The history of Connecticut, from the first settlement to the present time

Chapter I

Character and Objects of the Founders of Connecticut Colony. —The Founding of New-Haven Colony with similar Designs. —Difficulties arising from the conflicting Claims ot European Sovereigns and of English Patents and Companies.— Claims of the Spaniards, English, Dutch, and French.— Justice ot the English Claim— Brief Geographical View of Connecticut, with its present Boundaries, &c. . . . Page 15

Chapter II

Original Condition of the Country, and the Change in its Appearance, &c, which has been produced by Cultivation and the Arts of Civilized Life.-The Indian Nations or Tribes which inhabited the Connecticut and the neighbouring Regions _The Connecticut or River Indians.— The Pequods and Mohegans.— The Five Nations of New-York then called Mohawks in New-England.— The Narragansets of Rhode Island. —Wild Animals 21

First Explorers of Connecticut River.— The Plymouth People invited to settle on its Banks.— Windsor Trading-house.— The Dutch Fort and Trading-house built at Hartford —Reasons for settling the country on Connecticut River proposed to Massachusetts.— Objections made to the Project.— Those objections honourable to the character of the Colonists— Five men spend the winter of 1635-6 at Pyquag, or Wethersfield. —Three companies of Colonists form Settlements in 1636 at Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield, first called Newtown, Dorchester, and Watertown.— Lord Say-and-Seal and his associates send men to build Say brook Fort . . 30

Chapter IV. 1636-7

The Colonists hesitate about removing to Connecticut— They at length Depart— Difficulties experienced by them on the way. A. Z

▼1 CONTENTS.

— Settlements made by them at Springfield, Hartford, and Wethersfield. — Early Winter. — Scarcity of Provisions.— Loss of Vessels. — Some of the Settlers return. — Courts formed in the Spring. — Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone, with their Congregation, travel on foot to Hartford. — Labours of the Colonists, and the Dangers to which they were exposed. — Apprehensions from the Indians. — The Pequods hostile . . . Page 40

Chapter V

Hostile Movements of the Pequods. — They attack Wethersfield — They kill Captain Stone on Connecticut River, and Captain Oldham at Block Island.— They beset Saybrook Fort.— Others killed by them 49

Chapter VI

The Crops fall short. — The Court determine on a War with the Pequods.— The Troops embark, under the command of Captain Mason. — Uncas joins them. — An Indian captured and tortured by the Mohegans. — The Expedition delayed at Saybrook by contrary Winds.— Differences of Opinion reconciled. — They sail for Narraganset.— Council with Miantonimoh. — They march into the Pequod Country, guided by Wequash. — Capture and burning of Sassacus's Fort and Village. — They reembark, and return to Saybrook 57

Chapter VII

Reflections on the Expedition against the Pequods. — Captain Stoughton, with troops from Boston, pursues the Pequods. — The Swamp Fight at Fairfield.— Mononotto's Wife.— Severe treatment of Prisoners.— The Colonies suffer from scarcity of Food. — Military Arrangements in Connecticut . . 64

Chapter VIII

Mr. Davenport and his Company arrive at Boston from England. — They are urged to settle in Massachusetts. — A Committee of their number visit Winnipiack. — The Settlement of New- Haven begun there in 1638. — The "Plantation Covenant" formed.— Purchases of Land by the new Colony. — The Character and Objects of the Founders. — Planting of Milford, Guilford, Fairfield, and Stratford 72

CONTENTS. Vll

Chapter IX

The Constitution of Connecticut Colony, formed January 14th, 1639.— The Condition of the Towns which required it —The Preamble and Provisions. — The Constitution of New-Haven, formed June 4th, 1639. — Settlement of Guilford, Stratford, and Saybrook Page 77

Chapter X

Difficulties of Connecticut with Sowheag, sachem of Middletown. — Pequods driven from their old Planting Grounds by Captain Mason. — Trouble with the Dutch. — Incorporation of Towns. — Execution of a Pequod Sachem at New-Haven. — Treatment of the Indians.— Purchases of Land for new Towns 86

