FOUNDERS OF FORT NO. 4, CHARLESTOWN, NH From: Farns10th@aol.com - Janice Farnsworth Fort 4, Charlestown, NH during the Revolution Source:  History of Charlestown, NH, the old Fort 4              by Rev. Henry H. Saunderson, Claremont, NH 1876 p.108 In the summer of 1777 not only a large proportion of the citizens of Charlestown were engaged in the military service of the country, but the same was true of many other towns in the County of Cheshire.  When an order came from General Stark, dated Brumley, (Bromley, Vermont, now Peru) August 6, 1777 to Colonel Hunt of Charlestown, "To mount the cannon at No. 4 immediately, and get all the cannon from Walpole brought up to No. 4, and fix them on carriages," Colonel Hunt wrote to the Council of Safety at Exeter the next day, "That so many of the inhabitants of this county are now abroad in the service that it is extremely difficult to hire workmen; nor do I know where it is possible to procure iron; nor can timber that is seasoned and proper for that business be handily got," consequently the mounting of the cannon was postponed. At this time there was a company of volunteers from Charlestown with Stark, under the command of Capt. Abel Walker, which was embraced in Colonel Hobart's regiment, which, we have reason to believe, did good service in the Battle of Bennington, which followed a few days after.  Burgoyne's movements had excited intense interest in all the towns along the Connecticut River.  After the evacuation of Ticonderoga, by our army, most of the militia from New Hampshire who had gone forward to assist in the defense of that fortress, on finding that they could render no service towards that object, immediately returned to No. 4, where a copy of the General's express had preceded them; directing that the militia should be sent to Bennington, towards which the main army had retreated, and where it was proposed that a stand should be made.  After becoming acquainted with the contents of the express, the officers and militia met in a body to consult in relation to what they would do in respect to complying with its direction.  But, on consulta- tion, they all finally concluded to return home and wait till they should receive further orders from the General Court.  Not one company of militia therefore from the state went forward at this time to join the Continental Army. When the militia left for their homes, Charlestown and the other towns similarly situated had no protection whatsoever.  Meantime,the British General in the exposed situation of the frontiers, embraced the opportunity to play upon the feelings of the people, by exciting their fears in every way that lay in his power. He artfully caused rumors to be spread for the purpose of concealing his real intentions; that he was about to make a descent on some point on the Connecticut River, but, designedly that he might create a wider alarm, left the place undesig- nated on  which his veangence might ultimately fall.  Many of the towns on the river, therefore had their fears excited and none more than Charlestown on account of its position, as lying in the war path of the forces of New Hampshire, and on the old military road.  We shall better understand the excitement of the people, by reference to despatches and letters written at that time. "Letters giving warning of the advance of the British troops. from Joel Mathews to General Bailey. Sir: - I have this moment received intelligence from Otter Creek of the motion of the Enemy, viz. That yesterday they were at Rutland and that this day they will be at White's, nine miles this side, with an intent to march to No. 4; also another detachment to march to Cohos.  This intelligence comes by way of Windsor to me.  I have ordered to raise the militia in these parts.  We have sent to Colonel Marsh, who likely will also send to you.  I still wait your orders tho' I shall march what men I can raise to oppose the Enemy.                                  In haste I am sir Your Hum'l Serv't,  Joel Matthews. Gen Bailey Hartford, July 19, 1777 Letter from Beza (Bezaleel) Woodward, Esq. "To the Committees, Military officers and good People of the State of New-Hamp- shire. Post called on me this moment with the Letter from which the above (from Mr. Matthews) is a copy.  As you regard the safety of this Frontier for God's sake come forward without delay.  The bearer's Messrs. Wood and Longfellow are sent for that purpose.  Pleas forward them with dispatch.                                                              Bez Woodward, Clk. Com'tee of Safety for Hanover.           Hanover, Midnight, Saturday night, July 19, 1777. Assembly at Exeter are earnestly requested to send forw'd arms and ammunition for the People in this County as well as men. Capt. Storrs returned home this day.                                                               