennings and +fifteen others sailed for Bermuda, and +were soon followed by four other Captains—Leslie, +Nichols, Hornigold, and +Burges, with one hundred men, who all +surrendered.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1710 the Spaniards made a descent +on Turk's Island, which had been +settled by the Bermudians for the purpose +of gathering salt, and took possession +of the island, making prisoners +of the people. The Bermudians, at +their own expense and own accord, dispatched +a force under Captain Lewis +Middleton to regain possession of the +Bahama Cays. The expedition was +successful, and a victory gained over +the Spaniards, and they were driven +from the islands; they still, however, +continued to make predatory attacks on +the salt-rakers at the ponds, and on the +vessels going for and carrying away salt. +To repel these aggressions and afford +security to their trade, the Bermudians +went to the expense of arming their +vessels.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In 1775 the discontent in the American +provinces had broken out into open +opposition to the crown, and the people +were forbidden to trade with their + +late fellow subjects. Bermuda suffered +great want in consequence, for at this +period, instead of exporting provisions +the island had become dependent on +the continent for the means of subsistence. +This, together with the fact that +many of the people possessed near +relatives engaged in the struggle with +the crown, tended to destroy good feelings +towards the British government. +These circumstances must be considered +in order to judge fairly of the following +transaction, which has always +been regarded to have cast a stain +upon the patriotism and loyalty of the +Bermudians.</p> + +<p class="dgp">At the outbreak of the American Revolution, +two battles were fought in the +vicinity of Boston—Lexington and Bunker +Hill, after which all intercourse with +the surrounding country ceased, and +Boston was reduced to a state of siege. +Civil war commenced in all its horrors; +the sundering of social ties; the burning +of peaceful homes; the butchery of kindred +and friends.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Washington was appointed by the +Continental Congress, Commander-in-Chief +of the American forces, and on +July 3, 1775, two weeks after the battle +of Bunker Hill, he took formal command +of the army at Cambridge. In +a letter to the President of Congress +notifying him of his safe arrival there, he +made the following statement. "Upon +the article of ammunition, I must re-echo +the former complaints on this subject. +We are so exceedingly destitute that +our artillery will be of little use without a +supply both large and seasonable. What +we have must be reserved for the small +arms, and that well managed with the +utmost frugality." A few weeks later +General Washington wrote the following +letter on the same subject.<a href="#note_4"><span class="footnoteref">4</span></a></p> + +<div class="display"> +<a name="toc_12"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">TO GOVERNOR COOKE, OF RHODE ISLAND.</h3> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: right">Camp at Cambridge, 4 August, 1775.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Sir,</p> + +<p class="dgp">I am now, Sir, in strict confidence, to acquaint +you, that our necessities in the articles +of powder and lead are so great, as to require +an immediate supply. I must earnestly entreat +that you will fall upon some measure to forward +every pound of each in your colony that can +possibly be spared. It is not within the propriety +or safety of such a correspondence to +say what I might on this subject. It is sufficient +that the case calls loudly for the most strenuous +exertions of every friend of his country, and +does not admit of the least delay. No quantity, +however small, is beneath notice, and, +should any arrive, I beg it may be forwarded as +soon as possible.</p> + +<p class="dgp">But a supply of this kind is so precarious, not +only from the danger of the enemy, but the +opportunity of purchasing, that I have revolved +in my mind every other possible chance, and +listened to every proposition on the subject +which could give the smallest hope. Among +others I have had one mentioned which has +some weight with me, as well as the other +officers to whom I have proposed it. A Mr. +Harris has lately come from Bermuda, where +there is a very considerable magazine of powder +in a remote part of the island; and the inhabitants +are well disposed, not only to our cause in general, +but to assist in this enterprise in particular. +We understand there are two armed vessels in +your province, commanded by men of known +activity and spirit; one of which, it is proposed +to despatch on this errand with such assistance +as may be requisite. Harris is to go along, as +the conductor of the enterprise, that we may +avail ourselves of his knowledge of the island; +but without any command. I am very sensible, +that at first view the project may appear hazardous; +and its success must depend on the concurrence +of many circumstances; but we are in a +situation, which requires us to run all risks. +No danger is to be considered, when put in +competition with the magnitude of the cause, +and the absolute necessity we are under of increasing +our stock. Enterprises, which appear +chimerical, often prove successful from that +very circumstance. Common sense and prudence +will suggest vigilance and care, where the +danger is plain and obvious; but where little +danger is apprehended, the more the enemy + +will be unprepared; and consequently there is +the fairest prospect of success.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Mr. Brown has been mentioned to me as a +very proper person to be consulted upon this +occasion. You will judge of the propriety of +communicating it to him in part or the whole, +and as soon as possible favor me with your sentiments, +and the steps you may have taken to +forward it. If no immediate and safe opportunity +offers, you will please to do it by express. +Should it be inconvenient to part with one of +the armed vessels, perhaps some other might be +fitted out, or you could devise some other mode +of executing this plan; so that, in case of a +disappointment, the vessel might proceed to +some other island to purchase. +</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">I am, Sir,</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">Your most obedient, humble servant,</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">G. Washington.</p> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">This plan was approved by the Governor +and Committee of Rhode Island, +and Captain Abraham Whipple agreed +to engage in the affair, provided General +Washington would give him a certificate +under his own hand, that in case the +Bermudians would assist the undertaking, +he would recommend to the Continental +Congress to permit the exportation +of provisions to those islands from +the colonies.</p> + +<p class="dgp">General Washington accordingly +sent the following address to the +Bermudians.<a href="#note_5"><span class="footnoteref">5</span></a></p> + +<div class="display"> +<a name="toc_13"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA.</h3> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: right">Camp at Cambridge, 6 September, 1775.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Gentlemen:</p> + +<p class="dgp">In the great conflict, which agitates this +continent, I cannot doubt but the assertors of +freedom and the rights of the constitution are +possessed of your most favorable regards and +wishes for success. As descendants of freemen, +and heirs with us of the same glorious inheritance, +we flatter ourselves, that, though divided +by our situation, we are firmly united in +sentiment. The cause of virtue and liberty +is confined to no continent +or climate. It comprehends, +within its capacious limits, +the wise and good, however +dispersed and separated in space or +distance.</p> + +<p class="dgp">You need not be informed that the violence +and rapacity of a tyrannic ministry have +forced the citizens of America, your brother +colonist, into arms. We equally detest and +lament the prevalence of those counsels, which +have led to the effusion of so much human +blood, and left us no alternative but a civil war, +or a base submission. The wise Disposer of +all events has hitherto smiled upon our virtuous +efforts. Those mercenary troops, a few of +whom lately boasted of subjugating this vast +continent, have been checked in their earliest +ravages, and now actually encircled within a +small space; their arms disgraced, and themselves +suffering all the calamities of a siege. +The virtue, spirit, and union of the provinces +leave them nothing to fear, but the want of +ammunition. The application of our enemies +to foreign states, and their vigilance upon our +coasts, are the only efforts they have made +against us with success.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Under these circumstances, and with these +sentiments, we have turned our eyes to you, +Gentlemen, for relief. We are informed, that +there is a very large magazine in your island +under a very feeble guard. We would not +wish to involve you in an opposition, in which, +from your situation, we should be unable to +support you; we knew not, therefore, to +what extent to solicit your assistance, in +availing ourselves of this supply; but, if your +favor and friendship to North America and its +liberties have not been misrepresented, I persuade +myself you may, consistently with your +own safety, promote and further this scheme, +so as to give it the fairest prospect of success. +Be assured, that, in this case, the whole power +and exertion of my influence will be made with +the honorable Continental Congress, that your +island may not only be supplied with provisions, +but experience every other mark of affection +and friendship, which the grateful citizens of +a free country can bestow on its brethren and +benefactors. I am, Gentlemen, +</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">With much esteem,</p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">Your humble servant,</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right"> +<img src="images/image12.png" alt="Signature G Washington"></p> +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">Signature G Washington</p> + +</div> + + + +<p class="dgp">Captain Whipple had scarcely sailed +from Providence before an account appeared +in the newspapers of one hundred +barrels of powder having been +taken from Bermuda by a vessel supposed +to be from Philadelphia, and another +from South Carolina. This was +the same powder that Captain Whipple +had gone to procure. General Washington +and Governor Cooke were both +of the opinion it was best to countermand +his instructions. The other armed +vessel of Rhode Island was immediately +dispatched in search of the Captain with +orders to return.</p> + +<p class="dgp">But it was too late; he reached Bermuda +and put in at the west end of the +island. The inhabitants were at first +alarmed, supposing him to command a +king's armed vessel, and the women and +children fled from that vicinity; but +when he showed them his commission +and instructions they treated him with +much cordiality and friendship, and informed +him that they had assisted in +removing the powder, which was made +known to General Gage, and he had +sent a sloop of war to the island. They +professed themselves hearty friends to +the American cause. Captain Whipple +being defeated in the object of his voyage +returned to Providence.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Soon after the inhabitants of Bermuda +petitioned Congress for relief, representing +their great distress in consequence +of being deprived of the supplies that +usually came from the colonies. In +consideration of their being friendly to +the cause of America, it was resolved by +Congress that provisions in certain +quantities might be exported to them.<a href="#note_6"><span class="footnoteref">6</span></a></p> + +<p class="dgp">The powder procured from the Bermudians +led to the first great victory +gained by Washington in the Revolutionary +war, the evacuation of Boston by +the British army. After the arrival of +the powder Washington caused numerous +batteries to be erected in the immediate +vicinity of the town. On the +night of March 4, 1776, Dorchester +Heights were taken possession of and +works erected there, which commanded +Boston, and the British Fleet lying at +anchor in the harbor. This caused the +town to be evacuated, and General +Howe with his army and about one +thousand loyalists went aboard of the +fleet and sailed for Halifax, March +17, 1776.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Nothing could exceed the indignation +of Governor Bruere when he received +intelligence of the plundering of the +magazine; he promptly called upon the +legislature to take active measures for +bringing the delinquents to justice. No +evidence could ever be obtained, and +the whole transaction is still enveloped +in mystery. The Governor let no opportunity +escape him to accuse the Bermudians +of disloyality, and no doubt +severe punishment would have been inflicted +on the delinquents could they +have been discovered.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Two American brigs under Republican +colors arrived shortly after this and remained +some weeks at the west end of +the islands unmolested, and Governor +Bruere complained bitterly of this to +the assembly.<a href="#note_7"><span class="footnoteref">7</span></a></p> + +<p class="dgp">Governor George James Bruere died +in 1780, and the administration devolved +on the Honorable Thomas Jones, who +was relieved by George Bruere as Lieutenant +Governor, in October, 1780.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Governor Bruere was soon openly at +variance with the assembly, and did not +hesitate to accuse the people of treason +in supplying the revolted provinces with +salt, exchanging it for provisions. Mr. +Bruere extremely exasperated at their +trading, which he considered to be treasonable + +conduct, commented on it in +his message to the assembly in no +measured terms. Some intercepted +correspondence with the rebels added +fuel to the flame, and on the fifteenth of +August, 1781, he addressed them in a +speech which could not fail to be offensive, +although it contained much sound +argument. This was followed by a message +more bitter and acrimonious, all of +which they treated with silent contempt, +until the twenty-eight of September, +when they discharged their wrath in an +address, in which the Governor was +handled most roughly for his attacks on +the inhabitants of these islands. In +return he addressed a message, equally +uncourteous in its tone, and dissolved +the house.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The arrival of William Browne, whose +administration commenced the fourth of +January, 1782, put an end to Mr. +Bruere's rule.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The high character of the new Governor +had preceded him in the colony, +and he was joyfully received on his arrival. +He was a native of Salem, Massachusetts, +and was high in office previous +to the Revolution, was Colonel of the +Essex regiment, judge of the Supreme +Court, and Mandamus Counselor. After +the passage of the Boston Port bill, he +was waited on by a committee of the +Essex delegates, to inform him, that "it +was with grief that the country had +viewed his exertions for carrying into +execution certain acts of parliament +calculated to enslave and ruin his native +land; that while the country would continue +the respect for several years paid +him, it resolved to detach, from every future +connection, all such as shall persist +in supporting or in any way countenancing +the late arbitrary acts of Parliament; +that the delegates in the name of the +country requested him to excuse them +from the painful necessity of considering +and treating him as an enemy to his +country, unless he resigned his office as +Counsellor and Judge." Colonel Browne +replied as follows:</p> + +<p class="dgp">"As a judge and in every other capacity, +I intend to act with honor and integrity +and to exert my best abilities; +and be assured that neither persuasion +can allure me, nor menaces compel me, +to do anything derogatory to the character +of a Counselor of his Majesty's +province of Massachusetts."—William +Browne.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Colonel Browne was esteemed among +the most opulent and benevolent individuals +of that province prior to the +Revolution; and so great was his popularity +that the gubernatorial chair of +Massachusetts was offered him by the +"committee of safety," as an inducement +for him to remain and join the +"sons of liberty." But he felt it a duty +to adhere to government; even at the +expense of his great landed estate, both +in Massachusetts and Connecticut, the +latter comprising fourteen valuable +farms, all of which were afterwards +confiscated.</p> + +<p class="dgp">By preferring to remain on the side +representing law and authority, and unwilling +to adopt the course of the revolutionists, +this courtly representative of +an ancient and honorable family, this +sincere lover of his country, this skilled +man of affairs, this upright and merciful +judge, once so beloved by his fellow +townsmen, drew upon himself their +wrath, and he fled from his native country +never to return again. First he +sought refuge in Boston in 1774, then +in Halifax, and from there he went to +England in 1776, where he remained +till 1781, when he was appointed Governor +of Bermuda, as a slight return for +his great sacrifices and important services +in behalf of the Crown. Colonel +Browne married his cousin, the daughter + +of Governor Wanton, of Rhode Island, +and was doubly connected with the +Winthrop family; the wives of the +elder Browne and Governor Wanton being +daughters of John Winthrop, great +grandson of the first Governor of Massachusetts. +Colonel Browne's son William +was an officer in the British service +at the siege of Gibralter in 1784.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Under the judicious management of +Governor Browne the colony continued +to steadily flourish; he conducted the +business of the colony in the greatest +harmony with the different branches of +the legislature. He found the financial +affairs of the islands in a confused and +ruinous state, and left them flourishing. +In 1778 he left for England, deeply +and sincerely regretted by the people, +and was succeeded by Henry Hamilton +as Lieutenant Governor, during whose +administration the town of Hamilton was +built and named in compliment of him.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Near the close of the American Revolution +a plan was on foot to take Bermuda, +in order to make it "a nest of +hornets" for the annoyance of British +trade, but the war closed, and it was +abandoned. It, however, proved a nest +of hornets to the United States during +the late civil war. At that time St. +George's was a busy town, and was one +of the hot-beds of secession. Being a +great resort for blockade runners, which +were hospitably welcomed here, immense +quantities of goods were purchased in +England, and brought here on large +ocean steamers, and then transferred to +swift-sailing blockade runners, waiting to +receive it. These ran the blockade into +Charleston, Wilmington and Savannah.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It was a risky business, but one that +was well followed, and many made +large fortunes there during the first +year of the war, but many were bankrupt, +or nearly so at its close.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Here, too, was concocted the fiendish +plot of Dr. Blackburn, a Kentuckian, +for introducing yellow fever into +northern cities, by sending thither boxes +of infected clothing.</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent">[The foregoing article on the history +of Bermuda was compiled by the +author of "Stark's Illustrated Bermuda +Guide," published by the Photo-Electrotype +Company, of 63 Oliver Street, +Boston. The work contains about two +hundred pages and is embellished with +sixteen photo-prints, numerous engravings, +and a new map of Bermuda made +from the latest surveys.—ED.]</p> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_14"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">HEART AND I.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">BY MARY HELEN BOODEY.</p> + +<div class="lg"> +<p class="l">Singing, singing through the valleys;</p> +<p class="l">Singing, singing up the hills;</p> +<p class="l">Peace that comes, and Love that tarries,</p> +<p class="l">Hope that cheers, and Faith that thrills,</p> +<p class="l">Heart and I, are we not blest</p> +<p class="l">At the thought of coming rest?</p> +</div> +<div class="lg"> +<p class="l">Singing, singing 'neath the shadow;</p> +<p class="l">Singing, singing in the light;</p> +<p class="l">Plucking flowerets from the meadow,</p> +<p class="l">Seeing beauty up the height,</p> +<p class="l">Heart and I, are we not gay</p> +<p class="l">Thinking of unclouded day?</p> +</div> +<div class="lg"> +<p class="l">Singing, singing through the summer;</p> +<p class="l">Singing, singing in the snow;</p> +<p class="l">Glad to hear the brooklets murmur,</p> +<p class="l">Patient when the wild winds blow,</p> +<p class="l">Heart and I, can we do this?</p> +<p class="l">Yes, because of future bliss.</p> +</div> +<div class="lg"> +<p class="l">Singing, singing up to Heaven;</p> +<p class="l">Singing, singing down to earth;</p> +<p class="l">Unto all some good is given.</p> +<p class="l">Unto all there cometh worth;</p> +<p class="l">Heart and I, we sing to know</p> +<p class="l">That the good God loves us so.</p> +</div> +</div> + + + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_15"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">ELIZABETH.</h2> +<h2 class="sub">A ROMANCE OF COLONIAL DAYS.</h2> +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">BY FRANCES C. SPARHAWK, Author of "A Lazy Man's Work."</p> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_16"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">CHAPTER VIII.</h3> +<h3 class="sub">DEPARTURE.</h3> + + +<p class="noindent">With suppressed ejaculations and outspoken +condolences the party broke up. +It was not until the last one had gone +that Mrs. Eveleigh, leaving her post +of observation in the corner, swept out +to find Elizabeth who disappeared after +Stephen Archdale had gone with Katie. +She found her in her bed-room trying +to put her things into her box. Her +face was flushed, and her hands cold +and trembling.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Why have you waited so long?" +she began. "We must go at once. +Have you sent for a carriage? We shall +meet ours on the way."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"My dear," answered the other seating +herself, "that is impossible. They +will not turn you out, if you have made +a mistake. You can not go until to-morrow, +of course; nobody will expect +it. I am very sorry for poor Archdale +and the young lady, but I dare say it will +turn out all right."</p> + +<p class="dgp">Elizabeth raised herself from the box +over which she had been stooping +throwing in her things in an agony of +haste. She opened her lips, but words +failed her. The amazement and indignation +of her look turned slowly to an +appealing glance that few could have +resisted. She had been used to Mrs. +Eveleigh's not comprehending nice distinctions, +but now it seemed as if to be +a woman would make one understand. +If her father were with her now! She +turned away sharply.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Will you see that some conveyance +is here within half an hour?" she said. +"If it is a cart I will not refuse to go in +it. But leave here at once I will, if it +must be on foot. For yourself, do as +you choose, only give my order."</p> + +<p class="dgp">There was something in Elizabeth's +gesture, and a desperation in her face +that made Mrs. Eveleigh go away +and leave her without a word. In a +moment she came back.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I met James in the hall and sent +him off in hot haste," she said. Her +tones showed that she had recovered +the equanimity which the girl's unexpected +conduct had disturbed. She +seated herself again with no less complacency +and with more deliberation +than before.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I brought you up to be polite, Elizabeth," +she said. "Things do sometimes +happen that are very trying, to be +sure, but we should not give way to irritation. +Why, where should I have been if +I had? Think how it would have distressed +your dear mother to have you +show such temper."</p> + +<p class="dgp">The girl looked up sharply, looked +down again, her hands moving faster +than ever, though everything grew indistinct +to her for a minute.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Are you going with me?" she +asked after a pause.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I? O, my dear child, you will not go +at all this way. Perhaps it is as well to +pack up and show your dignity, but +they will not let you go, you know, your +father's daughter, and all,—I told James +to tell them,—it would be shameful, I +should never forgive them."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"The question is whether they will +ever forgive me, whether I have not +killed Katie. Sometimes I think of it +only that way, and sometimes—."</p> + + + +<p class="dgp">She was silent again and busy. Then +all at once she stopped and walked to +the window. Her hands grasped the +sash and she stood looking out at the +sky that had not gathered a cloud from +all this darkness of her life. At length +she began to walk up and down as if +every footstep took her away from the +house.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I always thought it must be a dreadful +thing to marry a man you did not +want," she said speaking out her +thoughts as if alone; "but to marry a +man who does not want you,—that is +the most terrible thing in the world. I +have done both." And she covered her +face with her hands.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Poor girl," answered Mrs. Eveleigh, +"it <em>is</em> hard. But you gave him +as good as he sent, that's a fact. +Governor Wentworth spoke about it +after you left." Elizabeth had raised her +head and was looking steadily at her +companion. "When young Archdale +looked at you as he passed out, I +mean," she went on. "'Great Heavens!' +cried the Governor, 'did you +see that exchange of looks, scorn and +hatred on both sides, and they may +be husband and wife? The Lord pity +them. And poor Katie!'"</p> + +<p class="dgp">"He said that?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Exactly that. Why, everybody noticed +it, of course. What did you +say?" she added at a faint sound from +her listener.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Nothing."</p> + +<p class="dgp">And Elizabeth said nothing until ten +minutes later when the sound of wheels +sent her to the window to see that a +conveyance at least fairly comfortable +had been found for them. Her bonnet +and wraps were already on.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Are you coming?" she said to +the other abruptly. "I shall start in +five minutes."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"For Heaven's sake, more time, my +dear. I have not changed my dress yet. +I suppose I cannot let you go alone, I +should not feel happy about it, and your +father would never forgive me in the +world."</p> + +<p class="dgp">A half smile of contempt touched +the girl's lips. Mrs. Eveleigh knew +what was for her own comfort too well +to get herself out of Mr. Royal's +good graces, and not to be devoted to +his daughter would have been to him +the unpardonable sin. But nobody +would have been more astonished than +this same lady to be told that she +had not a thoroughly conscientious care +of Elizabeth. She combined duty and +interest as skilfully as the most +Cromwellian old Presbyter among her +ancestors.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In the hall Elizabeth met her hostess.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"May I speak to Katie?" she asked +timidly.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Mrs. Archdale hesitated a moment, +nodded in silence and went on to +the library, the girl following. Mr. +Archdale was there, and the Colonel +and his wife. Stephen sat by the great +chair in which Katie was propped, holding +her hand and sometimes speaking +softly to her, or looking into her face +with eyes that gave no comfort. Elizabeth +seemed to see no one but her +friend, she went up to the chair, and +said to her softly, pleadingly,</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Good by, Katie."</p> + +<p class="dgp">But Katie turned away her head.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The door closed, Elizabeth had gone.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_17"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">CHAPTER IX.</h3> +<h3 class="sub">FORECASTINGS.</h3> + + +<p class="noindent">Gerald Edmonson, Esquire, and Lord +Bulchester drove leisurely through the +streets of the London of 1743. They +found in it that same element that +makes the fascination of the London of +to-day; for the streets, dim, narrower, +and less splendid than now, were full of + +this same charm of human life, and yet, +human isolation. Then, as now, might +a man wander homeless and lost, or +these grim houses might open their +doors to him and reveal the splendors +beyond them; and whether he were +desolate, or shone brilliant as a star depended +upon so many chances and +changes that this Fortune's-Wheel drew +him toward itself like a magnet.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I tell you," said Edmonson to his +companion as they went along, "there +is not a shadow of a chance for me. +When a woman says, 'no,' you can tell +by her eyes if she means it, and if there +had been the least sign of relenting or +a possibility of it in Lady Grace's eyes, +do you think I would have given up? +She has led me a sorry chase, that pretty +sister of yours."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Her beauty would not have taken you +ten steps out of your way, if she had +not been such an heiress," retorted +Bulchester.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Don't be so blunt, my friend. Is it +my fault that I am obliged to look out +for money? If a man has only a tenth +of the income he needs to live upon, +what is he going to do? It is well +enough for you to be above sordidness, +so could I be with your purse and your +prospects. Besides, you know that I +told you frankly I found Lady Grace +charming. I wonder," he asked turning +sharply round, "if you have been +playing me false?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">But Bulchester laughed. A laugh at +such a time, and a laugh so full of simplicity +and amusement brought the +other to his bearings again.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"You know I favored the match," +added the nobleman. "Hang it! I +don't see why my sister could not have +had my taste. She does not know all +your deviltries as I do, but yet I +think you the most fascinating fellow in +England."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Perhaps that is the reason, because +she does not know," laughed Edmonson. +"But, then, you have not been very far +beyond England, except to the land of +the frog, and nobody expects to delight +in the messieurs anywhere but on the +point of the bayonet, as we had them +lately at Dettengen." In a moment, +however, he added gravely, "I am +afraid my suit to your sister has damaged +my prospects in another quarter, at +least the matrimonial part of them, and +I can hardly expect to be so successful +otherwise as to enable me to marry a +lady whose face is her fortune."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Hardly, with your tastes," said Bulchester. +"But, for my part, I am glad +that I can afford to be sentimental if I +like. For that very reason I shall probably +be extremely sensible."</p> + +<p class="dgp">Edmonson smiled, half in amusement, +half in contempt.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Suppose the lady should be so too?" +he asked slyly; then added, "I hope +she will, Bulchester, and take you. I +don't know her name yet."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Nor I. But I don't want to consider +only the rent-roll of the future Lady +Bulchester."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"My lord, I shall be devotion itself to +Mistress Edmonson, and I assure you +that the young lady I have chosen, I +having failed to win your adorable sister, +is not a nonentity, though I cannot say +that she is charming. But you will see +her. Her father was very gracious to me +when I was in Boston last winter, and +regretted that I was obliged to leave in +the spring on affairs of importance. +How was he to know, he or the fair +Elizabeth, that the business was a love +suit? That would not have done. The +old gentleman would not think the king +himself too good for his daughter; if he +dreamed that she was second fiddle, he +would want me to find the door faster +than he could shew me there. So, if + +you fall in love with her and want to +supersede me, there's your chance."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I'm Jonathan to your David," returned +the smaller man, "the kingdom +is for you, Edmonson." And the +speaker looked at his companion with +an admiration that was deep in proportion +as he felt himself unable to imitate +that mixture of good nature, strong will, +and audacity that in Edmonson fascinated +him. "Is she handsome?" he +added.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"No," said the other decidedly. +"She has a smile that lights up her face +well, and occasionally she says good +things, but half the time in company she +seems not to be attending to what is +going on about her, she is away off in a +dream about something that nobody +cares a pin for, and of course, it gives her +a peculiar manner. I could see I interested +her more than anybody else did, +but I had hard work sometimes to know +how to answer her queer sayings, for I +could scarcely tell what she was talking +about."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"You don't like that," suggested +Bulchester. "You like ladies who lead +in society."