Jan. 1776: British officers are "residents" in Judith's home

Judith Sargent Stevens to Judith Saunders Sargent (her mother)

Letter 24   To the Same  Gloucester   January 1776

Ever since this day with which I had the happiness to pass so sweetly with you, and during which I experienced such frequent proofs of your maternal goodness — since that period, I say, delighted with the pleasing Retrospect, I have sighed for leisure, to address you, and in such language as my heart told me you desired — Often, dearest and most revered of Women, have I taken up my pen; when overwhelmed by my subject, conviction hath compelled me to subscribe tacitly, by my silence, to the insufficiency of words [—]  Gratitude stamped in characters indelible triumphs in my bosom, where it will flourish coeval with the soil — 

I have experienced, since I had the felicity of seeing you, such embarassing confusion; a constant succession of company consisting, you will conclude altogether of gentlemen — I am not fond of a croud, but I ought to acquiesce in whatever may contribute to the emolument of my husband — Yet, my soul pants for the calm uncrouded rural scene, and it is my ardent wish effectually to say — “Hence busy World with all thy Cares” — 

We have as residents with us, the commanding officers of the captured Brig* — They are literally sea Men but, although rough they are humane, and obliging — What a contrast the present winter, to the preceding — Then, surrounded by sentimental friends, and indulged with frequent opportunities of listening to the glad tidings of peace — which sounded most sweetly in my ears — Need I say how greatly I deplore the change — Remember me to Fitz William — May God forever bless the Dear Boy, and may he be continued, a dutiful, and affectionate prop to the declining years of his affectionate Parents.

*Probably the Brig Henry and Esther, "mysteriously swallowed up on January 26 crossing Ipswich Bay from LeHave, Nova Scotia, for Boston ... Captain Nellis was treated with the gallantry due his station." (Guns Off Gloucester by Joseph E. Garland, pp. 152-53)

On January 1, 1776, George Washington had appointed Winthrop Sargent, Judith's father, "to the post of Continental Agent in Gloucester." Among his duties, "he was to board all prizes brought into Cape Ann, send their papers by express to headquarters in Cambridge, inventory their cargos, and take precautions against their embezzlement. Because Gloucester Harbor was not considered safe for laying up prizes for any length of time, he was to have them sailed up to Beverly in care of Agent William Bartlett.

To his agent at Gloucester George Washington ... [ordered] that he was to treat all prisoners for whom he had any responsibility 'with the utmost humanity and tenderness.' In those few words, the tall Commander-in-Chief at Cambridge said much about himself." (Garland, Guns, pp. 122-23)

1790: Judith visits New York, and observes an unruly session of the First Congress

29 May 1790:
Judith Sargent Murray to Winthrop Sargent
and Judith Saunders Sargent

 

Letter 747  To my Father and Mother  Brunswick  
May 29th  1790  Saturday Evening

On Tuesday morning we quitted New Rochelle, coming on through East Chester, crossing Knight Bridge, and passing over Harlem Plains, to New York — The country round New York is mountainous, and the traveller is amused with all the charms of variety [—] a few elegant seats are scattered near the City, and we entered through a fine airy space, known by the name of the Bowery, and bordered by neatly finished, and convenient dwellings — The ground upon which New York is built, was originally very unequal, but, with incesant labour, and industry, the hills have been thrown in to the Vallies, and it is now a fine extensive tract, nearly level —

Everything in the City of New York, seems upon a larger scale, than in the Town of Boston — and I am told it covers a full third more ground — The streets are longer and more capacious, and [there] is an air of thriftyness, as well as elegance about the buildings far surpassing any thing I have ever yet seen — The streets of New York are paved with more exactness than those of Boston, many of them are arched and to obviate the inconvenience of pavements, to the stranger, they are generally raised on each side, several inches above the surface, and smoothly laid with brick over which you may pursue your way, with much ease — The houses are principally of Brick and Broadway presents a pile of buildings, in the centre of which, the President resides, which are in deed truly magnificent — The Citizens of New York have erected many public buildings, no less than twenty Churches, among which are Episcopalians, presbyterians, Quakers, dutch institutions, Roman Catholics, and Jews [—] The Columbian University is a spacious structure, presenting in Front no less than sixty windows — The Hospital, Bridewell and Work house, figure respectably, and I am told are under excellent regulations — St Paul’s Church towers with mingling elegance, and grandeur, and is fronted by a Monument, sacred to the memory of General Montgomery, adorned with military insignia etc etc — 

