CHAPTER XXI.

Derryfield under various forms of government--Choose an executive committee.--Committee of Safety.--Committee of Congress.--Convention of Dec., 1775.--Meeting for choice of Delegates in Derryfield and Goffstown.--Form of Government.--Officers appointed.-- Committee of Safety.--Plan for a State government.--Vote in Derryfield.--Convention propose a plan in 1779.--Its provisions.--Vote upon it in Derryfield.--Rejected.--Convention of 1771.--Their plan.--Vote in Derryfield.--Plan rejected.--The Legislature propose to continue the government to June 1784.--Vote upon this proposition in Derryfield.--Convention adjourns.--Address of the Prseident. [sic]--Committee of Safety issue a Proclamation.--Plan objectionable to the people.--Convention meets.--Send out plan again with an Address.-- Vote Derryfield upon plan.--Vote on 8th article of Confederation.--Constitution accepted.--Provisions.--Meeting in Derryfield.--First President.--Insurrection of 1786.--Leaders in it.--Go to Exeter.--Surround the court house, then the meeting house.--Militia called upon.-- Insurgents retire to North River.--The ringleaders arrested.--Manner of their arrest.--General Booez.--Trials of offenders.--Convention to act upon the plan of government for the United States.--Finesse of Judge Walker.--Convention of 1791 for altering the state constitution.--Send out their plan and adjourn.--Vote in Derryfield upon it.--Is adopted--Its provisions.

It will have been seen that the people of this town have been under various kinds of government. While a portion of its territory, from 1719 to 1740, was under the government of New Hampshire, a portion of it was subject to "squatter sovereignty" and nearly all of it was claimed and occupied by Massachusetts, from 1734 to 1740. In this last year, the Drawing-'Residence of J. T. P. Hunt, Esq. claim of Massachusetts was disallowed by the King in Council, and this town soon settled down quietly under the government of New Hampshire, a part belonging to Chester, a part to Londonderry, and part being still unincorporated. This state of things continued until 1751 when as we have seen, the town was incorporated by the name of Derryfield. New Hampshire continued under a Provincial government and Derryfield a part of it, until 1775, when upon the departure of Governor Wentworth from the Province, the royal authority was at an end, and the people assumed to govern themselves. The people of Hillsborough County in the month of May, of that year, by delegates, met in Congress at Amherst and formed a temporary system of government, by which the people were mainly governed through the summer and fall of 1775. The people of Derryfield were thus governed, and they refused to send any delegate to the Provincial Convention at Exeter. They continued their town organization as usual, and when an extraordinary occasion demanded, the 15th of May, 1775, they chose a kind of executive committee, to act for them in all matters pertaining to their "libertys." This committee consisted of Capt. Alexander McMurphy, Lieut. James McColley, Ensign Samuel Moore, Ebenezer Stevens and John Perham. On the 27th day of June following, they chose a Committee of Safety "agreeable to the order of Provincial Congress" consisting of John Harvey, Lieut. James McColley, Samuel Boyd, Ensign Samuel Moore, and John Hall. Those Committees for the time being, had the management of all matters pertaining to "the libertys" of the people, while the Committees appointed by the Congress at Amherst, seem to have exercised all judicial authority within this and the other towns of the County. This state of things continued until the organization of the State Government in January 1776 by the Convention of the State in session at Exeter. Committees of Safety continued to be chosen in this town till 1779, after which time there is no record of any choice of such committee. It was by no means a desirable state of affairs, but still we are not aware but the people in this and other towns in the state, passed along as peaceably as under the former or succeeding governments. However, the necessity of an effective government became obvious to the entire people of the state, and means were taken to meet this necessity. The Convention in existence, and which had been in session much of the time during the summer of 1775, ordered a new convention to be called. Accordingly, circulars were sent to the various towns to choose delegates to meet in a Convention, to be held in Exeter on the 1st day of December 1775. For this purpose Derryfield and Goffstown were classed together. The order was sent to the selectmen of the towns. It does not appear from our records that an order was sent to this town, that any warrant was issued by the selectmen of the town in obedience to any such order, or that any proceedings were had in the matter. But nevertheless such an order was sent, and the people of Derryfield were notified, Joseph George, one of the selectmen of Derryfield for 1775, uniting with the selectmen of Goffstown, in issuing a warrant for that purpose. All of which appears from the records of Goffstown. Their warrant was as follows:

   "Colony of       }
New Hampshire.}
These are to warn all the legal inhabitants paying taxes in the town of Goffstown and Derryfield to meet at the Meeting house in Goffstown, on Monday the eighteenth of December next, at one o'clock in the afternoon.