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Well," assented Edmonson, "I +know. But she will have to set up for +an oddity, and, you see, she has money +enough to be able to afford it. A fortune +in her own right, and large expectations +from the old gentleman who began with +money and has never made a bad investment +in his life. Think of it! +Gerald Edmonson will keep open house +and live rather differently from at present +in his bachelor quarters; and all his old +friends will be welcome."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"What do you say to those we are +going to meet to-night, who are to give +us our farewell supper; you would not +ask a set like that to a lady's table?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">Edmonson laughed.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Why, and if I did," he answered, +"Elizabeth Royal would never fathom +them. She might think they drank +somewhat too much, and discover that +they were noisy; but as to the wild +pranks we have played, yes, you and I, +Bulchester, I out of pure enjoyment of +them, you, I do believe, more than half +not to be behind other men of fashion, +why, you might tell them to her safely, +for she would never comprehend. One +can't get along so well with her on the +little nothings one says to other women, +to be sure, but she has the greatest simplicity +in the world, and that touch of +evil that spices life is entirely beyond +her. But however that might be, I tell +you this, my lord: Gerald Edmonson is +always master, and always will be."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Yes," assented his hearer.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I only hope the extent of my impecuniosity +will not cross the water with +me. I have never pretended to be rich, +but I have said that my expectations +were excellent. So they are; for you +know, Bulchester, the heiress is not all +my errand to these outlandish colonies. +I have expectations there. Rather +strange ones, to be sure, so strange, and +to be come at so strangely, that if I +can make anything out of them I shall +enjoy it a thousand times more than by +any stupid old way of inheritance."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"It strikes me, though, you would not +object to the stupid if a good plum +should fall down on your head from an +ancestral tree."</p> + +<p class="dgp">Edmonson laughed.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"You have me there, Bul," he said. +"But, on your honor, you are not to +betray my plans, or I have no chance at +all," he added, suddenly facing his +companion.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"What do you take me for, a +traitor?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">"No," exclaimed Edmonson with an +oath.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"For a tattler, then?"</p> + + + +<p class="dgp">"No," came the answer again. "Only, +inadvertence is sometimes as mischievous +in its results."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I, inadvertent?" cried Bulchester.</p> + +<p class="dgp">His listener smiled slyly. The other +felt that caution was his strong point, +and Edmonson's diplomacy would not +assault this vigorously; his aim had +been merely to warn Bulchester and +strengthen the defences. Soon after +this they reached the inn, where they +were boisterously greeted by their companions, +who had been waiting for them +in what was then one of the fashionable +public houses of London, though long +since fallen out of date and forgotten.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Don't be flattered," said Edmonson +aside, "all this welcome is not for +us; the feast is to begin now that we +have arrived." And a cynical smile +flashed over his handsome face.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It was hours after this. The high +revel had gone on with jest, and laugh, +and song, with play, too, and some +purses were empty that before had been +none too well filled. Through it all +Edmonson, the life of the party, kept +the control over himself that many had +lost. There was no credit due to him +for the fact that he could drink more +wine without being overcome than any +other man there. His face was flushed +with it, his eyes somewhat blood-shot +and his fair hair disordered as, at last, +looking at his opposite neighbor, he +nodded to him, leaned across the table +and touched glasses with him. Then, +"Let us drink this toast standing," he +said, rising as he spoke; and at the +movement ten other young men, full of +the effrontery of a long carousal, pushed +back their chairs noisily and rose, exclaiming +in tones varying in degrees of +intoxication:</p> + +<p class="dgp">"We pledge."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Yes," returned the man opposite Edmonson, +repeating the pledge that they +all without exception would meet one +hundred years from that night to pledge +each other again.</p> + +<p class="dgp">A shout, more of drunken acquiescence +than of comprehension went up +in chorus from all but one of the revelers; +he held his glass silently a moment, +disposed to put it untasted on the table.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Bulchester's backing out," cried Edmonson +giving him a scornful glance.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Oh, ho! Backing out!" echoed +nine derisive voices.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"We have made it too hot for him," +called out Edmonson again.</p> + +<p class="dgp">At which remark another shout +arose, and the glasses were tossed off +with bravado, Bulchester's also being +set down empty.</p> + +<p class="dgp">After this the party broke up boisterously, +Edmonson and Bulchester receiving +the good wishes of the company for +their prosperous voyage.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Leaving the inn, they went out into +the night again, in which the October +moon veiled in clouds was doing its best +to light the streets now almost deserted. +Bulchester looked with disapprobation at +his smiling companion. It was for the +first time in their acquaintance, but the +compact into which the earl had so unwillingly +entered had sobered him, and +was still ringing in his ears, giving him a +sort of horror. He said this to Edmonson, +who burst out laughing.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"A mere drunken freak, Bul, that +counts for nothing. You will be an angel +sitting on a cold cloud singing psalms +long before that time. I'll warrant it. +You are a good fellow. Don't bother +your brains about such nonsense."</p> + +<p class="dgp">The third of November, Edmonson +and Lord Bulchester sailed from Liverpool +in the "Ariel" for Boston.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_18"></a> +<h3 class="dgp">CHAPTER X.</h3> +<h3 class="sub">TWO WHO WOULD EXCHANGE PLACES.</h3> + +<p class="noindent">The winds were baffling, and Edmonson + +and Lord Bulchester had a longer +voyage than they had counted upon. +They found it tedious, and it was with +satisfaction that they at last set foot on +land and drove through the streets of +Boston to the Royal Exchange. Edmonson's +projects inspired him rather than +made him anxious. It was, of course, +possible that Elizabeth Royal might refuse +him, but in his heart he had the +attitude of a Londoner toward provincials +and was not burdened with doubts +as to the result of his wooing, and so +the one necessary grain of uncertainty +only gave flavor to the whole affair.</p> + +<p class="dgp">A few hours after his arrival he left +the house to try his fortune.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"I may not be home until late," he +said to Bulchester. "I shall tackle +pater-familias first, then the young lady +herself. It is possible they will invite me +to tea, you know. Don't wait for me if +you find anything to do or anywhere to +go in this puritanical hole." And the +young man, in all the tasteful splendor of +attire that the times allowed, closed the +door behind him and left Lord Bulchester +looking at the oaken panels which +had suddenly taken the place in which +his friend had been standing, and seeing, +not these, but Edmonson's fine +figure and his bold smile.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"No woman can resist his wooing," +the nobleman said to himself with a +sigh at the thought of his own indifferent +appearance. Therefore it was with +amazement that two hours later coming +home from a stroll he learned that the +other had returned, and going to his +room found him prone on the sofa.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Why! What is the—," he began, +then checked himself, considering that +since only failure could be the matter, +this was hardly a generous question.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Headache," growled Edmonson. +"No," he cried with an oath, "that is +a lie," and springing up, turned blood-shot +eyes upon his companion. "I am +mad, Bulchester," he cried, "raving +mad. It is all over with me in that +quarter."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"She has refused you? Or the father +has?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Hang it! they couldn't do anything +else, either of them. I did not see Mistress +Royal, Mistress Archdale, rather. +Yes, married!" as Bulchester echoed +the name. "There's been an interesting +drama with one knave and two +fools. If I could only catch the knave! +Perhaps it is as well to let the fools go, +since I can't help it." He was silent a +moment. Then after a moment he added. +"Well! what is the use of cursing +one's luck?" "There are several +others I know of doing the same thing +at this moment, and I like to be original. +I declare, if he didn't stand in +my way, I should be tempted to pity +young Archdale. He wishes himself in +my shoes as much, and I suspect a good +deal more, than I do myself in his. I +don't wonder that the young lady keeps +herself retired for a time. I did not see +her, as I told you. Mr. Royal made +as light of the matter as possible, merely +saying that something which might +prove to have been a real marriage ceremony, +though he thought not, had taken +place in a joke between his daughter +and Stephen Archdale, that the matter +was to be thoroughly investigated at once, +and if it turned out that Elizabeth was +not Mistress Archdale, I had his permission +to receive her answer from her own +lips. He was guarded enough; but on +the way home I met Clinton who had +been one of the guests at Mistress +Katie's attempted wedding last week. +He gave me details. Here they are." +And these details lost nothing through +Edmonson's racy recital of them. "No, +Bulchester," he finished, "out of six +people that I could name mixed up in + +this affair, on the whole, I am the best +off."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Six?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Yes; counting in the love-lorn +Waldo; that knave Harwin, who ought +to swing for it; the poor little bride that +lost her bridegroom; and the bridegroom; +the young lady that got him +when she didn't want him, and missed +me, whom, perhaps (without too much +vanity) she did want a little; and last on +the list of wounded spirits, your humble +servant. How wise that man was who +said that one sinner destroyed much +good. By the way, Bulchester, who was +he? It is an excellent thing to quote in +regard to this affair, and I should like +to know where it comes from."</p> + +<p class="dgp">An anxious expression crossed the +other's face as he cried:</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Good heavens! Edmonson, if you +go to quoting the Bible and asking +where the quotation comes from, you will +get into awful disgrace with this strictest-sect-of-our-religion +people, and then +what will become of the other scheme +that is bound to pull through?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">"True, most sapient counsellor, and +I will be on my guard. To show how I +profit by your sageness, let us drop all +thought of this royal maiden who is +probably out of my reach, and attend to +the other business. It is good to have +a sympathetic friend, Bul."</p> + +<p class="dgp">They talked for nearly an hour after +this, but not about Edmonson's wooing. +When Bulchester left, the other sat looking +after him a moment.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Yes," he said to himself, "it is well +to have a sympathetic creature like that +sometimes, but not if one tell him all +his heart. I hid my rage well, I passed +it off for mere spleen. But we are not +a race to get over things in that way. +It is hate, <em>hate</em>, I say," And he ground +his teeth, and again threw himself upon +the sofa his face downward and buried +in his hands as if he were meditating +deeply.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Edmonson told his friend of having +met one of the guests at Katie Archdale's +wedding, but he did not say to +him that coming out of Mr. Royal's +house and walking quickly down the +street, he had met the bridegroom himself, +and had returned Archdale's bow +with a politeness equally cold, while anger +had leaped up within him. Was Archdale +going to call upon his wife?</p> + +<p class="dgp">Stephen Archdale had come to Boston +to collect whatever facts he could about +Harwin, and about the places and the +people that the confession referred to. +Nothing was farther from his thoughts +than any such visit. It was his wish that +Elizabeth and himself need never meet +again, and he knew that it was hers. +Indeed, so far from thinking of the +woman who was perhaps his wife, he +was living over again the glimpse he +had had of the one from whom he had +been separated. Three days ago he +had taken his gun early in the morning +and had gone out hunting, made more +miserable than before by something he +had perceived in his father's mind. +The Colonel was not in sympathy with +him; he was consoling himself that, +after all, Elizabeth Royal was a richer +woman than Katie Archdale. At his +light insinuation of this to his son, the +young man had flamed out into a heat +of passion and declared that one golden +hair of Katie's head was worth both +Elizabeth and her fortune. He had +rushed out of the house with the wish +for destroying something in his mind. +As he stopped in the hall to snatch his +gun, the flintlock caught, and tore a hole +in the tapestry hanging. He saw it, +pushed the great stag's antlers that the +gun had been swung on a little aside, +and covered the torn place. Then he +forgot the accident almost as soon as + +this was done, left the house and went +striding over the fields, not so much to +chase the foxes, as to be alone. And +when that point was gained he would +have gone a step further if he could +and escaped from himself also. But he +was only all the more with his own +thoughts as he wandered aimlessly +through great stretches of pine trees +with the light snow of the night before +still white on their lower boughs, except +when in some opening it had melted +into dewdrops in the December sun, +and still clung to the trees, ready when +the sun had passed by them towards its +setting to turn into filmy icicles. The +sky was brilliant; the long winter already +upon the earth smiled gently, as +if to say that its reign would be mild. +Stephen went along so much preoccupied +that only the baying of his +hound made him notice the light fox-prints +by the roadside. Then the instinct +of the hunter stirred within him, +and he followed on, listening now and +then to the distant bark while pursued +and the pursuer were going farther +away. He waited, knowing fox nature +well and that there were a hundred +chances to one that the creature would +come back near the spot from which it +was started. As he waited close by +the road which here led through the +woods, two men passed along it without +seeing him. They were talking as +they went. Stephen knew them; one +was an old man who used to be a servant +in the family when Colonel Archdale +was a boy. He had married long +ago and was now living in a little house +not far from his old home. The young man +with him was his son. Stephen +was in no mood even for a passing +word, and he stood still, perceiving +that a clump of bushes hid him. A few +sentences of the conversation reached +him through the stillness, but it meant +nothing to him; he was not conscious +even of listening until Katie's name +caught his ear. They were talking of +this marriage then, as every body was; +he was the gossip of the very servants. +But his attention once caught was held +until the speakers passed out of hearing. +Surely they knew nothing about +the matter that he did not.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"She is such a pretty young lady," +said the elder man, "and any girl would +feel it to miss the handsome young +master for a husband."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Um!" assented the son. "Well, +I suppose she will miss the sight of him +if her heart is set upon him, but there is +many a young man nicer to my thinking, +and not so proud in his ways."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Has he ever been unjust or overbearing +to you, Nathan?" inquired the +old man severely.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Oh, no, he has been uncommonly +civil, he would think it beneath him to +be anything else. I know the cut of +him; if he had any spite he would take +it out on a gentleman. He thinks we +are made of different clay from him." +And the embryo republican threw back +his shoulders impatiently.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"So we are," returned the other, with +the Englishman's ingrained belief in caste; +"but, to be sure, you feel it with +some more than with others, with the +young man more than with his father. +But I like it better than the softly way +the Colonel has. Stephen is more like +his grandfather."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"His grandfather!" echoed the son. +"Why, he was a—."</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Hush!" cried the other so suddenly +and sharply that if the word had been, +uttered at all Stephen lost it, though, +now he was listening eagerly enough. +"Do you remember you swore that +you would never speak that word?"</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Well," returned the young man in a +sullen tone, "if I did, what harm in saying + +it here with not a soul but you +around? And my feeling is," he went +on, "that this broken-off wedding is a +judgment for his grandfather's—." He +hesitated.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"When you learned it by accident, +Nathan," returned his father, "you swore +to satisfy me, that you would never speak +the word in connection with him. Who +knows what person may be round?" +And he glanced cautiously about him. +Stephen half resolved to confront him +and force him to tell this secret. But +the very quality in himself which the +men had been discussing held him back +until the opportunity had passed. "No, +I don't want you to name it at all, Nathan. +That is what you swore," continued +the old man.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"You have said enough about it," retorted +the younger. "I will keep my word, +of course; you know that." His tone +was loud with anger.</p> + +<p class="dgp">"Yes, yes, I know," said his companion, +"But, you see, I was fond of the +young master if he was a bit wild; he +was a fine, free gentleman, though he +changed very much after this—this accident +and his coming over to the Colonies, +which wasn't no ways suited to him like +London, only he found it a good place +to get rich in. You see, Nathan, it +all happened this way; he told me +about it his own self with tears in his +eyes, as I might say, for his family,—he—."</p> + +<p class="dgp">But it was in vain that Stephen strained +his ears, the voices that had not been +drowned in the noise of footsteps had +been growing fainter with distance, and +now were lost altogether.</p> + +<p class="dgp">So there had been something in the +family, thought Stephen, that he knew +nothing about, something that his grandfather +had done which this man, the son +of his grandfather's butler, considered +had brought down vengeance on Katie +and himself as the grandchildren. The +very suggestion oppressed him in this land +of the Puritans, although he told himself +that he believed neither in the vengeance +nor even in the crime itself. But he had +not dreamed of anything, anything at all, +which had even shadowed the fair fame +of the Archdales. Did his father know +of it? Nothing that Stephen had ever +seen in him looked like such knowledge, +but that did not make the son +quite sure, for the old butler's remark +about the Colonel's suavity was just; +his elaborate manners made Stephen +almost brusque at times, and aroused a +secret antagonism in both, so that they +sometimes met one another with armor +on, and Stephen's keen thrust would occasionally +penetrate the shield which +his father skilfully interposed between +that and some fact.</p> + +<p class="dgp">That morning Stephen sank down +upon a rock near by while his mind +ranged over his recollections to find +some clue to this mystery. But he +found none. He was sure that his +grandfather had never been referred to +as being connected with anything +secret, still less, disgraceful, or perhaps +criminal. It was impossible to imagine +where the old butler's idea came from, +but it could not be founded upon truth. +Yet, this snatch of talk which Stephen +had heard made him curious and uncomfortable. +And he knew that he +must resign himself to feeling so; he +could ask his father, to be sure, but he +would get no satisfaction out of that; +either the Colonel did not know, or, +evidently he had resolved that there +should seem to be nothing to tell. After +all, it did not matter very much. His +thoughts came back to his own position +with almost wonder that anything could +have drawn them away from it. While +he sat there the baying of the hound +drew nearer, and suddenly a rabbit + +started up from a bush on his right. He +raised his gun, but instantly lowered it +again. He had not moved, so it had +not been he that had startled the rabbit, +but the larger game that was following +it. The little creature scampered away, +and in another moment the fox which +his dog had started ran past him. Again +he raised his gun and took aim with a +hand accustomed to bring down what +he sighted. But to-day the gun dropped +once more at his side, for here was a +creature that wanted its life, that was +straining for it. "Let him have the +worthless gift if he values it," thought +Archdale, feeling that the gun had better +have been turned the other way in +his hands. The fox disappeared after +the rabbit, and in another moment +Stephen rose with a sneer at himself, +and turned toward home. Evidently, +he could accomplish nothing that day, +matters must have gone hard with him +to make him lose even the nerve of a +hunter. He whistled to his dog, but +the hound had no intention of giving +up the chase as his master had done, +and rushed past in full cry. The young +man left him to follow home at his +pleasure, and walked along the road +with a sombre face. Soon the sound of +distant bells reached him. A minute +after a sleigh appeared coming toward +him from the vanishing point of the +road that here ran straight through the +woods for some distance. It made no +difference to Stephen who was in the +sleigh. As it came nearer and nearer +he never even glanced at it, until as it +was passing, some instinct, or perhaps +eyes fixed upon him, made him look up. +He started, stopped, bowed low, took +off his fur cap with deference, holding +it in his hand until the sleigh had gone +slowly by. Then he turned and stood +looking after it, the flush that had come +suddenly to his face fading away as his +eyes followed Katie Archdale's figure +until it was lost to sight. He could see +her clinging to her father's arm; he +seemed to see her face before him for +days, her face pale and sad, and so +lovely. Neither had spoken. Mr. Archdale +had not waited; what had they +to say? Stephen had not really wished +it; every thought was deeper than speech, +and probably Katie, too, had preferred +to go on. And yet to pass in this +way—it was like their lives.</p> + +<p class="dgp">That afternoon he started for Boston. +It was doing something. Edmonson +who met him just arrived, need not +have feared that he was going to Elizabeth. +He was in the city only to prove +that the frolic of that summer evening +had been frolic merely, and that he was +still free to follow that charming face +that had passed him by, so reluctantly, +he knew, in the woods.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">[TO BE CONTINUED.]</p> +</div> +</div> + + + +<hr class="page"> + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_19"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">WENDELL PHILLIPS.</h2> + + +<p class="noindent">While delivering an address in Faneuil +Hall, in 1875, the late distinguished +Wendell Phillips declared that he had +never cast a ballot in his life.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Such a confession, coming from the +liberty-loving champion of the rights +and freedom of all people, was not a +little startling.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Months later he was requested to explain +what seemed to be a serious inconsistency, +as bearing on the question—how +can an American citizen wilfully +refrain from the high prerogative of exercising +his right and duty to vote?</p> + +<p class="dgp">The following is a copy of his letter +stating the reason why he had not +voted.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The letter hitherto has never been +made public. It is of historical value.</p> + +<div class="display"> +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: right">7 Aug't '76.</p> + +<p class="dgp">DEAR SIR:</p> + +<p class="dgp">I am in receipt of your kind note.</p> + +<p class="dgp">This is the explanation: Premising +that I entirely agree with you as to the +transcendant importance of the vote +and the duty of every citizen to use it—to +let no slight obstacle prevent +his voting.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The few years after I came of age I +was moving about and it happened, curiously +enough, that I never lived in one +town long enough to get the vote there +and never could be, at the proper time, +in the town where I had the right.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Then soon I became an abolitionist +and conscientiously refused to vote or +accept citizenship under a constitution +which ordered the return of fugitive +slaves.</p> + +<p class="dgp">The XVth. amendment was the first +release from this bar, as I judged. +Since that, I have never voted but once. +Absence from the city &c prevented my +doing so. <em>I should have taken special +care</em> to be at home if living in a ward +where my vote would have availed anything, +or if candidates were such as I +could trust.</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">Truly,</p> + +<p class="dgp" style="text-align: right">WENDELL PHILLIPS.</p> +</div> + +</div> + + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_20"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">EASY CHAIR.</h2> + +<p class="noindent" style="text-align: center">BY ELBRIDGE H. GOSS.</p> + +<p class="dgp">This is an age of magazines. Every +guild, every issue, has its monthly or +quarterly. If a new athletic exercise +should be evolved to-morrow, a new +magazine, in its interest, would follow; +and there seems to be a field for every +new venture.</p> + +<p class="dgp">Among our older magazines, Harper's +"New Monthly" still pursues its popular +course. In June, 1850, I bought the +first number, and from that day to this +it has been one of my household treasures. +A complete set, sixty nine (69) +volumes, forms a most excellent library in +itself; a fair compendium of the world's +history for the last thirty odd years. +Story, essay, and event, has filled these +sixty thousand pages. In October, 1851, +the department called the "Editor's +Easy Chair," was established by Donald +G. Mitchell, the genial "Ik: Marvel." +Here are his first words:</p> + +<p class="dgp">"After our more severe Editorial work +is done—the scissors laid in our drawer, +and the monthly record, made as full as +our pages will bear, of history—we have +a way of throwing ourselves back into +an old red-back <em>Easy Chair</em>, that has + +long been an ornament of our dingy +office, and indulging in an easy, and +careless overlook of the gossiping +papers of the day, and in such chit chat +with chance visitors, as keeps us informed +of the drift of the towntalk, +while it relieves greatly the monotony of +our office hours." Here is the well remembered +flavor of the "Reveries of a +Bachelor" and "Dream-Life"!</p> + +<p class="dgp">A year or so afterward, George William +Curtis became a co-writer of a +part of the articles for this department, +and soon after he became the sole occupant +of the now famous "Easy Chair;" +and each month, as regularly as the appearance +of the magazine itself, these +very interesting, most readable, and instructive +notelets upon the current +topics of the time have appeared. +Their pure style, graceful and delicate +humor, and the vast range of culture +and observation, give them a distinctively +personal characteristic. He would +have made one of our first novelists; +but he has chosen to give the strength +of his powers to journalism, and the +study of political affairs.</p> + +<p class="dgp">It is safe to say that each number of +the magazine has had an average of +at least five pages of "Easy Chair," +making very nearly or quite two thousand +(2,000) pages in all; or a quantity +more than sufficient to fill two and +a half volumes of the sixty nine (69) +thus far issued, each volume containing +eight hundred and sixty four (864) +pages. Before beginning to write these +delectable tid-bits, he had published +"Nile notes of a Howadji," "The Howadji +in Syria," and "Lotus Eating;" +soon after appeared "Potiphar Papers," +"Prue and I," and "Tramps." For +twenty years he was constantly on the +lecture platform; and for twenty one +years he has been the political editor +of "Harper's Weekly." Although offered +missions to the courts of England and +Germany, and other positions of trust +and honor, he never accepted; his nearest +approach to the holding of any political +office was the accepting of an +appointment, for a while, of the chairmanship +of the "Civil Service Advisory +Board." As has been well said by +George Parsons Lathrop, "The idea +often occurs to one that he, more than +any one else, continues the example +which Washington Irving set: an example +of kindliness and good nature +blended with indestructible dignity, and +a delicately imaginative mind consecrating +much of its energy to public +service."</p> + +<p class="dgp">As for the "Easy Chair," with me, its +leaves are first cut in each fresh number; +and while enjoying the last one, I wondered +why some deft hand had not +culled some of the choicest specimens, +and that the Harpers had not given +them to the world in a volume by themselves. +They are most certainly worthy +of it. A few passages taken here and +there, from these rich fields, will prove +this assertion. The subjects treated in +the whole "Easy Chair" number nearly +or quite twenty-five hundred (2,500),—reminiscences +of Emerson and Longfellow—first +presentation of a new +Oratorios—a celebrated painting—the +visit of a Lord Chief Justice of England,—a +vast range of topics. Consult +the nine closely printed octavo pages of +their titles in the "Index to the first +Sixty Volumes"—from "Abbott, Commodore, +xiii. 271," to "Zurich, University +of, xlviii. 443," and one will be +amazed at the great number and variety +of themes upon which the "Easy Chair" +has had its say. And it would seem +that its occupant has had some similar +thoughts to these, for, in a recent number +there is a retrospective glance—a +wondering as to what future generations + +may have to say, and wish to know regarding +matters and things of this generation +about which it has discoursed:</p> + +<p class="dgp">"The Easy Chair, mindful of posterity, +and of that future loiterer in the retired +alcoves of coming libraries who will +turn to the pages of an old magazine to +catch some glimpse of the daily aspect +and the homely fact of our day, which +will be then a kind of quaint remembrance, +like the 'Augustan age' of Anne +to Victorian epoch, puts here upon record +for his unborn reader—whom he +salutes with hope and Godspeed—that +the winter of 1883-4 in the city of New +York was a gray and gloomy season almost +beyond precedent, during which +the persistent fogs and mists appeared +half to have obliterated the sun."</p> + +<p class="dgp">Here are a few excerpts which may be +called "Gems for the Easy Chair;" but +those given are no better than thousands +of others that are scattered +through these many volumes.</p> + +<p class="dgp">A Madonna. Once in Dresden the +Easy Chair climbed into a little room +where an engraver was finishing a picture +which is now famous. He had +worked long and faithfully upon it. It +was truly a work of love, and it had +cost him his most precious and essential +possession for his art—his eyesight. +The engraver was Steinla, and +the picture was the Madonna di +Sisto.... It can be seen only by +those who go to Dresden. Among pictures +there is none more justly famous, +and the devoted engraver toiled long +and patiently, and at such enormous +sacrifice to re-produce it, so far as lines +could do it, from the same love and instinct +that produced the picture.</p> +</div> + + +<div class="div"> +<a name="toc_21"></a> +<h2 class="dgp">PUBLISHERS' DEPARTMENT.</h2> +<h2 class="sub">NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.</h2> + +<div class="div"> +<p class="noindent">MIDDLESEX COUNTY MANUAL. By +CHARLES COWLEY. LL.D. Penhallow +Printing Company, Lowell, Mass.</p> + +<p class="dgp">In this handy volume, the "Historical +Sketch of the County of Middlesex," +Judge Cowley has made a valuable +contribution to the recorded history +of our Commonwealth. He has traced +in a clear and concise manner the important +events of Middlesex County +from 1643, the year of its incorporation, +down to Shay's Rebellion.</p> +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<p class="noindent">REMINISCENCES OF JAMES COOK +AVER AND THE TOWN OF AVER. By +CHARLES COWLEY, LL.D.</p> + +<p class="dgp">This work is one of many for which +the public are indebted to Judge Cowley. +It presents many facts of great +historical value, and in the usual pungent +and agreeable style of their author.</p> +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<p class="noindent">SHOPPELL'S BUILDING PLANS FOR +MODERN LOW COST HOUSES. The +Co-operative Building Plan Association, New +York. Price, 50 cents.