New Hampshire as it is

Part I. A Historical Sketch Of Ne¥ Hampshire

FKOM ITS riKST SETTLEMENT TO THE ADOPTION OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION IN 1788.

PART H.

A GAZETTEER OF NEW HAMPSHIRE;

CONTAINING A PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL TOWNS, CITIES,

VILLAGES, &c. ; REMARICABLE CURIOSITIES, MINERAL LOCALITIES,

STATISTICAL TABLES i ALSO, THE BOUNDARY AND AREA OF

THE STATE ; A GENERAL VIEW OF THE COUNTIES,

BOTH HISTORICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL.

PART IH.

A GENERAL VIEW OF NEW HAMPSHIRE ;

CONTAINING A DESCRIPTION OF ITS SOIL, PRODUCTIONS, CLIMATE j ITS GEO- LOGICAL AND MINERALOGICAL FEATURES ; THE PRINCIPAL MOLTSTTAINS, LAKES, AND RIVERS ; EDUCATION AND RELIGION ; BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF DISTINGUISHED MEN ; LITERARY, SCIENTIFIC, AND CHARITABLE ASSOCIATIONS ; B^VNKS, RAILROADS, NEWSPAPERS, &c.

TOGETHER WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE.

COMPILED FROM NUMEROUS AUTHENTIC SOURCES,

BY

EDWIN A. CHARLTON,

JiiA^li

CLAREMONT, N. H. : tr

TRACY AXD SANFORD.

18 5 5. ,

TO THE

SONS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,

BY

THE PUBLISHERS.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by

TRACY AND SANFOED,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of New Hampshire.

Preface

The present work was undertaken with the design of furnishing as great an amount of reliable and important information concerning the past history and the present condition of New Hampshire as the means at our command and the limits assigned us would allow.

In the Historical Sketch we have aimed to give a brief synopsis of the leading events in the history of our state, from its first settlement to the adoption of the federal constitution. In this we have generally followed Dr. Belknap, not, however, without reference to other authorities, among which may be mentioned Barstow's History of New Hampshire ; the New Hampshire Historical Collections ; Adams's Annals of Portsmouth ; together with various histories of the United States.

The Gazetteer was prepared entirely by George Ticknor, Esq., of Claremont, to whose preface we would refer the reader for further information concerning that part of the work.

The Third Part embraces a variety of subjects, which we deem it unnecessary to mention in detail. The principal authorities which we have consulted

PREFACE.

in its preparation are Farmer and Moore's New Hampshire Gazetteer ; Hay ward's United States Gazetteer ; Dr. Jackson's Geological Report ; Oakes's White Mountain Scenery; New Hampshire Compiled Statutes ; Life of Eleazar Wheelock, founder of Dartmouth College ; Rev. N. Bouton's Historical Discourse ; New Hampshire Annual Register, for the last forty years ; United States Census Report for 1850; together with various pamphlets and periodicals. To our friends and correspondents who have aided us in our labor, we tender our sincere thanks for their kind assistance and cooperation. ^

The department of Biography is not so full as we could have wished ; yet to have given even a brief sketch of all deserving such a notice, would have increased both the size and the price of our volume far beyond their prescribed limits.

It has been our aim to form the plan of the work and to arrange the materials furnished us in such a manner as to produce an harmonious whole ; and though, from the nature of the case, we can lay no claim to literary merit or to originality, yet we trust that our efforts to make a judicious selection and arrangement have not been wholly unsuccessful. With these remarks, the work is respectfully presented to the public.

E. A. C.

Haveehill, N. H., February 1, 1855.

Contents

PAET I.

HISTORICAL SKETCH.

Chapter I

Introduction. — Captain John Smith's Exploration. — The Virginia Company.

