sessions. All the militia of the province were about 2000. Its 1678. annual exports, beside pease, beef, pork, tobacco, and peltry, were about 60,000 bushels of wheat. Its annual imports were City of to the value of about £50,000. There were now in the city of N. York. New York 343 houses.1 Major Andros, governor of New York, having the preceding Fort built at year sent a sloop with some forces to the Province of Maine, Pemaquid. and built a fort at Pemaquid; the eastern Indians, who, until that time, had been hostile from the commencement of Philip's war, discovered pacific dispositions. All the succeeding autumn and winter, they remained quiet, and lived in harmony with the new garrison. In these auspicious circumstances, a treaty was made April 12. Treaty at at Casco between the chiefs of those Indians and authorized Casco. commissioners; and an end put to a distressing war.2 1 Chalmers, b. 1. 602. "There is one standing company of soldiers," says Andros, "with gunners and other officers, for the forts of Albany and New York. Fortresses are, James Fort, situated upon a point of New Yorktown, between Hudson's river and the Sound: It is a square, with stone walls, four bastions almost regular, and in it 46 guns, mounted. Albany is a small long stockadoed fort with 4 bastions in it, with 12 guns, which is sufficient against Indians. There are no privateers about our coasts. Our merchants are not many; but, with inhabitants and planters, about 2000 able to bear arms, old inhabitants of the place or of England; except in and near New York, of Dutch extraction, and some of all nations: But few servants, who are much wanted, and but very few slaves. A merchant, worth £1000, or £500 is accounted a good substantial merchant; and a planter, worth half that in moveables, is accounted rich. All the estates may be valued £150,000. There may have lately traded to the colony, in a year, from 10 to 15 ships or vessels, upon an average, of 100 tons each, English, New England, and of our own, built. There are religions of all sorts; one church of England; several Presbyterians, and Independents, Quakers and Anabaptists, of several sects; some Jews; but the Presbyterians and Independents are the most numerous and substantial. There are about 20 churches or meeting places, of which above half are vacant. Few ministers till very lately." Answers of Sir Edmond Andros, dated in April 1678, to the Inquiries of the committee of colonies. See the Answers entire in Chalmers, b. 1. 600-604.-In the city, it was found that, instead of the common proportion of inhabitants, there were 10 for each house; but, thus computed, there were then in the city no more than 3430 souls. Ib. 597, 598. 2 Belknap, N. Hamp. i 157, 158. Andros sent his forces in August, 1677, "to take possession of the land, which had been granted to the duke of York." In the preceding July, after the Province had sustained various sufferings from the Indians, an affecting occurrence had heightened the terror and perplexity of the inhabitants. The government having ordered 200 Indians of Natick, with 40 English soldiers, under captain Benjamin Swett of Hampton, to the assistance of the eastern settlements, they anchored off Black Point; and, being joined by some of the inhabitants, marched to seek the enemy, who showed themselves on a plain in three parties. By a feigned retreat, the Indians drew them two miles from the fort, and then, turning suddenly and violently upon them, threw them into confusion. Swett, with a few of the more resolute, fought bravely on the retreat, until he came near the fort, when he was killed; 60 more were left dead or wounded; the rest got into the fort. The victorious savages then surprised and captured about 20 fishing vessels, which put into the eastern harbours by night. Mr. Bentley [Mass. Hist. Soc. vi. 263.] says, " in 1677, 13 Salem ketches were taken by the Indians, and some of them returned, with 19 wounded men." These ketches were probably a part of the 20 vessels, mentioned by Dr. Belknap. 1678. Fort Froa. tenac re built. Salem. James Deaths. Massachusetts received but small accessions of planters from Europe for several preceding years. The colony, at this time, imported no negroes.1 M. de la Sale rebuilt fort Frontenac with stone. He also, this year, launched a bark of 10 tons into Lake Ontario; and, the year following, another of 10 tons into Lake Erie; about which time he inclosed with palisades a little spot at Niagara. The town of Salem contained 85 houses, and 300 polls.3 Canonicut Island, in Rhode Island colony, was incorporated by the name of James Town.4 William Coddington, governor of Rhode Island, died, in the 78th year of his age.5 John Leverett, governor of Massachusetts, died.6 1 Chalmers, b. 1. 