</p> + +<p class="dgp">This book contains a mass of information +to builders and would-be <em>home +owners</em>. Its many and varied plans are +for the construction of neat, comfortable +and very attractive buildings at very reasonable +cost.</p> +</div> + +<div class="div"> +<h3 class="dgp">CORRECTION.</h3> + +<p class="noindent">In the sketch of Saugus in the December +number of the BAY STATE MONTHLY, +line 14, on page 149, should read +"as early as 1828" instead of 1848.—E.P.R.</p> +</div> +</div> + +</div> + + <hr class="doublepage"> + +<div class="back"> + <div class="div" id="footnotes"><a name="toc_22"></a><h2 class="dgp">Notes</h2><dl class="footnote"> +<dt><a name="note_1">1.</a></dt><dd><p class="noindent">This was printed in the sketch of Melrose in "History +of Middlesex County," vol. II.</p></dd><dt><a name="note_2">2.</a></dt><dd><p class="noindent">This inscription is still in existence, the engraving +shown herewith is a good representation of it, as it appears +at the present time.</p></dd><dt><a name="note_3">3.</a></dt><dd><p class="noindent">Captain John Smith was never in Bermuda. He derived +all his information from his opportunities as a member +of the Virginia Company, and from correspondence +or personal narratives of returned planters. This was +his habitual way, as is shown by the number of authorities +that he quotes. He probably obtained the sketches, +from which these illustrations were made, from Richard +Norwood, the schoolmaster.</p></dd><dt><a name="note_4">4.</a></dt><dd><p class="noindent">Writings of George Washington, by J. Sparks, vol. +iii, page 47.</p></dd><dt><a name="note_5">5.</a></dt><dd><p class="noindent">Writings of George Washington, +by J. Sparks, vol. iii., page 77.</p></dd><dt><a name="note_6">6.</a></dt><dd><p class="noindent">Journal of Congress, November 22, 1775.</p></dd><dt><a name="note_7">7.</a></dt><dd><p class="noindent">These were probably the vessels sent out from Rhode +Island under the command of Captain Whipple.</p></dd></dl></div> + </div> + +</div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. 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No. 5, +February, 1885, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. No. 5, February, 1885 + A Massachusetts Magazine + +Author: Various + +Release Date: November 23, 2004 [EBook #14132] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAY STATE MONTHLY *** + + + + +Produced by Joshua Hutchinson, Josephine Paolucci, Cornell University +and the PG Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + +[Illustration: W'm Gaston.] + + + + +THE + +BAY STATE MONTHLY. + +_A Massachusetts Magazine_. + +VOL. II. + +FEBRUARY, 1885. + +No. 5. + + + * * * * * + +WILLIAM GASTON. + +By ARTHUR P. DODGE. + + +Victor Hugo has written: "The historian of morals and ideas has a +mission no less austere than that of the historian of events. The latter +has the surface of civilization, the struggles of the crowns, the births +of princes, the marriages of Kings, the battles, the assemblies, the +great public men, the revolutions in the sunlight, all exterior; the +other historian has the interior, the foundation, the people who work, +who suffer and who wait ... Have these historians of hearts and souls +lesser duties than the historian of exterior facts?" + +There is much unwritten history of the Bay State: of the exterior, much +is recorded; of the interior, far less. Both are valuable to posterity. +It is believed that succeeding ages will hold of far greater value, and +the youth of our day be benefitted more by the study of the underlying +principles and causes of those events which are given a conspicuous +place in history, rather than by the mere record of the surface facts. + +It is profitable to study the habits and methods of individuals who +stand out in bold relief in history. To derive the greatest interest and +value from such lives it is well to follow them from early childhood. +Indeed it is profitable to trace back the ancestry and lineage from +which the man has descended, to study the characteristics peculiar to +each generation, and to note the result of racial mixtures tending to +the typical and representative American of to-day. + +Many prominent men received their first incentive to ambition and +industry and perseverence by reading--when their minds were immature, +but fresh and retentive--of the life and achievements of Benjamin +Franklin and such other grand models for the young. + +No history of a country or state is complete without studies of the +lives of those men who have made and are making history. + +William Gaston comes from an honored and distinguished ancestry on both +his paternal and maternal side as will be seen by the succeeding +genealogical notes. + +He was born at Killingly, Connecticut, October 3, 1820. + + GENEALOGY. + + Jean Gaston was born in France, probably about the year 1600. There + are traditions about the particular family to which he belonged, + but only little is definitely known. He was a Huguenot, and is said + to have been banished from France on account of his religion. His + property was confiscated. His brothers and family, although + Catholics, sent money to him in Scotland for his support. He is + said to have been forty years of age and unmarried when he went to + Scotland. Between 1662 and 1668, during a season of persecution in + Scotland, his sons, John, William, and Alexander, went over into + the north of Ireland, whither many of their friends were fleeing + for safety and religious freedom. There is some uncertainty as to + which of these three brothers was the founder of this branch of the + family, but numerous facts point almost conclusively to John as + such founder. One generation was born in Ireland. + + John Gaston had three sons born in Ireland: William, born about + 1680; lived at Caranleigh Clough Water; John, born 1703-4, died in + America 1783; Alexander, born 1714, died in America. + + The former lived all his days in Caranleigh Clough Water, Ireland, + where he died about 1770. John and Alexander came to New England + during or shortly prior to 1730. Tradition has it that they landed + at Marblehead. From this place they went soon, if not immediately, + to Connecticut. As their ancestors had done, so did they, seek + religious liberty in a foreign land. They were Separatists and + probably were drawn to Voluntown because a Church holding that + faith was there established. Alexander returned to Massachusetts a + few years later, residing in Richmond, where some of his + descendants now reside; but most of that branch of the family are + living in the western states. + + John Gaston was made a freeman of Voluntown at the organization of + its town government in 1736-7. He was a prominent member of the + Separatists Church in that town, the meeting for the settlement of + Reverend Alexander Miller, their pastor, being held at his house. + He was the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. His + three children were born in America: Margaret, born 1737, died + 1810; Alexander, born 1739, was a commissioned officer in the + French and Indian War; John, born 1750, died 1805. + + John Gaston married Ruth Miller, daughter of Reverend Alexander + Miller. Their children were Alexander, born in Voluntown, August 2, + 1772; Margaret, born December 13, 1781. The latter died in early + childhood. + + Alexander Gaston married Olive Dunlap, a daughter of Joshua Dunlap, + of Plainfield, Connecticut, who was born 1769, died in Killingly, + September 7, 1814. He married for his second wife in Killingly, in + April, 1816, Kezia Arnold, daughter of Aaron Arnold, born in + Burrillville, Rhode Island, November, 1779, died in Roxbury, + Massachusetts, January 30, 1856. His death occurred in Roxbury, + February 11, 1856. The children of first marriage: Esther, born + 1804, died 1860; John, born 1806, died 1824. William Gaston, of + whom this sketch is written, was the sole issue of the second + marriage. He was born at Killingly October 3, 1820. With his + parents he moved to Roxbury in the summer of 1838. On December 27, + 1830, was born at Boston, Louisa A. Beecher to whom Mr. Gaston was + married May 27, 1852. Mrs. Gaston is a daughter of Laban S. and + Frances A. (Lines) Beecher, both of whom were natives of New Haven, + Connecticut, and were direct descendants of the very first settlers + of Connecticut in 1638. The children of Governor and Mrs. Gaston + were: Sarah Howard, William Alexander, and Theodore Beecher. The + latter was born February 8, 1861; died July 16, 1869. + + The death of Theodore was a severe blow to his family. He was a + beautiful and promising boy. This sad calamity seemed like the + withdrawal of sunlight from the household, causing his loving + parents the keenest anguish. + + Of this branch of the family there are but very few relatives of + Governor Gaston. His son William is the only male representative of + his generation. It is, singularly enough, true that in his family + line of descent there have been three generations where each had + but one male representative, and two generations having but one + representative of either sex. Thus the Carolina Gastons are of the + nearest kindred to Governor Gaston's particular branch. + + Kezia (Arnold) Gaston, the mother of Governor Gaston, was a + daughter of Aaron Arnold and Rhoda (Hunt) Arnold, and a lineal + descendant of Thomas Arnold, who, with his brother William, came to + New England in 1636. William Arnold went to Rhode Island with Roger + Williams, being one of the fifty-four proprietors of that + Plantation. His brother Thomas followed him there in 1654. The + latter was born in England in 1599, probably in Leamington, that + being the birth-place of his brother William. His second wife was + Phoebe Parkhurst, daughter of George Parkhurst of Watertown, + Massachusetts. The family record is carried back to 1100, being + undoubtedly accurate to about the year 1570, when the name Arnold + was first used as a surname; possibly accurate throughout. + + The arms of the Family; Gules, a chevron ermine between three + Pheons, or; appear on the tombstone of Oliver Arnold, and of + William Arnold, the original settler. The same arms are on a tablet + in the Parish Church of Churcham in Gloucestershire, England, + placed there in memory of his ancestor John Arnold of Lanthony, + Monmouthshire, afterwards of Hingham, who acquired the manor of + Churcham in 1541. + + + TRADITIONS. + + The most ancient written record of the family which the writer has + consulted was written by John Roseborough, late Clerk of the + Circuit Court, Chester District, South Carolina. He was the son of + Alexander Roseborough and Martha Gaston, whose father, William + Gaston of Caranleigh Clough Water, Ireland, was grandson of Jean + Gaston, the Huguenot ancestor of the family. + + The statement is as follows, the words enclosed in parenthesis + being supplied by way of information. + + "Jean Gaston emigrated from France to Scotland on account of his + religion, as a persecution then raged against the Protestants. He + had two sons who emigrated from Scotland to Ireland between 1662 + and 1668 during a time of persecution in Scotland. There was a John + and a William, but which of them was the ancestor of our + grandfather is not known. William Gaston, my grandfather, lived at + Caranleigh Clough Water. He married Miss Lemmon and had four sons + and as many daughters: John Gaston (King's Justice) died on Fishing + Creek, near Cedar Shoal, Chester District, South Carolina; Rev. + Hugh Gaston, author of 'Concordance and Collections'; Dr. Alexander + Gaston, killed by the British at Newbern, South Carolina (father of + Judge William Gaston); Robert Gaston, and William Gaston." + + One fact is established, that many of Jean Gaston's descendants had + settled in America before the Revolution and were actively engaged + in that contest for liberty. + +Springing from such ancestry in which are joined the characteristics of +the French Huguenot, the Scotch Presbyterian, the Scotch-Irish patriot, +the follower of Roger Williams, the May Flower Pilgrim, one is not +surprised to find in William Gaston a strong man; a man who inherited as +a birthright the qualities of leadership. + +His father was a well known merchant of Connecticut, of sterling +integrity, and of remarkably strong force of character. He was +commissioned a Captain at the early age of twenty-two, and was for many +years in the Legislature. The father of the latter was also in the +Connecticut Legislature for many years. + +In early youth William gave promise of a superb manhood by displaying +those qualities which have since distinguished him. He was a studious +boy, eager for knowledge. He attended the Academy in Brooklyn, +Connecticut, and subsequently fitted for College at the Plainfield +Academy. At the age of fifteen he left his quiet village home for Brown +University, where his intellect was trained in a routine sanctioned by +the experience of centuries, and where contact with his fellows soon +roused his ambition and gave him confidence in his own ability to enter +the struggle with the world for place and honor. William, having a +married sister, who was many years his senior, residing in Providence, +his father decided to send him, then scarcely more than a lad, to Brown +University where he would be surrounded by family influences and enjoy +the social advantages offered by his sister's home. He maintained a high +rank, graduating with honors in 1840. + +For his life work he decided upon the legal profession--a wise choice as +subsequent time has shown his peculiar fitness therefor. He first +entered the office of Judge Francis Hilliard of Roxbury, remaining for a +time and then continued his legal studies with the distinguished +lawyers and jurists Charles P. and Benjamin R. Curtis of Boston, with +whom he remained until his admission to the Bar in 1844. + +At Roxbury in 1846 he opened his first law office, taking comparatively +soon a leading position at the Bar. He there continued his practice +until 1865 when he formed with the late Hon. Harvey Jewell and the since +associate justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, the Hon. Walbridge A. +Field, the famous and successful law firm, having offices at number 5 +Tremont street, of Jewell, Gaston and Field. This firm continued until +the election of Mr. Gaston to the gubernatorial chair of Massachusetts +in 1874. He was the Democratic candidate the year previous for this +office, his competitor being Mr. Washburn, who was elected but did not +long retain the chair of State, being elected to the United States +Senate. At the convention nominating William B. Washburn for Governor +there were four other candidates for the honor: Alexander H. Rice, +George B. Loring, Harvey Jewell and Benjamin F. Butler. The latter +created no little unquiet by the zeal and strength of his support. The +upshot was that there was a harmonious combination of the forces of the +four contestants of Butler upon Mr. Washburn. It is remembered that some +of the party organs were upon nettles, fearing that General Butler would +bolt the nomination, but he came out squarely and declared that as he +had staked his issues with the convention he would abide the result. + +In the canvass of 1874 Mr. Gaston was opposed by Hon. Thomas Talbot, +who, by reason of Governor Washburn's election to the Senate as stated, +was acting as Governor, having been elected Lieutenant Governor on the +ticket with Mr. Washburn. Governor Gaston's majority over Mr. Talbot was +7,033. In the following canvass of 1875, Mr. Gaston having been +re-nominated by the Democracy, his competitor was Hon. Alexander H. +Rice. By this time, that part of the country represented by the +strongly-intrenched Republican party, was fully aroused to the exigency +of the hour. The edict came from the political centre at Washington to +the effect that the Republican party could not stand another defeat in +Massachusetts, especially on the eve of a presidential campaign. The +national organization concentrated a wonderfully _efficient_ auxiliary +force in aid of the intense activity already exerted by the local +managers, who so well understood the popularity of Mr. Gaston and of the +strong hold he had upon the people. It seems now that the Democratic +managers accepted or anticipated failure as a foregone conclusion, and +no great fight was made; otherwise they would probably have won the +election, as Mr. Rice was elected by only the small plurality of 5,306 +votes. This is very significant, taken in connection with the fact that +General Grant carried Massachusetts in 1872 by 74,212 majority. + +In 1876, that memorable year--memorable as the year of the electoral +commission--Governor Gaston magnanimously declined the re-nomination, +which a large majority of the convention was undoubtedly eager to +confer. The nomination of Charles Francis Adams was to the rank and file +and to the party managers a disappointment, and the enthusiasm that he +was expected to arouse was not materialized. + +The press of the State justly commended Mr. Gaston's conduct in not +forcing his own nomination, a course so completely in accord with his +character, and his entire devotion to the party welfare. He did not +display the least semblance of self-seeking. + +He has seen not a little of public life, but with the exception of five +years, has succeeded in conducting his large and important professional +practice the entire period from his early beginning to this day. The +five years referred to were: two years, 1861 and 1862, while he was +Mayor of the city of Roxbury; the two years, 1871 and 1872, as Mayor of +Boston (this being after the annexation of Roxbury), and the year 1875 +when Governor. + +His mayoralty term of Roxbury antedated the years he was Mayor of Boston +by just ten years. While such Mayor of Roxbury in 1861-2 he was very +active in speechmaking and raising troops in preservation of the +American Union. He went to the front several times, and was +enthusiastically patriotic during the entire critical period. + +He was five years City Solicitor of Roxbuxy. In 1853 and 1854 he was +elected to the Legislature as a Whig, and in 1856 was re-elected by a +fusion of Whigs and Democrats in opposition to the Know-Nothing +candidate. In 1868, although the district was strongly Republican, he +was elected as a Democrat to the State Senate. + +In the fall of 1872 Mr. Gaston positively declined the further use of +his name in the Mayoralty election in Boston that year. He concluded to +be a candidate, however, upon the earnest solicitation of so many of the +best citizens, and of the press, and in consideration of the perfectly +unanimous action of the ward and city committee, in reporting in favor +of his re-nomination and speaking of him as a man pre-eminently +qualified for the duties which required "wisdom, discretion, firmness +and courage when needed, combined with the most exalted integrity and +unselfish devotion to the honor, welfare, and prosperity of the city." + +In commenting on this subject the _Post_ in an editorial, November 26, +1872, said in commendation of the above words of the committee: "The +language employed is none too strong or emphatic. The history of Mayor +Gaston's two administrations is an eminently successful one, so far as +he is personally responsible for them, and there is not the least room +to question that if he were to be re-elected and supported by a board of +aldermen of similar character and purpose the city would at once find +the uttermost requirements of its government satisfied." In that +election in December, 1872, for the year 1873 his opponent, Hon. Henry +L. Pierce, was declared elected Mayor by only seventy-nine plurality. +This fact indicates Mr. Gaston's popularity, as General Grant had +carried Boston the year previous by about 5,500 majority. As her +Representative, her presiding officer, her head of affairs, Mayor Gaston +was a success; an honor to the great city which honored him. + +In 1870 he was a candidate for Congress, but failed of an election, Hon. +Ginery Twitchell receiving a majority of the votes. + +In 1875 Harvard College and also his Alma Mater, Brown University, +conferred upon him the degree of LL.D. + +While he was Governor the somewhat notorious Jesse Pomeroy case was the +occasion of more or less criticism; the Governor himself receiving _pro_ +and _con_ his full share thereof. He was in some instances charged with +a lack of firmness, but time has completely vindicated his course. Many +of those alleging at the time the Governor's want of "back-bone" have +lived long enough to fully realize that his firmness consisted in +adhering with an honest persistency to his convictions, indicating the +identical course he pursued in that as in all other matters of public +import. + +Among those who know him best there exists the consciousness that Mr. +Gaston is not only an exceedingly cautious man, but consistently +conscientious. Bringing such lofty principles, together with a +discerning mind and sound judgement, into activity in the discharge of +his duty, his administration was, it was generally conceded, a wise one. +It should be borne in mind that he occupied a somewhat novel position, +there having been no Democratic Governor of the State for many years. +The scrutiny directed to him and his acts was intense. His success in +bringing his official relations as excessive to such a happy termination +is abundant proof of his being the man this paper endeavors to picture +him. + +It was during his term of office that the lamented Henry Wilson died. At +the State House, in Doric Hall, in November, 1875, Governor Gaston, on +receiving the sacred remains in behalf of the Commonwealth, said in his +address to the committee: "Massachusetts receives from you her +illustrious dead. She will see to it that he whose dead body you bear to +us, but whose spirit has entered upon its higher service, shall receive +honors befitting the great office which in life he held, and I need not +assure you that her people, with hearts full of respect, of love, and of +veneration, will not only guard and protect the body, the coffin, and +the grave, but will also ever cherish his name and fame. Gentlemen, for +the pious service which you have so kindly and tenderly rendered, accept +the thanks of a grateful Commonwealth." + +Among the appointments made by Governor Gaston were the following: that +of the late Hon. Otis P. Lord to be Associate Justice of the Supreme +Judicial Court; Honorable Waldo Colburn and Honorable William S. Gardner +to Associate Justiceships of the Superior Court. + +The writer has preserved in his scrap books various selections from Mr. +Gaston's public utterances, so excellent and so numerous that it would +be difficult to single out any of them for insertion here, even would +space permit so doing. + +It is incomparable, the duties he has performed, the labors he has +accomplished. His life is, and ever has been, a busy life. One marvels +to know how he accomplishes so much. + +In the political world, in literature, in the legal profession, +monuments have arisen in testimony of his toil. + +As a lawyer his successes have been such as have been vouchsafed to but +few. The word success is applied both where it ought to be applied and +where not deserved. Gaining great wealth, distinguished professional +standing, extensive political renown, pre-eminence in other avenues may +be, or may not be, in the highest sense, success. Most men of strong +points are sadly deficient in other and essential traits needed to +constitute a well-biased, grandly-rounded life. It is rare, indeed, that +a person is encountered possessing such well-proportioned, +evenly-balanced, distinguishing characteristics as it has been Mr. +Gaston's lot to enjoy. + +His steady, onward march over the rough places and up the hill in his +learned profession abundantly attest his greatness. No being can occupy, +nor even approach, the very foremost rank in the legal arena save he be +great. Of all representatives of human experiences the lawyer, and more +particularly the advocate, has the least opportunity to occupy falsely a +position of real prominence. Advocacy is the most jealous of +mistresses. Undoubtedly it is true that nowhere else must there be ever +present and ever ready to respond at a moment's notice such a happy +combination of those qualities already noted. + +It is not long ago that one of the most worthy of Boston's Judges +remarked to the writer: "You can count the really excellent advocates at +the Suffolk Bar upon the fingers of both hands." He began by naming the +subject of this sketch, following with the names of Honorable A.A. +Ranney, Honorable William G. Russell, Honorable Robert M. Morse, Jr., +and others. The learned Judge must, it seems, have had in mind a very +high standard of advocacy, for there are not a few among the something +like two thousand Boston lawyers who have well earned, and justly, the +right to be called able and eloquent. + +In his historical article entitled "The Bench and Bar," by Erastus +Worthington, and contained in the "History of Norfolk County, +Massachusetts," after writing of those eminent advocates, Ezra Wilkinson +and John J. Clarke, he refers to Governor Gaston and Judge Colburn in +the following words: "The successors to the leadership of the bar, after +the retirement of Mr. Wilkinson and Mr. Clarke, were William Gaston of +Roxbury, and Waldo Colburn of Dedham. Mr. Gaston was not admitted to +practice in this county, but he studied law with Mr. Clarke, and +practiced in this county for many years, and considered himself a +Norfolk lawyer. He was an eloquent and successful advocate and had an +excellent practice. He had removed to Boston prior to the annexation of +Roxbury. + +"Mr. Colburn practiced in Dedham until he was appointed an Associate +Justice of the Superior Court in 1875. He attained a high position in +his profession as a wise counsellor, an able trier of causes, and a +lawyer in whose hands the interests of his clients were always safe." + +On his election to the Governorship Mr. Gaston absolutely relinquished +his practice and gave his undivided attention to the duties of his +office. He had been quite unable to devote his customary labor to the +benefit of his law partnership and the good of their clientage during +the two years that he was Mayor of Boston. + +When he retired from the executive chair it is said that he had neither +a "case" nor a client. + +He took offices in Sears Building and it was not long before he was +again enjoying a large and lucrative practice. In 1879 he took into +partnership C.L.B. Whitney, Esq.; and last year William A. Gaston, Esq., +was admitted to the firm. + +An imperishable chain binds Ex-Governor Gaston to the bright side of the +history of the Commonwealth. His life and its renown are one and +inseparable. Such is the inevitable result of a life that has ever been +linked to honorable endeavors and principles. So thoroughly identified +with, and endeared to, her best interests, it is difficult to believe +that Massachusetts can claim him by adoption only. In private life Mr. +Gaston is all that can be desired. He is quiet, and remarkably modest +and unassuming. + +He enjoys the delightful home quietness away from his labors. But what +little time he has for such enjoyment! He seems to love work. How he has +performed so much of it is a wonder, although it is well known that he +inherits and enjoys remarkable powers of endurance. Among his favorite +authors are Scott and Burke. He is temperate, refined in his habits, has +the manners of a perfect gentleman, and deserves the blessed fruits of a +well directed life. + + * * * * * + +REMINISCENCES OF DANIEL WEBSTER. + +BY HON. GEORGE W. NESMITH, LL.D. + + +The following is a copy of a letter originally addressed to Rev. Mr. +Savage of Franklin, N.H. The original is dated October 10, 1852, +fourteen days before the decease of Mr. Webster. It was dictated to his +Clerk, C.J. Abbott, Esq. It was the same letter that gave rise to the +humorous anecdote, so well related by Mr. Curtice in his Biography of +Mr. Webster, vol. 2, page 683. + +We now present this letter to the public to show how worthily one of the +last days of Mr. Webster was employed. In this case he presented a +_Peace Offering_ to old friends, which proved effectual in preventing a +severe litigation and consequent loss of money and friendship: + + "MARSHFIELD, Oct. 10, 1852. + + MY DEAR SIR: I learn that there is likely to be a lawsuit between + Mr. Horace Noyes and his Mother respecting his father's will. + + This gives me great pain. Mr. Parker Noyes and myself have been + fast friends for near a half century. I have known his wife also + from a time before her marriage, and have always felt a warm regard + for her, and much respect for her connexions in Newburyport. Mr. + Horace Noyes and his wife I have long known. Her grandfather, Major + Nathan Taylor, late of Sanbornton, was an especial friend of my + father, and I learned to love everybody upon whom he set his + _Stamp_. + + These families during many years have been my most intimate friends + and neighbors whenever I have been in Franklin. It would wound me + exceedingly if any thing as a Lawsuit should now occur between + Mother and Son. It would very much destroy my interest in the + families, and whatever might be the result, it could not but cast + some degree of reflection upon the memory of Parker Noyes. I know + nothing of the circumstances except what I learn from Mr. John + Taylor, and I do not wish to express any judgement of my own as to + what ought to be done, at least without more full information, but + I do think it a case for Christian Intercession. And the particular + object of this Letter is to invite your attention, and that of the + members of the Church, to it in this aspect. Mr. Noyes is + understood to have left a very pretty property, but a controversy + about his Will would very likely absorb one half of it. My end is + accomplished, my dear Sir, when I have made these Suggestions to + you. You will give them such consideration, as you think they + deserve. It has given me pleasure to hope that I might write half a + dozen pages respecting Mr. Parker Noyes, and our long friendship, + but I could have no heart for this if a family feud after his death + was to come in, and overwhelm all pleasant recollections. + + I dictate this letter to my clerk, as the state of my eyes preclude + me from writing much with my own hand. + + Yours with sincere regard, + + DAN'L. WEBSTER. + REV. Mr. SAVAGE + FRANKLIN, N.H." + +This interesting letter produced the happy effect of reconciling the +contending parties, and bringing about an honorable and satisfactory +settlement of all difficulties between them. The letter was timely, +bringing healing in its wings. Here were "words fitly spoken, like +apples of gold in pictures of silver;" to the parties it soon was the +_voice_ from the _dead_, "proclaiming peace on earth, and good will +towards men." As adviser and counsel of the mother, my own exertions for +peace had proved impotent, but the letter of the eminent dying +statesman, containing the salutary advice of an old friend, proved +irresistible in its influence, and brought to the troubled waters +immediate quiet, without resort to the Church or other legal tribunal. + +Mr. Webster made allusion to the honored name of Taylor, then of +Sanbornton. Both father, and son were brave officers of Revolutionary +stock. The father, Captain Chase Taylor, commanded a company composed +chiefly of Sanbornton and Meredith men, at the battle of Bennington, on +the sixteenth of August, 1777, and was there severely wounded--his left +leg being broken, which disabled him for life. He died in 1805. In 1786 +he received a small pension from the State. His surgeon, Josiah Chase of +Canterbury, and his Colonel, Stickney of Concord, each furnishing their +certificates in his behalf. Early in the history of the Revolutionary +war the son, Nathan Taylor, was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the +Corps of Rangers, commanded by Colonel Whitcomb. Lieutenant Taylor had +the command of a small detachment of fourteen men. On the sixteenth day +of June, 1777, being stationed on the western bank of Lake Champlain, at +a place which has ever since been called _Taylor's Creek_, he was +surprised by a superior force of Indians. Taylor bravely resisted this +attack, and was successful in driving the enemy off, though at the +expense of a severe wound in his right shoulder. Three others of his +band were also wounded. Both father and son were confined at home in the +same house several months before recovery from their wounds. Lieutenant +Taylor returned to active service in the army. He afterwards received +the military title of Major, and occupied many civil offices after the +war in his own town, as well as in behalf of the State. He was member of +the House of Representatives, also of the Senate and Council, for a +number of years. He died in March, A.D. 1840, aged 85, much lamented. + +Then there was John Taylor of Revolutionary fame. He and many of his +descendants have occupied high and enviable stations in Sanbornton, and +their biography and good deeds have been ably commemorated by the +historian, Rev. M.T. Runnels. In adhering to the Taylor families Mr. +Webster obeyed the injunction of Solomon who said, "Thine own friend, +and thy _father's friend_ forsake not." Mr. Webster's letter furnishes +strong evidence, that he did not forsake "his own friend," _Parker +Noyes_. The friendship between these men commenced when Mr. Noyes +entered the _Law_ office of Thomas W. Thompson as early as 1798, and +continued intimate, cordial, unabated, "_fast_" during their lives. The +earthly existence of both terminated in the same year, Mr. Noyes having +deceased August, 19, 1852, and Mr. Webster on the twenty-fourth of the +succeeding October. + +The dwelling houses of both in Franklin were within the distance of +twenty rods; their intercourse was frequent during the last fifty-four +years of their lives. + +During the time Mr. Webster practiced law in New Hampshire they often +met at the same bar, and measured intellectual lances in various legal +contests. These meetings were most frequent when Mr. Webster first +settled in Boscawen in 1805, and for the next two years, before his +removal to Portsmouth. + +We were present in A.D. 1848, when these two friends met and recited +many of the interesting and humorous events that occurred in their early +practice. In those days, they often had for a veteran client a man who +then resided in West Boscawen, now Webster, by the name of Corser. He +was represented as one who loved the law, not for its pecuniary profits, +but for its exciting, stimulating effects. It was said of him, that at +the end of a term of the Court, once held at Hopkinton, he was found +near the Court House by a friend, shedding tears. The friend inquired +the cause of his great sorrow. His answer was, "I have _no longer_ a +_case in court._" The same Corser had been a Revolutionary soldier, and +belonged to the army when discharged by Washington at Newburg, at the +termination of the war. He had but little money to bear his expenses +home. When he reached Springfield, Massachusetts, his money was +exhausted, and he was obliged to resort to his talent at begging. +Accordingly he called at a farm house, and requested the good loyal lady +of the establishment to give him a pie, adding at the same time, that he +wanted _another_ for his _Brother Jonathan_. The lady well supposing +that his Brother Jonathan was then his companion in arms, and in the +street suffering with hunger, readily granted his request, when in truth +and in fact Jonathan was then at home cultivating his farm in Boscawen. + +Brother Jonathan, upon learning the conduct of his brother, rebuked him +for useing his name, instead of his own, thereby deceiving the good +woman. In justification of his conduct, the brother answered, "My hunger +was great. I contrived to satisfy it. The kind woman had my thanks; you +was not injured. At most, by strict morals, I committed only a _pious +fraud_ in getting two pies, instead of one." Mr. Webster remarked, that +he was once present when this case was stated, and argued by the two +brothers, and was much interested in the discussion of the celebrated +pie case. + + * * * * * + +THE DARK DAY. + +BY ELBIDGE H. GOSS. + + +The Spragues of Melrose, formerly North Malden, were one of the old +families. They descended from Ralph Sprague, who settled in Charlestown +in 1629. The first one, who came to Melrose about the year 1700, was +named Phineas. His grandson, also named Phineas, served during the +Revolutionary War, and a number of interesting anecdotes are told about +him. He was a slaveholder, and Artemas Barrett, Esq., a native of +Melrose, owns an original bill of sale of "a negro woman named Pidge, +with one negro boy;" also other documents, among which is Mr. Sprague's +diary, wherein he gives the following account of the wonderfully dark +day in 1780, a good reminder of which we experienced September 6, 1881, +a century later: + + FRIDA May the 19th 1780. + + This day was the most Remarkable day that ever my eyes beheld the + air had bin full of smoak to an uncommon degree so that wee could + scairce see a mountain at two miles distance for 3 or 4 days Past + till this day after Noon the smoak all went off to the South at + sunset a very black bank of a cloud appeared in the south and west + the Nex morning cloudey and thundered in the west about ten oclock + it began to Rain and grew vere dark and at 12 it was almost as dark + as Nite so that wee was obliged to lite our candels and Eate our + dinner by candel lite at noon day but between 1 and 2 oclock it + grew lite again but in the evening the cloud came, over us again, + the moon was about the full it was the darkest Nite that ever was + seen, by us in the world.