Concern for the Eastern Country

    932. From Thomas Scammell, 2 January 1772

    933. To Lord Hillsborough, 3 January 1772

    Hutchinson was well aware of Lord Hillsborough’s strategic concern to preserve mast trees in the lands east of the Penobscot River for the exclusive use of the Royal Navy. He did everything he could to assist Thomas Scammell, the surveyor of the King’s Woods for the region, and Hutchinson repeatedly urged the General Court to check the flood of settlers moving into the area. When the House continued to ignore the issue, Hutchinson sent a committee of the Council to investigate, but several of the committee members were heavily invested in eastern lands, and they too chose to look the other way. The Kennebec Proprietors, among the largest landholders in Maine, made a not entirely disinterested proposal that landholders be given a financial incentive to preserve suitable mast trees, otherwise there was little reason for settlers in the area not to cut them up into boards.

    932. From Thomas Scammell

    Portsmouth Janry. 2d 1772

    Sir, I take the liberty to inform your Excellency, that I had the Honor of receiving yours of 21st Instant and that I am extremely sorry (as you expected it) that I did not wait on you; I will therefore (as near as I can) give you an account of my proceedings, since I had the pleasure of seeing you.1

    Immediately after, I sett out for Portsmouth, and at my Arrival, waited on His Excellency Governor Wentworth, in consequence of my 6th. and last Instruction, which enjoyns me to obey, such other Instructions, as I shall from time to time receive from the Surveyor General. I soon found after I left Boston, that the Summer was the most improper time for inspecting the Woods. The Surveyor General, pointed out to me the impropriety of such an attempt; that the Flies &ca would be very troublesome; and that the country people born on the skirts of the Woods, durst scarce ever make such attempts; However, that no reflection might be cast on my conduct, I took the liberty to inform him (if he thought proper) I would try wither they would have the same effect on me, this His Excellency willingly assented to, and prevailed on Colonel Bagley (who is personally known to your Sir.) to accompany me. We accordingly, sett out for Kennebeck, and soon arrived at Doctor Gardiners at Cobbiseconta (From a report I received, that the banks of that stream, abounded with good Oak Timbers).2 The Doctors Son, made one of the party, we landed and found some Oak Timber had not long been on shore, before I was too sensible of the Surveyor Generals kind caution.3 The flies had such an effect on me, that after my arrival at the Doctors, I found myself somewhat indisposed, and therefore was obliged to return. That no time might be lost, and from experience, finding, that ’tis much easier to prevent than remedy; I determined to send the Colonel to the Eastward, to remove any prejudices, that the people might entertain from my Appointment. He sett out accordingly, and I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that it fully answerd our expectation. The people in general, were preposses’d with very strange notions, one of which was, that I was coming down with an arm’d force, to disposses them, and burn their Mills. As soon as the nature of my Commission, was explained to them, their prejudices vanished, and they wished to see me. Immediately after the Colonels return, I hired a vessell, & engaged him to go with me; before we sailed, I received from the Surveyor General Instructions to confine myself (In this Expedition) to the Sea coast, and Rivers; This appeared to me, to be a well concerted scheme, tending much to prove, his great knowledge, in what ever is necessary for the preservation of His Majestys Woods. We sailed for Gouldsborough, arrived, and went on shore; but could not make any important discovery. We sailed from thence, for Eastern River, Blue Hill Bay, & Penobscott; At the latter place, the commanding Officer (Colonel Goldthwait being at Boston) Afforded us, every Assistance in his power. We sailed up the River, and Anchor’d off the mouth of Condeskeeg stream.4 Captain Fletcher accompayn’d us, and inform’d me, that the Indians was very desirous of seeing me.5 We saw one and had a conference. I desired the Captain to acquaint him, that I should have occasion frequently to employ them as guides in exploring the Country. That His Majesty required all the large Trees for Masts &ce. for the Royal Navy and nothing would recommend them more to His Majestys notice, and protection, than their affording me every Assistance, and information, in their power. Went on shore, and walk’d some miles about the Woods; The best Pines (tho’ not extraordinary) we found near this stream. I fully intended paying the Indians a visit, and prepared accordingly, but was prevented, by the heavy rains which fell the day before. We sailed, and Anchor’d in Kennebeck River, and observed with the greatest circumspection, the Appearance of the Woods, and are of Opinion, that very few Pines near the Sea shore, are fit for Masts &ca &ca for the Royal Navy. I cannot pretend to assert, at what distance from the Sea they are good, this must be left to a future inspection. I shall consult the Surveyor General respecting my report, and your Excellency may depend on having an exact copy. In my report, I shall be carefull, not to mention any thing, but what myself, or Deputy, have seen, little dependance is to be placed on the people’s account of the state of the Country. The internal part, now claims my attention; I have therefore orderd a party for that purpose; from whose diligence, and Activity, I form the greatest expectations. As my District has an extensive Sea Coast, and a very great part, not inhabited, I therefore wrote to their Lordships for a Vessell of Thirty Tons, and a flatt bottom boat, and am in daily expectation of their Lordships Order. In which I took the liberty to inform them of Your Excellency to the following effect “As part of my District is the Easter[n] part of Massachusetts Bay, I therefore conceived it consistent with my duty, to wait on His Excellency Governor Hutchinson, to apprize him of my arrival, and to procure, the best information of the state, and limits, of the unclaimed lands; His Excellency received me with the greatest civility, enjoyn’d the civil, and Military power, to the aiding, and assisting, that I might depend on his protection; and consult him in all matters relating to my Office, within his Government.”