— The Plymouth Council. — Gorges and Mason. — Grant of Mariana and Laconia. — Settlements at Portsmouth and Dover. — Wheelwright's Purchase. — Mason's new Patent. — New Hampshire. — Upper and Lower Plantations. — Neal's Expedition to the White Mountains. — Survey of Portsmouth and Dover. — Discouragements. — Surrender of the Charter of the Plymouth Council. — Death of Mason. — Reflections.... 9

Chapter II

Religious Intolerance. — Antinomiau Controversy. — Banishment of Wheelwright. — Settlement of Exeter. — Formation of a Government. — Settlement of Hampton. — Affairs on the Piscataqua. — Wiggin visits England.

— Erection of a Church. — Burdet's Exploits. — Morton abandons Portsmouth. — Underhill's Administration. — Knollys and Larkham. — Dover and Portsmouth form Governments. — Union with Massachusetts. — Wheelwright flees. — Laws of Massachusetts and Character of the early Settlers. — Persecution of the Quakers. — Witchcraft 16

Chapter III

Mason's Efforts to recover his Estate. — The King sends Commissioners to New England. — Their Reception, Treatment, and Proceedings. — Jealousy of the Indians. — Passaconnaway. — Commencement of King Philip's War.

— Attacks on various Places. — Death of Lieutenant Plaisted. — The Indians make Peace. — Death of King Philip, and Renewal of Hostilities at the East. — Waldron seizes the Refugees at Dover. — The Mohawks are solicited to assist the English. — Captain Swett is defeated. — Conclusion of Peace. — Omens i. 24

6 CONTENTS.

Chapter IV

Mason's renewed Efforts. — Randolph visits New England. — New Hampshire is erected into a royal Province. — The Commission is published. — Meeting of the Assembly and making Laws. — Waldron succeeds President Cutts. — Cranfield is appointed Governor. —His arbitrary Proceeding. — Gove's Rebellion. — Mason institutes a Suit against Major Waldron. — Weare is sent to England. — Persecution of Moody. — Fresh Usurpations of Power. — Resistance of the People. — Cranfield obtains Leave of Absence. — Barefoot succeeds him. — Treaty with the Indians .31

Chapter V

The Charter of Massachusetts forfeited. — Dudley appointed President of New England. — Succeeded by Andros. — His tyrannical Proceedings. — Revolution in England. — Temporary Union with Massachusetts. — Allen appointed Governor and Usher Lieutenant Governor. — King William's War.

— Attack on Dover. — Salmon Falls. — Expedition to Canada. — Temporary Peace. — Attack on Oyster River. — Conclusion of Peace. — Usher's Administration. — Partridge supersedes him. — The Earl of Bellamont is appointed Governor, and visits New Hampshire. — Allen's Efforts. — Dudley appointed Governor •' 38

Chapter VI

Dudley holds a Conference with the Indians. — They commence Hostilities. — Various Attacks. — Defence of Durham. — Expeditions against Port Royal.

— Death of Colonel Hilton. — Attempted Reduction of Canada. — Appointment of Shute and Vaughan as Governor and Lieutenant Governor. — The latter is superseded by John Wentworth. — Progress in industrial Pursuits. •^ Settlement of Londonderry. — Incorporation of new Towns. — Governor Shute returns to England. — More Trouble with the Indians. — Causes of their Hostility to the English. — Attempt to capture Ralle. — Attack on Dover and other Places. — Expedition to Norridgewock and Death of Ralle.

— Adventures of Captain Lovewell. — Ratification of Peace 45

Chapter VII

Controversy with Massachusetts. — Grants of Townships. — A new Assembly is chosen. — Burnet's short Administration. — Belcher succeeds him. — Death of Wentworth and Appointment of Dunbar. — Party Strife. —Settlement of the Boundary. — War with France. — Siege and Capture of Louisburgh. — Project to invade Canada. — Approach of a French Fleet. — Indian Hostilities. — Defence of Charlestown. — The Heir of Mason sells his Claim. — Controversy between Governor Wentworth and the Assembly. —Proposal to settle the CoOs. — Jealousy and Resentment of the Indians .......' , , ,,.,,65

CONTENTS.

