Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

of old Harwich, being the southern part of the town. In 1803, the first society of Harwich was incorporated into a distinct town, by the name of Brewster. The land in this township is generally level and sandy. On Herring river, the outlet of Long Pond, are a cotton mill and carding-machine. There are in the limits of the town four churches: one Baptist, one Congregational, and two Methodist. The Rev. Mr. Pell was the first Congregational minister in this town; he was succeeded by Mr. Mills. The third minister, Rev. Nathan Underwood, was ordained here in 1792. Population, 2,771. Distance, thirteen miles easterly from Barnstable court-house, eight to Chatham Lights, and about eighty from Boston. "Vessels employed in the cod and mackerel fishery, 20; tonnage of the same, 1,300; codfish caught, 10,000 quintals; value of the same, $30,000; mackerel caught, 500 barrels; value of the same, $3,000; salt used, 9,000 bushels; hands employed, 200; capital invested, $60,000."

[graphic][merged small]

Dr. Dwight, who travelled through the whole length of the peninsula of Cape Cod, thus describes what he says "may be called with propriety Cape Cod houses." "These have one story,

and four rooms on the lower floor; and are covered on the sides, as well as the roofs, with pine shingles, eighteen inches in length. The chimney is in the middle, immediately behind the front door, and on each side of the door are two windows. The roof is straight; under it are two chambers; and there are two larger and two smaller windows in the gable end. This is the general structure and appearance of the great body of houses from Yarmouth to Race Point. There are, however, several varieties, but of too little importance to be described. A great proportion of them are in good repair. Generally they exhibit a tidy, neat aspect in themselves and in their appendages, and furnish proofs of comfortable living, by which I was at once disappointed and gratified. The barns are usually neat, but always & nall."

MARSHPEE.

THIS ancient Indian territory is an incorporated district of the commonwealth, and contains 10,500 acres, or about sixteen square

miles. This tract was procured for the Indians by the efforts of Mr. Richard Bourne, of Sandwich. This noble-hearted man, who deserves to be had in lasting remembrance, was a native of England, and soon after his arrival at Sandwich began his labors for the temporal and spiritual good of the Indians. About the year 1660, at his own expense, Mr. Bourne obtained a deed of Marshpee from Quachatisset and others for the benefit of the Marshpee, or, as they were then called, South Sea Indians. In order that the Indians might have a place where they might remain in peace from generation to generation, Mr. Bourne had the deed or instrument drawn, "so that no part or parcel of them [the lands] could be bought by or sold to any white person or persons, without the consent of all the said Indians, not even with the consent of the general court." This deed, with this condition, was ratified by the Plymouth court. Mr. Bourne, after having obtained the above deed, pursued his evangelical work, and was ordained pastor of an Indian church in this place in 1670, formed of his own disciples and converts. He died about 1685, and was succeeded by Simon Popmonet, an Indian preacher, who lived in this character about forty years, and was succeeded by Mr. Joseph Bourne, grandson of Richard, who was ordained over them in 1729, who resigned his mission in 1742, and was succeeded by Solomon Briant, an Indian preacher, who was ordained pastor. In 1758, Rev. Gideon Hawley was installed as pastor of these people.

Marshpee lies south of Sandwich, and is bounded on the south by the ocean. It is well fitted for an Indian residence, being indented by two bays, and shoots into several necks or points of land. It is also watered by several streams and ponds. These, with the ocean, afford an abundant supply of fish of various kinds. They formerly subsisted by agricultural pursuits, the manufacturing of various articles of Indian ware, by the sale of their wood, fishing, fowling, and taking deer. Their land is good, well wooded, and some parts of it afford beautiful scenery. There are about three hundred colored people on this tract, and some whites. There are but very few of the Indians which retain pure blood of their ancestors. They generally appear to relish moral and religious instruction. The central part, is about twelve miles S. E. of Barnstable, nine S. of Sandwich, and sixty-five S. E. of Boston.

[ocr errors]

The following cut represents the Indian church, built under the direction of Rev. Mr. Hawley, the missionary, and is about twelve miles fr Barnstable court-house. It stands a short distance from the main road, and a forest has grown up around it. Public worship is kept up in this house, which is attended both by the whites and Indians. Previous to 1834, the government of the Indians consisted of a board of white overseers, a guardian and treasurer. The office of the guardian was that of a general superintendent, to disburse supplies, oversee the poor, and regulate the getting of wood, &c. The Indians getting dissatisfied, the government was changed, and it now consists of three selectmen, a clerk of their own number and choice, and a white com

missioner appointed by the governor and council. Many of the Indians are employed in the whale fisheries, and they are said to make the first-rate whalemen. Those who remain at home cultivate their little plats of ground and carry wood to market. In 1837, they built a small vessel, "owned partly by some of the proprietors of Marshpee, and partly by sundry white persons," and commanded by a capable, enterprising Indian. This vessel is employed in carrying their wood to Nantucket. The land, except some small allotments, (as much as each can enclose and cultivate,) is common stock. Each has a certain amount of wood allowed for his own use, and he pays the Indian government one dollar per cord for all he cuts and carries to market.

[graphic]

South-west view of the Indian Church in Marshpee.

The Indian grave-yard is by the side of their church, represented in the engraving. Nearly all the graves are without monuments. The following inscriptions are copied from two monuments standing in this place.

In memory of deacon Zacheus Popmunnet died 22d Octr. 1770 aged 51 years. The Righteous is more excellent than his neighbor.

In memory of Flora Hawley obit 31st Jany. 1785 aged 40 years. A faithful servant.

ORLEANS.

THIS town was formerly the south part of Eastham; it was incorporated into a township by the name of Orleans in 1797. Rev. Samuel Osborn, who was ordained at Eastham in 1718, was the first minister in this place, removing here the next year after his ordination. "Mr. Osborn was a man of wisdom and virtue. Besides teaching his people the use of peat, he contributed much to their prosperity by introducing new improvements in agriculture, and by setting them the example of economy and industry. But his good qualities and services did not avail him; for, embracing the

[graphic]

Drawn by J. W. Barber-Engraved by S. E. Brown, Boston.

NORTH-EASTERN VIEW OF PROVINCETOWN, MASS.

The above shows the appearance of Provincetown as it is seen from the north-eastern extremity of the village, which extends nearly two miles along the shore. The numerous wind or salt mills, and the elevations of sand, give this place a novel appearance.

« AnteriorContinuar »