CHAPTER XL

Fears of an Indian War. — Precautions. — The ten Capital Laws of Connecticut.— The Confederation of the New-England Colonies formed in 1645.— Its Objects and History. — The Preamble and Provisions. — Results. — Miantonimoh makes War on Uncas. — The Battle of Sachem's Field.— Miantonimoh made Prisoner. — Taken to Hartford. — Killed by Uncas

Chapter XII

Letter of Congratulation and Complaint from the Dutch Governor. — The Indian and Dutch War injurious to Connecticut and New-Haven. — Uncas pressed by the Narragansets. — Aid sent to him.— The Narragansets meet the Commissioners at Hartford. — Annual Contributions commenced in the Colony for the Support of indigent Students in Cambridge College. — Southampton taken under Jurisdiction. — Renewed Apprehensions of an Indian War. — Difficulty with Governor Kieft of New-York 102

Chapter XIII

Difficulties with Indians.— Injury done to them by supplying them with Ardent Spirits. — Instances of their Perfidy.— Calamities suffered by New-Haven.— Law against the Use of Tobacco in Connecticut.— Ninigrate's artful Conduct.— Mr.

Ylll CONTENTS.

Winthrop's Claim. — Saybrook Fort burned.— Settlement of New-London.— Indian War threatened. — An Alliance with Canada proposed Page 112

Chapter XIV

Murder of Mr. Whitmore— A new Fort built at Saybrook.— The Code of Laws. — Uncas complains to the Commissioners against the Narragansets and Pequods. — Massachusetts lays an Impost on Vessels and Goods of the other Colonies. — Restrictions on Indian Traders.— Captain Atherton's Visit to Narraganset and Nehantic— Lands given to Captain Mason

Chapter XV

Governor Stuyvesandt meets the Commissioners at Hartford, and the Difficulties with the Dutch are settled by Arbitration. — A new Arrangement with Mr. Fenwick.— Mining Privileges granted to Mr. Winthrop. — Norwalk incorporated and Middletown settled. — Governor Stuyvesandt's unfriendly Conduct. — ■ Arrangements with the Pequods 128

The Navigation Act passed by Parliament to restrict the Commerce of the Colonies.— Disregarded.— Commissioners from Canada to invite the Colonies to join them in War with the Five Nations.— The Proposal declined. — In consequence of the War between England and Holland, Governor Stuyvesandt assumes a hostile Attitude. — Apprehensions of the Colony from Dutch Intrigues with the Indians. — Explanations demanded by the Commissioners, but not made. — Troops ordered to be raised, and War declared. — Massachusetts refuses to approve and to sustain the War. — The other Colonies protest. — The Commissioners declare War against Ninigrate, Sachem of Nehantic. — A Dutch Fleet expected.— It fails to arrive 132

Chapter XVII

Death of Governor Haynes. — The Dutch House at Hartford seized, according to Orders from England. — Connecticut and New-Haven having petitioned Cromwell for Aid against the Dutch, four Ships of War arrive at Boston.— Peace between England and Holland. — Massachusetts reconciled. — Trouble with Ninigrate.— The Pequods taken under the Care of the

CONTENTS. IX

Assembly in 1655. — The New-Haven Code of Laws. — Death of Mr. Wolcott. — Proposals from Cromwell and Stuyvesandt. — Indian Disturbances. — Death of Governor Eaton Page 139

Chapter XVIII

The first Troop of Horse in Connecticut Colony.— Governor Wells. — Governor Newman, of New-Haven. — Uncas. — Grand Juries established in the Towns. — Uncas's Grant to Major Mason. — Arrival of Goffe and Whalley, two of the regicide Judges of Charles I. — Their favourable Reception. — Sent for by Charles II.— Secreted at New-Haven. . 147