[A] + +[Footnote A: This was printed in the sketch of Melrose in "History of +Middlesex County," vol. II.] + + * * * * * + +NAMES AND NICKNAMES. + +BY GILBERT NASH. + + +To the antiquarian, the historian, or the general scholar, there are few +more interesting studies than that of names. It is a pursuit of rare +delight to trace out the derivation of those with which we have been +long familiar, and to follow up the associations that have rendered them +dear, curious or ridiculous, as the case may be. The names themselves +may be of no value, but the spot or circumstance that gave them birth +cannot fail to throw around them an atmosphere of peculiar interest. The +subject is a broad one and may be, with time and inclination, +extensively cultivated; and, even in the limits of a short article, many +phases of it of general importance and interest may be satisfactorily +treated, and it is proposed in the following paragraphs to present only +a few of them. + +In the present rage for nicknames, pet names, diminutives and +contractions there is fair prospect of an abundant harvest of trouble +and perplexity to the genealogist and historian of the future. In fact, +the students of the present day are already beginning to realize, in no +small degree, the annoyance that arises from the custom. The changes are +so many and intricate that to understand them fully requires much +valuable time and the patience that could better be employed in more +important work. + +The difficulty arises, of course, from indifference, inadvertence or +carelessness, rather than from set purpose; yet the result is the same +in its evil effects. It is true there are some of these nicknames that +have been so long in use, and have become so common that no one is +disturbed by them and their employment, and they are readily understood. +Many of these, however, have served their turn and are gradually going +out of use, and will, in a short time, be only "dead words" to the +community. + +Of this class are the familiar favorites of our grandparents, such as +Sally, for Sarah; Polly or Molly, for Mary; Patty, for Martha, and +Peggy, for Margaret, representative names of the class. Some of these, +with perhaps slight changes, have become legitimatized, and their origin +has been nearly, or quite, forgotten. Of such we recognize Betsy, or its +modern equivalent, Bettie or Bessie, as a very proper name. Few, +perhaps, of our present generation would recognize in "Nancy," the +features of its parent, "Ann" or "Nan." + +Some of these old nicknames have already gone nearly or quite out of +use, so much so that many of our young people will be surprised to learn +that Patty was, not long ago, the vernacular for Martha, and would never +imagine that "Margaret" could ever have responded to the call of +"Peggy;" "Hitty" and "Kitty," for the staid and sober "Mehitable," and +the volatile Katherine, are more easily recognized, while it might +require several guesses to establish the relationship between "Milly" +and "Amelia," or "Emily." + +Stranger than either, perhaps because both the proper name and its +diminutive have become so uncommon, is that transformation which reduced +"Tabitha," to "Bertha," with the accent upon the first syllable, and its +vowel long. A curious instance of the change in this name, and the +further variation made in it in consequence of its forgotten +derivation, has recently occurred in the record of the death of an old +lady who was baptized "Tabitha," called in her youth "Bitha," and now in +her obituary styled Mrs. "Bertha," probably from the similarity of sound +to her youthful nickname. Her relatives of the present generation had +forgotten her real name and knew her only under that of an imitation of +her diminutive. The transition from "Bitha" to "Bertha" is easy, but how +is the perplexed genealogist to ascertain the original when he has only +the records for his guide? + +Such illustrations might be multiplied almost indefinitely, but those +already given are enough to show what an infinite amount of trouble has +come and must still come from their continued usage. They also serve +well to show with how much care and watchfulness the historian must +pursue his work; how constantly he must be upon his guard, and how +closely and critically he must scrutinize the names that pass under his +eye. + +Nor was this custom of nicknames confined to the daughters of the +family, but the boys, also, were among its subjects, perhaps in not so +great a variety, yet very general. Among the more common we only need +mention such as Bill, Ned, Jack, and Frank, to illustrate this. Nor were +there wanting among the masculine nicknames those whose derivations seem +very remote and far-fetched, as "El" for "Alphus;" "Hal" for "Henry;" +"Jot" for "Jonathan;" "Seph" for "Josephus;" "Nol" for "Oliver;" "Dick" +for "Richard," and a multitude of others equally well known. + +The instances named are old and have been in general use so long that +those who are called upon to deal with them are upon their guard and not +likely to be led astray by them, but the class of pet names, now, for a +few years in use, will necessarily be more misleading because they are +new, and in many cases very blind; in many instances the same nickname +being used to represent perhaps a dozen different proper names, so that +it is impossible to tell, from the nickname, what the real name is. +Among the most annoying of this class are those that not only represent +several names each, but are masculine or feminine, as occasion calls. + +Of the latter class are "Allie" for Alice, Albert or Alexander, and +"Bertie," used in place of so many that it is needless to specify, the +latter being the worst of its species, since it is wholly indefinite, +applying equally to boy or girl, and for a multitude of either sex, some +of which are so far-fetched that all possible connection is lost in the +journey of transmission. Most of the old fashioned nicknames indicate +the sex quite distinctly, and in this they have much the advantage of +some of their modern competitors. They were also much more expressive if +not so euphonious. A person need but glance at any of our town records +for the past few years to see how the use of these pet names has +increased, and it requires no prophet to foresee what confusion must +naturally arise from the continuance of the custom, and how difficult it +will be in the near future to follow the record accurately. + +Another and very different class of nicknames are those derived from +accident or local circumstance, and have no other connection with the +real name of the person to whom they are attached, and to whom they +cling as a foul excrescence long after the circumstances that called +them forth is forgotten. These sometimes originate at home in childhood, +at school among playmates, or after the arrival of the person at mature +age, and are oftentimes ridiculous in the extreme. They are nearly +always a source of great mortification to those who so unwillingly bear +them, who would give almost anything to rid themselves of the nuisance; +yet these, once fixed, seldom lose their hold, but must be borne with +the best grace possible. + +It will not be necessary to cite instances of this class, as every one +will recall many such that it might be highly improper to mention +publicly as being personal or taken to be so. Some are simply indicative +of temperament; some of a peculiarity of manner, or a locality in which +they happened to have first seen the light; and others, perhaps the most +unfortunate of all and the most mischievous, are derived from an +ill-timed word or act, said or done in a moment of passion or +thoughtlessness, which the individual would like to recall at almost any +price, but cannot. The saddest of all are those unfortunates, for there +are such, to whom their parents, they knew not why, gave such names. + +Another class are those given at first as a term of reproach or +disgrace, accepted without protest, and afterwards borne as a title of +honor. The name "Old Hickory" will at once suggest itself as such an +instance. Truly fortunate is the person who has the tact and is in +circumstances to do this, and thus turn the weapons of his enemies +against themselves. There are others, again, whose character and +position are such that they permit no familiarity, and every name of +reproach or ridicule rolls off like shot from the iron shell of the +monitor. The name of our Washington suggests such an individual. Whoever +for an instant thought of approaching him with familiarity, or of +applying to him a nickname as a term of reproach or ridicule, or even as +an expression of good nature. + +As will be readily seen, the evil resulting from this custom is wide +spread and alarming. It would also seem to be almost without remedy, +since it is the result of irresponsible action, committed by persons who +are not fully aware of what they are doing, by those who are +indifferent, as to what may follow, or by those who are actuated by +malice; against these there is no law except the steady, persistent +movement of the thinking public setting its face squarely against the +practice, with the passage of time, which usually brings about, we know +not always how, the remedy for such evils; but we are seldom willing to +wait for such a cure. + +As before intimated parents are sometimes guilty of this offence, and +thus place upon a child a stigma that will follow it through life. A +little care on their part will remedy the evil, to that extent, and they +surely should be willing to do their share in the work. Teachers and +those who have the charge of the young are sometimes thoughtless enough +to commit the same fault. Should it not be crime? For they have no right +to be thus inconsiderate, when a little restraint upon their part will +prevent the wrong as far as they are concerned. With these two +influences setting in the right direction, added to that of the thinking +community, a current may very likely be formed that shall obliterate +wholly the custom and deliver us from its attendant difficulties. + +Another practice now quite common, and one which bids fair to create +much confusion, is that which permits the wife to take the Christian +name of her husband: for instance, Mrs. Mary, wife of John Smith, signs +her name Mrs. John Smith, a name which has no legal existence, which she +is entitled to use only by courtesy, and which should be allowed in +none but necessary cases to distinguish her from some other bearing the +same name, or to address her when her own Christian name is not known. +Mrs. is but a general title to designate the class of persons to which +she belongs, and not a name, any more than Mr. or Esq. Who ever knew a +man to sign his name Mr. so and so, or so and so, Esq.? + +To show the absurdity and impropriety of this misuse of the name it will +be needful to mention but a single illustration. Suppose a note or check +is made payable to Mrs. John Smith. Mrs. being only a title, and no part +of the name, the endorsement would be plain John Smith, and nobody, not +even his wife, has any right to forge his signature. An instrument thus +drawn is a mistake, since no one can be authorized to execute it. + +The trouble to the genealogist and historian is of a somewhat different +nature, since he merely desires to identify the individual and cares +nothing about the money value of the document. Much the safer and better +way is for the wife always to sign and use her proper name and to add, +if she thinks it necessary to be more explicit, "wife of," using her +husband's name. By doing this a vast deal of perplexity would be +avoided, and sometimes a serious legal difficulty. + +Another custom, as common, and quite a favorite one with many married +ladies, is that which changes her middle name by substituting her maiden +surname; for example, Mary Jane Smith marries James Gray, and +immediately her name is assumed to be Mary Smith Gray, instead of Mary +Jane Gray, her legal name. The wife, if she so chooses, has the right by +general consent, if not by law, to retain her full name, adding her +husband's surname; but she has no right to use her own maiden surname in +place of her discarded middle name. Much confusion might arise from this +practice, as the following illustration will show. Mary Jane Gray +receives a check payable to her order, and she, being in the habit of +signing her name Mary Smith Gray, thus endorses it, and forwards it by +mail or otherwise for collection, and is surprised when it comes back to +her to be properly executed. + +Again, Mary Jane Gray has a little money which she deposits in the +savings bank, and, for the reason already given, takes out her book in +the name of Mary S. Gray. She dies and her administrator finding the +book tries to collect the money, but he being the administrator of Mary +Jane Gray and not of Mary S. Gray may find the Treasurer of the bank +unwilling to pay over the money until he is satisfied as to the identity +of the apparently two Mary Grays, which, under some circumstances, might +be a difficult process. + +These changes are usually made thoughtlessly, but the result is none the +less serious than though it were done with the intent to deceive or +mislead, and the mischief that often arises in consequence is very +great. These changes that have been noted from the nature of the case +can only occur with women, since men have no occasion to make them, and +in point of fact cannot; but there are those, quite analagous in +character, that are common to both sexes and should be avoided unless +the necessity is very apparent. Double names are sometimes very +convenient for purposes of identification, but they may also prove +fruitful sources of difficulty and trouble. As an illustration, Mary +Jane Smith is known at home by her family and to her acquaintances as +Mary. For some fanciful reason or local circumstance she wearies of +that name and becomes Jane. Both are equally hers, but her acquaintances +who knew her as Mary might well plead ignorance when asked about Jane +Smith; and the acquaintances of the latter might never surmise that Mary +Smith had ever existed. + +Again, James Henry Gray is known at home in his youth as James H. Gray, +and the name is very satisfactory to him; but as he arrives at manhood +he enters a new business and finds a new residence. For some reason he +thinks that a change of name also may be of benefit to him, and +therefore he signs himself J. Henry Gray, and henceforth is a stranger +to his former acquaintances. He has some money in bank at his old home +which he draws for under his new name, and wonders when his check comes +back to him dishonored, forgetting that he has never notified the +officers of his change of name. + +He finds it necessary, upon some occasion, to write to one of his former +friends for information of importance, and is surprised that his old +associate declines to give it to a stranger, for he does not remember, +that, while he may easily retain his own identity, under any change of +name, it may not be so easy to assure it to another at a distance. It +can thus be seen how easily, and at times, how unavoidably, a great deal +of vexation may be produced by this practice, and yet it is extensively +followed. + +Looking at the subject in another aspect, we find a grievance that has +borne and is now bearing with intolerable weight upon many an +individual, who would, at almost any sacrifice, relieve himself of it, +but it is saddled upon him in such a manner, and is surrounded by such +circumstances as to render it quite impossible for him to do so. It is a +practice, all too common, but none the less reprehensible, to give to +children legitimate names of such a character as to render them +veritable "old men of the sea," so graphically described by Sindbad. + +They are given for various reasons, sometimes simply for their oddity, +sometimes because the name has been borne by a relative or friend, or it +may have been borrowed from the pages of some favorite author, or +suggested by accidental circumstance. A boy whose Christian name was +Baring Folly, and we should not have far to go to find its counterpart +in real life, could hardly be expected to get through the world without +feeling severely the burden and ridicule of such a name, each part +proper and well enough in its place as a surname, but particularly +unfortunate when united and required to do duty as a Christian name. + +We ridicule, and it may be wisely, the old-fashioned custom of giving a +child a name merely because it happened to be found in the Scriptures, +where with its special meaning it was singularly appropriate, yet, when +used as a name without that special signification, it would be equally +inappropriate. But are we wholly free from the same fault in another +direction? How many children have been so burdened with a name that had +been made illustrious by the life and services of its original bearer +that they were always ashamed to hear it spoken; that very name of honor +becoming in its present position a reproach and a hindrance, rather than +a stimulus, because the bearers feel that they cannot sustain its +ancient renown, and therefore they become mere nothings, simply from the +fact of having been borne down to the dust under the burden of a great +name. + +Who can tell how many have become notorious, or have committed vagaries +which have rendered them ridiculous, and destroyed their usefulness, +from a sincere desire to bear worthily an honored name? Who shall say +that the eccentricities of a certain celebrity of acknowledged talent, +whose name would be quickly recognized, were not the result of the same +cause, the length, and weight of the name given him at his birth proving +too great an incumbrance for him to overcome. + +How many ignoble George Washingtons, Henry Clays, Patrick Henrys, and +other equally illustrious names, are wandering aimlessly about our +streets, shiftless, worthless, utterly unworthy the names they bear, +simply because they bear them, when, had they been given plain, honest, +common names, they might have been held in respect and esteem. The +burden is too great for them. A ship with a drag attached to her cannot +make progress, be she ever so swift without it. Even the eagle will +refuse his flight when burdened with excessive weight. + +A little lack of consideration or want of thought in this matter on the +part of parents often entail an immense amount of suffering upon those +who are wholly innocent as to its cause. Let the boy or girl be given +such a name, as shall be his or hers, worthy or unworthy, as the bearer +shall make. Give them all a fair show. We may not be able to tell in all +cases, perhaps not in many, how this affair of names has affected the +lives of their owners. Give a child a silly or ridiculous name and the +chances are that the child's character will correspond with that name. +Give a child a name already illustrious and the chances are also fair +that the burden will prove its ruin. + +It is unnecessary to extend the subject, the present purpose being +merely to call attention to those practices, and so to present them that +more natural and healthy customs will be sought after and followed, that +a true aesthetic taste may be cultivated, and thus alleviate or remove a +part, at least, of the burden under which society groans. + +It is also intended to illustrate some of the trials and perplexities +that beset the genealogist and historian in their researches, arising +from these unfortunate habits that pervade society. It would seem that +the evils produced by the practices, only need exposure to result in +reformation, and that no parent, with the full knowledge of the +possible, yes probable, and almost inevitable effect, would so thrust +upon his offspring an annoyance, to use the mildest possible term, which +should subject them to such disagreeable consequences all through life. + +It would seem, also, that no guardian, teacher, or other individual +having the care and oversight of children, could be so thoughtless and +inconsiderate, or allow a personal or private reason so to influence +him, as to assume for the child any name that would be liable to cause +it future shame or sorrow. Too much care cannot be taken in this regard, +and it is a duty owing to the child that its rights in this respect +shall be strictly guarded. + +It is the object of this paper simply to call attention to a few of the +more prominent points suggested by this subject in order that it may be +examined and discussed, and, if it may be, more judicious and wiser +practices introduced, that nature, art, and taste may combine to produce +a system of names that shall be at the same time, convenient, useful and +beautiful, and that shall carry no burden with them. + + * * * * * + +JOHN PRESCOTT, THE FOUNDER OF LANCASTER. + +1603 TO 1682. + +By HON. HENRY S. NOURSE. + + +The facts that have come down to us whereupon to build a biography of +John Prescott are scanty indeed, but enough to prove that he was that +rare type of man, the ideal pioneer. Not one of those famous +frontiersmen, whose figures stand out so prominently in early American +history, was better equipped with the manly qualities that win hero +worship in a new country, than was the father of the Nashaway +Plantation. Had Prescott like Daniel Boone been fortunate in the favor +of contemporary historians, to perpetuate anecdotes of his daily prowess +and fertility of resource, or had he had grateful successors withal to +keep his memory green, his name and romantic adventures would in like +manner adorn Colonial annals. Persecuted for his honest opinions, he +went out into the wilderness with his family to found a home, and for +forty years thought, fought and wrought to make that home the centre of +a prosperous community. Loaded from his first step with discouragements, +that soon appalled every other of the original co-partners in the +purchase of Nashaway from Showanon, Prescott alone, _tenax propositi_, +held to his purpose, and death found him at his post. His grave is in +the old "burial field" at Lancaster, yet not ten citizens can point it +out. Over it stands a rude fragment from some ledge of slate rock, +faintly incised with characters which few eyes can trace: + +JOHN PRESCOTT DESASED + +No date! no comment! That is his only memorial stone; his only epitaph +in the town of which, for its first forty years, he was the very heart +and soul, and for which he furnished a large share of the brains. This +fair township--now divided among nine towns--and all it has been and is +and is to be may be justly called his monument. The house of Deputies in +1652 voted it to be rightly his, and marked it by incorporative +enactment with his honored and honorable name, _Prescott_. +Unfortunately, however, some years before he had said something that +seemed to favor Doctor Robert Child's criticisms of the Provincial +system of taxation without representation; criticisms that grew and bore +good fruitage when the times were riper for individual freedom; when +Samuel Adams and James Otis took up the peoples' cause where Sir Henry +Vane and Robert Child had left it. Therefore when, in 1652, what had +been known as the Nashaway Plantation was fairly named for its founder +in accordance with the petition of its inhabitants, some one of +influence, whether magistrate or higher official, perhaps bethought +himself that no Governor of the Colony even had been so honored, and +that it might be well, before dignifying this busy blacksmith so much as +to name a town for him, to see if he could pass examination in the +catechism deemed orthodox at that date in Massachusetts Bay. Alas! John +Prescott was not a freeman. Having a conscience of his own, he had never +given public adhesion to the established church covenant and was +therefore debarred from holding any civil office, and even from the +privilege of voting for the magistrates. There was a year's delay, and, +in 1653, "Prescott" was expunged and _Lancaster_ began its history. + +As in the broad area of the township various centres of population grew +into villages and were one by one excised and made towns, it would be +supposed that each of them would have been eager to honor itself by +adopting so euphonious and appropriate a name as _Prescott_. But no! The +first candidate for a new designation, in 1732, chose the name of the +generous Charlestown clergyman, _Harvard_, for no appropriate local +reason now discoverable. Six years later another body corporate imported +the name--_Bolton_. Two years passed and a third district sought across +the ocean for its title _Leominster_. Then Woonksechocksett forgetful of +its benefactors and of the grand Indian names of its hills and waters +borrowed the title of a putative Scotch lord, who bravely fought for our +Independence, and, in adopting, paid him the poor compliment of +misspelling it--_Sterling_. The next seceder ambitiously chose the name +of a Prussian city--_Berlin_. The sixth perpetuated its early admiration +of the great small-pox inoculator, _Boylston_; and the last was +named--for a hotel. None so poor as to do Prescott reverence. But +surely, it would be thought, banks and manufactories, halls or at least +a fire engine, might with tardy respect have paid cheap tribute to his +name by bearing it. Is there any example! Yes, at last a short street +having little connection sentimental or real with the pioneer, bears his +name--this only in the aspiring town, almost a city, of which John +Prescott's old millstone is the visible foundation! _Clinton_. + +I have stated that Prescott was an ideal pioneer. Not that there was in +him anything of kinship to that race of frontiersmen now deployed along +the outer verge of American civilization, like the thread of froth +stranded along a beach outlining the extreme advance made by the last +wave of the tide. The frontiersmen of to-day, bibulous gamblers, +reckless duelists, blasphemous savages of mixed blood, had no prototype +in Colonial days, for even the human harvest then gathered to the +stocks, the whipping-post and the gallows, was of a far less obtrusive +class of offenders against morals and social decency. Prescott was a +Puritan soldier, a seeker of liberty not license; fiercely rebellious +against tyranny, but no contemner of moral law. It was no accident that +put him in the advance guard of Anglo-Saxon civilization, then just +starting on its westward march from the shores of Massachusetts Bay. The +position had awaited the man. When he set up his anvil and with skilful +blows hammered out the first plough-shares to compel the virgin soil of +the Nashaway valley to its proper fruitfulness, he was all unwittingly +helping to forge the destinies of this great republic;--was in his +humble sphere a true builder of the nation. His neighbors and friends, +John Tinker, Ralph Houghton, and Major Simon Willard, doubtless excelled +him in culture, but no neighbor surpassed him in natural personal force, +whether physical, mental or moral. Not only was he of commanding +stature, stern of mien and strong of limb, but he had a heart devoid of +fear, great physical endurance and an unbending will. These qualities +his savage neighbors early recognized and bowed before in deep respect, +and because of these no Lancaster enterprise but claimed him as its +leader. His manual skill and dexterity must have been great, his mental +capacity and business energy remarkable, for we find him not only a +farmer, trader, blacksmith and hunter, but a surveyor and builder of +roads, bridges and mills. The records of the town show that he was +seldom free from the conduct of some public labor. The greatest of his +benefactions to his neighbors were: His corn-mill erected in 1654, and +his saw-mill in 1659. The arrival of the first millstone in Lancaster +must have been an event of matchless interest to every man, woman and +child in the plantation. Till that began its tireless turning, the grain +for every loaf of bread had to be carried to Watertown mill, or ground +laboriously in a hand quern, or parched and brayed in a mortar, Indian +fashion. Before the starting of his saw-mill, the rude houses must have +been of logs, stone, and clay, for it was an impossibility to bring from +the lower towns on the existing "Bay road" and with the primitive +tumbril any large amount of sawn lumber. + +Of Prescott's wife we know only her name: Mary Platts. But her daughters +were sought for in marriage by men of whom we learn nothing that is not +praiseworthy, and her sons all honored their mother's memory, by useful +and unblemished lives. John Prescott was the youngest son of Ralph and +Ellen of Shevington, Lancashire, England. He was baptized in the Parish +of Standish in 1604-5 and married Mary Platts at Wigan, Lancashire, +January 21, 1629. He was a land owner in Shevington, but sold his +possessions there and took up his residence in Halifax Parish, Sowerby, +in Yorkshire. Leaving England to avoid religions persecutions, his first +haven was Barbadoes, where he is found a land owner in 1638. In 1640 he +landed in Boston, and immediately selected his home in Watertown, where +he became the possessor of six lots of land, aggregating one hundred and +twenty-six acres. In 1643, his name is found in association with Thomas +King of Watertown, Henry Symonds of Boston, and others, the first +proprietors of the Nashaway purchase. His children were eight in number +and all were married in due season. They were as follows: + +1. Mary, baptized at Halifax Parish February 24, 1630, married Thomas +Sawyer in 1648. The young couple selected their home lot adjoining +Prescott's in Lancaster and there eleven sons and daughters were born to +them. + +2. Martha, baptized at Halifax Parish March 11, 1632, married John Rugg +in 1655; and these twain began life together in sight of her paternal +home in Lancaster. She died with her twin babes in January 1656. + +3. John, baptized at Halifax Parish April 1, 1635, married Sarah Hayward +at Lancaster, November 11, 1668, and had five children. He was a farmer +and blacksmith, lived with his father, and succeeded him at the mills. + +4. Sarah, baptized in 1637, at Halifax Parish, married Richard Wheeler +at Lancaster, August 2, 1658, and lived in the immediate vicinity of +those before named. Wheeler was killed in the massacre of February 10, +1676, and the widowed Sarah married Joseph Rice of Marlborough. By her +first husband she had five children. + +5. Hannah, was probably born at Barbadoes in 1639. She became the second +wife of John Rugg May 4, 1660, and had eight children. She became a +widow in 1696, and was slain by the Indians in the massacre of September +11, 1697. + +6. Lydia, born at Watertown August 15, 1641, married Jonas Fairbank at +Lancaster, May 28, 1658. He owned the lands next south of Prescott's +home. Fairbank had seven children. In the massacre of February 10, 1676, +he and his son Joshua were victims. The widowed Lydia married Elias +Barron. + +7. Jonathan--if twenty three years old in 1670, as an unknown authority +has noted, or "about 38," November 6, 1683, as stated in a deposition of +that date--was probably born in Lancaster between 1645 and 1647. He was +a blacksmith and farmer, and married first Dorothy, August 3, 1670, in +Lancaster. She died in 1674, leaving a son Samuel, noted in the town +history as the unfortunate sentinel who, on November 6, 1704, killed by +mistake his neighbor, the beloved minister of Lancaster, Reverend Andrew +Gardner. Jonathan Prescott married second, Elizabeth, daughter of John +Hoar of Concord, who died in 1687 leaving six children. Jonathan's third +wife was Rebecca Bulkeley and his fourth Ruth, widow of Thomas Brown. He +did not reside in Lancaster after the massacre of 1676, but became an +influential citizen of Concord, which he served as representative for +nine years. He died December 5, 1721. + +8. Jonas, born June, 1648, in Lancaster, married Mary Loker of Sudbury, +December 14, 1672. The marriage took place in Lancaster and here their +first child was born, (they had twelve children in all), but later they +removed to Groton, where Jonas became Captain, Selectman and Justice. He +died in Groton, December 