   1ly, to choose a Moderator to Regulate said meeting.

   21y, to see if they will choose one Person to Represent them in Gennerall Congress to be held at Exeter December ye 21st 1775, and to impower said Representative for the term of one year from their first meeting, to transact such Business, Pursue such Measures as they may Judge Nessesary [sic] for the publick good, it being the order of the Provential Congress, Novem'r, 14, 1775.
   Given under our hands and seals at Goffestown this 27th of Novem'r, 1775.

Moses Kelley,  }
Thos. Shirla,     }
Joshua Martin, }
Joseph George,}		 Selectmen."
The meeting was duly held on the 18th of December, and the record of its proceedings is thus;

Colony of            }
New Hampshire.}
At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Goffestown and Derryfield at the Meeting-house in Goffestown on Monday the 18th day of December 1775.

   Voted, Major Moses Kelley Moderator.

   Voted, to chuse a person to attend the Congress at Exeter for the Insuing year.

   Voted, that the choice be by polling.

   Voted, that Major Moses Kelley be chosen to attend the Provential Congress at Exeter for the Insuing year.

   Voted, that their be a Committee chose to Give Instructions.

   Voted, Coln. John Goffe,  }
Thos. Shirla,          }
John Harvill,          }
Robert McGregor,}
David Starit,          }
Capt. James Karr,}		 be Said Committee.

   Voted, that the meeting be dismissed,"
It would be interesting to read the instructions of the committee, but they have not been preserved.

The Convention met on the 21st of December, 1775, and after due deliberation on the 5th day of January, 1776, adopted a form of government. The act was as follows;

"In Congress at Exeter, January 5, 1776.
   WE, the members of the Congress of the colony of New-Hampshire, chosen and appointed, by the free suffrages of the people of said colony, and authorized and impowered by them in to meet together and use such means and pursue such measures, as we shall judge best for the public good;--and in particular, to establish some form of government, provided that measure should be recommended by the Continental Congress; and a recommendation to that purpose having been transmitted to us, from the said Congress--have taken into our serious consideration the unhappy circumstances, into which this colony is involved, by means of many grevious and oppresive acts of the British parliament, depriving us of our native and constitutional rights and privileges; to enforce obedience to which acts, a powerful fleet and army have been sent into this country, by the ministry of Great Britain, who exercise a wanton and cruel abuse of their power, in destroying the lives and properties of the colonists, in many places, with fire and sword, taking the ships and lading from many of the honest and industrious inhabitants of this colony, employed in commerce, agreeable to the laws and customs a long time used here.

   The sudden and abrupt departure of his Excellency John Wentworth, Esq., our late governor, and several of the council leaving us destitute of legislation; and no executive courts being open, to punish criminal offenders, whereby the lives and properties of the honest people of this colony, are liable to the machinations and evil designs of wicked men:--

   Therefore, for the preservation of peace and good order, and for the security of the lives and properties of the inhabitants of this colony, we conceive ourselves, reduced to the necesity of establishing a form of government, to continue during the present and unnatural contest with Great Britain, protesting and declaring, that we never sought to throw off our dependence upon Great Britain; but felt ourselves happy under her protection, while we could enjoy our constitutional rights and and privileges--and that we shall rejoice, if such a reconciliation, between us and our parent state, can be effected, as shall be approved by the Continental Congress, in whose prudence and wisdom we confide.

   Accordingly, pursuant to the trust reposed in us, we do resolve, that this Congress assume the name, power, and authority, of a house of representatives, or assembly, for the colony of New-Hampshire: and that said house then proceed to choose twelve persons, being reputable freeholders, and inhabitants within this colony, in the folowing [sic] maner [sic], viz. five in the county of Rockingham, two in the county of Strafford, two in the county of Hillsborough, two in the county of Cheshire, and one in the county of Grafton,--to be a distinct and separate branch of the legislature, by the name of a council for this colony, to continue as such until the third Wednesday in December next; any seven of whom to be a quorum, to do business:

   That such council appoint their president; and in his absence, that the senior counsellor preside.

   That a secretary be appointed by both branches, who may be a councellor, or otherwise, as they shall choose.

   That no act, or resolve, be valid, and put into execution, unless agreed to, and passed by both branches of the legislature.

   That all public officers, for the said colony, and each county, for the current year, be appointed by the council and assembly, except the several clerks of the executive courts, who shall be appointed by the justices of the respective courts.

   That all bills, resolves, or votes, for raising, levying and collecting money, originate in the house of Representatives.

   That, at any sessions of the council and assembly, neither branch shall adjourn, for any longer time, than from Saturday till the next Monday, without consent of the other.