Beza Woodward, Clk." A similar letter, by Major Francis Smith of Lebanon, was despatched to the Committee of Safety of New-Hampshire, July 20th, 1777, imploring immediate assistance in arms and ammunitions, etc., and Lieutenant Jonathan Freeman of Hanover was despatched as agent to the General Assembly at Exeter to make representation of their case. Colonel John Hurd, July 21st 1777 wrote from Haverhill to Honroable Meshech Weare: "Sir: - We were alarmed yesterday by news from No. 4 that the regular army (British Army) were upon their march towards Connecticut River.  But this afternoon we have seen a copy of another Letter from Strafford, a township lying West of Thetford, opposite Lime, requesting immediate assistance to them, for that one half of the people of that town were gone off to the Regulars.  This seems to be an alarming circumstance as we apprehend these people who have been known to be Tories, some time past, have held correspondence with the Regular Army and know their designs of marching towards the River.  So that now we may most certainly expect a visit from 'em, if our people do not muster strong enough to repel them, which we hope will be the case; for by reports we have, the whole country seems to be highly exasperated, since the unfortunate and unexpected loss of Ticonderoga and its dependencies.  The people in this Quarter are most of them, we trust, spirited to exert themselves all in their power but are much in want of good fire arms.  If there's any fire arms belonging to the state to be spared, a proportionable part ought to be sent this way for the use of Colonel Marcy's Regt. What comes to Cohos may be intrusted to Colonel Johnston and Major Hale on whose care you may depend to distribute them, and take such security from each man as the Committee of Safety shall direct.                                               Sir Y'r most hum'l Serv't,  J. Hurd" To the Hon. Meshech Weare."       Letter from Colonel Jacob Bailey, relating to the same matter,                                                   "Lyme, July 21st, 1777 Gent'n, Sundry Expresses have arrived from Windsor informing of the Enemy pressing towards No. 4 and Coos; and this day we find that about thirty men have deserted from Strafford and Thetford to the enemy which obliges to move at least twenty famililies and at least four hundred cattle and sheep across the River at Lyme; neither can we secure what is left at Strafford without help, unless the militia now raised march to Otter Creek, which if they doi we will operate with them, which will make us secure: - otherwise five hundred men will not be able to guard this River, - beg you will take the matter under your consideration and act therein as you think proper.                             I am Gent'n your very Hum'le Serv't  Jacob Bailey" Walpole and other towns below Charlestown were equally excited.  Colonel Ben- jamin Bellows who had been in the army but had returned home on account of the indisposition of his father, Colonel Bellows, Senior, wrote, on the 13th of July 1777 to the Committee of Safety as follows: "Gentlemen,  You no doubt have heard of the disaster we have met with at the westward; so shall not undertake to give you the Particulars, but to sum it up in short; we have lost all our Stores and Baggage with some of our men, the number I am not able to ascertain.  I shall represent to you something of the distressed situation of our Frontiers, especially of persons who are easily intimidated as well as women and children, - and it is my humble opinion if some resolutions are not adopted and speedily and vigorously carried into execution the people's hearts will fail and conclude it is a gone case; and this part of the country, I fear, will be de- serted and left without anybody to receive hay and grain, etc.  I submit to superior wisdom, as to the best manner to prevent those evils we dread, and hope the most strenuous efforts will be made by Government at this most critical time; and as the inhabitants on the other side of the river, in New York State (now the State of Vermont) would try to keep their ground, if they could in some measure be support- ed, if we could lend them any assistance, it would answer as good a purpose as tho' done to ourselves, as there must be a frontier.  The people of Otter Creek have many of them moved off already.  Should think it best to keep out the frontier in New York State (Vermont) if possible.  By the best information I can get, there is not short of six or seven hundred men above this place on York side of the river that are destitute of fire arms; if there could be any way found to supply them it would answer a good purpose.  I must further inform you that when we retreated from Ticonderoga, that many of the Continental troops, instead of following the Army steared for their homes.           I am, Gentlemen, your very humb'l Servant                                                       Benjamin Bellows. To the Hon'ble Com'tee of Safety."                                           ------------------------------------ --- The following letter from the New-Hampshire committee of safety to the Massachu- setts committee, will also be of interest in this connection: "In Committee of Safety July 16, 1777. Sir.   The accounts we are continually receiving make it more than probable, that our northern army have suffered very much on their retreat, and those who escaped are much scattered.  We have sent officers to No. 4 to stop all the soldiers on their way home, as well of the other States as our own.  And we understand a considerable number is collected there. We have no letter from the army, and know not the route they have taken, and are greatly at a loss what measures are necessary to be taken at this important crisis, and desire a communication of your sentiments on the subject.  Our General Assembly will meet tomorrow and we are sure will readily coincide with our sister states in adopting the most spirited exertions to retrieve the losses, and save our country from the threatened destruction. P.S. The inhabitants of our frontier towns on Connecticut River are sending their committees in the most pathetic manner, begging to be supplied with fire arms, as half of them (they say) are destitute, and other parts of the state not much better stocked.  We must again repeat our solicitation in the most urgent manner to our sister state to sell us some of the large quantities of guns they have lately imported, or a considerable part of our militia must remain unwilling spectators of the War in which they would gladly assist their country."                            --------------------------------------------------- -- The answer of the Massachusetts committee to the foregoing, was as follows: "We are sorry it is not in our power to supply you with the arms you request. We have furnished you by Colonel Folsom with five tons of lead and five thousand flints."                          ----------------------------------------------------- The above letters and despatches have been given for the purpose of conveying to the reader the state of public feeling in the townships on the Connecticut River and also in the state, more definitely, as well as more vividly, than it could possi- bly be done by any description; s they present a true and most lively transcript of the public mind at the time.  Happily all this excitement was not without the production of its effect in a right direction.  Not only the Committee of Safety and Assembly of New-Hampshire, but the people, also, especially in the western part of the state, were deeply moved; and the most prompt and energetic measures were instituted to meet the emergencies of the times.  The Assembly of New- Hampshire which had concluded their spring session and gone home, were again, by a summons from the Committee of Safety, brought together.  They met on the 17th of July and held a session of three days; and three more important days never occurred in the legislation of the state.  The whole militia of the state were formed into two Brigades:  the first of which was placed under the command of Brig. General William Whipple and the second under General John Stark who with one fourth of his own brigade and one fourth of the brigade of B. Gen. Whipple, was ordered to march immediately for the purpose of checking the progress of the enemy; and a messenger was despatched to Charlestown (NH) to Colonel Samuel Hunt with orders from the Committee of Safety, to provide and store what pro- visions and other stores he could for the service of the state, which orders were accompanied with one thousand pounds out of the treasury of the state, to be, by him, accounted for; and all other necessary acts were passed for promoting and carrying into effect the design which they had in view. Stark, to whose movements all eyes were now looking, lost no time in delay. But immediately having concerted all necessary measures for expediting the arrival of his forces at (Fort) No. 4, hastened forward himself to that appointed place of rendezvous: from which he wrote to the Committee of Safety of New Hampshire as follows:                                                   "Charlestown No. 4, July 30, 1777. Sirs: I received yours of the 22d instant with the enclosed, informing me of thesituation of the enemy, and of our Frontiers; but previous to your letter, I had received an Express from Colonel Warner, informing me of their situation, and I forwarded 250 men to their relief on the 28th.  I sent another detachment off this day, and as fast as they come in will send them.  I expect to march myself tomorrow or next day; we are detained a good deal for want of bullet molds as there is but one pair in town and the few balls you sent goes but a little way in supplying the whole. I am afraid we shall meet with difficulty in procuring kettles or utensils to cook our victuals as the troops have not brought any.  