Chapter XIX

Death of Governor Newman, of New-Haven, and Election of Governor Leet. — Distrust of King Charles II. in that Colony. — Connecticut applies for a Charter. — It is obtained.— The Privileges it conferred.— The Government organized under it. — Measures taken to merge New-Haven Colony in that of Connecticut.— Opposition and Delay. — The Patent granted to the Duke of York.— The King's Commissioners and Ships of War arrive at Boston. — The Dread of greater Evils inclines New-Haven to unite with Connecticut.— New-York taken by the English.— The Dutch Possessions all given up . 152

Chapter XX. 1664

Jealousy of the King's Commissioners prevails in the Colonies. — The Union of New-Haven with Connecticut urged and effected. — The Boundaries of Connecticut on the South and West determined. — County Courts and a Superior Court established.— Arbitrary Measures of the King's Commissioners. — The King's Colony formed by them. — New-York retaken by a Dutch Fleet. — The Troops of Connecticut raised to repel an expected Invasion. — Her Jurisdiction extended to Narraganset and the East End of Long Island . . .160

Chapter XXI

A new Patent granted to the Duke of York, embracing the Territory of the Colony west of Connecticut River.— Sir Edmund Andross arrives as Governor of the Duke's Possessions. — Beginning of Philip's War. — Andross goes to Saybrook with Troops, and demands the Surrender of the Fort.— Manfully repelled by Captain Bull ....... 170

CONTENTS.

Chapter XXII

Expedition of the United Colonies against the Narragansets. — Situation of the Fort. — They destroy it, with a great Slaughter of the Indians.— Continuance of Hostilities. — Measures for Defence and Resistance. — Settlements destroyed.— Expeditions cut off. — Capture and Death of Canonchet . Page 180

Chapter XXIII. 167g

Death and Character of Governor Winthrop— Governor Leet chosen in his Place. — The Indians pursued and destroyed in different, parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts. — Battle of Northfield. — Captain Church. — Philip killed at Mount Hope, in Rhode Island.— The War terminated . . 187

Chapter XXIV. 1678

Edward Randolph misrepresents the Colonies to the King. — Death of Governor Leet. — His History and Character. — Claims of the Duke of York and Duke of Hamilton. — Sickness in the Colony.— Colonel Dugan Governor of New-York. — Accession of King James If. — Randolph arrives from England to examine the Charters of the Colonies. — Sir Edmund Andross made Governor of New-England. — He marches to Hartford with a Body-guard, and demands the Charter of Connecticut. — It is concealed in the Charter Oak, and preserved 194

Chapter XXV. 1687

The Government of Connecticut dissolved by Andross. — His Council. — His oppressive Measures. — He denies Indian Deeds, and gives Patents for Estates. — Restrictions on Public Rights and Personal Liberty. — Condition and Prospects of the People. — An important Change in their favour brought about by that Providence in which they trusted. — William made King of England.— Andross seized by the People of Boston. — The legal Government restored in Massachusetts and Connecticut 203

Chapter XXVI. 1689

A French Fleet is sent against New- York, but called to Canada, to protect that Country from the Five Nations. — The Burning

CONTENTS. XI

and Massacre of Schenectady.— Measures for protecting the Frontiers.— The Northern Colonies engage in a Land and Sea Expedition against Canada.— i\ew- York and the Five Nations fail to perform their parts; and General Winthrop returns from Lake Champlain with his Army.— Governor Phipps makes an unsuccessful Attempt against Quebec— Leisler's Treatment of General Winthrop —Vote of Thanks to Mr. Mather.— Defensive Measures.— The Invasion of the Five Nations by the French —Colonel Fletcher demands the Miliia of Connecticut to be placed at his Orders. — He is refused. ~The Boldness of Captain Wadsworth . . Page 210