31, 1723. Of his more illustrious descendants +were Colonel William, and the historian William H. Prescott. + +In May 1644, John Winthrop records that "Many of Watertown and other +towns joined in a plantation at Nashaway "--and Reverend Timothy +Harrington in his Century Sermon states that the organization of this +company of planters was due to Thomas King. The immediate and final +disappearance of this original proprietor has seemed to previous writers +good warrant for charging that King and his partner Henry Symonds were +but land speculators, who bought the Indian's inheritance to retail by +the acre to adventurers. I believe this an unjust assumption. At the +date when Winthrop noted down the inception of the Nashaway Company, +Henry Symonds had already been dead seven months. He was that energetic +contractor of Boston noted as the leader in the project for establishing +tide mills at the Cove, and was no doubt the capitalist of the trading +firm of Symonds & King, who set up their "trucking house" as early as +1643 on the sunny slope of George Hill. Symond's widow a few months +after his death married Isaac Walker, who in 1645 was prominent among +the Nashaway proprietors. If King really sold his share of the Indian +purchase, may it not have been therefore because, his senior partner +being dead, he had no means to continue the enterprise? He too died +before the end of the year 1644, not yet thirty years of age. The +inventory of his estate sums but one hundred and fifty-eight pounds, +including his house and land in Watertown, his stock in trade, and +seventy-three pounds of debts due him from the Indians, John Prescott, +and sundry others. King's widow made haste to be consoled, and her +second husband, James Cutler, soon appears in the role of a Nashaway +proprietor. + +The direction of the company was at the outset in the hands of men whose +names were, or soon became, of some note throughout the Colony. Doctor +Robert Child, a scholar who had won the degrees of A.M. and M.D. at +Cambridge and Padua, a man of scientific acquirements, but inclined to +somewhat sanguine expectations of mineral treasure to be discovered in +the New England hills, seems to have been a leading spirit in the +adventure; and unfortunately so, since his political views about certain +inalienable rights of man, which now live, and are honored in the +Constitution of the Commonwealth, seemed vicious republicanism to the +ecclesiastical aristocracy then governing the Colony of the +Massachusetts Bay; and the odium that drove Child across the ocean, +attached also to his companion planters, and perhaps through the +prejudice of those in authority unfavorably affected for several years +the progress of the settlement on the Nashaway. Certainly such +prejudices found expression in all action or record of the government +respecting the proprietors and their petitions. The ecclesiastical +figure head--without which no body corporate could have grace within the +colony--was Nathaniel Norcross. Of him, if we can surmise aught from his +early return to England, it may be said, he was not imbued with the +martyr's spirit, and his defection was, some time later, more than made +good by the accession of the beloved Rowlandson. But far more important +to the enterprise than these two graduates from the English +University--Child the radical, and Norcross the preacher,--were two +mechanics, the restless planners and busy promoters of the company, both +workers in iron--Steven Day the locksmith and John Prescott the +blacksmith. Steven Day was the first in America, north of Mexico, to set +up a printing-press. The Colony had wisely recognized in him a public +benefactor, and sealed this recognition by substantial grant of lands. +He entered upon the Nashaway scheme with characteristic zeal and energy, +if we may believe his own manuscript testimony: but Day's zeal outran +his discretion, and his energy devoured his limited means, for in 1644 +we find him in jail for debt remonstrating piteously against the +injustice of a hard hearted creditor. He parted with all rights at +Nashaway before many years and finally delved as a journey man at the +press he had founded. + +John Prescott deserted of all his original co-partners was sufficient +for the emergency, a host in himself. He sells his one hundred and +twenty six acres and house at Watertown, puts his all into the venture, +prepares a rude dwelling in the wilderness, moves thither his cattle, +and chattels, and finally, mounting wife and children and his few +remaining goods upon horses' backs, bids his old neighbors good bye, and +threads the narrow Indian trail through the forest westward. The scorn +of men high in authority is to follow him, but now the most formidable +enemy in his path is the swollen Sudbury River and its bordering marsh. +We find the aristocratic scorn mingling with the story of Prescott's +dearly bought victory over this natural obstacle, told in Winthrop's +History of New England among what the author classes as remarkable +"special providences." + +"Prescot another favorer of the Petitioners lost a horse and his loading +in Sudbury river, and a week after his wife and children being upon +another horse were hardly saved from drowning." That the kindly hearted +Winthrop could coolly attribute the pitiable disaster of the brave +pioneer to the wrath of God towards the political philosophy of Robert +Child, pictures vividly the bigotry natural to the age and race, a +bigotry which culminated in the horrors of the persecution for +witchcraft. This Sudbury swamp was the lion in the path from the bay +westward during many a decade. In 1645, an earnest petition went up to +the council from Prescott and his associates, complaining that much time +and means had been spent in discovering Nashaway and preparing for the +settlement there, and that on account of the lack of bridge and causeway +at the Sudbury River, the proprietors could not pass to and from the +bay towns--"without exposing our persons to perill and our cattell and +goods to losse and spoyle; as yo'r petitioners are able to make prooffe +of by sad experience of what wee suffered there within these few dayes." +The General Court ordered the bridge and way to be made, "passable for +loaden horse," and allowed twenty pounds to Sudbury, "so it be donne +w'thin a twelve monthe." The twelve month passed and no bridge spanned +the stream. That the dangers and difficulties of the crossing were not +over-stated by the petitioners is proven by the fact that more than one +hundred years afterwards, the bridge and causeway at this place "half a +mile long"--were represented to the General Court as dangerous and in +time of floods impassable. Between 1759 and 1761, the proceeds of +special lotteries amounting to twelve hundred and twenty seven pounds +were expended in the improvement of the crossing. + +John Winthrop, writing of the Nashaway planters, tells us that "he whom +they had called to be their minister, [Norcross] left them for their +delays," but omits mention of the fact recorded by the planters +themselves in their petition, that the chief and sufficient cause of +their slow progress was in the inability or unwillingness of the +Governor and magistrates to afford effective aid in providing a passable +crossing over a small river. + +Prescott, at least, was chargeable with no delay. By June 1645, he and +his family had become permanent residents on the Nashaway. Richard +Linton, Lawrence Waters the carpenter, and John Ball the tailor, were +his only neighbors; these three men having been sent up to build, plant, +and prepare for the coming of other proprietors. But two houses had been +built. Linton probably lived with his son-in-law Waters, in his home +near the fording place in the North Branch of the Nashaway, contiguous +to the lot of intervale land which Harmon Garrett and others of the +first proprietors had fenced in to serve as a "night pasture" for their +cattle. Ball had left his children and their mother in Watertown; she +being at times insane. Prescott's first lot embraced part of the grounds +upon which the public buildings in Lancaster now stand, but this he soon +parted with, and took up his abode a mile to the south west, on the +sunny slope of George Hill, where, beside a little brooklet of pure cool +water, which then doubtless came rollicking down over its gravelly bed +with twice the flow it has to-day, there had been built, two years at +least before, the trucking house of Symonds & King. This trading post +was the extreme outpost of civilization; beyond was interminable forest, +traversed only by the Indian trails, which were but narrow paths, hard +to find and easy to lose, unless the traveller had been bred to the arts +of wood-craft. Here passed the united trails from Washacum, Wachusett, +Quaboag, and other Indian villages of the west, leading to the wading +place of the Nashaway River near the present Atherton Bridge, and so +down the "Bay Path" over Wataquadock to Concord. The little plateau half +way down the sheltering hill, with fertile fields sloping to the +southeast and its never failing springs, was and is an attractive spot; +but its material advantages to the pioneer of 1645 were far greater than +those apparent to the Lancastrian of this nineteenth century in the +changed conditions of life. With the privilege of first choice +therefore, it is not strange that Prescott and his sturdy sons-in-law +grasped the rich intervales, and warm easily tilled slopes, stretching +along the Nashaway south branch from the "meeting of the waters" to +"John's jump" on the east, and extending west to the crown of George +Hill; lands now covered by the village of South Lancaster. + +In 1650 John Prescott found himself the only member of the company +resident at Nashaway. Of the co-partners Symonds, King, and John Hill +were dead; Norcross and Child had gone to England; Cowdall had sold his +rights to Prescott; Chandler, Davis, Walker, and others had formally +abandoned their claims; Garrett, Shawe, Day, Adams, and perhaps two or +three others, retained their claims to allotments, making no +improvements, and contributing nothing by their presence or tithes to +the growth of the settlement, thus becoming effectual stumbling blocks +in the way of progress. Prescott, very reasonably, held this a +grievance, and having no other means of redress asked equitable judgment +in the matter from the magistrates, in a petition which cannot be found. +His answer was the following official snub: + +"Whereas John Prescot & others, the inhabitants of Nashaway p'ferd a +petition to this Courte desiringe power to recover all common charges of +all such as had land there, not residinge w'th them, for answer +whereunto this Court, understandinge that the place before mentioned is +not fit to make a plantation, (so a ministry to be erected and +mayntayned there,) which if the petitioners, before the end of the next +session of this Courte, shall not sufficiently make the sey'd place +appeare to be capable to answer the ends above mentioned doth order that +the p'ties inhabitinge there shalbe called there hence, & suffered to +live without the meanes, as they have done no longer." This dire threat +of the closing sentence may have been simply "sound and fury, signifying +nothing," or Prescott may have been able to prove to the authorities +that Nashaway was fit and waiting for its St. John, but found none +willing for the service. In fact, its St. John was then a junior at +Harvard College, writing a pasquinade to post upon the Ipswich +meeting-house, and Nashaway was "suffered to live without the meanes," +waiting for him until 1654. + +John Prescott retained possession of his early home,--the site of the +"trucking house," which he had purchased of John Cowdall,--as long as he +lived, but did not reside there many years. No sooner had the plantation +attained the dignity of a township under the classic name of Lancaster, +than its founder bent all his energies towards those enterprises best +calculated to promote the comfort and prosperity of its then +inhabitants, and to attract by material advantages, a desirable and +permanent immigration. His practical eye had doubtless long before +marked the best site for a mill in all the region round about, and on +the slope, scarce a gun shot away, he set up a new home, afterwards well +known to friend and savage foe as Prescott's Garrison. Those who remain +of the generation familiar with this region before the invention of the +power loom made such towns as Clinton possible, remember the depression +that told where Prescott dug his cellar. The oldest water mill in New +England was scarce twenty years old when Prescott contracted to grind +the com of the Nashaway planters. His "Covenant to build a Corne mill" +has been preserved through a copy made by Ralph Houghton, Lancaster's +first Clerk of the Writs, and is as follows: + + "Know all men by these presents that I John Prescott blackssmith, + hath Covenanted and bargained with Jno. ffounell of Charlestowne + for the building of a Corne mill, within the said Towne of + Lanchaster. This witnesseth that wee the Inhabitants of Lanchaster + for his encouragement in so good a worke for the behoofe of our + Towne, vpon condition that the said intended worke by him or his + assignes be finished, do freely and fully giue, grant, enfeoffe, & + confirme vnto the said John Prescott, thirty acres of intervale + Land lying on the north riuer, lying north west of Henry Kerly, and + ten acres of Land adjoyneing to the mill; and forty acres of Land + on the south east of the mill brooke, lying between the mill brooke + and Nashaway Riuer in such place as the said John Prescott shall + choose with all the priuiledges and appurtenances thereto + apperteyneing. To haue and to hold the said land and eurie parcell + thereof to the said John Prescott his heyeres & assignes for euer, + to his and their only propper vse and behoofe. Also wee do covenant + & promise to lend the said John Prescott fiue pounds in current + money one yeare for the buying of Irons for the mill. And also wee + do covenant and grant to and with the said John Prescott his heyres + and assignes that the said mill, with all the aboue named Land + thereto apperteyneing shall be freed from all com'on charges for + seauen yeares next ensueing, after the first finishing and setting + the said mill to worke. + + In witnes whereof wee haue herevnto put our hands this 20th day of + the 9mo. In the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred + fifty and three. + + THOMAS JAMES + WILL'M KERLY SEN'R LAWRENCE WATERS + JNO PRESCOTT EDMUND PARKER + JNO WHITE RICHARD LINTON + RALPH HOUGHTON RICHARD SMITH + JNO LEWIS JAMES ATHERTON + JACOB FARRER WILL'M KERLY JUN'R + + In six months from that date the mill was done, and Prescott "began + to grind corne the 23d day of the 3 mo, 1654." + +The commissioners, appointed by the General Court to oversee the +prudential management of the town, met at John Prescott's in 1657 and +confirmed "the imunityes provided for" in the above covenant specifying +that they "should continue and remayne to him the said Jno. Prescott his +heyres and assignes vntil the 23d of May, in the yeare of our Lord +sixteen hundred sixty and two." + +The corn mill was located a little lower upon the brook than the +extensive factory buildings now utilizing its water power. The half used +force of the rapid stream, and the giant pines of the virgin forest then +shadowed all the region about, were full of reproach to the restless +miller. His busy brain was soon planning a new benefaction to his fellow +citizens, and when his means grew sufficiently to warrant the +enterprise, his busy hands wrought its consummation. As before, a formal +agreement preceded the work: + + "Know all men by these presents that for as much as the Inhabitants + of Lanchaster, or the most part of them being gathered together on + a trayneing day, the 15th of the 9th mo, 1658, a motion was made by + Jno. Prescott blackesmith of the same towne, about the setting vp + of a saw mill for the good of the Towne, and y't he the said Jno + Prescott, would by the help of God set vp the saw mill, and to + supply the said Inhabitants with boords and other sawne worke, as + is afforded at other saw mills in the countrey. In case the Towne + would giue, grant, and confirms vnto the said John Prescott, a + certeine tract of Land, lying Eastward of his water mill, be it + more or less, bounded by the riuer east, the mill west the stake of + the mill land and the east end of a ledge of Iron Stone Rocks + southards, and forty acres of his owne land north, the said land to + be to him his heyres and assignes for euer, and all the said land + and eurie part thereof to be rate free vntill it be improued, or + any p't of it, and that his saws, & saw mill should be free from + any rates by the Towne, therefore know ye that the ptyes abouesaid + did mutually agree and consent each with other concerning the + aforementioned propositions as followeth: + + The towne on their part did giue, grant & confirme, vnto the said + John Prescott his heyres and assignes for euer, all the + aforementioned tract of land butted & bounded as aforesaid, to be + to him his heyres and asssignes for euer with all the priuiledges + and appurtenances thereon, and therevnto belonging to be to his and + their owne propper vse and behoofe as aforesaid, and the land and + eurie part of it to be free from all rates vntil it or any pt of it + be improued, and also his saw, sawes, and saw-mill to be free from + all town rates, or ministers rates, prouided the aforementioned + worke be finished & compleated as abouesaid for the good of the + towne, in some convenient time after this present contract covenant + and agrem't. + + And the said John Prescott did and doth by these prsents bynd + himself, his heyres and assignes to set vp a saw-mill as aforesaid + within the bounds of the aforesaid Towne, and to supply the Towne + with boords and other sawne worke as aforesaid and truly and + faithfully to performe, fullfill, & accomplish, all the + aforementioned p'misses for the good of the Towne as aforesaid. + + Therefore the Selectmen conceiving this saw-mill to be of great vse + to the Towne, and the after good of the place, Haue and do hereby + act to rattifie and confirme all the aforemencconed acts, + covenants, gifts, grants, & im'unityes, in respect of rates, and + what euer is aforementioned, on their owne pt, and in behalfe of + the Towne, and to the true performance hereof, both partyes haue + and do bynd themselves by subscribing their hands, this + twenty-fifth day of February, one thousand six hundred and fifty + nine. + + JOHN PRESCOTT. + + The worke above mencconed was finished according to this covenant + as witnesseth. + + RALPH HOUGHTON. + + Signed & Delivr'd In presence of, + + THOMAS WILDER + THOMAS SAWYER + RALPH HOUGHTON + +Monday, the seventeenth of February, 1659, "the Company granted him to +fall pines on the Com'ons to supply his saw-mill." + +In April 1659, Ensign Noyes came to make accurate survey of the eighty +square miles granted to the town, and John Prescott was deputed by the +townsmen at their March meeting to aid in the survey and "mark the +bounds." Among his varied accomplishments, natural and acquired, +Prescott seems to have had some practical skill in surveying, the laying +out of highways and the construction of bridges. In 1648 John Winthrop +records: "This year a new way was found out to Connecticut by Nashua +which avoided much of the hilly way." As appears by a later petition +Prescott was the pioneer of this new path. In 1657 he was appointed by +the government a member of a committee upon the building of bridges "at +Billirriky and Misticke." In 1658 he with his son-in-law Jonas Fairbank +was appointed to survey a farm of six hundred and fifty acres for +Captain Richard Davenport, upon which farm the chief part of West +Boylston now stands. + +To the General Court which met October 18, 1659, the following petition +was presented: + + "The humble petition of John Prescot of Lancaster humblye Sheweth, + That whereas yr petitioner about nine or ten yeares since, was + desired by the late hon'red Governour Mr. Winthrop, w'th other + Magistrates, as also by Mr. Wilson of Boston, Mr. Shephard of + Cambridge with many others, did lay & marke out a way at ye north + side of the great pond & soe by Lancaster, which then was taken by + Mr. Hopkins & many others to bee of great vse; This I did meerly + vpon the request of these honored gentlemen, to my great detrimt, + by being vpon it part of two summers not only myselfe but hiring + others alsoe to helpe mee, whereby my family suffered much: I doe + not question but many of ye Court remember the same, as alsoe that + this hath not laine dead all this while, but I haue formerly + mentioned it, but yet haue noe recompence for the same; the charge + whereof came at 2's p day to about 10'l; it is therefore the desire + of y'r petitioner yt you would bee pleased to grant him a farme in + some place vndisposed of which will engage him to you and encourage + him and others in publique occasions & y'r petitioner shall pray + etc." + +One hundred acres of land were granted him, and speedily laid out near +the Washacum ponds, where now stand the railroad buildings at Sterling +Junction. + +We get very few glimpses of Prescott from the meagre records of +succeeding years, but those serve to indicate that he was busy, +prosperous and annually honored by his neighbors with the public duties +for which his sturdy integrity, shrewd business tact, and wisely +directed energy peculiarly fitted him. He had taken the oath of fidelity +in 1652. Such owning of allegiance was by law prerequisite to the +holding of real estate. Refusing such oath he might better have been a +Nipmuck so far as civil rights or privileges were concerned. He was not +yet a member of the recognized church however, and therefore lacked the +political dignities of a freeman; although his intimate relations with +Master Joseph Rowlandson, and his personal connection with the earlier +cases of church discipline in Lancaster, sufficiently attest the +austerity of his puritanism. Doubtless Governor John Winthrop in his +hasty and harsh dictum respecting the Nashaway planters, classed John +Prescott among those "corrupt in judgment." But it must be remembered +that in Winthrop's visionary commonwealth there was no room for liberty +of conscience. All were esteemed corrupt in judgment or even profane +whose religious beliefs, when tested all about by the ecclesiastic +callipers, proved not to have been cast in the doctrinal mould +prescribed by the self-sanctified founders of the Massachusetts Bay +Colony. No known fact in any way warrants even the conjecture that +Prescott was not a sincere Christian earnestly pursuing his own +convictions of duty, without fear and without reproach. + +Prescott's mechanical skill and business ability had more than a local +reputation. In 1667, we find him contracting with the authorities of +Groton, to erect "a good and sufficient corne mill or mills, and the +same to finish so as may be fitting to grind the corne of the said +Towne." ... For the fulfillment of this agreement he received five +hundred and twenty acres of land, and mill and lands were exempted from +taxation for twenty years. Assistance towards the building of the mill +were also promised to the amount of "two days worke of a man for every +house lott or family within the limitts of the said Towne, and at such +time or times to be done or performed, as the said John Prescott shall +see meete to call for the same, vpon reasonable notice given." The +covenant was fulfilled by the completion of a mill at Nonacoiacus, then +in the southern part of Groton. The mill site is now in Harvard. +Prescott's youngest son, Jonas, was the first miller. The history of the +old mill is obscured by the shadows of two hundred years, but a bright +gleam of romantic tradition concerning the first miller is warm with +human interest now. Perhaps at points the romantic may infringe upon the +historic, but: + + _Se non e vero, + E ben trovato._ + +Down by the green meadows of Sudbury there dwelt a bewitchingly fair +maiden, the musical dissyllables of whose name were often upon the lips +of the young men in all the country round about, and whose smile could +awaken voiceless poetry in the heart of the most prosaic Puritan swain. +There is little of aristocratic sound in Mary Loker's name, but her +parents sat on Sunday at the meeting house in a "dignified" pew, and +were rich in fields and cattle. Whether pushed by pride of land or pride +of birth, in their plans and aspirations, this daughter was +predestinated to enhance the family dignity by an aristocratic alliance. +In Colonial days a maiden who added a handsome prospective dowry to her +personal witchery was rare indeed, and Mary Loker had, coming from far +and near, inflammable suitors perpetually burning at her shrine. From +among these the father and mother soon made their choice upon strictly +business principles, and shortly announced to Mary that a certain +ambitious gentleman of the legal profession had furnished the most +satisfactory credentials, and that nothing remained but for her to name +the day. Now the fourth commandment was very far from being the dead +letter in 1670 that it is in 1885, and it was matter for grave surprise +to the elders that their usually obedient daughter, when the lawyer +proceeded to plead, refused to hear, and peremptorily adjourned his +cause without day. Maternal expostulation and paternal threats availed +nothing. The because of Mary's contumacy was not far to seek. A stalwart +Vulcan in the guise of an Antinous, known as Jonas Prescott, had +wandered from his father's forge in Lancaster down the Bay Path to +Sudbury. Mary and he had met, and the lingering of their parting boded +ill for any predestination not stamped with their joint seal of consent. +With that lack of astuteness proverbially exhibited by parents +disappointed in match-making designs upon their children, the vexed +father and mother began a course of vigorous repression, and thereby +riveted more firmly than ever the chains which the errant young +blacksmith and his apprentice Cupid had forged. In due time, they +perforce learned that love's flame burns the brighter fed upon a bread +and water diet; and that confinement to an attic may be quite endurable +when Cupid's messages fly in and out of its lattice at pleasure. + +Finally Mary was secretly sent to an out-of-the-way neighborhood in the +vain hope that the chill of absence might hinder what home rule had only +served to help. But one day Jonas on a hunting excursion made the +acquaintance of some youth, who, among other chitchat, happened to break +into ecstatic praise of the graces of a certain fair damsel who had +recently come to live in a farm-house near their home. Of course the +anvil missed Jonas for the next day, and the next, and the next, while +he experienced the hospitalities of his new-found friends--and their +neighbors. It was time for a recognition of the inevitable by all +concerned, but when, and with what grace Mary's stubborn parents +yielded, if at all, is not recorded. But what mattered that? Old John +Prescott installed Jonas at the Nonacoicus Mill, and endowed him with +all his Groton lands, and in Lancaster, December 14, 1672, Jonas and +Mary were married. For over fifty years fortunes railed upon their +union. Four sons and eight daughters graced their fireside, and the +father was trusted and clothed with local dignities. In after time the +memory of Jonas and Mary has been honored by many worthy descendants, +and especially by the gallant services of Colonel William Prescott at +Bunker Hill, and the literary renown of William Hickling Prescott, the +historian. + +In 1669, John Prescott was proclaimed a Freeman. He may have been long a +Church member, or may not even at this date have yielded the +conscientious scruples that had a quarter of a century earlier subjected +him to the reproach of an ecclesiastical oligarchy. The laws concerning +Freemen, in reluctant obedience to the letter of Charles II., were so +changed in 1665 that those not Church members could become Freemen, if +freeholders of a sufficient estate, and guaranteed by the local minister +"to be Orthodox and not vicious in their lives." Prescott had the true +Englishman's love of landed possessions, and about this time added a +large tract to his acreage by purchase from his Indian neighbors. This +transaction gave cause for the following petition: + + _To the honorable the Gov'r the Deputy Gov'r mag'tr & Deputy es + assembled in the gen'rall Court_: + + The Petition of Jno Prescott of Lanchaster, In most humble wise + sheweth. Whereas ye Petition'r hath purchased an Indian right to a + small parcell of Land, occasioned and circumstanced for quantity & + quality according to the deed of sale herevnto annexed and a pt. + thereof not being legally setled vpon piee vnlesse I may obteyne + the favor of this Court for the Confirmation thereof, These are + humbly to request the Court's favor for that end, the Lord hauing + dealt graciously with mee in giueing mee many children I account it + my duty to endeauor their provission & setling and do hope that + this may be of some vse in yt kind. I know not any claime made to + the said land by any towne, or any legall right y't any other + persons haue therein, and therefore are free for mee to occupy & + subdue as any other, may I obteyne the Court's approbation. I shall + not vse further motiues, my condition in other respecks & w't my + trouble & expenses haue been according to my poor ability in my + place being not altogether vnknowne to some of ye Court. That ye + Lord's prsence may be with & his blessing accompany all yo'r psons, + Counsells, & endeauors for his honor & ye weale of his poor people + is ye pray'r of + + Yo'r supplliant + + JOHN PRESCOTT SEN'R. + +This request was referred to a special committee, composed of Edward +Tyng, George Corwin and Humphrey Davie, who reported as follows: + + "In Reference to this Petition the Comittee being well informed + that the Pet'r is an ancient Planter and hath bin a vseful helpfull + and publique spirited man doinge many good offices ffor the + Country, Relatinge to the Road to Conecticott, marking trees, + directinge of Passengers &c, and that the Land Petitioned for + beinge but about 107 Acres & Lyinge not very Convenient for any + other Plantation, and only accomoclable for the Pet'r, we judge it + reasonable to Confirme the Indian Grant to him & his heyers if ye + honored Court see meete." + +This report was approved. James Wiser _alias_ Quanapaug, the Christian +Nashaway Chief, who appears as grantor of the land, was a warrior whose +bravery had been tested in the contest between the Nipmucks and the +Mohawks; and was so firm a friend of his white neighbors at Lancaster, +that when Philip persuaded the tribe with its Sagamore Sam, to go upon +the war path, James refused to join them. He even served as a spy and +betrayed Philip's plans to the English at imminent risk of his life, +doing his utmost to save Lancaster from destruction. General Daniel +Gookin acknowledged that Quanapaug's information would have averted the +horrible massacre of February 10, 1676, had it been duly heeded. The +fact of the friendly relations existing between Prescott and the tribe +whose fortified residence stood between the two Washacum ponds is +interesting and confirms tradition. It is related that at his first +coming he speedily won the respect of the savages, not only by his +fearlessness and great physical strength, but by the power of his eye +and his dignity of mien. They soon learned to stand in awe of his long +musket and unerring skill as a marksman. He had brought with him from +England a suit of mail, helmet and cuirass such as were worn by the +soldiers of Cromwell. Clothed with these, his stately figure seemed to +the sons of the forest something almost supernatural. One day some +Indians, having taken away a horse of his, he put on his armor, pursued +them alone, and soon overtook them. The chief of the party seeing him +approach unsupported, advanced menacingly with uplifted tomahawk. +Prescott dared him to strike, and was immediately taken at his word, but +the rude weapon glanced harmless from the helmet, to the amazement of +the red men. Naturally the Indian desired to try upon his own head so +wonderful a hat, and the owner obligingly gratified him claiming the +privilege, however, of using the tomahawk in return. The helmet proving +a scant fit, or its wearer neglecting to bring it down to its proper +bearings, Prescott's vengeful blow not only astounded him but left very +little cuticle on either side of his head, and nearly deprived him of +ears. Prescott was permitted to jog home in peace upon his horse. + +After hostilities began, it is said that at one time the savages set +fire to his barn, but fled when he sallied out clad in armor with his +dreaded gun; and thus he was enabled to save his stock, though the +building was consumed. More than once attempts were made to destroy the +mill, but a sight of the man in mail with the far reaching gun was +enough to send them to a safe distance and rescue the property. Many +stories have been told of Prescott's prowess, but some bear so close a +resemblance to those credibly historic in other localities and of other +heroes, that there attaches to them some suspicions of adaptation at +least. Such perhaps is the story that in an assault upon the town "he +had several muskets but no one in the house save his wife to assist him. +She loaded the guns and he discharged them with fatal effect. The +contest continued for nearly half an hour, Mr. Prescott all the while +giving orders as if to soldiers, so loud that the Indians could hear +him, to load their muskets though he had no soldiers but his wife. At +length they withdrew carrying off several of their dead and wounded." + +In 1673 Prescott had nearly attained the age of three score and ten. The +weight of years that had been full of exposure, anxiety and toil rested +heavily upon even his rugged frame, and some sharp touch of bodily +ailment warning him of his mortality, he made his will. It is signed +with "his mark," although he evidently tried to force his unwilling hand +to its accustomed work, his peculiar J being plainly written and +followed by characters meant for the remaining letters of his first +name. To earlier documents he was wont to affix a simple neat signature, +and although not a clerkly penman like his friends John Tinker, Master +Joseph Rowlandson and Ralph Houghton, his writing is superior to that of +Major Simon Willard. + + JOHN PRESCOTT'S WILL. + + Theis presents witneseth that John Prescott of Lancaster in the + Countie of Midlesex in New England Blaksmith being vnder the + sencible decayes of nature and infirmities of old age and at + present vnder a great deale of anguish and paine but of a good and + sound memorie at the writing hereof being moved vpon considerations + aforesaid togather with advis of Christian friends to set his house + in order in Reference to the dispose of those outward good things + the lord in mercie hath betrusted him with, theirfore the said John + Prescott doth hereby declare his last will and testament to be as + followeth, first and cheifly Comiting and Contending his soule to + almightie god that gaue it him and his bodie to the comon burying + place here in Lancaster, and after his bodie being orderly and + decently buryed and the Charge theirof defrayed togather with all + due debts discharged, the Rest of his Lands and estate to be + disposed of as followeth: first in Reference to the Comfortable + being of his louing wife during the time of her naturall Life, it + is his will that his said wife haue that end of the house where he + and shee now dwelleth togather with halfe the pasture and halfe the + fruit of the aple trees and all the goods in the house, togather + with two cowes which shee shall Chuse and medow sufisiant for + wintering of them, out of the medowes where she shall Chuse, the + said winter pvision for the two cowes to be equaly and seasonably + pvided by his two sons John and Jonathan. And what this may fall + short in Reference to convenient food and cloathing and other + nesesaries for her comfort in sicknes and in health, to be equaly + pvided by the aforesaid John and Jonathan out of the estate. And at + the death of his aforesaid louing wife it is his will that the said + cowes and household goods be equally deuided betwene his two sons + aforesaid, and the other part of the dwelling house, out housing, + pasture and orchard togather with the term acres of house lott + lying on Georges hill which was purchased of daniell gains to be + equaly deuided betwene the said John and Jonathan and alsoe that + part of the house and outhousing what is Convenient for the two + Cowes and their winter pvision pasture and orchard willed to his + louing wife during her life, at her death to be equaly deuided + alsoe betwene the said John and Jonathan. And furthermore it is his + will that John Prescott his eldest son haue the Intervaile land at + John's Jumpe, the lower Mille and the land belonging to it and + halfe the saw mille and halfe the land belonging to it and all the + house and barne theire erected, and alsoe the house and farme at + Washacomb pond, and all the land their purchased from the indians + and halfe the medowes in all deuisions in the towne acept sum litle + part at bar hill wh. is after willed to James Sawyer and one halfe + of the Comon Right in the towne, and in Reference to second + deuision land, that part of it which lyeth at danforths farme both + vpland and interuaile is willed to Jonathan and sixtie acres of + that part at Washacom litle pond to James Sawyer and halfe of sum + brushie land Capable of being made medow at the side of the great + pine plain to be within the said James Sawyers sixtie acres and all + the Rest of the second deuision land both vpland and Interuaile to + be equaly deuided betwene John Prescott and Jonathan aformentioned. + And Jonathan Prescott his second son to haue the Ryefeild and all + the interuaile lott at Nashaway Riuer that part which he hath in + posesion and the other part joyneing to the highway and alsoe his + part of second deuision land aforementioned and alsoe one halfe of + all the medowes in all deuisions in the towne not willed to John + Prescott and James Sawyer aformentioned, and alsoe the other halfe + of the saw mille and land belonging to it, and it is to be + vnderstood that all timber on the land belonging to both Corne + Mille and Saw Mille be Comon to the vse of the Saw Mille. And in + Reference to his third son Jonas Prescott it is herby declared that + he hath Received a full childs portion at nonecoicus in a Corne + mille and Lands and other goods. And James Sawyer his granchild and + Servant it is his will that he haue the sixtie acres of vpland + aformentioned and the two peices of medow at bare hill one being + part of his second deuision the upermost peic on the brook and the + other being part of his third deuision lying vpon Nashaway River + purchased of goodman Allin. Prouided the Said James Sawyer carie it + beter then he did to his said granfather in his time and carie so + as becoms an aprentic & vntil he be one and twentie years of age + vnto the executors of this will namly John Prescott and Jonathan + Prescott who are alsoe herby engaged to pforme vnto the said James + what was pmised by his said granfather, which was to endeuor to + learne him the art and trade of a blaksmith. And in Case the said + James doe not pforme on his part as is afor expresed to the + satisfaction of the overseers of this will, or otherwise, If he doe + not acept of the land aformentioned, then the said land and medow + to be equaly deuided betwene the aforsaid John and Jonathan. And in + Reference to his three daughters, namly Marie, Sara and Lydia they + to haue and Receive eurie of them fiue pounds to be paid to them by + the executors to eurie of them fiftie shillings by the yeare two + years after the death of theire father to be paid out of the + mouables and Martha Ruge his granchild to haue a cow at the choic + of her granmother. And it is the express will and charge of the + testator to his wife and all his Children that they labor and + endeuor to prescrue loue and unitie among themselves and the + vpholding of Church and Comonwealth. And to the end that this his + last will and testament may be truly pformed in all the parts of + it, the said testator hath and herby doth constitut and apoynt his + two sons namly John Prescott and Jonathan Prescott Joynt executors + of this his last will. And for the preuention of after trouble + among those that suruiue about the dispose of the estate acording + to this his will he hath hereby Chosen desired and apoynted the + Reuerend Mr. Joseph Rowlandson, deacon Sumner and Ralph Houghton + overseers of this his will; vnto whom all the parties concerned in + this his will in all dificult Cases are to Repaire, and that + nothing be done without their Consent and aprobation. And + furthermore in Reference to the mouables it is his will that his + son John have his anvill and after the debts and legacies + aformentioned be truly paid and fully discharged by the executors + and the speciall trust pformed vnto my wife during her life and at + her death, in Respect of, sicknes funerall expences, the Remainder + of the movables to be equaly deuided betwene my two sons John and + Jonathan aforementioned. And for a further and fuller declaration + and confirmation of this will to be the last will and testament of + the afornamed John Prescott he hath herevnto put his hand and + seale this 8 of 2 month one thousand six hundred seaventie three. + + JOHN PRESCOTT, + + his _John_ mark. + + Sealed signed owned to be the Last will and testament of the + testator afornamed In the presence of + + JOSEPH ROWLANDSON, + ROGER SUMNER, + RALPH HOUGHTON. + + April 4: 82. + + ROGER SUMNER, } + RALPH HOUGHTON, } Appearing in Court + made oath to the above s'd will, + + JONATHAN REMINGTON, _Cleric_." + +But John Prescott's pilgrimage was far from ended, and severer +chastenings than any yet experienced awaited him. He had survived to see +the settlement that called him father, struggle upward from discouraging +beginnings, to become a thriving and happy community of over fifty +families. Where at his coming all had been pathless woods, now fenced +fields and orchards yielded annually their golden and ruddy harvests; +gardens bloomed; mechanic's plied their various crafts; herds wandered +in lush meadows; bridges spanned the rivers, and roads wound through the +landscape from cottage to cottage and away to neighboring towns. All +this fair scene of industry and rural content, of which he might in +modest truth say "_Magna pars fui_," he lived to see in a single day +made more desolate than the howling wilderness from which it had been +laboriously conquered. He was spared to see dear neighbors and kindred +massacred in every method of revolting atrocity, and their wives and +children carried into loathsome captivity by foes more relentlessly +cruel than wolves. When now weighed down with age and bodily +infirmities, the rest he had thought won was to be denied him, and he +and his were driven from the ashes of pleasant homes--about which +clustered the memories of thirty years' joys and sorrows--to beg shelter +from the charity of strangers. For more than three years his enforced +banishment endured. In October 1679, John Prescott with his sons John +and Jonathan, his sons-in-law Thomas Sawyer and John Rugg, his grand-son +Thomas Sawyer, Jr. and his neighbor's John Moore, Thomas Wilder, and +Josiah White, petitioned the Middlesex Court for permission to resettle +the town, and their prayer was granted. Soon most of the inhabitants who +had survived the massacre and exile, were busily building new homes, +some upon the cinders of the old, others upon their second division +lands east of the rivers where they were less exposed to the stealthy +incursions of their savage enemies. The two John Prescotts rebuilt the +mills and dwelt there. Whether the pioneer's life long helpmate died +before their settlement, in exile, or shortly after the return, has not +been ascertained, but it would seem that he survived her. Jonathan +having married a second wife remained in Concord. For two years the old +man lived with his eldest son, seeing the Nashaway Valley blooming with +the fruits of civilized labor; seeing new families filling the woeful +gaps made in the old by Philip's warriors; seeing children and +grandchildren grasping the implements that had fallen from the nerveless +hold of the earliest bread-winners, with hopeful and pertinacious +purpose to extend the paternal domain; seeing too, may we not trust, +from the Pisgah height of prophetic vision the glorious promise awaiting +this his Canaan; these softly rounded hills and broad valleys dotted +with the winsome homes of thousands of freemen; churches and schools, +shops of artisans, and busy marts of trade clustered about his mill +site; and, above all, seeing the assertion of political freedom and +liberty of conscience which Governor John Winthrop had reproached him +for favoring in the petition of Robert Child, become the corner stone of +a giant republic. + +No record of John Prescott's death is found; but when upon his death +bed, feeling that the changed condition of his own and his son +Jonathan's affairs required some modification of the will made in 1673, +he summoned two of his townsmen to hear his nuncupative codicil to that +document. From the affidavit, here appended, it is certain that his +death occurred about the middle of December, 1681. + + "The Deposition of Thos: Wilder aged 37 years sworn say'th that + being with Jno: Prescott Sen'r About six hours before he died he ye + s'd Jno. Prescott gaue to his eldest sonn Jno: Presscott his house + lott with all belonging to ye same & ye two mills, corn mill & saw + mill with ye land belonging thereto & three scor Acors of land nere + South medow and fourty Acors of land nere Wonchesix & a pece of + enteruile caled Johns Jump & Bridge medow on both sids ye Brook. + Cyprian Steevens Testifieth to all ye truth Aboue writen. + + DECEM. 20. 81. + + Sworn in Court. J.R.C." + +Though two or more years short of fourscore at the time of his death he +was Lancaster's oldest inhabitant. His fellow pioneer, Lawrence Waters, +who was the elder by perhaps a years, till survived, though blind and +helpless; but he dwelt with a son in Charlestown, after the destruction +of his home, and never returned to Lancaster. John and Ralph Houghton, +much younger men, were now the veterans of the town. + + * * * * * + +A GLIMPSE. + +BY MARY H. WHEELER. + + We met but once; 'twas many years ago. + I walked, with others, idly through the grounds + Where thou did'st minister in daily rounds. + I knew thee by thy garb, all I might know, + Sister of Charity, in hood like snow. + My heart was weary with the sight and sounds + Of sick and suffering soldiers in the wards below. + Disgusted with my thoughts of war and wounds. + 'Twas then, by sudden chance, I met thine eyes, + What saw I there? A light from heaven above, + A gleam of calm, self-sacrificing love, + A smile that fill'd my heart with glad surprise, + Reflected in my breast an answering glow, + And haunts me still, wherever I may go. + + * * * * * + +EARLY HISTORY OF THE BERMUDA ISLANDS. + +By JAMES H. STARK. + + +The singular collection of islands known as the Bermudas are situated +about seven hundred miles from Boston, in a southeast direction, and +about the same distance from Halifax, or Florida. The nearest land to +Bermuda is Cape Hatteras, distant 625 miles. + +Within sixty-five hours' sail from New York it is hardly possible to +find so complete a change in government, climate, scenery and +vegetation, as Bermuda offers; and yet these islands are strangely +unfamiliar to most well-informed Americans. + +Speaking our own language, having the same origin, with manners, which +in many ways illustrate those prevalent in New England a century ago, +the people are bound to us by many natural ties; and it is only now that +these islands, having come to the front as a winter resort, have led us +to inquire into their history and resources. Settled in 1612, Virginia +only of the English colonies outdating it, life in Bermuda has been as +placid as its lovely waters on a summer day; no agitation of sufficient +occurrence having occurred to attract the attention of the outside +world, from which it is so absolutely isolated. + +The only communication with the mainland is by the Quebec Steamship +Company, who dispatch a steamer every alternate Thursday between New +York and Hamilton, Bermuda, the fare for the round trip, including meals +and stateroom, is fifty dollars. During the crop season, in the months +of April, May and June, steamers are run weekly. + +The Cunard Company also have a monthly service between Halifax, Bermuda, +Turks Island and Jamaica, under contract with the Admiralty. + +The Bermudas were first discovered in 1515 by a Spanish vessel, called +La Garza, on a voyage from Spain to Cuba, with a cargo of hogs, and +commanded by Juan Bermudez, and having on board Gonzalez Oviedo, the +historian of the Indies, to whom we are indebted for the first account +of these islands. They approached near to the islands, and from the +appearance of the place concluded that it was uninhabited. They resolved +to send a boat ashore to make observations, and leave a few hogs, which +might breed and be afterwards useful. When, however, they were preparing +to debark a strong contrary gale arose, which obliged them to sheer off +and be content with the view already obtained. The islands were named by +the Spaniards indifferently, La Garza from the ship and Bermuda from the +captain, but the former term is long since disused. + +[Illustration: INSCRIPTION ON SPANISH ROCK] + +It does not appear that the Spaniards made any attempt to settle there, +although Philip II. granted the islands to one Ferdinand Camelo, a +Portuguese, who never improved his gift, beyond taking possession by the +form of landing in 1543, and carving on a prominent cliff on the +southern shore of the island[A] the initials of his name and the year, +to which, in conformity with the practical zeal of the times, he +super-added a cross, to protect his acquisition from the encroachments +of roving heretics and the devil, for the stormy seas and dangerous +reefs gave rise to so many disasters as to render the group exceedingly +formidable in the eyes of the most experienced navigators. It was even +invested in their imagination with superstitious terrors, being +considered as unapproachable by man, and given up in full dominion to +the spirits of darkness. The Spaniards therefore called them "Los +Diabolos," the Devil's Islands. + +[Footnote A: This inscription is still in existence, the engraving shown +herewith is a good representation of it, as it appears at the present +time.] + +[Illustration: Fac-simile reproduction of a Map of Bermuda made in 1614 +by Captain John Smith.] + +[Illustration: View of the State House and reference as to location of +the fort, bridges, etc., shown herewith on Smith's map of 1614. +(Fac-simile reproduction.)] + +These islands were first introduced to the notice of the English by a +dreadful shipwreck. In 1591 Henry May sailed to the East Indies, along +with Captain Lancaster, on a buccaneering expedition. Having reached the +coast of Sumatra and Malacca, they scoured the adjacent seas, and made +some valuable captures. In 1593 they again doubled the Cape of Good Hope +and returned to the West Indies for supplies, which they much needed. +They first came in sight of Trinidad, but did not dare to approach a +coast which was in possession of the Spaniards, and their distress +became so great that it was with the utmost difficulty that the men +could be prevented from leaving the ship. They shortly afterwards fell +in with a French buccaneer, commanded by La Barbotiere, who kindly +relieved their wants by a gift of bread and provisions. Their stores +were soon again exhausted, and, coming across the French ship the second +time, application was made to the French Captain for more supplies, but +he declared that his own stock was so much reduced that he could spare +but little, but the sailors persuaded themselves that the Frenchman's +scarcity was feigned, and also that May, who conducted the negotiations, +was regailing himself with good cheer on board without any trouble about +their distress. Among these men, inured to bold and desperate deeds, a +company was formed to seize the French pinnace, and then to capture the +large vessel with its aid. They succeeded in their first object, but the +French Captain, who observed their actions, sailed away at full speed, +and May, who was dining with him on board at the time, requested that he +might stay and return home on the vessel so that he could inform his +employers of the events of the voyage and the unruly behavior of the +crew. As they approached Bermuda strict watch was kept while they +supposed themselves to be near that dreaded spot, but when the pilot +declared that they were twelve leagues south of it they threw aside all +care and gave themselves up to carousing. Amid their jollity, about +midnight, the ship struck with such violence that she immediately filled +and sank. They had only a small boat, to which they attached a +hastily-constructed raft to be towed along with it; room, however, was +made for only twenty-six, while the crew exceeded fifty. In the wild and +desperate struggle for existence that ensued May fortunately got into +the boat. They had to beat about nearly all the next day, dragging the +raft after them, and it was almost dark before they reached the shore; +they were tormented with thirst, and had nearly despaired of finding a +drop of water when some was discovered in a rock where the rain waters +had collected. + +[Illustration: St. George's and Warwick Fort in 1614. (Fac-simile of +Smith's engraving.)] + +The land was covered with one unbroken forest of cedar. Here they would +have to remain for life unless a vessel could be constructed. They made +a voyage to the wreck and secured the shrouds, tackles and carpenters' +tools, and then began to cut down the cedars, with which they +constructed a vessel of eighteen tons. For pitch they took lime, +rendered adhesive by a mixture of turtle oil, and forced it into the +seams, where it became hard as stone. + +During a residence of five months here May had observed that Bermuda, +hitherto supposed to be a single island, was broken up into a number of +islands of different sizes, enclosing many fine bays, and forming good +harbors. The vessel being finished they set sail for Newfoundland, +expecting to meet fishing vessels there, on which they could obtain +passage to Europe. On the eleventh of May they found themselves with joy +clear of the islands. They had a very favorable voyage, and on the +twentieth arrived at Cape Breton. May arrived in England in August, +1594, where he gave a description of the islands; he stated that they +found hogs running wild all over the islands, which proves that this was +not the first landing made there. + +It was owing to a shipwreck that Bermuda again came under the view of +the English, and that led England to appropriate these islands. + +In 1609, during the most active period of the colonization of Virginia, +an expedition of nine ships, commanded by Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George +Somers and Captain Newport, bound for Virginia, was dispersed by a great +storm. One of the vessels, the Sea Adventure, in which were Gates, +Somers and Newport, seems to have been involved in the thickest of the +tempest. The vessel sprung aleak, which it was found impossible to stop. +All hands labored at the pumps for life, even the Governor and Admiral +took their turns, and gentlemen who had never had an hour's hard work in +their life toiled with the rest. The water continued to gain on them, +and when about to give up in despair, Sir George Somers, who had been +watching at the poop deck day and night, cried out land, and there in +the early dawn of morning could be seen the welcome sight of land. +Fortunately they lighted on the only secure entrance through the reefs. +The vessel was run ashore and wedged between two rocks, and thereby was +preserved from sinking, till by means of a boat and skiff the whole crew +of one hundred and fifty, with provisions, tackle and stores, reached +the land. At that time the hogs still abounded, and these, with the +turtle, birds and fish which they caught, afforded excellent food for +the castaways. The Isle of Devils Sir George Somers and party found "the +richest, healthfulest and pleasantest" they ever saw. + +Robert Walsingham and Henry Shelly discovered two bays abounding in +excellent fish; these bays are still called by their names. Gates and +Somers caused the long boat to be decked over, and sent Raven, the mate, +with eight men, to Virginia to bring assistance to them, but nothing was +ever heard of them afterwards, and after waiting six months all hopes +were then given up. The chiefs of the expedition then determined to +build two vessels of cedar, one of eighty tons and one of thirty. Their +utmost exertions, however, did not prevent disturbances, which nearly +baffled the enterprise. These were fomented by persons noted for their +religious zeal, of Puritan principles and the accompanying spirit of +independence. They represented that the recent disaster had dissolved +the authority of the Governor, and their business was now to provide, as +they best could, for themselves and their families. They had come out in +search of an easy and plentiful subsistence, which could nowhere be +found in greater perfection and security than here, while in Virginia +its attainment was not only doubtful, but attended with many hardships. +These arguments were so convincing with the larger number of the men +that, had it rested with them, they would have lived and died on the +islands. + +[Illustration: Entrance to St. George Harbor, between Smith's and +Paget's Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving. 1614.)] + +Two successive conspiracies were formed by large parties to separate +from the rest and form a colony. Both were defeated by the vigilance of +Gates, who allowed the ringleaders to escape with a slight punishment. +This lenity only emboldened the malcontents, and a third plot was formed +to seize the stores and take entire possession of the islands. It was +determined to make an example of one of the leaders named Payne; He was +condemned to be hanged, but, on the plea of being a gentleman, his +sentence was commuted into that of being shot, which was immediately +done. This had a salutary effect, and prevented any further trouble. + +[Illustration: View of ancient forts. (Re-produced from Smith's +engraving, 1614)] + +Two children, a boy and girl, were born during this period; the former +was christened Bermudas and the latter Bermuda; they were probably the +first human beings born on these islands. + +Before leaving the islands Gates caused a cross to be made of the wood +saved from the wreck of his ship, which he secured to a large cedar; a +silver coin with the king's head was placed in the middle of it, +together with an inscription on a copper plate describing what had +happened--That the cross was the remains of a ship of three hundred +tons, called the Sea Venture, bound with eight more to Virginia; that +she contained two knights, Sir Thomas Gates, governor of the colony, and +Sir George Summers, admiral of the seas, who, together with her captain, +Christopher Newport, and one hundred and fifty mariners and passengers +besides, had got safe ashore, when she was lost, July 28, 1609. + +On the tenth of May, 1610, they sailed with a fair wind, and, before +reaching the open sea, they struck on a rock and were nearly wrecked the +second time. On the twenty-third they arrived safely at Jamestown. This +settlement they found in a most destitute condition on their arrival, +and it was determined to abandon the place, but Sir George Summers, +"whose noble mind ever regarded the general good more than his own +ends," offered to undertake a voyage to the Bermudas for the purpose of +forming a settlement, from which supplies might be obtained for the +Jamestown colony. He accordingly sailed June 19, in his cedar vessel, +and his name was then given to the islands, though Bermuda has since +prevailed. + +[Illustration: Entrance to Castle Harbor, between Castle and +Southhampton Islands. (Fac-simile re-production of Smith's engraving, +1614.)] + +Contrary winds and storms carried him to the northward, to the vicinity +of Cape Cod. Somers persevered and reached the islands, but age, anxiety +and exertion contributed to produce his end. Perceiving the approach of +death he exhorted his companions to continue their exertions for the +benefit of the plantations, and to return to Virginia. Alarmed at the +untimely fate of their leader, the colonists embalmed his body, and +disregarding his dying injunction, sailed for England. Three only of the +men volunteered to remain, and for some time after their companions left +they continued to cultivate the soil, but unfortunately they found some +ambergris, and they fell into innumerable quarrels respecting its +possession. They at length resolved to build a boat and sail for +Newfoundland with their prize, but, happily for them, they were +prevented by the arrival of a ship from Europe. An extraordinary +interest was excited in England by the relation of Captain Mathew +Somers, the nephew and heir of Sir George. The usual exaggerations were +published, and public impressions were heightened by contrast with the +dark ideas formerly prevalent concerning these islands. A charter was +obtained of King James I., and one hundred and twenty gentlemen detached +themselves from the Virginia company and formed a company under the name +and style of the Governor and Company of the City of London, for the +plantation of the Somer Islands. + +On the twenty-eighth of April, 1612, the first ship was sent out with +sixty emigrants, under the charge of Richard Moore, who was appointed +the Governor of the colony. They met the boat containing the three men +left on the island, who were overjoyed at seeing the ship, and conducted +her into the harbor. It was not long before intelligence of the +discovery of the ambergris reached the Governor; he promptly deprived +the three men of it. One of them named Chard, who denied all knowledge +of it, and caused considerable disturbance, which at one time seemed +likely to result in a sanguinary encounter, was condemned to be hanged, +and was only reprieved when on the ladder. + +The Governor now applied himself actively to his duties. He had +originally landed on Smith's Island, but he soon removed to the spot +where St. George's now stands, and built the town which was named after +Sir George Somers, and which became, and remained for two centuries, the +capital of Bermuda. He laid the foundation of eight or nine forts for +the defence of the harbor, and also trained the men to arms in order +that they might defend the infant colony from attack. This proved +necessary, for, in 1614, two Spanish ships attempted to enter the +harbor; the forts were promptly manned and two shots fired at the enemy, +who, finding them better prepared than they imagined, bore away. + +Before the close of 1615 six vessels had arrived with three hundred and +forty passengers, among whom were a Marshall and one Bartlett, who were +sent out expressly to divide the colony into tribes or shares; but the +Governor finding no mention of any shares for himself, and the persons +with him, as had been agreed on, forbade his proceeding with his survey. +The survey was afterward made by Richard Norwood, which divided the land +into tribes, now parishes; these shares form, the foundation of the land +tenure of the islands, even to this day, the divisional lines in many +cases yet remaining intact. Moore, whose time had expired, went back to +England in 1615, leaving the administration of the government to six +persons, who were to rule, each in turn, one month. They proceeded to +elect by lot their first ruler, the choice falling upon Charles +Caldicot, who then went, with a crew of thirty-two men, in a vessel to +the West Indies for the purpose of procuring plants, goats and young +cattle for the islands. The vessel was wrecked there, and the crew were +indebted to an English pirate for being rescued from a desert island on +which they had been cast. + +For a time the colony was torn by contention and discord, as well as by +scarcity of food. The news of these dissensions having reached England +the company sent out Daniel Tucker as Governor. Tucker was a stern, hard +master, and he enforced vigorous measures to compel the people to work +for the company. The provisions and stores he issued in certain +quantities, and paid each laborer a stated sum in brass coin, struck by +the proprietor for the purpose, having a hog on one side, in +commemoration of the abundance of those animals found by the first +settlers, and on the reverse a ship. Pieces of this curious hog money, +as it is called, is frequently found, and it brings a high price. + +[Illustration: HOG MONEY.] + +Shortly after Governor Tucker arrived he sent to the West Indies for +plants and fruit trees. The vessel returned with figs, pine-apples, +sugar-cane, plantain and paw-paw, which were all planted and rapidly +multiplied. This vessel also brought the first slaves into the colony, +an Indaian and a negro. + +The company dispatched a small bark, called the Hopewell, with supplies +for the colony, under the command of Captain Powell. On his way he met a +Portuguese vessel homeward bound from Brazil, with a cargo of sugar, +and, as Smith adds, "liked the sugar and passengers so well" he made a +prize of her. Fearing to face Governor Tucker after this piratical act +he directed his course to the West Indies. On his arrival there he met a +French pirate, who pretended to have a warm regard for him, and invited +him, with his officers, to an entertainment. Suspecting nothing he +accepted the invitation, but no sooner had they been well seated at the +table than they were all seized and threated with instant death, unless +they surrendered their prize. This Powell was, of course, compelled to +do, and finding his provisions failing him he put the Portuguese crew on +shore and sailed for Bermuda, where he managed to excuse himself to the +Governor. Powell again went to the West Indies pirating, and in May he +arrived with three prizes, laden with meal, hides, and ammunition. +Tucker received him kindly and treated him with consideration, until he +had the goods in his own possession, when he reproached the Captain with +his piratical conduct and called him to account for his proceedings. The +unlucky buccaneer was, in the end, glad to escape to England, leaving +his prizes in the hands of the Governor. + +The discipline and hard labor required of the people reduced them to a +condition but little better than that of slaves, and caused many to make +desperate efforts to escape from the islands. Five persons, neither of +whom were sailors, built a fishing boat for the Governor, and when +completed they borrowed a compass from their preacher, for whom they +left a farewell epistle. In this they reminded him how often he had +exhorted them to patience under ill-treatment, and had told them how +Providence would pay them, if man did not. They trusted, therefore, that +he would now practice what he had so often preached. + +[Illustration: Reproduction of Smith's engraving, 1614, showing his coat +of arms with the three Turk heads.] + +These brave men endured great hardships in their boat of three tons +during their rash voyage; but at the end of about forty-two days they +arrived at Ireland, where their exploit was considered so wonderful that +the Earl of Thomond caused them to be received and entertained, and hung +up their boat as a monument of this extraordinary voyage. The Governor +was greatly exasperated at their escape, and threatened to hang the +whole of them if they returned. + +Another party of three, one of whom was a lady, attempted in a like +manner to reach Virginia, but were never afterwards heard of. Six others +were discovered before they effected their departure, and one was +executed. John Wood, who was found guilty of speaking "many distasteful +and mutinous speeches against the Governor," was also condemned and +executed. + +As there were at that time only about five hundred inhabitants on these +islands, it would appear from Captain Smith's History that Tucker hanged +a good percentage of them. Many were the complaints that were forwarded +to England concerning the tyrannical government of Tucker, and he, +fearing to be recalled, at last returned to England of his own accord, +having appointed a person named Kendall as his deputy. + +Kendall was disposed to be attentive to his office, but wanted energy, +and the company took an early opportunity to relieve him; this was not +very agreeable to the people, but they did not offer any resistance. + +Governor Butler arrived with four ships and five hundred men on the +twentieth of October, 1619, which raised the number of the colonists to +1000, and at his departure three years later, it had increased to 1500. + +On the first of August, 1620, in conformity with instructions sent out +by the company, the Governor summoned the first general assembly at St. +George's for the dispatch of public business. It consisted of the +Governor, Council, Bailiffs, Burgesses, Secretary, and Clerk. It appears +that they all sat in one house, which was probably the "State House" +shown on Smith's