If such articles can be procured, I believe it would be of utmost importance to the safety and welfare of the troops. I am informed this day by a man from Otter Creek that the Enemy is left Castle- town and is gone to Skeensborough, with an intent to march to Bennington; but I rather think they do it by way of a feint to call the attention of General Schuyler from Fort Edward or to fatigue our troops.  There is four pieces of small cannon at this place that looks good, but wants to be cleaned out and put on carriages.  If you should think it proper I will order it done, as there is people here that say they can do it; s there is but very little rum in the store here, if some could be forwarded to us it would oblige us very much, as there is none of that article in those parts where we are going.  I enclose you a copy of a letter I this moment received from Colonel Williams and as you informed me when I saw you last, that you had not received any account from any Gentleman in the army since the disertion of Ticonderoga, I likewise enclose you a copy of a letter I received from Mr. Cogan and by the best information is as near the truth as any you may re- ceive.  I have shown it to Col. Bellows and a number of other officers that were present and they say they could all sign it.             I am, Sirs, your Honors most Obed't Humble Servant,                                                                               John Stark."                             -------------------------------------------------- - The following are the instructions by the Committee of Safety to Colonel Samuel Folsom, for General Stark. "Sir: The committee desire you to proceed to No. 4 and if General Stark has marched from thence to follow him and endeavor to find out what circumstances his men are in, how they are provided for, and what they are likely to want that can be supplied by this state.  As the Convention of Vermont proposed supplying them with provi- sions we depend they will. You will inform General Stark that it is expected that he with the advice of his Field Officers will appoint such necessary officers as they have occasion for. We are fearful that the troops will suffer for the want of kettles but hope they have carried some from home.  None could be procured in New-England that we could hear of which you will let them know. You will inform General Stark that all the medicines that could be procured, as also 44 bushels of salt and one thousand lbs of balls are now on their way to No. 4. You will endeavor  to be informed whether there is a magazine of ammunition at Bennington or whether our men must be supplied from this state, as we have but a small quantity onhand, you will inquire of Colonel Hunt, and Mr. Grout of No. 4 what quantity of ammunition they have delivered to General Stark's men and what remains in their hands; and on the whole give such advice as you find needful for the public good to all persons concerned in the service of the state in those parts, and endeavor to contrive to the furnishings such things as you can that are ab- solutely needful and make report on your return of such assistance as to you appears necessary to be sent them from home. July 30, 1777,  (B. G. Stark.)"                              ---------------------------------- "Letters from General Stark relating to stores at Charlestown (Fort No.4) and the state of the army. p.116 - Hist. of Fort 4, Charlestown, NH (continued)                                                                  Charlestown, Aug 2, 1777, Sir: I this day received your favour by Col. Folsom, for which I return you my hearty thanks. I enclose you a copy of a return of what stores there are now in the Commissioner's hands and what they have delivered out to the Brigade. The Brigade is not yet completed.  But I expect there is a sufficient quantity of ammunition on hand to furnish it.  Had all the powder here in store proved good, and fit for use, we might have had a full supply of that article for present use. As to the quantity of state stores a Bennington, it is quite out of my power to give you an account of them at present; but refer you to Col. William's letter which I transmitted to you by Express, and which I hope came safe to hand. I purpose to set out for Manchester tomorrow and after I arrive there I will forward you an account of what supplies can be got there.  I should have gone from here before now, but could not get our balls run for want of molds. I received nothing new from the Enemy since I wrote to you last: Whenever anthing comes to hand worth communicating I will forward it to you with all speed. I would have sent you an account of the strength of the Brigade, was it in my power, but cannot, because they only arrive in small parties, and as soon as I can complete a Division I commonly give them marching orders, for to set out for Manchester without delay.  