 But my attention was principally attracted by the federal edifice — Its very air majestically descriptive, seems to designate it consecrated to National purposes, and it is of course interesting to every genuine American — Almost entirely unacquainted with the terms of Art, the attempt to delineate, may draw upon me an accusation of arrogance yet I will nevertheless hazard a slight sketch [—] Its situation is pronounced ill judged — It is however erected at the head of broad street, of which it commands a complete view — an elegant church is nearby finished upon its right, and upon its left, a good street of a thrifty appearance winds its way — The Federal structure is magnificently pleasing and sufficiently spacious — Four large pillars in front, support an equal number of columns, with their pediment — A large gallery also, presents, in which in the presence of Almighty God, and in view of a numerous Concourse of people, the illustrious, and immortal Washington, took his oath of office, being thus solemnly inaugurated, and cloathed with powers, which we doubt not he will continue to exercise, with augmenting celebrity to himself, as well as for the public weal — Thirteen Stars, the American Arms, crested with the spread eagle, with other insignia in the pediment, tablets over each window, which tablets are filled with the thirteen arrows, surrounded with an olive branch, are among the principal ornaments which emblematically adorn, and beautify the front of the Federal Edifice —

The entrance introduces into a square room, which is paved with stone, from which we pass on to the Vestibule in the centre of the pile — This Vestibule is lofty, it is floored with marble, and highly finished, with a handsome iron Gallery, and a sky light richly adorned — From this Vestibule we proceed to the floor of the Representatives’ Room, and through arches on either side, by a public staircase on the left, and a private one on the right, to the senate Chamber, and other apartments —

The room appropriated to the Representatives is spacious, and elegant — It is worthy the respectable assembly now convened there — It is sixty one feet deep — fifty eight feet wide, and thirty six feet high [—] its ceiling is arched and I should have called its form Oval, but I believe the technical term is octangular — four of its sides are rounded in the manner of arches which adds much to its beauty, and gracefulness — the windows are large, and wainscoted below, interrupted only by stoves, which I think are four in number — above are columns, and pilasters, with entablatures variously disposed, and in the pannels between the windows, trophies are carved, and the letters U.S. surrounded with laurel — The Chair of the Speaker is opposite the principal door — and it is elevated three steps, the chairs of the members form around it a semicircle — a writing stand properly furnished, is placed before every chair.  In one piece a number of these stands are connected, which piece forms a segment of a circle — upon the right and left of the speaker, are semicircular compartments, in which are tables for the accommodation of the Clerks — Over the great door, and fronting the Speaker two Galleries are erected — The lower Gallery projects considerably — This is commonly, during the Sessions of the Assembly, filled by gentlemen, and the upper Gallery is appropriated to Ladies — Besides these galleries, a space upon the floor, separated by a bar, may be occasionally occupied by visiting individuals — This apartment is furnished with three doors, exclusive of the principal entrance, all of which are conveniently disposed — The chairs, curtains, and hangings in this room, are of light blue harateen, fringed and tasselled, and the floor is elegantly carpeted —

We have received many civilities from Mr Goodhue, who introduced us into the upper Gallery, where we attended the debates of Congress, for near four hours — the scene was truly august, and as I threw my eyes around, taking a view of the delegates of America thus convened, a solemn air pervaded my bosom — a new, and undefinable sensation originated a hand of enraptured veneration, and I prepared to listen with most profound attention — But I shall own a truth — Let it be better said in a whisper — my reverential feelings considerably abated, as I observed the apparent negligence, of many of the members — a question of much importance was agitated, and investigated by several speakers — and that with a warmth, and energy, which would have done honour to a Demasthenes, or a Cicero, while, with all imaginable sang froid, gentlemen were walking to, and fro — their hats occasionally on, or off — Reading the News papers — lolling upon their writing stands — picking their nails, biting the heads of their canes, examining the beauty of their shoe Buckles, ogling the Gallery etc etc [—] yet we were fortunate enough to hear some of the best Speakers, among them Mr Maddison, Mr Ames, Mr Sedgwick, Mr Jackson, and Mr Vinning —