Chapter XXVII. 1694

Sectary Preparations.— The Question about the Militia settled .*i favour of Connecticut by the King —The County Courts. -Peace between France and England.— Fitz John VVinthrop Governor — The Lower House of Assembly. — New Townships.— The Western Boundary established by the King in 3700 — Acee.ss.ion of Queen Anne to the British Throne.— War declared agdnst France and Spain m 1702, by England, Germany, and Holland.— Delensive Measures.— Governor Dudley and Lord Cornbury's Demand for Money.— Their Intrigues tn England.— Oppooed by Sir Henry Ashurst.— A Book published against the Colwiy. entitled "The Doom; or, Miseries of Connecticut" 219

Chapter XXVIII. 1704

Owaneco, the Mohegan Sacmem, \ncited by disaffected Persons Jo urge unfounded Claims to Lands purchased by the Colony. —Governor Dudley appointed, with a Court, to try thern. — The Land-claim of the Mason Family.— The Charges made by Governor Dudley brought to a hearing before the Queen in Council.— Decided in favour of the Colony.— Governor Dudley holds his Court, which gives a Decision in favour of Owaneco, treating the Colony with Contempt. — Public Embarrassments 228

Chapter XXIX. 1707

& new Alarm of a French and Indian Invasion. — Neighbouring Indians suspected and watched — Governor Saltonstall elected »n the Death of Governor Winthrop. — General Nicholson's Expedition against the French in 1709.— His Army is wasted W Sickness at Wood Creek, while waiting for the British A

Ill CONTENTS.

Fleet. — It does not airive. — The first Paper Money issued by Connecticut — Early Printing in Connecticut.— Spirit of the French in their Incursions. — The Colonies compelled to seek their Reduction for Self-preservation . . . Page 238

Chapter XXX. 1709

Application to the Queen for Aid against Canada, and a Promise obtained - Preparations made.— The Fleet arrives ill prepared, and with limited Instructions.— Port Royal captured.— General Nicholson makes a new Application to her Majesty. —Another Fleet arrives, but unprovided —It is half destroyed by a Storm, on the way to attack the Enemy. — The Boundary of Connecticut and Massachusetts amicably settled by Commissioners in 1713.— The Hhode Island Boundary line. — The Peace of Utrecht, in 1713, causes great Joy. — Population.— Finances. — Other Statistics 245

Chapter XXXI

The Origin of Yale College— Sketch of its History .—Common Schools —A College and Grammar School provided for in New- Haven.— Yale College first placed at Killmgworth.— Removed to Saybrook.— Controversy arising out of a Proposal tp remove it from Saybrook to New-Haven. — Established there. — Rector Cutler dismissed, and the Saybrook Confession introduced.— Law of the Colony to prevent irregular Meetings on the Sabbath, and the Abuse of the Sacraments. — Mining Privileges granted to Mr. Winthrop. — Mines opened at Simsbury and Wallingford.— Newgate Prison.— First Counterfeiting in the Colony 262

Chapter XXXII. 1715

The Repeal of the Charter apprehended. — The Danger removed.— Ralle's War between the Eastern Indians and the Colonies. — Previous Exertions of Governor Shute to conciliate and instruct them.— Intriguer of Ralle.— Dissensions in the Massachusetts Legislature. — Attempt to seize him — The second Expedition rout the Indians, and Ralle is killed. — — Peace sought by the Indians, and amicable Relations established. — Dissensions and Mob in Connecticut about Landchums.— Settled by a Division.— Manufactures and Products

CONTENTS. XUl

Chapter XXXIII. 1739

The Spanish War, 1745.—" The Old French War."— War expected between England and Spain. — Preparations. — Declared in 1739.— Forces required against the Spanish Islands. — Havana taken, but abandoned in consequence of a great Mortality in the Army.— Declaration of War by France. — Canso taken by the French.— The Northern Colonies determine alone to send an Expedition against Louisburg. -Assisted by Admiral Warren, they capture it after a Siege. — Important Consequences. — Campaign of 1746 —Powerful Engiish and French Armaments prepared for America. — The Pretender's Insurrection in Scotland— The English Fleet not sent. — The French Fleet dispersed. Campaign of 1747 — Peace of Aix la-Chapelle.— American Conquests restored to the French Page 270