   And it is further resolved, that if the present unhappy dispute with Great Britain, should continue longer than the present year--and the Continental Congress give no instructions or directions to the contrary--the council be chosen by the people of each respective county, in such manner, as the council and house of representatives shall order.

   That general and field officers of the militia, on any vacancy, be appointed by the two houses, and all inferior officers be chosen by the respective companies.

   That all officers of the army be appointed by the two houses, except they should direct otherwise, in case of any emergency.

   That all civil officers, for the colony, and for each county, be appointed, and the time of their continuance in office, be determined, by the two houses, except clerks, and county treasurers, and recorders of deeds.

   That a treasurer, and a recorder of deeds, for each county be annually chosen, by the people of each county respectively; the votes for such officers to be returned to the respective courts of general sessions of peace, in the county, there to be ascertained, as the council and assembly shall hereafter direct.
   That precepts in the name of the council and assembly, signed by the president of the council, and speaker of the house of representatives, shall issue annually, at or before the first day of November, for the choice of a council, and house of representatives, to be returned by the third Wednesday in December then next ensuing, in such manner, as the council and assembly shall hereafter prescribe."
The government was duly organized under this act, the House having forthwith chosen a Council according to its provisions, and the various officers being chosen agreeably thereto.

The Counsellors chosen were,

Meshech Weare, Hampton Falls,
Matthew Thornton, Londonderry,
William Whipple, Portsmouth,
Josiah Bartlett, Kingston,
Nathaniel Folsom, Exeter,		 Rockingham County.
John Wentworth, Dover,
Ebenezer Thompson, Durham,		 Strafford County.
Wyseman Clagett, Litchfield,
Jonathan Blanchard, Dunstable,		 Hillsborough County.
Samuel Ashley, Winchester,
Benjamin Giles, Newport,		 Cheshire County.
John Hurd, Haverhill, Grafton County.
Hon. Meshech Weare was chose president of the Council. He was also chosen Chief Justice of the Superior Court. It was soon found that the government was sadly defective in not having an Executive head. This was foreseen, but there was such an antipathy against one man power, as had been exhibited by the governors under the royal government, that the people were opposed to one executive officer. To obviate this defect in part, and that there should be an executive in the recess of the Legislature, a "Committee of Safety" was appointed. These Committees were chosen by every Legislature, and were considered as the supreme executive of the State, and their acts were considered as binding as those of the Legislature, when in session. The Committee of Safety for 1776. consisted of

Meshech Weare, Hampton Falls,
Phillips White, South Hampton,
Joseph Moulton, Hampton,
Peirce Long, Portsmouth,
Timothy Walker, Concord,
Benjamin Barker, Stratham,
Joseph Dudley, Raymond,		 Rockingham County.
Ebenezer Thompson, Durham,
Otis Baker, Dover,
John Smith, Durham,		 Strafford County.
Matthew Thornton, Merrimack,
Wyseman Clagett, Littchfield,
Matthew Patten, Bedford,		 Hillsborough County.
Nathaniel S. Prentice, Alstead, Cheshire County.
Meshech Weare, was chosen President of the "Committee of Safety" and Ebenezer Thompson, Secretary. Mr. Weare, and some others were continued members of this committee by annual election until the alteration in the for of government in 1784. Mr. Weare was also President of the Committee usually but not always; Hon. Josiah Bartlett, Hon. Matthew Thornton, and Dr. Thompson having often been elected to that responsible office.

The government thus established continued in operation until 1784, though there were unsuccessful attempts to change it in 1779, and in 1781. In 1777 the subject of a form of state government was agitated in the Legislature, and the sense of the people was requested to be taken on that subject, at the same time they were to approve or disapprove of the "Articles of Confederation, and Perpetual Union, published by the Continental Congress." A meeting for these purposes was held in Derryfield, February 9, 1778, at which the "artictes of Confederation and perpetual Union published by the Continental Congress were read and unanimously approved by said Town."

It was also voted at the same meeting, "to Chouse a Committee to Give Instructions to their Representative Concerning framing a New Plan of Government for the state, and that said Committee consist of Seven men (viz.) William McClintock, Col. John Goffe, Lieut. John Hall, John Harvey, David Starret, Ensn. Samuel Boyd and Lieut. Moore."