    I entreat Your Excellencys pardon for the liberty I have taken, and assure you, that I shall on every occasion be happy in convincing you, how much I am with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Much Obliged & Obedient Humble Servant,

    Tho Scammell

    RC (Massachusetts Archives, SC1/series 45X, 25:496–98); endorsed, “Thomas Scammell Portsmouth 2d Jany 1772.” SC (National Archives UK, CO 5/761, ff. 61–62); at foot of letter, “Copy.”

    933. To Lord Hillsborough

    Boston 3. January 1772

    (No 18)

    My Lord, The Proprietors of what is calld the Plimouth Patent, being a Tract on each side the River Kennebec, have applied to me to transmit to the Lords of the Treasury a Petition and proposal relative to the Masts within the Patent. I acquainted them that it was most regular for me to transmit it to your Lordship and to submit to you the presenting it, that I should say nothing concerning their Title which is a Subject of Controversy in the Courts of Law here and which was revived about the year 1750.1 I am bound to observe to your Lordship that the whole of the Western side of Kennebec River is included in the Patent to Sir Ferdinand Gorges and altho this Patent was dated after that under which the Kennebec Proprietors claim from the Council of Plimouth yet it is founded upon a Patent or Patents from the same Council of a prior date to that of the Kennebeck Proprietors.

    The history of the Country East of Kennebec your Lordship is well acquainted with. This Tract, as well as the Country East of it settles, with great rapidity and one of the Proprietors acquaints me that 150 new families are going out upon it the next Spring.

    Mr. Scammell is returned from his survey of the Eastern Country and had what assistance he desired from Fort Pownall. He is now at Portsmouth in New Hampshire. I have wrote to him to remind him of making some return to your Lordship but have received no Answer.2

    In consequence of a Warrant from the Chief Justice two of the persons concerned in the Assault upon the Comptroller at Falmouth have been apprehended & by a Justice of Peace there recognized in a sufficient Sum with Sureties for their appearance to answer at the next Assizes and upon information brought to me of the names of five or six others concerned I have directed the same Justice to proceed with them in like manner and I hope they will all be brought to exemplary punishment.3

    Being still without Letters from your Lordship I have thought it for His Majesty’s Service further to prorogue the General Court to the 19th. of February. I am with very great respect My Lord Your Lordship’s most humble & most obedient Servant,

    RC (National Archives UK, CO 5/761, ff. 37–38); at foot of letter, “Right Honble. the Earl of Hillsborough”; docketed, “Boston 3d. January 1772 Governor Hutchinson (No. 18) Rx 17th. February.” DupRC (National Archives UK, CO 5/894, ff. 176–77); at head of letter, “Duplicate”; docketed, “[Massachusets.] Duplicate of a Letter No. 20 from Govr. Hutchinson to the Earl of Hillsborough, dated January 1772, relative to the Plymouth Patent,—Mr. Scammell’s Surveys—and the apprehending of some of the persons concerned in the Outrage committed on the Comptroller of Falmouth. O o. 33. Read May 15. 1772.” AC (Massachusetts Archives, SC1/series 45X, 27:273–74); at head of letter, “By Gardner sailed about 6th.”; at foot of letter, “Ld Hillsboro.” SC (National Archives UK, CO 5/768, ff. 224–226); docketed, “Boston January 3d. 1772 Govr. Hutchinson (No. 18) R. 17th. Feby.”; at foot of letter, “Inclosures: 1. A Letter from Messieurs Bowdoin, Pitts, Gardiner, and Hallowell to Governor Hutchinson dated January 3d. 1772. 2. Three Numbers of a periodical Paper stiled the Censor. 3. The Petition of the Proprietors of the Kennebeck to the Lords of the Treasury. 4. Two Boston Gazettes.” Enclosures to RC: Kennebec Proprietors to TH, 3 January 1772 (National Archives UK, CO 5/761, ff. 39–40); Petition of the Kennebec Proprietors (ff. 41–50); Massachusetts Gazette and Boston Weekly News-Letter, 26 December 1771; 2 January 1772 (ff. 51–54); The Censor, 28 December 1771; 4 January 1772 (ff. 55–58).