Chapter XXXIV. 1747-1756

A Period of Peace and Prosperity.— The Custom house Officer of New-London suspected oi' Pilfering from the Cargo of a Spanish Vessel in store. — A Charge of Participating in the Act made against Governor Wolcott. — Mr. Fitch elected Governor.— The French strengthen and extend their Posts and Fortresses on the North and West — Their Intentions. — The Ohio Company. — Fort Du Quesne built by the French. — Washington's first Military Expedition. — Its Ill-success.— The Union of all the Colonies contemplated.— Meeting of Commissioners at Albany. — Connecticut alone withholds her Assent to a Plan proposed. —No System adopted. — General Braddock arrives from England as Commander-in chief. — Three Expeditions prepared and sent against Forts Du Quesne, Frontignac, and Crown Point —Colonel Monckton obtains Possession of Nova Scotia — Braddock's Defeat and Death. — Battle of Lake George, and Defeat and Death of General Dieskau. — Governor Snirley unsuccessful against Fort Frontignac 280

Chapter XXXV. 1756

War now declared after a bloody Campaign in America. — Earl of Loudon Commander in-chief — Plan of Operations— Delays.— Fort Oswego taken by the French under the Marquis of Montcalm. — General Abercrombie does not proceed against Crown Point. — The Campaign of 1757— The British Minis try send out only a Squadron of Ships to attack Louisburg,

XIV CONTENTS.

which attempts nothing. — No sufficient Force being prepared at Lake George, Montcalm takes Fort William Henry.— The Massacre. — Inhumanity of General Webb . . Page 291

Chapter XXXVI. 1758-59

Mr. Pitt Prime Minister of England.— His Energy.— Campaign of 1758. — Preparations for the entire Reduction of the French Power in Canada. — Admiral Boscawen and General Wolfe attack Louisburg.— It Capitulates.— Lord Howe is killed at Lake George. — Abercrornbie's unskilful and unsuccessful Attempt against Ticonderoga. — He retreats— Fort Frontignac taken by Colonel Bradstreet — General Forbes captures Fort Du Quesne.— The Campaign of 1759.— General Amherst expels the French from Ticonderoga and Crown Point. — Builds a Fortress at the latter Place.— Fort N iagara taken by General Johnson. — General Wolfe sails to Quebec with Admiral Saunders. — Repulsed at Montmorency.— Scales the Precipice to the Heights of Abraham. — Defeats the Marquis of Montcalm.— Quebec Capitulates —General Amherst, with 10,000 Men, proceeds by Oswego to Montreal— Takes that City. — The Marquis of Vaudreuil surrenders all Canada to England

Chapter XXXVII. 1762

England at War with most of the European Powers. — A large Supply of Troops demanded of the Colonies.— Admiral Rodney's Expedition in the West Indies captures Martinique and the Caribbee Islands.— Admiral Pococke and Lord Albemarle, aided by Provincials, take Havana. — The Philippine Islands taken from Spain by Admiral Cornish. — Treaty of Peace at Fontainebleau gives Florida to England. — Indian War.— Several Fortresses surprised by them. — Much Blood shed on the Western Frontiers. — Major Putnam sent from Connecticut under Command of General Gage.— Treaty of Peace with many Western Tribes. — Settlement of the Susquehanna Country by a Colony from Connecticut — Collision with Pennsylvania. — The Question unsealed till alter the Revolution. — Connecticut then received in exchange a part of Ohio 308

Chapter Xxxviii. 1701-1762

Causes of the Revolution. — The Colonists of New-England claim Equal Rights with the Inhabitants of England. — Reasons why the People of Connecticut valued their Charter.