A Convention was called to meet at Concord, June the 10th 1778, to form a plan of Government. There was no delegate in attendance from this town. The Convention continued in session from time to time, formed a Plan of Government and sent it out to the people June 5, 1779. They then adjourned to meet on the third Tuesday, (22d) of September, in Concord. This plan provided for a General Court consisting of a House of Representatives and a Council. The Council was to consist of twelve members, five from the County of Rockingham, two from Strafford, two from Hillsborough, two from Cheshire, and one from Grafton. Every man paying taxes and being of the Protestant religion was to be an elector, and any one being a protestant, and possessor of an estate of three hundred pounds could be elected. Every town having one hundred families was to send a representative, and those having less then that number, were classed together. The common and statute laws of England were adopted except those militating with the provisions of the proposed Plan.

There was much opposition to the Plan and it was rejected. In Derryfield a town meeting was held on the 19th of August 1779, to consider the Plan of Government proposed, and it was referred to a Committee for consideration. The Committee consisted of Col. John Goffe, Lieut. John Hall, Lieut. Samuel Boyd, Ensign Joseph Saunders, and Messrs. John Sheldon, Abel Huse, and Jonathan Russ.

At an adjourned meeting, held September 13, 1779, the Committee reported they could not agree and it was disposed of by vote, two voting to accept the plan and thirty one voting to reject it!

On the same day, the town voted to send a Delegate to the Convention to be held at Concord on the 22d of that month, and made choice of Capt. John Perham as such Delegate.

Upon the meeting of the convention in September, their Plan proposed had been rejected by so decided a majority, that they thought it not worth while to act farther upon the subject.

In 1781, another Convention was called and met at Concord on the first Tuesday of June, to form a permanent plan or system of Government.

The people of this town refused to send a delegate to the Convention. The Convention formed a Plan of Government and sent it out to the people together with an Address signed by their President an Secretary, discussing the merits of the proposed Constitution. The Convention then adjourned to the fourth Wednesday of January 1782.

Their Plan of Government proposed some radical changes. The legislative power was vested in a Senate and House of Representatives. To be elected to the former, a man must be possessed of an estate of four hundred pounds, free of debt and one half to be real, while to be elected to the latter a man must be possessed of two hundred pounds free of debt, and one half real. Then it proposed the election of members of the House in a novel manner. Every town having fifty rateable polls was entitled to choose a member of a kind of Convention within the County--and the members of this Convention elected from their number the Representatives to the Legislature from that County.

The executive power was vested in a Governor, with limited powers and time of holding office.

A town meeting was called in Deerfield December 25th, 1781, "to consult the plan of Government, and to approve or disapprove of any part of said plan."

The subject was referred to a Committee consisting of Capt. Samuel Moor, Lieut. John Perham, Ensign Joseph Saunders, Ensign Samuel Stark and Wm. Freeto and they were to report to an adjourned meeting. They then adjourned to the third Thursday of January. The action of the town at the adjourned meeting is thus recorded.

   "January 17, 1782, the town met according to adjournment, and after voting down some part of the plan of government, that is Needless to be here Inserted, they voted not to send any man to Convention and the moderator dissolved the meeting."
The Plan was generally rejected throughout the State, and when the Convention met, they found their labors had been disapproved. The Convention however, continued its sessions and on the last Tuesday of December, 1782, resumed its labors.

The existing form of government was only provisional, as has been before named. It was to continue only as long there was war. Accordingly, there being a prospect of peace, the Legislature at its last session, passed a resolution that in case peace should take place, the present form of government should continue till June 10, 1784. This resolution was sent to the several towns in the State for their approval.

A meeting was called in this town on the 13th day of November to consider of this subject, at which they voted by a decided majority to adhere to the then existing "plan of government," The record of the meeting reads thus;

   "Voted to Except the plan of Government as it Now Stands.

Contents 14.
Non Contents 1."

At the same time, they refused to send a delegate to the Convention.

The Resolution of the Legislature was ratified by a majority of the towns.

At the meeting of the Convention at Concord, on the last Tuesday of December, the people had taken so little interest in the matter and there were so many defects in the returns that they determined upon an adjournment. The President, George Atkinson Esq., and the Secretary, Jonathan M. Sewall Esq., published an address of the Convention to the people, from which is given the following extract, showing the difficulties attending the formation of the Constitution.