From the stairs upon the left hand of the Vestibule, we reach a Lobby that communicates with the Iron Gallery, which leads on one hand to the door of the representatives Room, and on the other to the senate Chamber — The senate Chambers is pleasingly decorated — the pilasters etc are highly ornamented, and amid the foliage of the Capitals, a splendid star makes its appearance, surrounded with rays, while a small medallion is suspended by a piece of drapery, with the interesting letters U.S. in a cypher — The ceiling presents a sun, and thirteen Stars, which appear in its centre — The Chimnies are finished with American Marble, said to be equal for the beauty of its shades, and high polish, to any found in Europe — The Presidential chair is, of course, stationary in the upper end of the senate chamber — It is elevated several steps from the floor, and placed under a superb canopy of crimson damask — The chairs arranged semicircularly, as in the room of the Representatives, with the window curtains, and hangings are also of crimson damask, and the floor is richly carpeted — From the throne, or chair of state, his highness, the Protector of the Union, delivers a speech at the opening, and close of a Session which doth not much vary either in form, or manner, from those delivered by a british Sovereign, we differ essentially in nothing, but in name, and it is possible the time is not far distant which may invest us with royal dignities —

There are in the Federal edifice, many other apartments, besides those of which I have attempted a sketch, guard rooms, Committee Rooms, and a handsome library — In the room of audience, we were shown portraits of the reigning King, and Queen of France, which are very fine Paintings — One side of the Federal edifice is furnished with a Platform railed in with iron, which affords an agreeable Walk, and the cupola is in good taste, highly ornamental, producing a very pleasing effect, and summing to give a finishing to the whole — An elegant statue of Lord Chatham once distinguished a principal street in New York, and in a spacious square, majestically towered an equestrian figure of George the third King of Great Britain — But alas! such hath been the ascendancy, shall I say of Gothic animocity, as to procure their destruction –

New York exhibits no promenade, equal to the mall in Boston — But we intend visiting the orangery, and the seats on the north river, on our way home, and we already know this River abounds with beautiful imagery [—] The North or Hudson’s River, rolls its waters along its Banks — the sound divides it from Long Island — Staten Island is in view with many other less considerable Islands — Thus variously are the Land, and water prospects displayed — New York, however suffers in the lack of good water — Every family not residing in the Bowery, being obliged to purchase tea water etc etc [—] New York is undoubtedly a populace, and opulent City; many of the streets remind me of the picturesque views, which we have so often admired upon paper, at present the seat of Government, it may be considered as the Metropolis of America, but it is probable it will not retain this distinction — During our attendance in the federal Edifice, a removal was proposed, seconded, and laid upon the table [—] Philadelphia, and New York are rival Cities — the Southern chambers are for convening in Philadelphia, the question hath been frequently agitated, until it has become annexed to the most important National concerns — I am told there is an agreement between the Southern, and Eastern Members — If the Eastern delegates give their voices in favour of one question, the Southern Gentlemen, will aid them in another! If this information be correct, will not that august Body depart (while engaged in this kind of dangerous, and unbecoming traffic, much from their dignity?[)]   Is it not bartering for public weal? — Yet Members of Congress are but Men —

General Washington hath consecrated one day in the week his levee day upon which gentlemen visit him without ceremony, passing in and out at pleasure — Mrs Washington’s Levee is upon friday — the General is always present — Ladies then pay their Compliments, and strangers, having an acquaintance with any of Mrs Washington’s familiar friends, are properly introduced — Had we tarried long enough in New York, we should have been presented — We have that honour in prospect, upon our return — Lady Temple hath also her Levee days — The whispers of malevolence and ingratitude against our illustrious Chief, are already afloat!  He is accused of favouritism if I may so express myself, and the name of Colonel Humphrys is repeated, with a jealous kind of Acrimony — But enough of dignities —

_________
Notes:
- Paragraph breaks are mine
- "We" means Judith and her husband, Rev. John Murray

 

1776: While visiting Boston, Judith plans her small pox inoculation

 

2 June 1776
Judith Sargent Stevens to Esther Sargent Ellery

 

Letter 45   To my Sister   Boston   June 2d 1776

My Dear Sister

   

Perhaps you never saw a more pleasing situation than the present residence of my Uncle — Although in the midst of the Metropolis it yet in a great degree combines the beauties of the Country — It is in a retired part of the Town — the parade of military arrangements reach us not, and of the progress of hostilities we hear much less than at Gloucester.  