CONTENTS. XV

—First Restrictions on Trade— The Navigation Act ot 1651 never submitted to in New-England.— Restrictions on Imports in 1663— Ditto on Trade between the Colonies in 1672.— Board of Trade and the Colonies formed in 1696.— Restric turns on Manufactures commenced in 1699-1719.— The Erec tion of Manufactories forbidden, and the Making of various Articles.— Appeals from the Courts required tn England in 1680. —Governors' Salaries.- Taxes —A Change in the Government contemplated in 1762.— The Stamp Act . Page 318

Chapter XXXIX. 1765

The first General Congress of the Colonies.— Declaration of Rights.— The Sons of Liberty.— The Stamp Act disregarded. — Taxes.— Riots. — Governor Gage sends troops to Boston to enforce the Acts of Parliament.— The Taxes repealed, except that on Tea.— Commerce with Boston forbidden. — The Government of Massachusetts overthrown.— General Gage Governor of that Colony.— Second Congress.— Boston Neck fortified.— Preparations for Defence. — First shedding of Blood at Concord.— Troops assemble around Boston . . 324

Chapter XL. 1775

Surprise of Ticonderoga and Crown Point. — Re-enforcements arrive at Boston from England.— The Battle of Breed's or Bunker's Hill. — Militia sent from the neighbouring Colonies. — General Wooster marches, with 2000 Connecticut Militia, to protect New- York.— Congress order the raising of an Army.— They appoint Washington Commander-in-chief.— Con* dition of Boston on his Arrival.— Expedition to Quebec. — Marauding in Long Island Sound 331

Discontent of the Militia at Boston.— Spirited Measures of Connecticut to furnish Re-enforcements. — Volunteers raised there for New- York — Colonel Kuowlton. — News of the Disasters in Canada. — Troops sent thither. — Preparations to evacuate Boston. — Washington occupies Lechmere's Point and Dorchester Heights— The British retire in Haste. — The Americans enter and occupy Boston. — The Troops sent off to New- York in Detachments. — Military Arrangements. — Loyalists sent to Connecticut for Security .... 362

XVI CONTENTS.

Chapter XLII. 1776

British Fleet under General and Lord Howe begins to arrive at New- York. —Declaration of Independence —Unfortunate Sit uation of General Knox and the Army on Lake Champlain. — British Re-enforcements at Staten Island —Call on Connecticut for more Troops.— Fourteen Regiments march under Colonel Wolcott. — The Battle of Long Island.— Retreat of the Americans. — Militia Desert.— New Re-enforcements from Connecticut— New- York Evacuated by the Americans. — They are driven into New-Jersey. — Battles of Trenton and Princeton Page 360

Chapter XLIII. 1777-1778

Danbury burned. — Congress endeavour to restore the Value of Continental Money.— They apply to Foreign Powers for aid, without success.— General Burgoyne invades New-York from Canada.— He is Defeated at Saratoga, and Captured, with his Army. — Treaty with France in February, 1778 — Exertions made by England to reconcile America.— The French Cabinet betray a selfish Spirit.— Blockade of the British in Newport. — The Americans retire. — Massacre at Wyoming. — Final Settlement of the disputed Jurisdiction . . . .371

Chapter XLIV. 1779-1781

War in Georgia. — Norfolk taken.— Sullivan's Expedition. — Mu tiny at Keading, Connecticut. — British attempt to reach Stamford. — New-Haven taken by General Tryon. — Fairfield and Norwalk burned. — Stony Point taken. — Arnold's Treachery. — Execution of Andre— Sufferings of the Army in Pennsylva nia. — Preparations to Besiege New- York in 1780 — The Seat of War changed to Virginia. — Capture of New-London. — Massacre at Groton Fort. —English Depredations.— A Congregation captured on the Sabbath.— Severe Treatment of Prisoners.— Siege and Capture of Yorktown. — Negotiations for Peace.— Close of the War.— The Army at Newburg incited to Revolt.— Washington persuades them to be Dismissed in Peace.— He resigns his Commission . . 385