Chapter VIII

The "Old French War." — Indian Hostilities. — Expeditions against Crown Point. —Massacre at Fort Edward. — Rogers's Expedition against the St. Francis Indians. — Conquest of Canada. — Grants. — Settlement of the western Boundary. — The Stamp Act. — Mesfjrve is appointed Distributor. — His Resignation. — Demonstrations of the People. — Benning "Wentworth is superseded by John Wentworth.— Taxes. — Dartmouth College. — Division of the Province into Counties. — The Tea sent to Portsmouth is reshipf)ed. — Convention at Exeter. — Seizure of Gunpowder and Arms at -Fort 'William Henry. — Attempts of Wentworth to maintain Peace.— Close of his Administration 63

Chapter IX

The Revolutionary War. — Forces raised by New Hampshire. — Preparations for Defence. — Treatment of the Tories. — Formation of a temporary Government. — Expedition to Canada. — Declaration of Independence. — Battle of Bennington. — Surrender of Burgoyne. — Sullivap's Expedition against the Seneca Indians. — Close of the War. — Adoption of a State Constitution. — Troubles -nith Vermont. — Distress and Rebellion. — Formation and Adoption of the Constitution of the United States. — Conclusion 71

Part III. General View Of New Hampshire

Page SURFACE, ; 445

GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY, 453

MINERALS, 453

SOIL AND PRODUCTIONS 459

LAKES, 461

RIVERS 463

8 CONTENTS.

ROUTES TO WHITE MOUNTAINS, 477

RELIGION, 491

SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS, 551

RAILROADS, 552

BANKS, 556

NEW HAMPSHIRE AS IT IS.

HISTORICAL SKETCH.

Chapter I

Introduction. — Captain John Smith's Exploration. — The Virginia Company. — The Plymouth Council. — Gorges and Mason. — Grant of Mariana and Laconia. — Settlements a-t Portsmouth and Dover. — Wheelwright's Purchase. — Mason's new Patent. — New Hampshire. — Upper and Lower Plantations. — Neal's Expedition to the White Mountains. — Survey of Portsmouth and Dover. — Discouragements. — Surrender of the Charter of the Plymouth Council. — Death of Mason. — Reflections.

The discovery of America in 1492 by Christopher Columbus was one of the most remarkable events in the history of the world. In itself considered, it was wonderful that an entu-e continent should now, for the first time, be made known to the civilized nations of Europe ; while the effects of this discovery on the destiny of the human race are incalculable. On these shores, untrodden as yet save by the wild son of the forest, multitudes of every rank and condition sought a home. Hither came the needy adventurer, too idle or too proud to labor with his hands, hoping that by some turn of fortune he should amass wealth or gain power. Here, too, the stern, unyielding, yet upright Puritan sought a dwelling-place where he might worship his God agreeably to the dictates of his own conscience. Those bereft of all hope of bettering their condition at home deemed the wilds of the new world a fitting place to hide their sorrows in solitude or to attempt to retrieve their ruined fortunes. The lawless outcast, compelled *' to leave his country for his country's good," could find no more congenial spot than the newly-discovered continent.

At this time, too, there was an unusual degree of intellectual excitement among the nations. Europe, for centuries buried in a universal night, began at length to arouse from her torpor and to exhibit new signs of vitality. The invention of the art of printing, of gunpowder, and the mariner's compass were among the results of this activity. It is not strange that, under such circumstances, a spirit of adventure should pervade the public mind, and that any bold leader could induce many to follow him, either for conquest or discoveiy.