 

This dwelling is entered through a neat gate, shaded, on either hand, by tall trees, cloathed with the most beautiful verdure, which, uniting at top, form over the head a delightful shade — you are first introduced into a long entry, the extremity presents an avenue, leading to a garden, abounding with fruit trees, flowers, and vegetables, at the bottom of the garden you have a handsome summer house, neatly finished, and enchantingly shaded by woodbines, honey suckles, &c &c [—] 

 

The atmosphere is highly perfumed, and we are ready to fancy ourselves in one of the bowers of Elysiums so fancifully described by Swedenborg — Seats erected in various parts of the garden are highly ornamented and umbrageous.  The Parterre is in great perfection — the whole plat laid out in serpentine walks pretty little knots variously displayed, and fringed with box — 

 

The apartments of the Mansion, in which were left many valuable pieces of furniture, are very elegant. I sigh for the original Possessors, and my heart bleeds for four sweet innocents, whom the Parents have left in this Town, and who, it is too probable, will be subjected to every hardship which caprice, and ill Nature can induce.  

 

My Aunt and her sister Harriot, are in fine spirits [—] they suffered very little from the Small Pox, and are earnestly solicitous that I should submit to inoculation — Would it please heaven to carry me through this disorder, how useful might I be to my beloved parents, to my sister and many other dear friends, who might chance to receive, by accident, this cruel despoiler — you know whoever is known to have caught the small pox is dragged from his or her dwelling, without respect of persons, and rudely conveyed to some inconvenient, desolate spot, nor is the attendance of any friend, who has not passed through the small pox, permitted — how comfortless, how forlorn the idea — a Father, a Mother, suffering agonies beyond description and surrendered to strangers, to mercenaries — The idea is truly shocking [—]  

 

Say, my sister, can I be censured for wishing to purchase liberty to watch around the suffering authors of my being — should they be thus tried? — you know many persons, much less exposed, have been suddenly seized with this calamity! — Let me whisper you — but you must be silent — It shall not be my fault, if I do not quality myself to share the sorrows of my friends —

 

Notes:
• JSM had herself inoculated in Boston in complete secrecy. She wanted to be able to care for her parents in case they caught small pox. Her father, Winthrop Sargent, whose frequent travels to Boston for political work, did, in fact, catch the disease and Judith was able to nurse him back to health.

 

1776: Gloucesterians' refuge in Chebacco Parish, and British intentions

 

Jan 1776
Judith Sargent Stevens to Judith Saunders Sargent

 

Letter 28th    To my Mother    Little Village    January — 1776

My Dearest Mother

 

It was, you will not doubt, a very considerable disappointment to me, to find, upon my arrival here, both yourself, and my sister — absent — I am, however, pleased you could command health sufficient for the little excursion, which I hope will be attended with much pleasure.  My Father advises us, by all means, to take the house belonging to Mr G— — we have been to look at it, and if Mr W— will relinquish a promise, which he hath obtained of one of the apartments, we shall place our furniture there as we are under an absolute necessity of removing it — Mr G— engages to render his house tenantable and we rather conclude to deposit our goods there, indifferent as the place appears, as we indulge a hope that we shall not be under the necessity of yielding our present residence — 

 

An opinion has now become generally prevalent, that it is far from the design of the british to spread unnecessary devastation, that still regarding American Property as their own, they can have no inducement to lay our Sea Ports in Ashes — By tarrying in Town, I can be of more consequence to my Father, his business will often carry him thither and he has it in contemplation to shut up the mansion, from which you have flown, and to reside with us during those intervals which he is necessitated to be absent from this Village — 

 

Alas!  my Dear Mother what days of sorrow have arisen upon us — Gloomy is the morning of my Life, and I am ready to wish the warrant for my release, had already past the great seal of heaven —

 

Notes:
• "Little Village" refers to the Chebacco Parish of Ipswich, Mass. The Sargents, and other early Universalists (including John Murray) moved there temporarily for their safety while British war ships patrolled the coast of Gloucester.
• JSM's father, Winthrop Sargent, was a member of Gloucester's Committee of Safety in 1775. He remained a "Government agent in Gloucester throughout the war; in 1788 he was one of the delegates to the State Convention for ratifying the Federal Constitution.