Chapter. XLV

The Debt of the Country and of Connecticut at the Close of the Revolutionary War.— Mr. Jay's commercial Treaty with Great Britain.— Effects in Connecticut.— Various Branches of In-

CONTENTS. XVH

dustry and Enterprise.— New Settlements.— Revival of the Fisheries.— General Hamilton's Plan for the Encouragement of Manufactures. — Importance of Mr. Whitney's Invention of the Cotton-gin. — Other Inventions.— The commercial Treaty of 1806. — American Commerce with Great Britain Page 403

Chapter XLVI. 1806-1812

The Attachment of Connecticut to the Policy of Washington. — Her Adherence to the Federal Party.— The iNon-intercourse Laws.— The Embargo.— War declared against Great Britain in 1812. — Act of Congress to raise 100,000 Militia.— Governor Griswold required to detach 3000 Men.— General Dearborn applies for Militia to do garrison Duty under United States Officers. — He is refused by the Governor. — The Legislature approves of his Refusal. — The Ground of it . . .415

Chapter XLVII. 1813-1814

The War continues. — The British Squadron off New- London. — Three United States' Ships driven by it into New-London. — Troops demanded and furnished by Connecticut for their Protection and the Defence of that place— Capture of Poutapaug by the British.— Destruction of Property. — The Governor and Legislature complain that Connecticut is left unprotected by the General Government. — Requisition on Connecticut for 3000 men — Attack on Stonington by a British Fleet.— The Coast of the United States kept in a state of Alarm. — The Capture of Washington and Alexandria.— Defeat and Death of General Ross near Baltimore 426

Chapter XLVIII. 1815

The President calls an extra Session of Congress.— Alarming Apprehensions from the Enemy. — Mr. Monroe's Plan for increasing and concentrating the Military Power of the United States.— Resolutions passed by the Assembly of Connecticut, protesting against it as Unconstitutional and threatening to Liberty — Casting captured by the Enemy — Petitions to the Legislature of Massachusetts for a Convention.— It meets at Hartford.— Its Proceedings.— The News of Peace. — Received with general Joy 433

Chapter XLIX. 1814

Depression of Manufactures.— Fall of Prices.— Immense Moral Evils resulting from the Trade with the West Indies.— Intemperance prevails.— Temperance Societies . . . 440

Introduction

The history of Connecticut has strong claims on the attention of the intelligent reader : chiefly for these reasons, that its founders established their institutions on principles essentially great and good, and their descendants have wisely sustained them, so that they have produced their appropriate fruits in sound morals, order, and good government. The leading objects for which they left their native land, and twice undertook the arduous labour of forming new settlements in this then western wildness, were the extension of the Christian faith and the establishment of religious and civil liberty for themselves and their descendants.

The history of the world affords no example of colonies founded for objects so pure, lofty, and hoaourable, except in New-England and Pennsylvania. The settlement commenced in Carolina by the French Protestants under Admiral Coligny, in the year 1502, may perhaps be thought of the fame noble character : but these colonists were far inferior to the English settlers in knowledge and political wisdom, and their enterprise soon came to an unhappy termination.

Nothing appears more evident at the present day, than that the principles which governed the founders of New-England were sound in them-

Z INTRODUCTION.