But it was not until a considerable time had elapsed that New England attracted any great share of public attention. The tide of emigration, that commenced flowing almost at the first announcement of the discovery, took a more southerly direction. The first thing sought for was the precious metals ; and these, being found more abundant in southern latitudes, drew thither the eager crowd of adventurers. And besides, a mild and genial climate and a fertile soil offered far more inducements than the bleak shores of the north. But in 1614 the renowned Captain John Smith, so well known from his connection with the early settlement of Virginia, explored the Atlantic coast from the Penobscot to Cape Cod, trading with the natives. During this voyage the Eiver Piscataqua, with the harbor at its mouth, was discovered. On his return to England he presented a map of the country to 'the Prince of AVales, afterwards Charles I., who called it New Ensrland.

In the year 1606 King James had granted a charter, limiting Virginia between the thirty-fonrth and forty-fifth degreed of north hititnde. This large territory Avas divided between two companies ; the southern part being assigned to London adventurers, the northern to certain persons in Bristol, Exeter, and Plymouth. The members of the northenr, or Plymouth Company, finding themselves liable to be encroached upon by their neighbors, petitioned for a new charter, which was granted in 1630. The corporation thus instituted was composed of forty " nobles, knights, and gentlemen," and was called " The Council established at Plymouth, in the County of Devon, for the planting, ruling, and governing of New Eng],and in America."

Among the most enterprising members of this council were Sir Ferdinando Gorges and Captain John Mason. The former had been an officer in the navy of Queen Elizabeth and companion of Sir Walter Paleigh, and was withal a man of most daring and adventurous spirit. The latter was originally a merchant of London, afterwards governor of Newfoundland, and was scarcely inferior to his rival in enterprise and boldness. He soon procured from the council a grant of the land between the river of Naumkeag — now Salem — and the Merrimack, and extending back to the head waters of each. This he called Mariana. The next year, 1622, he and Gorges conjointly obtained a grant of the territory extending from the Merrimack to the Sagadahock,* and back to the great lakes and the river of Canada — the St. Lawrence. This was named Laconia. These two grants comprise nearly all the present territory of New Hampshire, together with portions of the adjoining states and Canada. The same year they formed the " Company of Laconia," for the purpose of col-

* The Kennebeck.

onizing their new possessions ; and in the spring of 1623 they sent over David Thompson, Edward and WilHam Hilton, with several others, to carry out their designs. Thompson, with one division, landed near the mouth of the Piscataqua, on the southern shore, at a place to which they gave the name of Little Harbor. Here they erected salt works and established a fishery. The Hiltons went eight miles ilxrther up the river, to Northam, afterwards called Dover. These were the first settlements within the present limits of New Hampshire. Thompson, however, became dissatisfied with his situation, and in about one year removed to an island in Massachusetts Bay afterwards called by his own name. But it does not appear that this place, where he had erected salt works and dwellings, was entirely deserted.

For several years these colonies on the Piscataqua progressed but slowly. Unlike those who landed at Plymouth to seek a home where they might enjoy civil and religious liberty, the first settlers of this state were seeking gain. They hoped, by establishing fisheries and carrying on trade with the natives, to secure an abundant requital for all their labor. Influenced by such feelings, they for a time neglected agriculture — the only sure resource of a new country.

Thus time passed away, presenting but few incidents worthy of note. No remarkable events occurred ; at least none have been recorded. Doubtless in their own little circle these pioneers of the wilderness experienced the usual variety that falls to the human race. But what toils and sufferings they endured, neither history nor tradition informs us.

In 1629 Eev. John Wheelwright and others of the Massachusetts Bay colony purchased of the Indians, for what they deemed a valuable consideration in " coats, shirts, and kettles," a considerable tract of land between tbe Piscataqua and the Merrimack. The deed was signed by Passaconaway, the chief sagamore of the Indian tribes in this part of New England, though exercising immediate jurisdiction over the Pennacooks living on the Merrimack in the vicinity of Concord. It was also signed by the chiefs of several other tribes. This land had been before granted to Gorges and Mason by the Plymouth Company ; but it must be admitted that the right conveyed by the original owners and occupants of the soil was far better than that of a self-constituted company in a distant land or of a foreign monarch claiming it by the right of discovery.