   "Tis now almost two years since the Convention for framing a Constitution of Government for the people of this state, was called; and we are pained to say, we see less prospect of succeeding, than when we first made the attempt.
   Six times we have met and adjourned, and twice have been at the pains of printing such a form as we thought would be best for, and most acceptable to the people--all at an amazing expence to the State, and yet not half its inhabitants have thought proper to give themselves the least concern about it.
   At our first meeting we agreed upon the essentials of the plan and appointed a Committee to prepare the draught. At our second, we received it, and voted to print and send out to the people 700 copies thereof, informing them that not less than two thirds of the voters in favor of the plan should be sufficient to establish it.
   Our next meeting, to receive the votes was so thin, and so few returns were made, that we adjourned to a better season of the year, in hopes that both would be more ample, at the next meeting; and in the mean time recommended to the several towns to send more members, and be more explicit, as well as numerous in their returns.
   We met the fourth time; we received and considered the votes, and appointed a committee to make necessary alterations. At our next meeting we voted to receive the plan thus altered, and to print & send out to the people 8O0 copies thereof. It was so done. After a long recess we again met to receive the votes, but to our great grief and surprise, not half the towns within the State, made any returns, and of those that did, not a fifth part of their inhabitants voted.
   One reason of this we find by many of the returns, was that the people conceived they were obliged to take a certain oath of allegiance, in order to qualify them to vote respecting the constitution, which they for some reason declined. We therefore take this opportunity to assure them that it is the full sentiment of the Convention, that they are under no necessity of taking it, the act imposing the oath, not reaching to matters of this kind; are provided the votes are given in public town meeting, that the Convention will as readily receive them without the voters taking the oath as with it.
   We find great defects in the returns last made. In many, the number of voters is not mentioned. Some of the towns that voted in favor of a chief magistrate, but against his title of Governor, have not been explicit as to his powers. Many towns that have voted against the mode of representation and a variety of other matters, have omitted pointing out the amendments. Some have condescended to criticize single words;--others have confined many of their observations merely to the address, tho' that is no part of the Constitution.
   From these and many other considerations, the Convention have thought it best to adjourn once more before they make any further alterations in the frame, to give the people the fullest opportunity to consider and give their sentiments thereon, as well as to rectify any mistakes and supply all defects; that the Convention may have a tolerable assurance that the plan, after all, will be received. In order to which all the towns that have acted, are at full liberty to make any alterations, or if they chuse, to proceed as if they had never acted at all; and they have adjourned to the first Tuesday of June next, then to meet at Concord."
Meantime the articles of peace had been ratified by Congress and our old form of State government was at an end by its own provisions. But this state of things had been anticipated by the Legislature, and in consequence of its action, the Committee of Safety issued the following Proclamation, continuing the form of Government for a specified period.

"State of            }
New Hampshire.}		 In Committee of Safety, April 16, 1783.
A Proclamation.
   Whereas the Form of Government agreed upon by this State, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seven-six, was (considering the then situation of affairs) established to continue only during the unhappy and unnatural contest then subsisting with Great Britian:
   And whereas the General Assembly of this State in their last session, from information they received, had a promising prospect of a speedy and happy termination of those contests, and establishment of Peace; and taking into consideration the fatal consequences which might follow from being destitute of a regular Form Government, did pass a Resolve recommending that the present Government be continued in its full force 'till the tenth day of June, one thousand seven hundred and eighty four, notwithstanding a general pacification should take place in the mean time; provided a permanent Plan of Government for this State should not be established antecedent to that period:
   And it was recommended to the selectmen of the towns and places in this State to lay said Resolve before the inhabitants at their next annual meetings, if received before such meetings were finished, if not so received, then at meetings to be called for that purpose; and the inhabitants were requested to signify, by vote, their approbation or disapprobation ot [sic ?of] continuing the present Government according to said Resolve; and the Clerks of the several towns and places were required to certify the same to the Committee of Safety, on or before the 15th day of April then next.
   Which returns having been made and carefully examined by the Committee, it appears clearly to be the voice of the inhabitants of this State, that the present Plan of Government be continued agreeably to said resolve.
   We therefore hereby make known, That the present Plan of Government for this State, is continued in full force and effect until the tenth day of June, one thousand seven hundred and eighty four, provided a permanent Plan of Government for this State should not be established antecedent to that period.
   And all officers, civil and military, and all persons concerned, are to take notice hereof, and govern themselves rccordingly [sic].

 M. WEARE. President.
By order of the Committee,

J. PEARSONS, Dep. Sect'y"



At the meeting of the convention in June, it was found that the proposed plan was objectionable to the people, and changing the Executive from Governor to President and limiting his powers, they sent the Constitution again to the people for their approval, accompanied with an Address drawn up by a committee appointed for that purpose.

A meeting was held in this town, September 16, 1783, to consider the plan of Government. The subject was referred to a Committee of seven, consisting of General John Stark, Major John Webster, Lieut. John Hall, John Goffe, Jur. Lieut. John Perham, Ensign Samuel Stark, and James Gorman who were to report at an adjourned meeting.