selves, and, therefore, calculated to lead to successful results : but here we should bear in mind, that the pilgrims who landed at Plymouth on the 22d of December, 1620, were the first to bring these principles fairly to a practical test, at a time when comparatively few had yet embraced them, while the general practice of mankind was directly op. posed to them, and had been so from time immemorial. At the period even when the settlement of Connecticut was commenced, sixteen years after the landing at Plymouth, the experiment of the pilgrims had been but very partially tried, or, rather, only just entered upon ; and this new offset from the parent stem was no more than an extension of the same noble, though, as yet, unproved, plan. North America was at that time one vast, unbroken wilderness, with the exception of a few small spots occupied by feeble, unconnected European colonies. Quebec had been settied by the French in 1608; Jamestown, in Virginia, by Captain Smith, with a few English emigrants, in 1609 ; and New-York and Albany, in 1613, by the Dutch, who, in 1621, extended their territorial claim from the Connecticut River to the Delaware, giving to the country within these limits the name of New-Netherlands ; a few Danes had stationed themselves at Bergen, in New-Jersey, about the year 1624 ; and some Swedes and Finns had formed a settlement on the western side of the Delaware near Christiana Creek, in 1626. The objects of these colonists were to obtain wealth by trade, and to extend the territories of their respective sovereigns : but, as Judge Marshall, m hi3 history of the American Colonies, remarks*

INTRODUCTION. XI

u New-England owed her settlement to a higher motive than self-interest."

On contrasting the widely different results of the Spanish and English settlements in America, we might be tempted to regret that the latter were so long delayed : but a moment's reflection will suffice to convince us, that New-England was not colonized too late for the best good of mankind. Half a century previous to that event, few men could have been found in England undegraded by the old system of things ; and the principles which distinguished the pilgrims had been adopted in their purity but a short time before their emigration. The Bible had then been in the hands of the people long enough to be well understood, and its principles had been examined and tested through periods of persecution well calculated to develop their nature, and forcibly to impress them on the minds of those whose lot it was to suffer for conscience' sake. Important political questions, too, had arisen relative to the authority and obligations of rulers and the rights as well as the duties of subjects ; and these had so often been brought to the great test of the Word of God, that its readers had almost necessarily become familiar with the true design and the right theory of government. Hence it was that the planters of New-England, while providing for the perpetuity of their religious institutions, adopted most of those great distinctive principles on which the system of our republic is founded ; though even by them some grave errors, the remains of ancient prejudices, were still retained.

Hence, though Connecticut, both in extent of ter*

Xll INTRODUCTION.

ritory and in the number of its inhabitants, is inferior to most of the other states of the American Union, its history is interesting in a degree quite disproportioned to its size and population.

Second to Massachusetts in the time of its settlement, this state has exerted a great and salutary influence in establishing and maintaining the character and institutions of the nation from the earliest period of its history. The people of Connecticut shared largely in the labours and expenses, the dangers and sufferings connected with the wars that were waged on our own soil, and those foreign expeditions in which our forefathers were sometimes involved in aid of the mother-country. They have performed their full part in upholding the agriculture, commerce, and manufactures of the nation, and in directing its councils; and, while multitudes have gone forth to clear and people new states, in extent vastly superior to their own, at home they have sustained with remarkable uniformity their simple and economical system of government, and their truly democratic state of society, and have been found under all circumstances among the most zealous and efficient promoters of learning, sound morals, and religion, of good order, civil liberty, and national independence.

So striking, indeed, has ever been the attachment of the people of Connecticut to knowledgeindustry, religion, and the laws, that their state has long been designated throughout the Union by the familiar though expressive title of " The Land of Steady Habits."

The distinctive character of the people of this state, and their social and moral condition, are

INTRODUCTION. XIM

doubtless to be ascribed to the principles and in. stitutions of their ancestors ; and where effects so strikingly salutary are observed, it is a matter of great interest to examine and understand the causes by which they have been produced. These causes must be sought for in the history of Con. necticut, a brief and comprehensive view of which is attempted to be given in the following work. The author has endeavoured to be as full and par. ticular in his account as the limits assigned him would permit ; bearing in mind the importance of making his work, both in matter and style, as ac* ceptable as possible to the numerous class of readers for whose gratification and instruction it is especially designed. He feels it incumbent on him to express his obligations to the different writers consulted by him in the preparation of this volume, and to whose productions he in great measure owes that taste for the history of his native state and country which has been to him a source of the highest gratification, and which he would fain asgist in extending among his countrymen.