436, 437; where are extracts from the Answers of the agents Stoughton and Bulkley to the Inquiries of the committee of colonies, delivered in April that year; some of which are subjoined. "Cases of admiralty are decided by the court of assistants. Foreign merchants we know of none. The number of English merchants is very small; and of the other inhabitants, who are chiefly planters, we know of no calculation that hath been made. New planters have rarely come over for many years past; much less Irish or Scotch, or any foreigners; Nor are any blacks imported. A considerable number of small vessels are built in the country under a hundred tons burden; but those that are larger belong to owners in England, or to other colonies." 2 Charlevoix, Nouv. France, i. 457, 458. Smith, N. York, 44. See A. D. 1673. The fort, built that year, appears to have been merely a stockade; “ n'étoit que de pieux." 3 Coll. Mass. Hist. Soc. vi. 223. 4 Callender, 39. 5 He came to New England with governor Winthrop, as an assistant, in 1630; and was a principal merchant in Boston, where he built the first brick house. In 1637, wheu the contentions ran high in Massachusetts, he was grieved at the proceedings of the court against Mr. Wheelwright and others; but not availing in his opposition to those measures, he relinquished his advantageous situation at Boston, and "his large propriety and improvement at Braintree;" accompanied the emigrants, who, on that occasion, left the colony; and was "the great instrument" in effecting the original settlement of Rhode Island. In 1647, he assisted in forming a body of laws for that colony, and was the next year chosen governor; but he declined the office. In 1651, he received a commission from England, to be governor; but finding the people jealous, lest" the commission might affect their lands and liberties," he resigned it. He was afterward repeatedly prevailed on to accept the chief magistracy; and was in that office at the time of his death. He appears to have been prudent in his administration, and active in promoting the welfare of "the little commonwealth, which he had in a manner founded." See Dedication of Callender's Hist. Discourse. See also A. D. 1638. 6 Mather, Magnal. b 2. c. 9. He succeeded Mr. Bellingham as governor in 1673; and is described as "one whose courage had been as much recommended by martial actions abroad in his younger years, as his wisdom and justice were now at home in his elder." He seems to have long retained his military character and habits. In 1653, he was one of the commissioners of Oliver Cromwell, to raise 500 soldiers to assist in the war against the Manhadoes. He was an active member of the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company more than 32 years; and, beside other offices in the company, was commander in 1652, 1663, and 1670. At the period of the Restoration he was in England, and an advocate for the colony. In 1673 he was elected governor, and continued in that office till his death. Eliot, Biog. Dict. Whitman, Historical Sketch of the Ancient and Hon. Artillery Company. 393 Thomas Thacher, minister in Boston, died, in the 58th year 1678. of his age.1 Benedict Arnold, governor of Rhode Island, died.2 1679. WHILE the agents of Massachusetts were in England, days Divine aid of fasting and prayer were repeatedly appointed by authority, to implored. implore the divine blessing on their endeavours for obtaining favour with the king, and the continuance of charter privileges.3 By desire of the general court, a synod was holden at Boston, Reforming this year, to give counsel, adapted to the state of the colony, synod. which was believed to be suffering judicial calamities from heaven.4 Suitable measures, in the mean time, were taken, to avert the royal displeasure. The general court sent respectful addresses to the king; enacted laws, to remove the causes of some of the complaints against the colony; passed an ordinance, to punish high treason with death, and to require all persons to take the oath of allegiance; and ordered the king's arms to be set up in the court house. The colony, however, neglected to The king's conform to the acts of trade, and to send new agents, as re- evaded. 1 Mather, Magnal. b. 3. 