After I arrive there, I will obtain a List of the number of men in that department and shall send you an account of the same. I have ordered one Company to tarry here to guard the state stores and two company's I have stationed on the height of  land between this place and Otter Creek for the security of the inhabitants. As there are no spirits to be had at our station (Fort 4) I would esteem it a favour, if you would order the stores that are at this place to be forwarded to that place and set a price upon the same; more will be wanted. I am, with regard, your most Obedient and humble Servant,                                                                       John Stark Br. Gen. N.B. Sealing Wax and Paper is much wanted.                                  -----------------------------------------                          RETURN OF STORES AT CHARLESTOWN An account of the state stores now in the custody of the following persons in this town: Colonel Samuel Hunt  - has now on hand 13 barrels of powder, 7 sheets of lead                                    or pieces, - 100 flints. Commissary Grout     - has on hand the following articles:  11 barrels of powder,                                   9 of which are condemned. About 34 bushels of salt. Mr. White* This was Jotham White, afterwards Major Jotham White.                                 - has on hand also 5 hogsheads of rum, 5 barrels of sugar                                   2 Do. Do. Commissary Grout     - has dealt out to my brigade 509 pounds of powder, 710                                   Do balls and lead."                                   ----------------------------------------- General Stark entered the camp at Manchester (NH) on the 8th of August 1777 and was just in season to countermand the order which had been given his troops to march to Saratoga. They had even set out, under General Lincoln of Massachusetts, in obedience to an order of General Gates, to march and join the Northern Army at that place; but Stark, opportunely arriving, immediately commanded them to halt, when he informed General Lincoln that by the State of New-Hampshire, he had been in- trusted with a separate command, and promptly and decidedly refused permission to his troops to comply with the order of General Gates.  This produced a great excitement, and a great outcry was raised against New-Hampshire, on account of the course she had pursued.  It was denounced as being subversive of all military military discipline and order; and the matter was carried into Congress, where an exciting debate occurred on the subject, and it was proposed and seconded by Maryland that a resolve of Congress might be passed to censure General Stark's conduct in refusing to submit to the rules and regulations of the army.  But, on motion being made to that effect, it was agreed by a great majority, that it should lie on the table. - Said the New-Hampshire delegates in communicating the matter to the government:  "We informed Congress that a motion of that sort came with a very bad grace from Maryland who, only, of the thirteen United States had seen fit to make laws directly in opposition to Congress by refusing their Militia should be subjected to the rules and regulations of the army when joined; and we informed Congress that we had not the least doubt but the first battle they heard of from the North would be fought by Stark and the troops commanded by him." That was true; and the battle had already been fought at the time of the debate; and whatever judgement may be passed on the action of New-Hampshire, when viewed in a military light, one thing is certain, and that is that the victory at Bennington resulted from it.   This Battle was fought on the 16th of August 1777 and had not only the effect to free the inhabitants of No.4, and others on the River from many of their apprehensions, but caused a thrill of joy through all the American Colonies. After the Battle of Bennington, Stark, at the earnest solicitation of New Hampshire, remained in the service and patriiotically co-operated with General Gates in all his plans for circumventing and subjugating Burgoyne.  General Whipple's Brigade was also ordered by New-Hampshire to the scene of expected conflict, from which soon after his arrival, he wrote as follows:                                                                     "Batten Kill, 15 Oct. 1777. Sir: I have been so much engaged since I have been at this Post  that it has not been in my power to wait on Gen. Gates till yesterday; while I was there Mr. Burgoyne sent his Adjutant Gen'l with a Flag desiring a cessation of arms for a short time; which was granted till sunset; the substance of the proposal made by Gen. Gates is that Gen. Burgoyne shall surrender prisoner of war - the officers to be on their parole except such as haver heretofore broke their parole; these terms I expect will be agreed to today when the army will be in a situation to march down the country and I hope will soon have Mr. Clinton in the same situation that Mr. Burgoyne is in now.  If Mr. Burgoyne does not agree to the terms proposed by Gates we shall have a smart brush tomorrow.  