Very soon after. Mason obtained a new grant from the Plymouth Council of this very same territory ; whence it has been conjectured that he and Gorges had made a mutual agreement to divide Laconia and take out new patents.. This, from the county in England in which he had formerly resided, he called New Hampshire. Edward Hilton also obtained a deed of the land occupied by himself and his associates in the vicinity of Dover.' His patent included Dover, Durham, Stratham, and part of Newington and Greenland. The London adventurers, or those settled near the mouth of the river, secured a grant including Portsmouth, Newcastle, and Kye, with part of Newington and Greenland.

Thus we find that in 1631 there were two settlements, entirely distinct and independent of each other, commonly called the Upper and Lower Plantations ; the one composed chiefly of " west country adventurers," the other of those from London. Of the former. Captain Thomas Wiggin was appointed agent ; of the latter. Captain Walter Neal. Between the two, quarrels sometimes arose about disputed territory ; but they were finally settled without bloodshed.

A desire to discover gold pervaded tlie minds of the colonists. New Hampshire, being a mountainous region, was deemed likely to abound in the precious metals. Thus, though ostensibly formed for " trade, fishery, salt making, building, and husbandry," the companies early began to explore tlie wilds in search of metallic treasures. Fabulous stories of beautiful lakes and rivers abounding in fish, of fertile islands with most delightful climates, were freely circulated, and to a great extent believed. At length Captain Neal started on foot, with one or two companions, on an expedition to discover these fair lands in the interior of Laconia. The El Dorado was not found ; but in the coiu'se of their journey they saw the White Mountains ; and, finding something there resembling crystal, they called th^m the Crystal Hills. For want of provisions they were compelled to return, but not until they supposed they were within one day's journey of the wished-for spot.

In 1633 Neal and Wiggin surveyed their respective patents and laid out the towns of Dover and Portsmouth. They agreed with Wheelwright that his proposed town at Swampscot Falls should be called Exeter. Hampton was laid out the same year ; but neither of the last two places was settled until some time later.

But in the mean time want, privation, and hardship were producing their accustomed effects. Agriculture, as already observed, was neglected ; while the hopes of valuable discoveries proved fallacious. Vines were planted, but came to nothing. There was not a mill in the colony ; but *' bread was either brought from England in meal or from Virginia in grain, and then sent to the windmill at Boston to be ground." Iron mines were discovered, but not wrought. The chief sources of income were trade and the fisheries ; but even these yielded no return to those who had advanced capital. ^leanwhile new supplies of pro-

HISTOEICAL SKETCH. 15

visions, clothing, and other necessaries were frequently sent over from the mother country. But, under such circumstances, it is no wonder that many abandoned the enterprise. Some sold their interests to Gorges and Mason, who, more sanguine than the rest, persevered, with the hope of future success, and finally became almost the sole proprietors. They appointed Francis WilHams governor, who is represented as a discreet, sensible man, and very acceptable to the people.

The Virginia Company had always viewed the Plymouth Council with jealousy and dislike, and in 1635 complained of their charter as a monopoly. Qrorges appeared in person before the Parliament to defend it, but in vain. The charter was surrendered ; though Gorges and Mason secured for themselves a considerable interest in the territory. Mason had gained New Hampshire, and also purchased of Gorges a tract north-east of the Piscataqua, three miles in width ; but liis death, which happened the same year, put an end to all his projects. Had he lived, it is not improbable that he might have recovered at least a part of the capital he had expended.

Thus it will be seen that the objects which Gorges and Mason had in view in sending colonists to this state were never realized. No vast mineral treasures were found ; no flourishing vineyards enlivened the landscape. After years of toil, after expending vast sums of money, they had failed to accomplish what they desired and hoped ; but they laid the foundations on which others built; they sowed the seed while others reaped the harvest. And, though we may perhaps regard them as having mistaken views of the true sources of national prosperity, we cannot too much honor the memory of the merchant adventurers who labored so long and so perseveringly to colonize the infant state.