148-153. Mr. Thacher was the first minister of the Old South church in Boston. See A. D. 1669. He was ordained pastor of the church in Weymouth 2 January, 1644; and was installed at Boston 16 February, 1670. He was well versed in oriental learning, particularly in the Hebrew language, a compendious Lexicon of which he composed. were distinguished for copiousness and fervency. He was a "popular preacher," His prayers an exemplary man, and a faithful minister. Coll. Mass. Hist. Soc. viii. 278. He was also a physician, who is spoken of as the best scholar of his time." Eliot, Biog. Dict. The first medical publication in Massachusetts was an essay by Mr. Thacher, entitled, lished in 1677. Bartlett's Historical Sketch of Medical Science, in 2 Coll. Mass. "A brief guide in the small pox and measles," pubHist. Soc. i. 105. 2 He was governor several years; and is often mentioned by governor Winthrop, in his History, "as a great friend of Massachusetts, especially in negotiation with the Indians." See Winthrop, with Mr. Savage's Notes. Coll. Mass. Hist. Soc. v. 217; vi. 142, 145; and Callender, Century Discourse. 3 Hutchinson, i. 324. It was the usage of our pious ancestors in New England to observe special days of fasting and of thanksgiving, beside an annual observance of those two solemnities. 4 Hutchinson, i. 324. The general court appointed this synod at its session in May, 1679, and referred to its consideration two questions: "1. What are the reasons that have provoked the Lord to bring his judgments upon New England? 2. What is to be done, that so those evils may be removed?" synod convened at Boston 10 September 1679. Mr. John Sherman, and Mr. The Urian Oakes were its moderators. After a day of prayer and fasting, the synod spent several days in discoursing on the two great questions. The Result, pointing out the sins of the time, and recommending a reformation, was presented to the General Court; which, by an act of 15 October 1679,"commended it unto the serious consideration of all the churches and people in the jurisdiction." See Mather, Magnal. b. 5. 85-96. Dr. C. Mather says, "the admonitions of the Synod were not without very desirable effects." Governor Hutchinson [i. 324.] does not censure the authority of the colony for their great anxiety on this occasion, or for using every proper measure to obtain the smiles of heaven, as well as the favour of their earthly sovereign;" though, he thinks, we have no evidence of any extraordinary degeneracy." VOL. I. 50 requisitions 1679. quired, to England. For the first neglect, the court alleged to her agents, "that the acts of navigation were an invasion of the rights and privileges of the subjects of his majesty in that colony, they being not represented in the parliament;" for the second, it apologized by saying, "that the country was poor; that proper persons were afraid of the seas, as the Turkish pirates had lately taken their vessels; and that his majesty was still employed in the most important affairs."1 Colonial missed. No apology availed at the English court. The colonial agents agents dis in England were dismissed with a letter from the king, requiring that agents should be sent over in six months, to answer what was undetermined; and demanding that the colony should assign Province of to his majesty the Province of Maine, which they had purchased Maine de- of the heirs of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, upon their being repaid the purchase money, and recall all commissions for governing that part of New Hampshire which was granted to Mason.2 manded. Randolph tor of customs in N. England. Although a commission for the appointment of a customhouse first collec officer for New England had been granted the last year, it was then judged expedient "to suspend the departure of such an officer for the present." Edward Randolph, who had at that time been recommended to the lord treasurer as the most suitable person for collector of Boston, now came over in that capacity; but he was considered as an enemy, and opposed with the steady zeal of men, who deemed their chartered privileges invaded."3 Fire in Boston. Protestants A terrible fire broke out near the dock in Boston about midnight on the 8th of August, and continued until near noon the next day. Above 80 dwelling houses, 70 ware houses, with several vessels and their lading, were consumed. The entire loss was computed to be £200,000.4 Charles II. ordered two small vessels to be provided at his sent to Ca- own expense, to transport to Carolina several foreign protestants, who proposed to raise wine, oil, silk, and other productions of the south.5 rolina. 