   "The subject of "the 8th article of the Confederation," coming legally before the same meeting, it was referred to the same Committee.
   At the adjourned meeting, September 23d, the committee reported in favor of accepting the plan of government, and their report was unanimously accepted by the town.
   It was also
   "Voted that the clause in the Eight article of Confederation stand as it now is," probably agreeable to the report of the Committee.
   The eighth article was as follows:
"ART. VIII. All charges of war, and all other expenses that shall be incurred for the common defence or general warfare, and allowed by the United States in Congress assembled shall be defrayed out of a common treasury, which shall be supplied by the several States, in proportion to the value of all land within each State, granted to or surveyed for any person, as such land and the buildings and the improvements thereon shall be estimated according to such mode as the United States in Congress assembled, shall from time to time appoint and direct. The taxes for paying that proportion shall be laid and levied by the authority and direction of the Legislatures of the several States within the time agreed upon by the United States in Congress assembled."
The Constitution was generally accepted throughout the State.

The Convention finished their labors after nine sessions, on the 31st day of October 1783 and published and declared the accepted plan of Government to be "the civil constitution of the state of New Hampshire."

This Constiuttion provided for an Executive entitled, the President, to be elected annually, to possess an estate of five hundred pounds, one half a freehold, and to be of the Protestant religion. It also established a General Court, consisting of a Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate was to consist of twelve;--five from Rockingham, two from Strafford, two from Hillsborough, two from Cheshire, and one from Grafton. Each was to possess a freehold of two hundred pounds and be of the protestant religion, thirty years of age, and an inhabitant of the State seven years. Each town having a hundred and fifty rateable polls was entitled to a representative, and to another for every three hundred additional rateable polls. Towns having a less number than one hundred and fifty were to be classed.

Each representative to be of the protestant religion and to have an estate of one hundred pounds, one half a freehold, in the town from which he was elected, and he must have an inhabitant of the state two years.

There was also a Council of five members, to be elected annually, by the General Court, two from the Senate and three from the House of Representatives.

The March elections through the State were held under this Constitution.

In Derryfield, the annual election was held the first day of March 1784. The record of voters for President and Senator are as follows:

"For Josiah Bartlett, 17 votes.
" John Langdon,   9     "
" John Calf,   1     "
Votes for Senator as follows:
" For Gen. Nichols, 13     "
" Esqr. Bailey,   9     "
" Levt. John Orr,   2     "
" Gen. Stark,   1     "
" Esqr. Blood,   1     "
" Joseph Blanchard,   1     "
" Esqr. Robert McGregor,   1     "
" Esqr. Abbott,   1     "

Hon. Meshech Weare was elected President, being the first executive officer elected by the people in New Hampshire. The government was duly organized on the first Wednesday of June under this Constitution at Concord, amid the rejoicings of the people.

The government under this Constitution went along quietly and without opposition until the fall of 1786. Then, an organized opposition in arms, only proved its stability. The state of the currency produced much discontent. Many individuals had become embarrassed by contracts entered into while paper money was in full favor, others had lost their earnings by depreciation, and still others had spent years in the service of their country and had been paid in paper money,--that was next to worthless. Discontent on this subject generally prevailed, and it was generally believed that the evils might be met by legislative enactments. Such however, had only made matters worse. Still excitement was kept up, meetings were held in many towns, and delegates chosen to a convention, while a formal petition was agreed upon to the legislature, praying for an emission of bills of credit. At the session of the Legislature, an issue of �50,000 at four per cent on land security and carrying an interest of six per cent, redeemable at some future time, was agreed upon--and the plan was sent to the various towns for their assent or dissent.

This plan did not suit the most clamorous for paper money, and they determined to coerce the Legislature into their measures. Runners were accordingly sent into the most disaffected towns, calling upon the people to arm, go to Exeter, and demand of the Legislature an emission of paper money, and other enactments to suit their views. The interested, young and thoughtless, obeyed the call, and on the 20th of September about two hundred men entered the town of Exeter, some on foot, some mounted, about one hundred armed with muskets, and the rest with clubs and canes. The principal leader of the civilians was Moses French of Hampstead, a man who had before taken a conspicuous part, and presided at their late Convention.

Of the military men, there were Colonel Benjamin Stone Major James Cochran, of Pembroke, Capt. James Cochran o [sic ?of] Pembroke, Capt. John McKean of Londonderry, Capt. Ela Dowe, Lieut. Asa Robinson of Pembroke, Lieut's. Clough, and Brown, and Ensign Thomas Cotton.

It will be seen that most of these men were from the western part of the County of Rockingham, and we are sorry to say that the disaffection was most rife in that section. Arrived at Exeter, the mob organized, chose French Moderator of their meeting, and passed certain resolves, which were sent to the Legislature, they then marched over the bridge and back, and surrounded the court house, where Judge Livermore was holding court. The Judge remained unmoved and would not permit the people to look upon the mob from the windows of the court house. They soon left and marched to the meeting house, which they surrounded.