1775: What is a Tory? A Whig? JSM defends her Uncle

17 June 1775
Judith Sargent Stevens to John Murray

Letter 18    to Mr Murray    Gloucester    June 17th 1775

 

You demand an account of our last week's peregrinations, and solicitous to evince my readiness to fulfil the duties of a punctual Correspondent, I hesitate not to meet your wishes — We commenced our little tour on this day, the morning was beautifully serene, and the earth was cloathed in its richest verdure — At a short distance from Gloucester, we were accosted by a person of a decent appearance.  You will conjecture his character, from the ensuing conversation — as our party consisted only of my sister, and myself, I suppose he felt authorized to address us very familiarly 

 

"Ladies your most obedient — You ha[v] it very pleasant" — Rather warm we think Sir — "Pray where are you from Ladies?" — From Gloucester Sir — "Pray are you driven from thence?"  No Sir, we drive — "Ah — Pray are not most of the people driven from that Town?" The females I believe have pretty generally left that place — "Pray is Mr S— gone, or doth he remain there?" — He remains there Sir — "Does he intend to remain there?" — I believe he does — "Perhaps he thinks himself safer than any other person" — I fancy not. — Why should he Sir? — "His principles you know."  What are they Sir? — "Why he is a Tory."  I believe it would be difficult to prove Mr S— a Tory, Sir.  True, he is a friend to peace and he is a Lover of Order — But, if an invariable attachment to the interests of America constitute a Man a Whig, then I believe that title belongs to Mr S— as much as to any of the Congressional Members. 

 

"Pray do you not suspect your self of being a Tory."  I am a Woman Sir and therefore do not pretend to constitute myself a judge of the contest so unhappily subsisting — but I may be allowed to assert a fact,  I sincerely rejoice when I hear of the prosperity, freedom, and welfare of my country — With regard to the terms Whig and Tory  I am free to own I do not understand them — I have heard they are of various signification — but I am not soli[ci]tous to define them — "If you were to talk so favourably  of Mr S— among Whigs, you would be called a Tory" — Possibly — but having the honour to be nearly allied to  Mr S— I have listened to him in the most confidential moments, and I admire his integrity, the universal benevolence of his character — Sir, Mr S— is a Citizen of the World, and it is only necessary to know him, and you will assuredly love, and honour him — 

 

Fortunately, the parting of the road, separated us from this disagreeable associate — We reached Byfield about the hour of dining, and were received by our relatives, who are sheltered there, with every possible mark of the most cordial affection — My Aunts are situated in the midst of a woody Vale, surrounded by tall oaks, and hills almost perpendicular — Early on friday morning we pursued our way to Salisbury, over a beautifully level road, and, if I held the pen of description, I would assay to sketch the fascinating views, which, as we passed along on either hand seized, and commanded our admiration — 

 

Nature is now in her prime, the vegetable, and flowering World, clad in gay variety, the air breathes perfume, and every object seems calculated to inspire the heart of the enraptured beholder, with unbounded gratitude.  At one time we were presented with a view of wide extensive Lawns skirted by venerable Woods, which seemed to reach the heavens — On either hand finely flourishing grain, in rich variety, with expressive oratory seemed to proclaim — "we will, when hoary Winter puts on all her horrors, afford you a wholesome, and plentiful repast when the storms are abroad, when the fields are white with snow, we will support, and invigorate, the sons and daughters of infant industry, and they shall experimentally know, how sweet is the bread of the Labourer["] — 

 

So variegated was the scene before us:  Hills, Vallies, woods, plains, rich meadows, flourishing fields, streams, rivulets, and all so enchantingly interspersed that our hearts could not but be attuned to pleasure[.] Thus, amid a thousand delightful sensations we reached the dwelling which affords a temporary residence to my Uncle D— where our reception corresponded with our most sanguine expectations — 

 

My Aunt is, you know, a truly amiable Woman, and their residence is uncommonly pleasant — The house is built upon an eminence, you would imagine, while seated at the parlour window, that you were upon a speck of earth in the midst of the sea, but the view from the back room exhibits a striking contrast — trees of different growth and the most refreshing verdure, thick woods interspersed as far as the eye can reach with little romantick dwellings, The prospect is sweetly rural, and, as I said beautifully contrasts the front view — There the extensive River is out spread before you — boats continually passing, and repassing, for the various purposes of business, and pleasure — Musick solemn, plaintive, or gay, according to the disposition of the passengers in the barge, is not unfrequently wafted upon the kindly breeze — 