1 Chalmers, b. 1. 407, 410. 2 Minot, Mass. i. 48. See A. D. 1677. The king's letter to Massachusetts colony was dated the 4th July. 3 Chalmers, b. 1. 320, 406, 409. 4 Hubbard, N. Eng. c. 75, who says, it was justly suspected to have been kindled by design. Hutchinson, i. 349. Coll. Mass. Hist. Soc. iii. 269. The houses and ware houses near the town dock, which were rebuilt after this great fire, were either constructed with brick, or plastered on the outside with a strong cement, intermixed with gravel and glass, and slated on the top. Several of these plastered houses are yet remaining in Ann Street, in their original form. Coll. Mass. Hist. Soc. iv. 189, 190. A. D. 1795.-" One of them is yet standing [A. D. 1825.]," and is represented in a plate in Snow's Hist. Boston, p. 166. The ancient Phillips house in Watertown is of the same construction. See Note, A. D. 1644. 5 Chalmers, b. 1. 541. Many foreigners of various nations emigrated to Carolina, from this time to the Revolution of William and Mary. 395 1680. rated from Massachu NEW HAMPSHIRE was separated from Massachusetts. A com- N. Hampmission for the separate government of that colony had passed shire sevathe great seal the preceding year; and it was now brought to Portsmouth by Edward Randolph. By the form of government, setts. described in this commission, the people had a representation in a body chosen by themselves; and the king was represented by a president and council of his own appointment, he retaining the prerogative of disannulling the acts of the whole, at his pleasure. The first assembly met at Portsmouth on the 16th of March.1 March 16. The separation was "much against the will of its inhabitants." First assemA body of laws was enacted in the course of the first year; but, when sent to England for the royal approbation, were disallowed. During the 40 years' union with Massachusetts, those legal customs and usages which distinguished New England from the other colonies originated. bly. Plymouth colony petitioned for a new charter, with the same Plymouth privileges that had been granted to other colonies, but without colony asks success; for king Charles was then meditating extensive plans of reformation for New England.3 1 Belknap, N. Hamp. i. c. 7. The commission, which passed the great seal 18 Sept. 1679, "inhibits and restrains the jurisdiction exercised by the colony of Massachusetts over the towns of Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter, and Hampton, and all other lands extending from three miles to the northward of the river Merrimack and of any and every part thereof, to the province of Maine; constitutes a president and council to govern the province; appoints John Cutts, esq. president," &c. See copy of a letter from king Charles II. to the Governor and Council of Massachusetts, on this subject, dated 24 July 1679; and another, dated 30 September 1680, in Hutchinson's Collection of Papers, 519-525.The number of qualified voters in all the towns was 209; viz. in Portsmouth 71, Dover 61, Hampton 57, Exeter 20. Portsmouth sent to the assembly 3 members, Dover 3, Hampton 3, and Exeter 2. John Cutts was the first president. He was "a principal merchant, of great probity and esteem at Portsmouth; but then aged and infirm." Ib. See Hutchinson, i. 319. The public expense of the province of New Hampshire during that year, exclusive of the ministers' salaries and the town rates, including the charges of the assembly and council, the stipends of the marshal and jailers, and the bounty for the killing of wolves, amounted to £131. 138. 4d. The province rate on estates, real and personal, of one penny in the pound of the value, was laid on the only four towns, as follows. Portsmouth, £29. 17s. 3d.; Dover, £20; Hampton, £23. 17s. 3d.; Exeter, £11. 98. 4d, Chalmers, b. 1. 511. 2 Farmer and Moore, Coll. ii. 202, 203 Charles II, 1685, and the Revolution in 1688, when Andros, Cranfield, and The interval between the death of Barefoot governed in that province, is a blank in the history of its laws and jurisprudence. Ib. 3 Chalmers, b. 1. c. 4. The agent died, and the papers were lost. The Petition of the general court for a new charter is inserted ib. from New England Papers. It is dated " New-Plymouth 5 Septemb. 1680," and signed "Josiah Winslow, governor, for the general court." the good hand of God upon us, and the favour of your royal progenitors and of The petitioners say. "through your majesty, we have had now near about sixty years lively experience of the a new char. ter. |