engraving. Most of the Acts passed on this occasion +were creditable to the new legislators. + +Governor Butler, as Moore had done before him, turned his chief +attention to the building of forts and magazines; he also finished the +cedar Church at St. George's, and caused the assembly to pass an Act for +the building of three bridges, and then initiated the useful project of +connecting together the principal islands. When Governor Butler returned +to England he left the islands in a greatly improved condition. But in +his time, also, there were such frequent mutinies and discontent, that +at last "he longed for deliverance from his thankless and troublesome +employment." It was probably during Governor Butler's administration +that Captain[A] John Smith had a map and illustrations of the "Summer +Ils" made, for in it we find the three bridges, numerous +well-constructed forts, and the State House at St. George's. The map and +illustrations were published in "Smith's General Historic of Virginia, +New England and the Summer Ils" 1624; they are of the greatest value and +importance, as they show accurately the class of buildings and forts +erected on these islands at that early period; such details even are +entered into as the showing of the stocks in the market place of St. +George's, and the architecture and the substantial manner in which the +buildings were constructed is remarkable, especially so when it is +considered that previous to 1620 the Puritans had not settled at +Plymouth, and it was ten years from that date before the settlement of +Boston: in fact, with the exception of Jamestown in Virginia, the +English had not secured a foot-hold in North America at the time these +buildings and forts were constructed. There are very few copies of this +rare print in existence, even in Smith's history it is usually found +wanting, and it was only after considerable trouble and expense that the +writer succeeded in obtaining a reproduction of it. + +[Footnote A: Captain John Smith was never in Bermuda. He derived all his +information from his opportunities as a member of the Virginia Company, +and from correspondence or personal narratives of returned planters. +This was his habitual way, as is shown by the number of authorities that +he quotes. He probably obtained the sketches, from which these +illustrations were made, from Richard Norwood, the schoolmaster.] + +The early history of Bermuda is in many important points similar to that +of New England. Like motives had in most instances induced emigration, +and the distinguished characteristics of those people were repeated +here. + +Like the Salem and Boston colonists they had their witchcraft delusions, +anticipating that, however, some twenty years, Christian North was +tried for it in 1668, but was acquited. Somewhat later a negro woman, +Sarah Basset, was burned at Paget for the same offence. The Quakers were +persecuted by fines, imprisonment, and banishment, by the stem and +dark-souled Puritans, who had emigrated to this place to escape +oppression, and to enjoy religious toleration, but were not willing to +grant to others who differed from them in their religious belief the +same privileges as they themselves enjoyed. + +The company discovered by degrees that the Bermudas were not the +Eldorado which they had fondly imagined them to be. The colonists were +now numerous, and every day showed a strong disposition to break away +from the control of the company. The company had issued an order +forbidding the inhabitants to receive any ships but such as were +commissioned by them. The company complained against the quality of +tobacco shipped to London, as well as the quantity. + +The people were forbidden to cut cedar without a special license, and as +they were in the habit of exporting oranges in chests made of this wood, +the regulation operated very materially to the injury of the place. +Previous to this order many homeward-bound West Indiamen arrived at +Castle Harbor to load with this fruit for the English market. Whaling +was claimed as an exclusive privilege, and was conducted for the sole +benefit of the proprietors. Numerous attempts were made to boil sugar, +but the company directed the Governor to prevent it, as it would require +too much wood for fuel. + +In consequence of instructions from England Governor Turner called upon +all the inhabitants of the islands to take the oath of supremacy and +allegiance to his majesty, but as the Puritans had left their native +country on account of their republican sentiments, they refused to +comply, and the prisons were soon filled to overflowing. + +The rapid change of affairs in England during the civil war, in which +the Puritans were victorious, and Cromwell was elevated to the +Protectorship, opened the doors of the prisons, and stopped all further +persecutions, both political and religious. + +It must be said in favor of the company that they had, at an early +period, established schools throughout the colony, and appropriated +lands in most of the tribes or parishes, for the maintainance of the +teachers. + +From 1630 to 1680 many negro and Indian slaves were brought to the +colony; the negroes from Africa and the West Indies, and a large number +of Indians from Massachusetts, prisoners taken in the Pequot and King +Philip's wars. The traces of their Indian ancestry can readily be seen +in many of the colored people of these islands at the present time. + +In October, 1661, the Protestant inhabitants were alarmed by rumors of a +proposed combination between the negroes and the Irish. The plan was to +arm themselves and massacre the whites who were not Catholics. +Fortunately the plot was discovered in time, and measures adopted to +disarm the slaves and the disaffected. + +The proprietary form of government continued until 1685, with a long +succession of good, bad, and indifferent Governors. + +Many acts of piracy were perpetrated at different times by the +inhabitants of these islands. In 1665 Captain John Wentworth made a +descent upon the island of Tortola and brought off about ninety slaves, +the property of the Governor of the place. Governor Seymour received a +letter from him in which he stated that "upon the ninth day of July +there came hither against me a pirate or sea robber, named John +Wentworth, the which over-run my lands, and that against the will of +mine owne inhabits, and shewed himself a tyrant, in robbing and firing, +and took my negroes from my Isle, belonging to no man but myself. And +likewise I doe understand that this said John Wentworth, a sea robber, +is an indweller with you, soe I desire that you would punish this rogue, +according to your good law. I desire you, soe soon as you have this +truth of mine, if you don't of yourself, restore all my negroes againe, +whereof I shall stay here three months, and in default of this, soe be +assured, that wee shall speake together very shortly, and then I shall +be my owne judge." + +This threatening letter caused great consternation, and immediately +steps were taken to place the colony in the best posture for defence, +reliance being had on the impregnability of the islands, instead of +delivering up the plunder, especially as Captain Wentworth held a +commission from the Governor and Council, and acted under their +instructions. + +Isaac Richier, who became Governor of the colony in 1691, was another +celebrated freebooter. The account of his reign reads like a romance. +The love of gold, and the determination to possess it, was the one idea +of his statesmanship. He was a pirate at sea and a brigand on land. +Nevertheless, it does not appear that any of his misdeeds, such as +hanging innocent people, and robbing British ships, as well as others, +led to his recall, or caused any degree of indignation which such +conduct usually arouses. The fact appears to be that, although Governor +Richier was a bold, bad man, yet few of his subjects were entitled to +throw the first stone at his excellency. + +Benjamin Bennett became Governor of the colony in 1701. At this time the +Bahama Islands had become a rendezvous for pirates, and a few years +later, King George the First issued a proclamation for their +dislodgment. Governor Bennett accordingly dispatched a sloop, ordering +the marauders to surrender. Those who were on shore on his arrival +gladly accepted the opportunity to escape, and declared that they did +not doubt but that their companions who were at sea would follow their +example. Captain Henry Jennings and fifteen others sailed for Bermuda, +and were soon followed by four other Captains--Leslie, Nichols, +Hornigold, and Burges, with one hundred men, who all surrendered. + +In 1710 the Spaniards made a descent on Turk's Island, which had been +settled by the Bermudians for the purpose of gathering salt, and took +possession of the island, making prisoners of the people. The +Bermudians, at their own expense and own accord, dispatched a force +under Captain Lewis Middleton to regain possession of the Bahama Cays. +The expedition was successful, and a victory gained over the Spaniards, +and they were driven from the islands; they still, however, continued to +make predatory attacks on the salt-rakers at the ponds, and on the +vessels going for and carrying away salt. To repel these aggressions and +afford security to their trade, the Bermudians went to the expense of +arming their vessels. + +In 1775 the discontent in the American provinces had broken out into +open opposition to the crown, and the people were forbidden to trade +with their late fellow subjects. Bermuda suffered great want in +consequence, for at this period, instead of exporting provisions the +island had become dependent on the continent for the means of +subsistence. This, together with the fact that many of the people +possessed near relatives engaged in the struggle with the crown, tended +to destroy good feelings towards the British government. These +circumstances must be considered in order to judge fairly of the +following transaction, which has always been regarded to have cast a +stain upon the patriotism and loyalty of the Bermudians. + +At the outbreak of the American Revolution, two battles were fought in +the vicinity of Boston--Lexington and Bunker Hill, after which all +intercourse with the surrounding country ceased, and Boston was reduced +to a state of siege. Civil war commenced in all its horrors; the +sundering of social ties; the burning of peaceful homes; the butchery of +kindred and friends. + +Washington was appointed by the Continental Congress, Commander-in-Chief +of the American forces, and on July 3, 1775, two weeks after the battle +of Bunker Hill, he took formal command of the army at Cambridge. In a +letter to the President of Congress notifying him of his safe arrival +there, he made the following statement. "Upon the article of ammunition, +I must re-echo the former complaints on this subject. We are so +exceedingly destitute that our artillery will be of little use without a +supply both large and seasonable. What we have must be reserved for the +small arms, and that well managed with the utmost frugality." A few +weeks later General Washington wrote the following letter on the same +subject.[A] + +[Footnote A: Writings of George Washington, by J. Sparks, vol. iii, page +47.] + + TO GOVERNOR COOKE, OF RHODE ISLAND. + + Camp at Cambridge, 4 August, 1775. + + Sir, + + I am now, Sir, in strict confidence, to acquaint you, that our + necessities in the articles of powder and lead are so great, as to + require an immediate supply. I must earnestly entreat that you will + fall upon some measure to forward every pound of each in your + colony that can possibly be spared. It is not within the propriety + or safety of such a correspondence to say what I might on this + subject. It is sufficient that the case calls loudly for the most + strenuous exertions of every friend of his country, and does not + admit of the least delay. No quantity, however small, is beneath + notice, and, should any arrive, I beg it may be forwarded as soon + as possible. + + But a supply of this kind is so precarious, not only from the + danger of the enemy, but the opportunity of purchasing, that I have + revolved in my mind every other possible chance, and listened to + every proposition on the subject which could give the smallest + hope. Among others I have had one mentioned which has some weight + with me, as well as the other officers to whom I have proposed it. + A Mr. Harris has lately come from Bermuda, where there is a very + considerable magazine of powder in a remote part of the island; and + the inhabitants are well disposed, not only to our cause in + general, but to assist in this enterprise in particular. We + understand there are two armed vessels in your province, commanded + by men of known activity and spirit; one of which, it is proposed + to despatch on this errand with such assistance as may be + requisite. Harris is to go along, as the conductor of the + enterprise, that we may avail ourselves of his knowledge of the + island; but without any command. I am very sensible, that at first + view the project may appear hazardous; and its success must depend + on the concurrence of many circumstances; but we are in a + situation, which requires us to run all risks. No danger is to be + considered, when put in competition with the magnitude of the + cause, and the absolute necessity we are under of increasing our + stock. Enterprises, which appear chimerical, often prove successful + from that very circumstance. Common sense and prudence will suggest + vigilance and care, where the danger is plain and obvious; but + where little danger is apprehended, the more the enemy will be + unprepared; and consequently there is the fairest prospect of + success. + + Mr. Brown has been mentioned to me as a very proper person to be + consulted upon this occasion. You will judge of the propriety of + communicating it to him in part or the whole, and as soon as + possible favor me with your sentiments, and the steps you may have + taken to forward it. If no immediate and safe opportunity offers, + you will please to do it by express. Should it be inconvenient to + part with one of the armed vessels, perhaps some other might be + fitted out, or you could devise some other mode of executing this + plan; so that, in case of a disappointment, the vessel might + proceed to some other island to purchase. + + I am, Sir, + Your most obedient, humble servant, + G. Washington. + +This plan was approved by the Governor and Committee of Rhode Island, +and Captain Abraham Whipple agreed to engage in the affair, provided +General Washington would give him a certificate under his own hand, that +in case the Bermudians would assist the undertaking, he would recommend +to the Continental Congress to permit the exportation of provisions to +those islands from the colonies. + +General Washington accordingly sent the following address to the +Bermudians.[A] + +[Footnote A: Writings of George Washington, by J. Sparks, vol. iii., +page 77.] + + TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA. + + Camp at Cambridge, 6 September, 1775. + Gentlemen: + + In the great conflict, which agitates this continent, I cannot + doubt but the assertors of freedom and the rights of the + constitution are possessed of your most favorable regards and + wishes for success. As descendants of freemen, and heirs with us of + the same glorious inheritance, we flatter ourselves, that, though + divided by our situation, we are firmly united in sentiment. The + cause of virtue and liberty is confined to no continent or climate. + It comprehends, within its capacious limits, the wise and good, + however dispersed and separated in space or distance. + + You need not be informed that the violence and rapacity of a + tyrannic ministry have forced the citizens of America, your brother + colonist, into arms. We equally detest and lament the prevalence of + those counsels, which have led to the effusion of so much human + blood, and left us no alternative but a civil war, or a base + submission. The wise Disposer of all events has hitherto smiled + upon our virtuous efforts. Those mercenary troops, a few of whom + lately boasted of subjugating this vast continent, have been + checked in their earliest ravages, and now actually encircled + within a small space; their arms disgraced, and themselves + suffering all the calamities of a siege. The virtue, spirit, and + union of the provinces leave them nothing to fear, but the want of + ammunition. The application of our enemies to foreign states, and + their vigilance upon our coasts, are the only efforts they have + made against us with success. + + Under these circumstances, and with these sentiments, we have + turned our eyes to you, Gentlemen, for relief. We are informed, + that there is a very large magazine in your island under a very + feeble guard. We would not wish to involve you in an opposition, in + which, from your situation, we should be unable to support you; we + knew not, therefore, to what extent to solicit your assistance, in + availing ourselves of this supply; but, if your favor and + friendship to North America and its liberties have not been + misrepresented, I persuade myself you may, consistently with your + own safety, promote and further this scheme, so as to give it the + fairest prospect of success. Be assured, that, in this case, the + whole power and exertion of my influence will be made with the + honorable Continental Congress, that your island may not only be + supplied with provisions, but experience every other mark of + affection and friendship, which the grateful citizens of a free + country can bestow on its brethren and benefactors. I am, + Gentlemen, + + With much esteem, + Your humble servant, + + [Illustration: Signature G Washington] + +Captain Whipple had scarcely sailed from Providence before an account +appeared in the newspapers of one hundred barrels of powder having been +taken from Bermuda by a vessel supposed to be from Philadelphia, and +another from South Carolina. This was the same powder that Captain +Whipple had gone to procure. General Washington and Governor Cooke were +both of the opinion it was best to countermand his instructions. The +other armed vessel of Rhode Island was immediately dispatched in search +of the Captain with orders to return. + +But it was too late; he reached Bermuda and put in at the west end of +the island. The inhabitants were at first alarmed, supposing him to +command a king's armed vessel, and the women and children fled from that +vicinity; but when he showed them his commission and instructions they +treated him with much cordiality and friendship, and informed him that +they had assisted in removing the powder, which was made known to +General Gage, and he had sent a sloop of war to the island. They +professed themselves hearty friends to the American cause. Captain +Whipple being defeated in the object of his voyage returned to +Providence. + +Soon after the inhabitants of Bermuda petitioned Congress for relief, +representing their great distress in consequence of being deprived of +the supplies that usually came from the colonies. In consideration of +their being friendly to the cause of America, it was resolved by +Congress that provisions in certain quantities might be exported to +them.[A] + +[Footnote A: Journal of Congress, November 22, 1775.] + +The powder procured from the Bermudians led to the first great victory +gained by Washington in the Revolutionary war, the evacuation of Boston +by the British army. After the arrival of the powder Washington caused +numerous batteries to be erected in the immediate vicinity of the town. +On the night of March 4, 1776, Dorchester Heights were taken possession +of and works erected there, which commanded Boston, and the British +Fleet lying at anchor in the harbor. This caused the town to be +evacuated, and General Howe with his army and about one thousand +loyalists went aboard of the fleet and sailed for Halifax, March 17, +1776. + +Nothing could exceed the indignation of Governor Bruere when he received +intelligence of the plundering of the magazine; he promptly called upon +the legislature to take active measures for bringing the delinquents to +justice. No evidence could ever be obtained, and the whole transaction +is still enveloped in mystery. The Governor let no opportunity escape +him to accuse the Bermudians of disloyality, and no doubt severe +punishment would have been inflicted on the delinquents could they have +been discovered. + +Two American brigs under Republican colors arrived shortly after this +and remained some weeks at the west end of the islands unmolested, and +Governor Bruere complained bitterly of this to the assembly.[A] + +[Footnote A: These were probably the vessels sent out from Rhode Island +under the command of Captain Whipple.] + +Governor George James Bruere died in 1780, and the administration +devolved on the Honorable Thomas Jones, who was relieved by George +Bruere as Lieutenant Governor, in October, 1780. + +Governor Bruere was soon openly at variance with the assembly, and did +not hesitate to accuse the people of treason in supplying the revolted +provinces with salt, exchanging it for provisions. Mr. Bruere extremely +exasperated at their trading, which he considered to be treasonable +conduct, commented on it in his message to the assembly in no measured +terms. Some intercepted correspondence with the rebels added fuel to the +flame, and on the fifteenth of August, 1781, he addressed them in a +speech which could not fail to be offensive, although it contained much +sound argument. This was followed by a message more bitter and +acrimonious, all of which they treated with silent contempt, until the +twenty-eight of September, when they discharged their wrath in an +address, in which the Governor was handled most roughly for his attacks +on the inhabitants of these islands. In return he addressed a message, +equally uncourteous in its tone, and dissolved the house. + +The arrival of William Browne, whose administration commenced the fourth +of January, 1782, put an end to Mr. Bruere's rule. + +The high character of the new Governor had preceded him in the colony, +and he was joyfully received on his arrival. He was a native of Salem, +Massachusetts, and was high in office previous to the Revolution, was +Colonel of the Essex regiment, judge of the Supreme Court, and Mandamus +Counselor. After the passage of the Boston Port bill, he was waited on +by a committee of the Essex delegates, to inform him, that "it was with +grief that the country had viewed his exertions for carrying into +execution certain acts of parliament calculated to enslave and ruin his +native land; that while the country would continue the respect for +several years paid him, it resolved to detach, from every future +connection, all such as shall persist in supporting or in any way +countenancing the late arbitrary acts of Parliament; that the delegates +in the name of the country requested him to excuse them from the painful +necessity of considering and treating him as an enemy to his country, +unless he resigned his office as Counsellor and Judge." Colonel Browne +replied as follows: + +"As a judge and in every other capacity, I intend to act with honor and +integrity and to exert my best abilities; and be assured that neither +persuasion can allure me, nor menaces compel me, to do anything +derogatory to the character of a Counselor of his Majesty's province of +Massachusetts."--William Browne. + +Colonel Browne was esteemed among the most opulent and benevolent +individuals of that province prior to the Revolution; and so great was +his popularity that the gubernatorial chair of Massachusetts was offered +him by the "committee of safety," as an inducement for him to remain and +join the "sons of liberty." But he felt it a duty to adhere to +government; even at the expense of his great landed estate, both in +Massachusetts and Connecticut, the latter comprising fourteen valuable +farms, all of which were afterwards confiscated. + +By preferring to remain on the side representing law and authority, and +unwilling to adopt the course of the revolutionists, this courtly +representative of an ancient and honorable family, this sincere lover of +his country, this skilled man of affairs, this upright and merciful +judge, once so beloved by his fellow townsmen, drew upon himself their +wrath, and he fled from his native country never to return again. First +he sought refuge in Boston in 1774, then in Halifax, and from there he +went to England in 1776, where he remained till 1781, when he was +appointed Governor of Bermuda, as a slight return for his great +sacrifices and important services in behalf of the Crown. Colonel Browne +married his cousin, the daughter of Governor Wanton, of Rhode Island, +and was doubly connected with the Winthrop family; the wives of the +elder Browne and Governor Wanton being daughters of John Winthrop, great +grandson of the first Governor of Massachusetts. Colonel Browne's son +William was an officer in the British service at the siege of Gibralter +in 1784. + +Under the judicious management of Governor Browne the colony continued +to steadily flourish; he conducted the business of the colony in the +greatest harmony with the different branches of the legislature. He +found the financial affairs of the islands in a confused and ruinous +state, and left them flourishing. In 1778 he left for England, deeply +and sincerely regretted by the people, and was succeeded by Henry +Hamilton as Lieutenant Governor, during whose administration the town of +Hamilton was built and named in compliment of him. + +Near the close of the American Revolution a plan was on foot to take +Bermuda, in order to make it "a nest of hornets" for the annoyance of +British trade, but the war closed, and it was abandoned. It, however, +proved a nest of hornets to the United States during the late civil war. +At that time St. George's was a busy town, and was one of the hot-beds +of secession. Being a great resort for blockade runners, which were +hospitably welcomed here, immense quantities of goods were purchased in +England, and brought here on large ocean steamers, and then transferred +to swift-sailing blockade runners, waiting to receive it. These ran the +blockade into Charleston, Wilmington and Savannah. + +It was a risky business, but one that was well followed, and many made +large fortunes there during the first year of the war, but many were +bankrupt, or nearly so at its close. + +Here, too, was concocted the fiendish plot of Dr. Blackburn, a +Kentuckian, for introducing yellow fever into northern cities, by +sending thither boxes of infected clothing. + +[The foregoing article on the history of Bermuda was compiled by the +author of "Stark's Illustrated Bermuda Guide," published by the +Photo-Electrotype Company, of 63 Oliver Street, Boston. The work +contains about two hundred pages and is embellished with sixteen +photo-prints, numerous engravings, and a new map of Bermuda made from +the latest surveys.--ED.] + + * * * * * + +HEART AND I. + +BY MARY HELEN BOODEY. + + Singing, singing through the valleys; + Singing, singing up the hills; + Peace that comes, and Love that tarries, + Hope that cheers, and Faith that thrills, + Heart and I, are we not blest + At the thought of coming rest? + + Singing, singing 'neath the shadow; + Singing, singing in the light; + Plucking flowerets from the meadow, + Seeing beauty up the height, + Heart and I, are we not gay + Thinking of unclouded day? + + Singing, singing through the summer; + Singing, singing in the snow; + Glad to hear the brooklets murmur, + Patient when the wild winds blow, + Heart and I, can we do this? + Yes, because of future bliss. + + Singing, singing up to Heaven; + Singing, singing down to earth; + Unto all some good is given. + Unto all there cometh worth; + Heart and I, we sing to know + That the good God loves us so. + + * * * * * + + +ELIZABETH. + +A ROMANCE OF COLONIAL DAYS. + +BY FRANCES C. SPARHAWK, Author of "A Lazy Man's Work." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +DEPARTURE. + + +With suppressed ejaculations and outspoken condolences the party broke +up. It was not until the last one had gone that Mrs. Eveleigh, leaving +her post of observation in the corner, swept out to find Elizabeth who +disappeared after Stephen Archdale had gone with Katie. She found her in +her bed-room trying to put her things into her box. Her face was +flushed, and her hands cold and trembling. + +"Why have you waited so long?" she began. "We must go at once. Have you +sent for a carriage? We shall meet ours on the way." + +"My dear," answered the other seating herself, "that is impossible. They +will not turn you out, if you have made a mistake. You can not go until +to-morrow, of course; nobody will expect it. I am very sorry for poor +Archdale and the young lady, but I dare say it will turn out all right." + +Elizabeth raised herself from the box over which she had been stooping +throwing in her things in an agony of haste. She opened her lips, but +words failed her. The amazement and indignation of her look turned +slowly to an appealing glance that few could have resisted. She had been +used to Mrs. Eveleigh's not comprehending nice distinctions, but now it +seemed as if to be a woman would make one understand. If her father were +with her now! She turned away sharply. + +"Will you see that some conveyance is here within half an hour?" she +said. "If it is a cart I will not refuse to go in it. But leave here at +once I will, if it must be on foot. For yourself, do as you choose, only +give my order." + +There was something in Elizabeth's gesture, and a desperation in her +face that made Mrs. Eveleigh go away and leave her without a word. In a +moment she came back. + +"I met James in the hall and sent him off in hot haste," she said. Her +tones showed that she had recovered the equanimity which the girl's +unexpected conduct had disturbed. She seated herself again with no less +complacency and with more deliberation than before. + +"I brought you up to be polite, Elizabeth," she said. "Things do +sometimes happen that are very trying, to be sure, but we should not +give way to irritation. Why, where should I have been if I had? Think +how it would have distressed your dear mother to have you show such +temper." + +The girl looked up sharply, looked down again, her hands moving faster +than ever, though everything grew indistinct to her for a minute. + +"Are you going with me?" she asked after a pause. + +"I? O, my dear child, you will not go at all this way. Perhaps it is as +well to pack up and show your dignity, but they will not let you go, you +know, your father's daughter, and all,--I told James to tell them,--it +would be shameful, I should never forgive them." + +"The question is whether they will ever forgive me, whether I have not +killed Katie. Sometimes I think of it only that way, and sometimes--." + +She was silent again and busy. Then all at once she stopped and walked +to the window. Her hands grasped the sash and she stood looking out at +the sky that had not gathered a cloud from all this darkness of her +life. At length she began to walk up and down as if every footstep took +her away from the house. + +"I always thought it must be a dreadful thing to marry a man you did not +want," she said speaking out her thoughts as if alone; "but to marry a +man who does not want you,--that is the most terrible thing in the +world. I have done both." And she covered her face with her hands. + +"Poor girl," answered Mrs. Eveleigh, "it _is_ hard. But you gave him as +good as he sent, that's a fact. Governor Wentworth spoke about it after +you left." Elizabeth had raised her head and was looking steadily at her +companion. "When young Archdale looked at you as he passed out, I mean," +she went on. "'Great Heavens!' cried the Governor, 'did you see that +exchange of looks, scorn and hatred on both sides, and they may be +husband and wife? The Lord pity them. And poor Katie!'" + +"He said that?" + +"Exactly that. Why, everybody noticed it, of course. What did you say?" +she added at a faint sound from her listener. + +"Nothing." + +And Elizabeth said nothing until ten minutes later when the sound of +wheels sent her to the window to see that a conveyance at least fairly +comfortable had been found for them. Her bonnet and wraps were already +on. + +"Are you coming?" she said to the other abruptly. "I shall start in five +minutes." + +"For Heaven's sake, more time, my dear. I have not changed my dress yet. +I suppose I cannot let you go alone, I should not feel happy about it, +and your father would never forgive me in the world." + +A half smile of contempt touched the girl's lips. Mrs. Eveleigh knew +what was for her own comfort too well to get herself out of Mr. Royal's +good graces, and not to be devoted to his daughter would have been to +him the unpardonable sin. But nobody would have been more astonished +than this same lady to be told that she had not a thoroughly +conscientious care of Elizabeth. She combined duty and interest as +skilfully as the most Cromwellian old Presbyter among her ancestors. + +In the hall Elizabeth met her hostess. + +"May I speak to Katie?" she asked timidly. + +Mrs. Archdale hesitated a moment, nodded in silence and went on to the +library, the girl following. Mr. Archdale was there, and the Colonel and +his wife. Stephen sat by the great chair in which Katie was propped, +holding her hand and sometimes speaking softly to her, or looking into +her face with eyes that gave no comfort. Elizabeth seemed to see no one +but her friend, she went up to the chair, and said to her softly, +pleadingly, + +"Good by, Katie." + +But Katie turned away her head. + +The door closed, Elizabeth had gone. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +FORECASTINGS. + + +Gerald Edmonson, Esquire, and Lord Bulchester drove leisurely through +the streets of the London of 1743. They found in it that same element +that makes the fascination of the London of to-day; for the streets, +dim, narrower, and less splendid than now, were full of this same charm +of human life, and yet, human isolation. Then, as now, might a man +wander homeless and lost, or these grim houses might open their doors to +him and reveal the splendors beyond them; and whether he were desolate, +or shone brilliant as a star depended upon so many chances and changes +that this Fortune's-Wheel drew him toward itself like a magnet. + +"I tell you," said Edmonson to his companion as they went along, "there +is not a shadow of a chance for me. When a woman says, 'no,' you can +tell by her eyes if she means it, and if there had been the least sign +of relenting or a possibility of it in Lady Grace's eyes, do you think I +would have given up? She has led me a sorry chase, that pretty sister of +yours." + +"Her beauty would not have taken you ten steps out of your way, if she +had not been such an heiress," retorted Bulchester. + +"Don't be so blunt, my friend. Is it my fault that I am obliged to look +out for money? If a man has only a tenth of the income he needs to live +upon, what is he going to do? It is well enough for you to be above +sordidness, so could I be with your purse and your prospects. Besides, +you know that I told you frankly I found Lady Grace charming. I wonder," +he asked turning sharply round, "if you have been playing me false?" + +But Bulchester laughed. A laugh at such a time, and a laugh so full of +simplicity and amusement brought the other to his bearings again. + +"You know I favored the match," added the nobleman. "Hang it! I don't +see why my sister could not have had my taste. She does not know all +your deviltries as I do, but yet I think you the most fascinating fellow +in England." + +"Perhaps that is the reason, because she does not know," laughed +Edmonson. "But, then, you have not been very far beyond England, except +to the land of the frog, and nobody expects to delight in the messieurs +anywhere but on the point of the bayonet, as we had them lately at +Dettengen." In a moment, however, he added gravely, "I am afraid my suit +to your sister has damaged my prospects in another quarter, at least the +matrimonial part of them, and I can hardly expect to be so successful +otherwise as to enable me to marry a lady whose face is her fortune." + +"Hardly, with your tastes," said Bulchester. "But, for my part, I am +glad that I can afford to be sentimental if I like. For that very reason +I shall probably be extremely sensible." + +Edmonson smiled, half in amusement, half in contempt. + +"Suppose the lady should be so too?" he asked slyly; then added, "I hope +she will, Bulchester, and take you. I don't know her name yet." + +"Nor I. But I don't want to consider only the rent-roll of the future +Lady Bulchester." + +"My lord, I shall be devotion itself to Mistress Edmonson, and I assure +you that the young lady I have chosen, I having failed to win your +adorable sister, is not a nonentity, though I cannot say that she is +charming. But you will see her. Her father was very gracious to me when +I was in Boston last winter, and regretted that I was obliged to leave +in the spring on affairs of importance. How was he to know, he or the +fair Elizabeth, that the business was a love suit? That would not have +done. The old gentleman would not think the king himself too good for +his daughter; if he dreamed that she was second fiddle, he would want me +to find the door faster than he could shew me there. So, if you fall in +love with her and want to supersede me, there's your chance." + +"I'm Jonathan to your David," returned the smaller man, "the kingdom is +for you, Edmonson." And the speaker looked at his companion with an +admiration that was deep in proportion as he felt himself unable to +imitate that mixture of good nature, strong will, and audacity that in +Edmonson fascinated him. "Is she handsome?" he added. + +"No," said the other decidedly. "She has a smile that lights up her face +well, and occasionally she says good things, but half the time in +company she seems not to be attending to what is going on about her, she +is away off in a dream about something that nobody cares a pin for, and +of course, it gives her a peculiar manner. I could see I interested her +more than anybody else did, but I had hard work sometimes to know how to +answer her queer sayings, for I could scarcely tell what she was talking +about." + +"You don't like that," suggested Bulchester. "You like ladies who lead +in society." + +"Well," assented Edmonson, "I know. But she will have to set up for an +oddity, and, you see, she has money enough to be able to afford it. A +fortune in her own right, and large expectations from the old gentleman +who began with money and has never made a bad investment in his life. +Think of it! Gerald Edmonson will keep open house and live rather +differently from at present in his bachelor quarters; and all his old +friends will be welcome." + +"What do you say to those we are going to meet to-night, who are to give +us our farewell supper; you would not ask a set like that to a lady's +table?" + +Edmonson laughed. + +"Why, and if I did," he answered, "Elizabeth Royal would never fathom +them. She might think they drank somewhat too much, and discover that +they were noisy; but as to the wild pranks we have played, yes, you and +I, Bulchester, I out of pure enjoyment of them, you, I do believe, more +than half not to be behind other men of fashion, why, you might tell +them to her safely, for she would never comprehend. One can't get along +so well with her on the little nothings one says to other women, to be +sure, but she has the greatest simplicity in the world, and that touch +of evil that spices life is entirely beyond her. But however that might +be, I tell you this, my lord: Gerald Edmonson is always master, and +always will be." + +"Yes," assented his hearer. + +"I only hope the extent of my impecuniosity will not cross the water +with me. I have never pretended to be rich, but I have said that my +expectations were excellent. So they are; for you know, Bulchester, the +heiress is not all my errand to these outlandish colonies. I have +expectations there. Rather strange ones, to be sure, so strange, and to +be come at so strangely, that if I can make anything out of them I shall +enjoy it a thousand times more than by any stupid old way of +inheritance." + +"It strikes me, though, you would not object to the stupid if a good +plum should fall down on your head from an ancestral tree." + +Edmonson laughed. + +"You have me there, Bul," he said. "But, on your honor, you are not to +betray my plans, or I have no chance at all," he added, suddenly facing +his companion. + +"What do you take me for, a traitor?" + +"No," exclaimed Edmonson with an oath. + +"For a tattler, then?" + +"No," came the answer again. "Only, inadvertence is sometimes as +mischievous in its results." + +"I, inadvertent?" cried Bulchester. + +His listener smiled slyly. The other felt that caution was his strong +point, and Edmonson's diplomacy would not assault this vigorously; his +aim had been merely to warn Bulchester and strengthen the defences. Soon +after this they reached the inn, where they were boisterously greeted by +their companions, who had been waiting for them in what was then one of +the fashionable public houses of London, though long since fallen out of +date and forgotten. + +"Don't be flattered," said Edmonson aside, "all this welcome is not for +us; the feast is to begin now that we have arrived." And a cynical smile +flashed over his handsome face. + +It was hours after this. The high revel had gone on with jest, and +laugh, and song, with play, too, and some purses were empty that before +had been none too well filled. Through it all Edmonson, the life of the +party, kept the control over himself that many had lost. There was no +credit due to him for the fact that he could drink more wine without +being overcome than any other man there. His face was flushed with it, +his eyes somewhat blood-shot and his fair hair disordered as, at last, +looking at his opposite neighbor, he nodded to him, leaned across the +table and touched glasses with him. Then, "Let us drink this toast +standing," he said, rising as he spoke; and at the movement ten other +young men, full of the effrontery of a long carousal, pushed back their +chairs noisily and rose, exclaiming in tones varying in degrees of +intoxication: + +"We pledge." + +"Yes," returned the man opposite Edmonson, repeating the pledge that +they all without exception would meet one hundred years from that night +to pledge each other again. + +A shout, more of drunken acquiescence than of comprehension went up in +chorus from all but one of the revelers; he held his glass silently a +moment, disposed to put it untasted on the table. + +"Bulchester's backing out," cried Edmonson giving him a scornful glance. + +"Oh, ho! Backing out!" echoed nine derisive voices. + +"We have made it too hot for him," called out Edmonson again. + +At which remark another shout arose, and the glasses were tossed off +with bravado, Bulchester's also being set down empty. + +After this the party broke up boisterously, Edmonson and Bulchester +receiving the good wishes of the company for their prosperous voyage. + +Leaving the inn, they went out into the night again, in which the +October moon veiled in clouds was doing its best to light the streets +now almost deserted. Bulchester looked with disapprobation at his +smiling companion. It was for the first time in their acquaintance, but +the compact into which the earl had so unwillingly entered had sobered +him, and was still ringing in his ears, giving him a sort of horror. He +said this to Edmonson, who burst out laughing. + +"A mere drunken freak, Bul, that counts for nothing. You will be an +angel sitting on a cold cloud singing psalms long before that time. I'll +warrant it. You are a good fellow. Don't bother your brains about such +nonsense." + +The third of November, Edmonson and Lord Bulchester sailed from +Liverpool in the "Ariel" for Boston. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +TWO WHO WOULD EXCHANGE PLACES. + + +The winds were baffling, and Edmonson and Lord Bulchester had a longer +voyage than they had counted upon. They found it tedious, and it was +with satisfaction that they at last set foot on land and drove through +the streets of Boston to the Royal Exchange. Edmonson's projects +inspired him rather than made him anxious. It was, of course, possible +that Elizabeth Royal might refuse him, but in his heart he had the +attitude of a Londoner toward provincials and was not burdened with +doubts as to the result of his wooing, and so the one necessary grain of +uncertainty only gave flavor to the whole affair. + +A few hours after his arrival he left the house to try his fortune. + +"I may not be home until late," he said to Bulchester. "I shall tackle +pater-familias first, then the young lady herself. It is possible they +will invite me to tea, you know. Don't wait for me if you find anything +to do or anywhere to go in this puritanical hole." And the young man, in +all the tasteful splendor of attire that the times allowed, closed the +door behind him and left Lord Bulchester looking at the oaken panels +which had suddenly taken the place in which his friend had been +standing, and seeing, not these, but Edmonson's fine figure and his bold +smile. + +"No woman can resist his wooing," the nobleman said to himself with a +sigh at the thought of his own indifferent appearance. Therefore it was +with amazement that two hours later coming home from a stroll he learned +that the other had returned, and going to his room found him prone on +the sofa. + +"Why! What is the--," he began, then checked himself, considering that +since only failure could be the matter, this was hardly a generous +question. + +"Headache," growled Edmonson. "No," he cried with an oath, "that is a +lie," and springing up, turned blood-shot eyes upon his companion. "I am +mad, Bulchester," he cried, "raving mad. It is all over with me in that +quarter." + +"She has refused you? Or the father has?" + +"Hang it! they couldn't do anything else, either of them. I did not see +Mistress Royal, Mistress Archdale, rather. Yes, married!" as Bulchester +echoed the name. "There's been an interesting drama with one knave and +two fools. If I could only catch the knave! Perhaps it is as well to let +the fools go, since I can't help it." He was silent a moment. Then after +a moment he added. "Well! what is the use of cursing one's luck?" "There +are several others I know of doing the same thing at this moment, and I +like to be original. I declare, if he didn't stand in my way, I should +be tempted to pity young Archdale. He wishes himself in my shoes as +much, and I suspect a good deal more, than I do myself in his. I don't +wonder that the young lady keeps herself retired for a time. I did not +see her, as I told you. Mr. Royal made as light of the matter as +possible, merely saying that something which might prove to have been a +real marriage ceremony, though he thought not, had taken place in a joke +between his daughter and Stephen Archdale, that the matter was to be +thoroughly investigated at once, and if it turned out that Elizabeth was +not Mistress Archdale, I had his permission to receive her answer from +her own lips. He was guarded enough; but on the way home I met Clinton +who had been one of the guests at Mistress Katie's attempted wedding +last week. He gave me details. Here they are." And these details lost +nothing through Edmonson's racy recital of them. "No, Bulchester," he +finished, "out of six people that I could name mixed up in this affair, +on the whole, I am the best off." + +"Six?" + +"Yes; counting in the love-lorn Waldo; that knave Harwin, who ought to +swing for it; the poor little bride that lost her bridegroom; and the +bridegroom; the young lady that got him when she didn't want him, and +missed me, whom, perhaps (without too much vanity) she did want a +little; and last on the list of wounded spirits, your humble servant. +How wise that man was who said that one sinner destroyed much good. By +the way, Bulchester, who was he? It is an excellent thing to quote in +regard to this affair, and I should like to know where it comes from." + +An anxious expression crossed the other's face as he cried: + +"Good heavens! Edmonson, if you go to quoting the Bible and asking where +the quotation comes from, you will get into awful disgrace with this +strictest-sect-of-our-religion people, and then what will become of the +other scheme that is bound to pull through?" + +"True, most sapient counsellor, and I will be on my guard. To show how I +profit by your sageness, let us drop all thought of this royal maiden +who is probably out of my reach, and attend to the other business. It is +good to have a sympathetic friend, Bul." + +They talked for nearly an hour after this, but not about Edmonson's +wooing. When Bulchester left, the other sat looking after him a moment. + +"Yes," he said to himself, "it is well to have a sympathetic creature +like that sometimes, but not if one tell him all his heart. I hid my +rage well, I passed it off for mere spleen. But we are not a race to get +over things in that way. It is hate, _hate_, I say," And he ground his +teeth, and again threw himself upon the sofa his face downward and +buried in his hands as if he were meditating deeply. + +Edmonson told his friend of having met one of the guests at Katie +Archdale's wedding, but he did not say to him that coming out of Mr. +Royal's house and walking quickly down the street, he had met the +bridegroom himself, and had returned Archdale's bow with a politeness +equally cold, while anger had leaped up within him. Was Archdale going +to call upon his wife? + +Stephen Archdale had come to Boston to collect whatever facts he could +about Harwin, and about the places and the people that the confession +referred to. Nothing was farther from his thoughts than any such visit. +It was his wish that Elizabeth and himself need never meet again, and he +knew that it was hers. Indeed, so far from thinking of the woman who was +perhaps his wife, he was living over again the glimpse he had had of the +one from whom he had been separated. Three days ago he had taken his gun +early in the morning and had gone out hunting, made more miserable than +before by something he had perceived in his father's mind. The Colonel +was not in sympathy with him; he was consoling himself that, after all, +Elizabeth Royal was a richer woman than Katie Archdale. At his light +insinuation of this to his son, the young man had flamed out into a heat +of passion and declared that one golden hair of Katie's head was worth +both Elizabeth and her fortune. He had rushed out of the house with the +wish for destroying something in his mind. As he stopped in the hall to +snatch his gun, the flintlock caught, and tore a hole in the tapestry +hanging. He saw it, pushed the great stag's antlers that the gun had +been swung on a little aside, and covered the torn place. Then he forgot +the accident almost as soon as this was done, left the house and went +striding over the fields, not so much to chase the foxes, as to be +alone. And when that point was gained he would have gone a step further +if he could and escaped from himself also. But he was only all the more +with his own thoughts as he wandered aimlessly through great stretches +of pine trees with the light snow of the night before still white on +their lower boughs, except when in some opening it had melted into +dewdrops in the December sun, and still clung to the trees, ready when +the sun had passed by them towards its setting to turn into filmy +icicles. The sky was brilliant; the long winter already upon the earth +smiled gently, as if to say that its reign would be mild. Stephen went +along so much preoccupied that only the baying of his hound made him +notice the light fox-prints by the roadside. Then the instinct of the +hunter stirred within him, and he followed on, listening now and then to +the distant bark while pursued and the pursuer were going farther away. +He waited, knowing fox nature well and that there were a hundred chances +to one that the creature would come back near the spot from which it was +started. As he waited close by the road which here led through the +woods, two men passed along it without seeing him. They were talking as +they went. Stephen knew them; one was an old man who used to be a +servant in the family when Colonel Archdale was a boy. He had married +long ago and was now living in a little house not far from his old home. +The young man with him was his son. Stephen was in no mood even for a +passing word, and he stood still, perceiving that a clump of bushes hid +him. A few sentences of the conversation reached him through the +stillness, but it meant nothing to him; he was not conscious even of +listening until Katie's name caught his ear. They were talking of this +marriage then, as every body was; he was the gossip of the very +servants. But his attention once caught was held until the speakers +passed out of hearing. Surely they knew nothing about the matter that he +did not. + +"She is such a pretty young lady," said the elder man, "and any girl +would feel it to miss the handsome young master for a husband." + +"Um!" assented the son. "Well, I suppose she will miss the sight of him +if her heart is set upon him, but there is many a young man nicer to my +thinking, and not so proud in his ways." + +"Has he ever been unjust or overbearing to you, Nathan?" inquired the +old man severely. + +"Oh, no, he has been uncommonly civil, he would think it beneath him to +be anything else. I know the cut of him; if he had any spite he would +take it out on a gentleman. He thinks we are made of different clay from +him." And the embryo republican threw back his shoulders impatiently. + +"So we are," returned the other, with the Englishman's ingrained belief +in caste; "but, to be sure, you feel it with some more than with others, +with the young man more than with his father. But I like it better than +the softly way the Colonel has. Stephen is more like his grandfather." + +"His grandfather!" echoed the son. "Why, he was a--." + +"Hush!" cried the other so suddenly and sharply that if the word had +been, uttered at all Stephen lost it, though, now he was listening +eagerly enough. "Do you remember you swore that you would never speak +that word?" + +"Well," returned the young man in a sullen tone, "if I did, what harm in +saying it here with not a soul but you around? And my feeling is," he +went on, "that this broken-off wedding is a judgment for his +grandfather's--." He hesitated. + +"When you learned it by accident, Nathan," returned his father, "you +swore to satisfy me, that you would never speak the word in connection +with him. Who knows what person may be round?" And he glanced cautiously +about him. Stephen half resolved to confront him and force him to tell +this secret. But the very quality in himself which the men had been +discussing held him back until the opportunity had passed. "No, I don't +want you to name it at all, Nathan. That is what you swore," continued +the old man. + +"You have said enough about it," retorted the younger. "I will keep my +word, of course; you know that." His tone was loud with anger. + +"Yes, yes, I know," said his companion, "But, you see, I was fond of the +young master if he was a bit wild; he was a fine, free gentleman, though +he changed very much after this--this accident and his coming over to +the Colonies, which wasn't no ways suited to him like London, only he +found it a good place to get rich in. You see, Nathan, it all happened +this way; he told me about it his own self with tears in his eyes, as I +might say, for his family,--he--." + +But it was in vain that Stephen strained his ears, the voices that had +not been drowned in the noise of footsteps had been growing fainter with +distance, and now were lost altogether. + +So there had been something in the family, thought Stephen, that he knew +nothing about, something that his grandfather had done which this man, +the son of his grandfather's butler, considered had brought down +vengeance on Katie and himself as the grandchildren. The very suggestion +oppressed him in this land of the Puritans, although he told himself +that he believed neither in the vengeance nor even in the crime itself. +But he had not dreamed of anything, anything at all, which had even +shadowed the fair fame of the Archdales. Did his father know of it? +Nothing that Stephen had ever seen in him looked like such knowledge, +but that did not make the son quite sure, for the old butler's remark +about the Colonel's suavity was just; his elaborate manners made Stephen +almost brusque at times, and aroused a secret antagonism in both, so +that they sometimes met one another with armor on, and Stephen's keen +thrust would occasionally penetrate the shield which his father +skilfully interposed between that and some fact. + +That morning Stephen sank down upon a rock near by while his mind ranged +over his recollections to find some clue to this mystery. But he found +none. He was sure that his grandfather had never been referred to as +being connected with anything secret, still less, disgraceful, or +perhaps criminal. It was impossible to imagine where the old butler's +idea came from, but it could not be founded upon truth. Yet, this snatch +of talk which Stephen had heard made him curious and uncomfortable. And +he knew that he must resign himself to feeling so; he could ask his +father, to be sure, but he would get no satisfaction out of that; either +the Colonel did not know, or, evidently he had resolved that there +should seem to be nothing to tell. After all, it did not matter very +much. His thoughts came back to his own position with almost wonder that +anything could have drawn them away from it. While he sat there the +baying of the hound drew nearer, and suddenly a rabbit started up from +a bush on his right. He raised his gun, but instantly lowered it again. +He had not moved, so it had not been he that had startled the rabbit, +but the larger game that was following it. The little creature scampered +away, and in another moment the fox which his dog had started ran past +him. Again he raised his gun and took aim with a hand accustomed to +bring down what he sighted. But to-day the gun dropped once more at his +side, for here was a creature that wanted its life, that was straining +for it. "Let him have the worthless gift if he values it," thought +Archdale, feeling that the gun had better have been turned the other way +in his hands. The fox disappeared after the rabbit, and in another +moment Stephen rose with a sneer at himself, and turned toward home. +Evidently, he could accomplish nothing that day, matters must have gone +hard with him to make him lose even the nerve of a hunter. He whistled +to his dog, but the hound had no intention of giving up the chase as his +master had done, and rushed past in full cry. The young man left him to +follow home at his pleasure, and walked along the road with a sombre +face. Soon the sound of distant bells reached him. A minute after a +sleigh appeared coming toward him from the vanishing point of the road +that here ran straight through the woods for some distance. It made no +difference to Stephen who was in the sleigh. As it came nearer and +nearer he never even glanced at it, until as it was passing, some +instinct, or perhaps eyes fixed upon him, made him look up. He started, +stopped, bowed low, took off his fur cap with deference, holding it in +his hand until the sleigh had gone slowly by. Then he turned and stood +looking after it, the flush that had come suddenly to his face fading +away as his eyes followed Katie Archdale's figure until it was lost to +sight. He could see her clinging to her father's arm; he seemed to see +her face before him for days, her face pale and sad, and so lovely. +Neither had spoken. Mr. Archdale had not waited; what had they to say? +Stephen had not really wished it; every thought was deeper than speech, +and probably Katie, too, had preferred to go on. And yet to pass in this +way--it was like their lives. + +That afternoon he started for Boston. It was doing something. Edmonson +who met him just arrived, need not have feared that he was going to +Elizabeth. He was in the city only to prove that the frolic of that +summer evening had been frolic merely, and that he was still free to +follow that charming face that had passed him by, so reluctantly, he +knew, in the woods. + +[TO BE CONTINUED.] + + * * * * * + +WENDELL PHILLIPS. + + +While delivering an address in Faneuil Hall, in 1875, the late +distinguished Wendell Phillips declared that he had never cast a ballot +in his life. + +Such a confession, coming from the liberty-loving champion of the rights +and freedom of all people, was not a little startling. + +Months later he was requested to explain what seemed to be a serious +inconsistency, as bearing on the question--how can an American citizen +wilfully refrain from the high prerogative of exercising his right and +duty to vote? + +The following is a copy of his letter stating the reason why he had not +voted. + +The letter hitherto has never been made public. It is of historical +value. + + 7 Aug't '76. + + DEAR SIR: + + I am in receipt of your kind note. This is the explanation: + Premising that I entirely agree with you as to the transcendant + importance of the vote and the duty of every citizen to use it--to + let no slight obstacle prevent his voting. + + The few years after I came of age I was moving about and it + happened, curiously enough, that I never lived in one town long + enough to get the vote there and never could be, at the proper + time, in the town where I had the right. + + Then soon I became an abolitionist and conscientiously refused to + vote or accept citizenship under a constitution which ordered the + return of fugitive slaves. + + The XVth. amendment was the first release from this bar, as I + judged. Since that, I have never voted but once. Absence from the + city &c prevented my doing so. _I should have taken special care_ + to be at home if living in a ward where my vote would have availed + anything, or if candidates were such as I could trust. + + Truly, + + WENDELL PHILLIPS. + + * * * * * + +EASY CHAIR. + +BY ELBRIDGE H. GOSS. + + +This is an age of magazines. Every guild, every issue, has its monthly +or quarterly. If a new athletic exercise should be evolved to-morrow, a +new magazine, in its interest, would follow; and there seems to be a +field for every new venture. + +Among our older magazines, Harper's "New Monthly" still pursues its +popular course. In June, 1850, I bought the first number, and from that +day to this it has been one of my household treasures. A complete set, +sixty nine (69) volumes, forms a most excellent library in itself; a +fair compendium of the world's history for the last thirty odd years. +Story, essay, and event, has filled these sixty thousand pages. In +October, 1851, the department called the "Editor's Easy Chair," was +established by Donald G. Mitchell, the genial "Ik: Marvel." Here are his +first words: + +"After our more severe Editorial work is done--the scissors laid in our +drawer, and the monthly record, made as full as our pages will bear, of +history--we have a way of throwing ourselves back into an old red-back +_Easy Chair_, that has long been an ornament of our dingy office, and +indulging in an easy, and careless overlook of the gossiping papers of +the day, and in such chit chat with chance visitors, as keeps us +informed of the drift of the towntalk, while it relieves greatly the +monotony of our office hours." Here is the well remembered flavor of the +"Reveries of a Bachelor" and "Dream-Life"! + +A year or so afterward, George William Curtis became a co-writer of a +part of the articles for this department, and soon after he became the +sole occupant of the now famous "Easy Chair;" and each month, as +regularly as the appearance of the magazine itself, these very +interesting, most readable, and instructive notelets upon the current +topics of the time have appeared. Their pure style, graceful and +delicate humor, and the vast range of culture and observation, give them +a distinctively personal characteristic. He would have made one of our +first novelists; but he has chosen to give the strength of his powers to +journalism, and the study of political affairs. + +It is safe to say that each number of the magazine has had an average of +at least five pages of "Easy Chair," making very nearly or quite two +thousand (2,000) pages in all; or a quantity more than sufficient to +fill two and a half volumes of the sixty nine (69) thus far issued, each +volume containing eight hundred and sixty four (864) pages. Before +beginning to write these delectable tid-bits, he had published "Nile +notes of a Howadji," "The Howadji in Syria," and "Lotus Eating;" soon +after appeared "Potiphar Papers," "Prue and I," and "Tramps." For twenty +years he was constantly on the lecture platform; and for twenty one +years he has been the political editor of "Harper's Weekly." Although +offered missions to the courts of England and Germany, and other +positions of trust and honor, he never accepted; his nearest approach to +the holding of any political office was the accepting of an appointment, +for a while, of the chairmanship of the "Civil Service Advisory Board." +As has been well said by George Parsons Lathrop, "The idea often occurs +to one that he, more than any one else, continues the example which +Washington Irving set: an example of kindliness and good nature blended +with indestructible dignity, and a delicately imaginative mind +consecrating much of its energy to public service." + +As for the "Easy Chair," with me, its leaves are first cut in each fresh +number; and while enjoying the last one, I wondered why some deft hand +had not culled some of the choicest specimens, and that the Harpers had +not given them to the world in a volume by themselves. They are most +certainly worthy of it. A few passages taken here and there, from these +rich fields, will prove this assertion. The subjects treated in the +whole "Easy Chair" number nearly or quite twenty-five hundred +(2,500),--reminiscences of Emerson and Longfellow--first presentation of +a new Oratorios--a celebrated painting--the visit of a Lord Chief +Justice of England,--a vast range of topics. Consult the nine closely +printed octavo pages of their titles in the "Index to the first Sixty +Volumes"--from "Abbott, Commodore, xiii. 271," to "Zurich, University +of, xlviii. 443," and one will be amazed at the great number and variety +of themes upon which the "Easy Chair" has had its say. And it would seem +that its occupant has had some similar thoughts to these, for, in a +recent number there is a retrospective glance--a wondering as to what +future generations may have to say, and wish to know regarding matters +and things of this generation about which it has discoursed: + +"The Easy Chair, mindful of posterity, and of that future loiterer in +the retired alcoves of coming libraries who will turn to the pages of an +old magazine to catch some glimpse of the daily aspect and the homely +fact of our day, which will be then a kind of quaint remembrance, like +the 'Augustan age' of Anne to Victorian epoch, puts here upon record for +his unborn reader--whom he salutes with hope and Godspeed--that the +winter of 1883-4 in the city of New York was a gray and gloomy season +almost beyond precedent, during which the persistent fogs and mists +appeared half to have obliterated the sun." + +Here are a few excerpts which may be called "Gems for the Easy Chair;" +but those given are no better than thousands of others that are +scattered through these many volumes. + +A Madonna. Once in Dresden the Easy Chair climbed into a little room +where an engraver was finishing a picture which is now famous. He had +worked long and faithfully upon it. It was truly a work of love, and it +had cost him his most precious and essential possession for his art--his +eyesight. The engraver was Steinla, and the picture was the Madonna di +Sisto.... It can be seen only by those who go to Dresden. Among pictures +there is none more justly famous, and the devoted engraver toiled long +and patiently, and at such enormous sacrifice to re-produce it, so far +as lines could do it, from the same love and instinct that produced the +picture. + + * * * * * + +PUBLISHERS' DEPARTMENT. + +NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. + + +MIDDLESEX COUNTY MANUAL. By CHARLES COWLEY. LL.D. Penhallow Printing +Company, Lowell, Mass. + +In this handy volume, the "Historical Sketch of the County of +Middlesex," Judge Cowley has made a valuable contribution to the +recorded history of our Commonwealth. He has traced in a clear and +concise manner the important events of Middlesex County from 1643, the +year of its incorporation, down to Shay's Rebellion. + + +REMINISCENCES OF JAMES COOK AVER AND THE TOWN OF AVER. By CHARLES +COWLEY, LL.D. + +This work is one of many for which the public are indebted to Judge +Cowley. It presents many facts of great historical value, and in the +usual pungent and agreeable style of their author. + + +SHOPPELL'S BUILDING PLANS FOR MODERN LOW COST HOUSES. The Co-operative +Building Plan Association, New York. Price, 50 cents. + +This book contains a mass of information to builders and would-be _home +owners_. Its many and varied plans are for the construction of neat, +comfortable and very attractive buildings at very reasonable cost. + + * * * * * + +CORRECTION. + +In the sketch of Saugus in the December number of the BAY STATE MONTHLY, +line 14, on page 149, should read "as early as 1828" instead of +1848.--E.P.R. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bay State Monthly, Vol. II. 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