 

Upon the whole, during this hostile period, the retreat of my Uncle is indeed a delightful refuge — The voice of war reaches it not, neither drums, nor fifes, nor instruments of death molest, or deform the calm serenity of the peaceful scene — 

 

Passing a few hours in this peaceful Elysium, we took leave of our friends, who greatly regretting our departure, justly observed, that the pain of parting, overbalanced the pleasure of meeting.  We returned to Byfield in the evening, and on saturday afternoon commenced our journey homeward, reaching Gloucester about sunset — The heat was intolerable — We called upon Mr S— and Lady, at Ipswitch, and were welcomed with marks of friendship. 

 

Notes:

In the beginning of the letter Judith is referring to the treatment of her Uncle Epes Sargent III, when he and his wife were strong-armed into leaving Gloucester for their Loyalist views.

Judith Sargent Murray published a strongly-worded essay about the incident in the February 1794 edition of the Massachusetts Magazine. (See Blog post on The Repository No. XVII.)

As Murray states in the first sentence of her essay, she wrote the piece many years earlier – probably in March of 1775, after a special meeting of Gloucester voters on March 6. 

Epes Sargent had been summoned before the town to “show that he was a harmless citizen” due to his loyalty to the “mother country.” Sargent refused to obey the summons. On March 6, the town cited Sargent and “forbade the inhabitants of Gloucester to hold further commerce with Epes Sargent in order to force him to leave the town through fear of starvation.

This measure had the desired effect, and he moved to Boston where the torrents of hatred and abuse which overwhelmed all who were of his political faith were heaped upon him. He decided to leave Massachusetts and prepared to sail for Halifax, but, on assembling his family for leave-taking the evening before his departure, his spirits were so depressed by the dread of this separation that he determined to return to Gloucester and endure what might await him.”

In 1775, Epes Sargent III was 54. His wife Catherine Osborne Sargent was 53. Their children, two adult sons, were 27 (Epes Sargent IV) and 25 (John Osborne Sargent).

Epes IV was married, and he and his wife, Dorcas Babson Sargent, had lost their first child – Epes V (b. Nov. 1772, d. May 1773). Their daughter Catherine was born on Apr. 26, 1774.

So in March of 1775, Epes Sargent III had an infant grandchild and lots more family and Universalist friends he would have to leave behind. 

• Uncle D— might be Peter Doliver of Gloucester, who married Esther Goldthwaite Rogers, a Sargent cousin.

**************************************************************************

Quotes from Epes Sargent of Gloucester and His Descendants, Emma Worcester Sargent arr., biographical notes by Charles Sprague Sargent (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1923).

 

 

1775: "In the midst of warlike preparations"

 

11 Nov 1775
Judith Sargent Stevens to Judith Saunders Sargent

 

Letter 23    To my Mother    Gloucester    November 11 1775 

My heart was greatly set upon seeing you this day — but it must not be, the roads are so heavy, the weather so precarious, and my health so indifferent. 

My situation is truly unpleasant — in the midst of warlike preparations — Soldiers flocking in from the adjacent Towns — frequent alarms, drums beating, bells ringing, and not a single female associate, to whom I can resort for consolation — To the mind attached to show, military parade may be pleasing, although, even amid its most potent fascination — if the gentler vision pervade the soul — martial appearances in time of war, must be attended with melancholy presagement, and surely, Peace is the kindly soil, from which the social virtues must derive their fairest growth. 

 
In these days of apprehension, I am happy that my Mother and Sister, with their Fitz William, have obtained a sequestered spot. Thither, in imagination I shall often follow them, for my sincere affections are ever Theirs.

 

Notes:

• JSM's mother is Judith Saunders Sargent of Gloucester (1731-93); she married JSM's father, Winthrop Sargent, in 1750 in Gloucester
• JSM's sister is Esther Sargent Ellery (1755-1811); she was married to John Stevens Ellery (1748-97)
• Fitz William is JSM's youngest brother, Fitz William Sargent (1768-1822)
• the "sequestered spot" they obtained was in the Chebacco Parish of Ipswich, Mass., away from the coast and British war ships

• In total, JSM had seven siblings; only three survived to adulthood. JSM was the first born. Of the three surviving siblings, their birth order was: Winthrop Jr. (1753-1820), Esther, and Fitz William. Winthrop Sargent Jr.'s papers are housed at the Mass. Historical Society.