    934. From Lord Hillsborough

    Whitehall January 11th. 1772.

    Sir, I have received your Letters No. 15 and 16 & have laid them before The King.1

    His Majesty has judged it proper that what you represent in No. 15 with regard to the doubts that have occurred as to the mode of proceeding in Cases where the Governor and Council act together as a Court for proving Wills and granting Administrations, and for deciding Controversies concerning Marriage and Divorce, should be laid before the Privy Council for their Consideration, and I have, by His Majesty’s Command, transmitted a Copy of your Letter to that Board.

    I am very sorry to find that the Officers of the Customs should have fresh ground to complain of Insult and Obstruction in the Execution of their Duty; but I trust that the very prudent Steps you have taken & the proper Support you seem to have met with upon this occasion from the Council will encourage the magistrates to exert themselves to bring to due Punishment the Persons charged as Principals in the savage and daring Insult offered to the Comptroller of Falmouth. I am &c.,

    Hillsborough.

    SC (National Archives UK, CO 5/765, ff. 220–21); at head of letter, “Govr. Hutchinson (No. 12.).” SC (National Archives UK, CO 5/761, ff. 21–22); at head of letter, “No. 12. Govr. Hutchinson.”

    935. To Sir Francis Bernard

    Boston 13 Jan. 1772

    By Hosea from Plimouth to Liverpool was to sail 16th or 17th.

    Dear Sir, My last to you was dated the 3. of this month. I have heard nothing since of Mr. Bernard nor any thing further from Colo. Goldthwait. There has been no Vessel from Penobscot.1

    I fancy you staid longer at Lincoln than you expected or I should have heard from you by some or other of the Vessels which have arrived this fall. Indeed I have no Letters from any body nor do I find that any body else has which give any account of publick affairs. I have been forced to prorogue the Court to the middle of February & I must make a further prorogation unless I receive letters next week. This makes some of the Representatives mutter but they must thank themselves for it their conduct last Session is the occasion of it.

    There has been great expectation of a Staff to be settled at the Castle. I dont wish it unless the Publick Service requires it. If it shall be done I cannot but hope that one or two Offices will be left to be filled by such persons as I may appoint. Phillips will soon be in a suffering state.2 My two eldest sons are in business as Merchants and while I love to advise & assist them I hope they will do better than in publick business. My youngest son is with the Attorney General.3 I do not expect he will ever make a Lawyer and I aimed at nothing more than to improve his mind and fit him for some Post in the Government. He is near of age & I see no probability of any thing for him.

    We have rumours of an intention to lessen the military force in America & of plans for the payment of what may remain by the Governments. How this is to be effected I have not heard. Dalrymple you know is very susceptible of news & he gives more credit to it than I do.4 I want exercise to which I was so much used for ten years together. I wish I had a good errand next Summer to any part of the Continent if it was as far as Quebeck but I see no chance for it. Our long dearth of intelligence will I hope soon be followed by proportionable plenty and remove the suspence I have been in concerning my own conduct & furnish subject for further Correspondence with you. I am Dear Sir Your Faithful humble Servant,

    AC (Massachusetts Archives, SC1/series 45X, 27:277); at foot of letter, “Sr F Bernard.”