Chapter II

Religious Intolerance. — Antinomian Controversy. — Banishment of Wheelwright. — Settlement of Exeter. — Formation of a Government. — Settlement of Hampton. — Affairs on the Piscataqua. — Wiggin visits England. — Erection of a Church. — Burdet's Exploits. — Morton abandons Portsmouth. — Underhill's Admini|f ration. — Knollys and Larkham. — Dover and Portsmouth form Governments. — "Union vdih. Massachusetts. — Wheehvright flees. — Laws of Massachusetts and Character of the early Settlers. — Persecution of the Quakers. — Witchcraft.

Most of the early settlers of Massachusetts had been driven from their native land by the intolerance of their rulers ; but, when they were once freed from their depressed situation and placed in authority, they allowed no such liberty to others as they had claimed for themselves. Indeed they did not seem to understand the true principles of religious freedom. Believing themselves to have attained perfect truth, they could see nothing but error in the creeds of all. who differed from them in opinion ; and tliis they could not conscientiously tolerate. The strong arm of the law was invoked to check the spread of doctrines which they believed would be dangerous to the best interests of the state. It was this spirit — the fault of the times rather than of the men themselves — that drove Wheelwright, already mentioned as having purchased land of the Indians at Swampscot Falls, to establish a new settlement. He belonged to a party of the church called Antinomians, and for a time was engaged in a very bitter and violent contest^

(IG)

in which the principal men of the colony participated ; but being at length overpowered, he, with several others, was banished from the territory of Massachusetts. At the time of making his purchase he stipulated that a settlement should be commenced within ten years ; and, as this time was drawing to a close, he proceeded at once to estabUsh a colony at Exeter. This was in 1638. As there was no general government in New Hampshire to which they could appeal for protection, they formed an independent system of their own. Their laws were based on the Bible. They had one chief magistrate and two assistants, chosen in an assembly of the people, and holding their offices one year-. They were sworn to discharge their duty faithfully, while the people were sworn to obedience. The laws were enacted in a general assembly ; and in fact the whole organization presents an example of a purely democratic form of government.

About this time the Massachusetts colony empowered Richard Dummer and John Spencer to commence improvements and to build a house at Hampton, called by the Indians Winnicummet. "What they most valued was an extensive salt marsh, which bade fair to produce a supply of hay for their cattle. Soon after some persons from Norfolk county, England, had leave to settle here. The whole number was now fifty-six. The house first erected was long known as the Bound House.

We must go back a little in the order of time to relate the condition of affairs on the Piscataqua. Portsmoutii, having by the death of Mason lost her principal patron, was struggling with difficulties. Nor was Dover entirely exempt from discouragements. In 1633 Captain Wiggin, the agent of the latter plantation, visited England to obtain new suppHes. On returning, he brought with him from 2* the west of that country several families of considerable property and " of some account for religion." Among the number was "William Leveridge, a pious and devoted clergyman. They proceeded to lay out a compact town on Dover neck, trade being their principal object. On an inviting part of the eminence they erected a church, which for greater security they surrounded with an intrenchment and flankarts ; but, on account of insufficient support, Leveridge was compelled to seek a more favorable locality. After this they had a number of ministers, some of whom proved unworthy of their high calling. The first of these was one Burdet, who came among them in 1634. He was at length elected governor, to the exclusion of Wiggin ; but, being detected in some criminal acts, he made a precipitate flight to the Province of Maine, whence he never returned.

After the death of Mason, his widow and executrix sent over William Norton as her agent, with full power to manage her affairs at the Portsmouth plantation ; but after residing there some time, finding the expenses far exceeding the income, he abandoned the whole and gave up the improvements to the tenants. Some removed, carrying off their goods and chattels ; while others remained, claiming the houses and other property as their own. But several of the buildings had been destroyed by fire ; so that at length nothing remained for the heirs of Mason excepting their interest in the soil. These events took place between 1638 and 1644.