You'll excuse this hasty scrawl as the man who takes it to Charlestown (NH) is in a hurry.  I have the honor to be with every sentiment of respect                                                       Your most Humble Serv't                                                                            Wm. Whipple." This was supposed to have been addressed to Hon. Meshech Weare.                            ------------------------------------------------ p.118 A few days afterwards he wrote of General Burgoyne's surrender as follows:                                                                       "Albany, 21st 1777 Sir: I did myself the pleasure to advise you a few days ago that a capitulation was negotiating between Gen'l Gates and Gen'l Burgoyne.  This business  was happily concluded on the 16th inst.     And on the 17th the British Army marched out of their encampment and layed down their arms.   I beg leave most heartily to con- gratulate you and my Country on this happy event.  Gen. Gates has given the Volunteers of New-Hampshire an honorable dismission.  The two regiments who engaged till the last of Nov'r still remain here.  I am directed by the Gen'l to attend Mr. Burgoyne to Boston."                             ----------------------------------------- So ended the the formidable expedition of Burgoyne, much to the joy of the country and to the special relief of those sections which had entertained apprehensions of an invasion from his army. At the special session of the New-Hampshire Assembly, on the 19th of July, a committee had been appointed, on account of the dangers which threatened, to tke into consideration a proper day to be appointed  for a day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, to be observed throughout the state and to form a proclamation to that end.  The day appointed was the 8th of August, the very day that General Stark arrived in camp at Manchester, NH.  After the happy issue of affairs through the capitulation of Burgoyne, the Assembly saw fit also to set apart a day for Publicke Thanksgiving.  Thursday, the 4th of December was the day appointed.  Congress, also with a becoming spirit, appointed a National Thanks- giving on the 18th of the same month, as will be seen by the following communi- cation:                                        GENERAL THANKSGIVING                                                      "Yorktown, Penn. 1st November, 1777 Sir: The arms of the United States of America having been blessed, in the present campaign, with remarkable success, Congress have resolved to recommend that one day, Thursday, the 18th of December next, be set apart  to be observed by all the inhabitants throughout these United States for the General Thanksgiving to Almighty God:  And I have it in command to transmit to you, the inclosed extract from the Minutes of Congress for that purpose. Your Honor will be pleased to take the necessary measures for carrying the Resolve into effect in the State in which you preside. You will likewise  find inclosed a certified copy of a minute, which will shew your Honor the authority under which I address you.          I am, with great esteem and regard, Sir, your Honor's most ob't and most          humbl' serv't                       Henry Laurens, Pres't in Congress To Hon'ble Meschech Weare, New Hampshire."                              ------------------------------------------------- -- p.120 "In Congress, Nov. 1st, 1777 Congress proceeded to the choice of a President, and the ballots being taken, Mr. Henry Laurens was elected. Extract from the minutes.                        Charles Thomson, Sec'y"                                ----------------------------------------------- -- Author, Rev. Henry H. Saunderson  "History of Charlestown, NH - Old Fort No. 4 notes at the end of this Chapter 7: The inhabitants of Charlestown (NH) were not only characterized by a spirit of patriotism during the preceding exciting events, but during the whole period of the continuance of the war, as we have reason to believe, acted well and faith- fully their part in the great struggle.  Charlestown continued to be a military post for supplies for the army to the close of the war, in which a commendable part was taken by a large number of her citizens, whose names will be found recorded in the Historical Miscellany of this work.  Some notices of many of them will also be found in the department of this works entitled: Genealogies and Brief Historical Sketches of Charlestown Families".    Rev. H. H. Saunderson. ************************************************* * * * * NOTICE: Printing the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. * * * * The USGenWeb Project makes no claims or estimates of the validity of the information submitted and reminds you that each new piece of information must be researched and proved or disproved by weight of evidence. It is always best to consult the original material for verification.