Their resolves, signed by Moses French as Moderator and dated on Exeter Plain, had been presented to the House of Representatives. This body had entertained the paper and appointed a committee of three to be joined by a committee of the Senate, to take the subject into consideration; but the Senate would not concur, and a conference was being held in the meeting house upon the subject, when the mob surrounded it.

The president (General Sullivan,) being, ex-officio, a senator, opened the matter, by giving publickly [sic], in the hearing of the people, and as many of the mob as chose to attend, the reasons on which the senate non-concurred the vote of the house. He first considered the position, and shewed with great strength of reasoning, and very coolly, the extreme folly, as well as the very great injustice of the prayer of their former petition. And also observed that even if the measure was just and reasonable, the general court ought not to pay attention to it merely from having the voice of thirty towns only, out of two hundred, in favor of it. He concluded by saying, that if the voice of the whole state was for the measure, yet the legislature ought not to comply with it, while they were surrounded by an armed force. To do it, would be to betray the rights of the people, which they had all solemnly engaged to support, and that no consideration of personal danger should ever compel him to so flagrant a violation of the constitutional rights of the people, who had placed him in the chair of Government.

As soon as this speech was made, the mob beat to arms, and surrounded the meeting house, where the president, the senate and house remained; those of the mob who had muskets, were ordered to charge with ball, which command they instantly obeyed. The house proceeded to business as usual, without taking any manner of notice of the management at the doors. Centinels were placed at each door with fixed bayonets, and the whole legislature were prisoners. After sun-set the president attempted to come out, but was prevented by a firm column. He reasoned very coolly with them on the impropriety and fatal tendency of their conduct, and assured them that the force of the state would support the government: which they took leave to deny with as much confidence as he asserted it. Thus all remained, till the evening was quite dark; the minds of the sober part of the people began to rise at the indignity; while the mob clamored, some paper money, some an equal distribution of property, some the annihilation of debts, some release of all taxes, and all clamored against law and government. A drum was now heard at a distance, and a number of men huzzaing for government. The mob appeared frighted, and some of them began to run; the president told them he would prevent bloodshed, and walked through them, and the general court followed.

On this, the insurgents returned to another part of the town, and the legislature, who had throughout the whole acted with the most inimitable firmness and magnanimity, re-assumed their business, and requested the president to call forth the power of the state to quell the rebellion. At eleven in the evening, he issued orders and by sun-rise the next morning, the militia were marching in, well armed, with military music, and other incitements to military movements. The major and brigadier-generals of all the state excepting one, whose great remoteness from the scene of action prevented him, assembled early in the morning. Gentlemen of the first rank and education, emulous to save a government for which they had done and suffered so much, appeared either on foot or horse in order, and enthusiasm, quite inexpressible by words, appeared through the whole.

By eight o'clock the next morning, a sufficient body of cavalry and infantry had arrived to march against the mob, who, by this time, had collected and advanced, within a mile of the court house. Having, by their spies, got information of their intentions, the unarmed part of them thought it prudent to retreat to Great Hill. The remainder kept their ground till the light horse appeared in view, and then retreated with great precipitation and disorder; many of them fell into the hands of their pursuers, and were sent back to town and secured.

When they had reached the bridge at King's-falls, being met by those who had before retired, they halted and exhibited the appearance of an intention to dispute the pass; but a few officers and gentlemen on horse-back, having with great spirit and address, taken most of their officers, and principal men from the midst of them, they betook themselves to fight in great confusion, and returned to their respective abodes. The whole affair was conducted with much coolness and moderation; and though orders were repeatedly given by some of the insurgents to fire on their assailants, there was happily no blood spilt on either side. The mob being dispersed, the troops returned into town, where they met, or were afterwards joined by large bodies, which arrived after the business of the day was over.1

About forty prisoners were taken, and among them were Cochran the principal military leader, and French, the Moderator. Gen. Cilley at the head of a squad of horse, rode in among the insurgents and arrested Cochran with his own hands. His companions at the same time seized each his man among the ringleaders. This was done with such celerity and boldness, that hardly any show of resistance was made. Most of the leaders in custody, their followers fled in all directions.