1775: Wartime, financial implications, the Almshouse, and preparing to flee

 

1 Oct 1775
Judith Sargent Stevens to John Murray 

Letter 22d.  To the Same   Gloucester.  October 1st 1775

 

Take now, my dear Sir, an account which will, I have no doubt, interest your humanity.  My Mother being in want of a domestic, conceived that it would be beneficial to the Community, were she to receive a female, from the house which stands among us, a shelter for the indigent, and unfortunate people — and, for the purpose of selecting a proper person, she commissioned me to pay a visit to this temporary prison of Penury. 

 

Our Almshouse is occupied by unsuccessful industry, destitute vice, miserable Old Age, and helpless infancy — This miscellaneous receptacle of suffering, is romantically situated at the foot of a steep declivity — Huge rocks form a semicircle, enclosing every part of the house except the front which is washed by a copious river [—]  Its appearance was in no sort descriptive of the wretchedness it sheltered — A peregrination through the several apartments, cannot fail of lacerating the heart — Here deformed childhood, and there decrepid years — On one hand the forlorn infant, whose mingled hues betray the aggravated crime of its miserable parents, on the other, the degenerate female, her party coloured rags seeming fit emblems of her guilt[.]      

 

I passed through many divisions of this abode of wretchedness, in pursuit of an ancient Woman, from whom I received the rudiments of reading, and who I had lately learned had fled to this last resort of wretchedness — I sought and at length found her — As I was formerly a favourite, she rejoiced to see me, I went prepared, not like the son of….with a little balm, and a little honey — but with what was much better calculated to exhilarate the fleeting spirits such as a bottle of wine, and many &c’s, to which the good Woman b[e]lieved she had bid a final adieu — How unconcerned are the children of opulence — How scant is the provision which is made for the suffering part of our species — Benevolence, it should seem, is fled from our globe, and compassion no more inhabits the breast of Man.   

 

The present unnatural contest hath, augmented the miseries of our little Town, to an almost incredible degree — Persons formerly in easy circumstances, are now greatly depressed, while the poor are involved in every species of suffering, to which the sons and daughters of indigence can possibly be subjected — 

 

Say, Dear Sir, you who are at the fountain head of intelligence, is there no hope of an accommodation, will not the rich blessings of peace again illumine our Land?  Or is the peerless Goddess fled forever from our borders? — 

 

I had yesterday the pleasure of entertaining a large circle — among the rest a Mr Walker introduced by my Uncle S— The sufferings of this gentleman, in our cause, have rendered him conspicuous [—] Although a native of Great Briton, his language proclaims him a true American, he is surprise[d] to learn that anyone speaks lightly of the paper currency, the public faith — being pledged to insure its value, Mr Walker affirms, it must be coeval with our liberties and he pertinently adds, if Liberty be subjugated, where then will be Property?  

 

According to Mr Walker’s account, our affairs are in a very flourishing situation, and every Devotee to the present system, must, if they credit his observations, be flushed with the most sanguine hopes.  The countenance of my Aunt shone with its accustomed benignity, my Uncle was solemn, and reserved, while their Son adored the Speaker — and, let me own, that, in this respect, I am a perfect Chameleon, every individual who appears to understand his subject, has them forming my political creed, as I listened to this gentleman, I became positive success would crown our efforts, while my ear is loaned to his opposite, I tremble, with apprehension of subjugation, and all its Tremendous consequences — Happy that such a….is of no consequence, to the [public weal] — I will, however, aim at such information as shall give stability to my sentiments. 

Upon a supposition that we shall be compelled to abandon our Sea Ports Mr Stevens has provided a little asylum — It is I confess a dreary spot, yet it will answer for a temporary retreat — the tenement consists of a dining room, and two bed chambers — it is in the vicinity of the dwelling secured for my Mother, not far from my Aunt B— and I am not without hope that my sister will be situated in its neighbourhood — Yet I trust we shall not be forced to fly, but if we should, and your inclination should ever lead you to traverse the wilds of Chebaca, you will be received with every demonstration, of that regard which you so well merit.

 

Notes:
• "Chebaca" refers to the Chebacco Parish of Ipswich, Mass.; later, this area became the town of Essex
• "Uncle S—" is most likely Epes Sargent III