Captain John Underbill was banished from Boston during the Antinomian controversy, and took refuge at Dover. Having been elected governor in place of Burdet, he formed a church, and placed one Knollys over it. Afterwards Thomas Larkham came and preached, and by his superior eloquence gained the favor of the people, so that they chose him as their minister in place of Knollys ; but, as he admitted persons of immoral character to the church, and also assumed civil authority, they restored Knollys. Dissensions and strife arose between them, and finally Knollys returned to England ; while Underbill went back to Boston, and, on making a confession, was restored to favor.

The people of Dover and Portsmouth had as yet no settled form of government, having no authority from the crown to form one. It will be recollected that the first settlements were mere private enterprises managed by agents ; but, finding this system insufficient to meet their present wants, they formed a combination at each of these places hke that at Exeter. At Dover, in 1640, a written instrument was drawn up and signed by forty-one persons, agreeing to abide by the laws of England and those enacted by a majority of their own number until they should learn the royal pleasure. The exact time at which a similar arrangement was entered upon at Portsmouth is unknown.

We have thus briefly traced the rise and progress of the first four settlements made within the present limits of New Hampshire. Each was independent of the other, there being no union between them save that arising from similar circumstances and common dangers. At length a proposal was made to unite with Massachusetts. To this the latter colony was by no means averse. Indeed they already laid claim to a great part of the territory of New Hampshire, though they had never tried to enforce it. Accordingly Portsmouth and Dover put themselves under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts in 1641 ; and Exeter did the same about one year later. Hampton was considered as a part of that colony already. Wheelwright, being still under sentence of banishment, removed with some of his followers to Wells, (Maine,) but was afterwards restored on making some slight acknowledgment. He subsequently preached at Hampton.

On consummating this union the people of New Hampshire were allowed one remarkable privilege, considering the intolerance so prevalent at that time — which was, that they might act in a public capacity withoiit regard to their religious professions ; though by a previous law of Massachusetts none but church members could vote on town affairs or hold a seat in the General Court.

For thirty-eight years, from 1641 to 1679, the history of New Hampshire becomes merged in that of the colony of which she became a constituent part.

The laws of Massachusetts, which now took effect in our own state, Avere in many respects peculiar. Their social customs, too, were modified by their religious belief and by the circumstances in which they were placed. Inhabiting a new country, surrounded by a fierce and deadly foe, compelled to labor with all their poAver to supply their Avants and to protect themseh^es from danger, they had but little inclination or opportunity to cultivate the milder graces and refinements of life. Every thing that had the appearance of levity was discarded. Their general design Avas to form a government Avith laws based on the Bible, and modelled, to a considerable extent, after the Jewish commonwealth. Their 'laws had reference to many things not usually regarded as coming under the jurisdiction of the civil magistrate. To quote Dr. Belknap,* " The drinking of healths and the use of tobacco were forbidden ; the former being considered as a heathenish and idolatrous practice, grounded on the ancient libations, the other as a species of

* Histoij of New Hampshire, vol. i. p. 67.

intoxication and waste of time. Laws were instituted to regulate the intercourse between the sexes and the advances towards matrimony. They had a ceremony of betrothing which preceded that of marriage. Pride and levity of behavior came under the cognizance of the magistrate. Not only the richness, but the mode of dress and cut of the hair, were subject to state regulations. Women were forbidden to expose their arms or bosoms to view. It was ordered that their sleeves should reach down to their wrist and their gowns be closed around the neck. Men were obliged to cut short their hair, that they might not resemble women. No person not worth two hundred pounds was allowed to wear gold or silver lace or silk hoods and scarfs. These pious rulers had more in view than the political good. They were not only concerned for the external appearance of sobriety and good order, but thought themselves obliged, so far as they were able, to promote real religion and enforce the observance of the divine precepts."