Capt. McKean and some others escaped and returned to Londonderry, but the night following, a party of horse, under the command of Gen. Cilley, arrested them and carried them to Exeter. Mr. James Aiken of Londonderry acted as guide to this party, being acquainted with the men and their residences. He was known to no one of the party to which he was guide, and rode upon a white horse keeping some distance ahead. When he turned his horse completely around in front of a house, there they were to make an arrest. During the expedition, the soldiers attempted to overtake their guide, but being well mounted, he kept his distance, and his secret. The guide was known as "Death upon the White Horse," and the incident excited a good deal of curiosity.

The secret was kept for years and did not transpire until Mr. Aiken revealed it upon his death bed.

A man by the name of Booez from Londonderry was one of the insurgents. Arrived at Exeter, he was not exactly satisfied with his position, and when surrounding the meetinghouse, he all at once commanded "Shoulder arms, Right about, Face, March!," and suiting the action to the word, he shouldered his musket, and leaving the ranks, marched up the street, and never stopped until he arrived at his own house. From this incident, he ever after was known as "General Booez." The most of the men were dismissed after making due acknowledgments of their error; but five were reserved for trial for riot. They however, were afterwards discharged by the court. The officers were tried by a Court Martial, most of them found guilty, and sentenced to be cashiered. Col Stone was acquitted. Major Cochran was sentenced to be cashiered, but on account of former good conduct was recommended by the court to be restored, and he was restored. Captains Cochran, McKeen, and Dow; Lieutenants, Robinson and Clough, and Ensign Cotton were cashiered. Lieutenants, Brown and Weare, were reprimanded.

Quite a number of men were among the insurgents from this neighborhood, and of them two young men, John Webster and James Nutt, from Derryfield. They became excellent citizens, and were wont to speak of the affair as one in which they engaged with others, as a reckless, boyish frolic. Many others doubtless engaged in it with little forethought; but the leaders were misguided, restless men, who needed some chastisement to reconcile them to the proper restraints of an orderly government. The whole affair was conducted on the part of the government with much promptness, moderation and justice, and upon the whole the affair was productive of good, as it convinced the reckless and restless among the people, that the government was a reality, and to be sustained by the orderly and good citizens of the state at all hazards.

In 1788, a Convention was called to act upon the Federal Constitution for the government of the United States. The Convention met at Exeter, the second Wednesday of February.

After discussing the subject some nine or ten days, the Convention adjourned to the third Wednesday of June, then to meet Concord. At the adjourned session, the greatest anxiety prevailed, and the discussion was continued until Saturday when the question was taken upon the adoption or rejection of the Constitution.

During the call of the members, the stillness of death prevailed in the house. Anxiety was depicted on every countenance. At length the President announced the state of the vote, 57 having voted for adopting the Constitution and 46 against it--leaving a majority in its favor. According to a provision in the Constitution, it was to go into operation, when nine states should adopt it, and the action of New Hampshire, she being the ninth, was awaited with the greatest solicitude. She adopted it and the result was hailed with delight throughout the state and country. It is said that this result was attained by a pleasant trick on the part of Col. Walker, of Concord, one of the friends of the Constitution.

The Colonel invited a number of the enemies of the measures to dine with him together with a number of its friends. It was so managed that good wines were passed round after the cloth was removed, and the dinner was continued until after the vote was taken in the Convention, thus securing a majority in favor of the constitution!

The Constitution of New Hampshire adopted in 1783, continued in force until Sept. 1792. In 1791, a Convention was called to revise the Constitution. The Convention met, and on the second Wednesday of February 1792, finished revising the same, and sent it out to the people for them to approve, adjourning the Convention to the 5th day of September following to await the decision of the people.

On the 5th day of August, at a town meeting in Derryfield, the Constitution was read and it was

   "Voted to accept the Constitution,--14 votes--Contrary--0."
September 5, the Convention having met it was found that the Constitution as revised by them had been accepted by the people, and it was declared to be the "Constitution of New Hampshire," and was to take effect the first Wednesday of June, 1793.

This Constitution did not differ very materially from that of 1783. It changed the name of the Executive from President to Governor. It provided for twelve Senators to be chosen from twelve Districts into which the state was to be divided by the Legislature--instead of choosing the same number from not more than ten, nor less than five Districts as before. And it provided that the Council, of five members should be chosen by the people, either from the counties, or from five Districts into which the state might be divided by the Legislature, instead of the same number of Counsellors chosen by the Senate and House, from their members as before. These were the most important alterations.

Hon. Josiah Bartlett was chosen Governor, being the first Governor chosen by the people in New Hampshire under a republican form of government, and the government of the state was duly organized at Concord on the first Wednesday of June 1793, under the new Constitution.

Footnotes
1See N. H. His Coll. Return

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ALHN Hillsborough County

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History of Manchester
Hillsborough County
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Created April 28, 2001
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