    936. From Enoch Freeman

    Falmouth Jany 20 1772

    Sir, I was lately honour’d with your Excellency’s Letter Relative to the Assault on Mr. Savage;1 I Immediately Issued my Warrant against the Persons your Excellency was Inform’d were concern’d in that Assault. Mr. Seal in a great Hurry to Sail, came with his owner and recogniz’d without any Examination of the Witnesses;2 Mr. McLellan and Mr. Titcomb, upon their denying that they were concern’d; the Witnesses, Mr. Shattuck, Riggs, Rand, and Tookey, were Sworn, & charged to declare the Truth, that the Perpetrators may be discovered & punished, to prevent Such atrocious Actions for the future, & that they themselves and others may be Safe in their Houses: but upon a critical Examination of them, it did not Appear that either of them were concern’d in the Riot, but the contrary therefore they were discharged;3 the Other Witnesses vizt. Stover and Minot, were at Sea, and Mrs. Shattuck Sick a bed. Mr. Seal and his Owner Mr. Pole have Since been with me as the weather prevented his then going out; and as they were Ignorant of the Law, and that Innocent or not, thought he must recognize, pray that the Recognizance may not be certified, because, as he follows the Sea, it will be a great Damage to him to be obliged to attend Court being Innocent; On this I shou’d be glad to have the best Advice. Nothing in my Power Shall be wanting, that I can legally do, to bring the Rioters to condign Punishment, for the Action is abhorred by every Body here, and by none more than my Self, and so contrary to the Laws of the Land, tending so much to the Disquiet of Every man and to the Disorder & Confusion of Society. I am Sensible it is the Duty of Justices to Suppress Riots, but when the Act is over, and the Persons not known, I am at a Loss what Sort of Inquiry they can make, unless in common with others, without an Information: Indeed in England it Seems the Justices may order a Jury to be Summoned in Such Case, to make Inquiry &c but I dont know that it was ever done in this Country, and Query whether it is Law here, as we have Standing grand Juries, which they have not in England. In regard to my Self and my Brother Justices, I must beg leave to observe on Mr. Savages Conduct in this Affair, that when he laid the matter before the Court, they offer’d him all the Assistance in their Power, and that if he wou’d but Suspect any Person or Persons, they wou’d order a warrant against them, let them be who the[y] wou’d, he Said he cou’d not tell who they were, for they were disguised; and he must remember that I offerred him again and again, if he wou’d Charge any Man or Men, I wou’d Issue a Warrant for them Immediately, but he Said he cou’d not tell who they were, and never ask’d for a Warrant at all, but push’d off for Boston, and there made Oath to three, and had a Warrant from the Chief Justice, & by which Conduct the Publick may Judge, that he cou’d not have Justice done here, which Seems to be a Reflection on us, that I am Sure we do not deserve, and think we ought to resent it, at least So far as to Show our dislike of Such a Conduct. I hope he will be able to give Some Satisfactory Reason for Such a Proceeding. As I have always had an Esteem for Mr. Savage and his Lady and a good understanding; shou’d be glad to find that he has had no bad Intentions against any Person in Authority here. I hope Your Excellency will Excuse my mentioning this, as I wou’d not be represented worse than I deserve, as I am apprehensive has been the Case. I am, Your Excellency’s most Dutifull & Obedient humble Servant,

    Enoch Freeman

    RC (Massachusetts Archives, SC1/series 45X, 25:500–1); addressed, “On His Majesty’s Service To His Excellency Thomas Hutchinson Esqr Captain General & Governour of his Majesty’s Province of the Massachusetts Bay. Boston.”; endorsed, “Enoch Freeman Jan 20. 1772.”

    937. To Sir Francis Bernard

    Boston 21 Jan. 1772

    Fletchers Vessel

    Dear Sir, Two Packets the October & November are arrived and I have no Letters. Every body must be in the Country.

    I will cover a paper which with sevral more came directed to me about the time of Mr Waldos arrival. I should have burnt it but I found the Town so full of them that it would have been to no purpose to destroy it. I suspect but one man. The Devil himself is not capable of more malevolence.1 Its pity the author should not be exposed to discourage further attempts. Such a man is dangerous every where. I cannot help thinking that by the type of superscription or the paper which I think is not English manufacture it may be discovered where the plot against poor Waldo was fabricated.

    I am sorry to hear you are going to Ireland. I wish you had been provided for to your mind in England.2 I am selfish in this wish for the continuance of your Correspondence would have been of great service to me.

    There has been no occurrence worth communicating since my last by a Liverpool Vessel. No Vessel from Penobscot nor any advice from Mr Bernard. The weather we have had has prevented. You see by the paper how I have settled the Superior Court & filled up the vacancies in the other Courts occasioned by the new settlement.3 I have had no personal interest in the appointments, but have made it my sole aim to find the most proper persons to support & strengthen Government. I am Dear Sir Your faithful & most obedient Servant,

    AC (Massachusetts Archives, SC1/series 45X, 27:284).