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

 

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

 

1775: British ships off the coast of Gloucester

28 Jul 1775
Judith Sargent Stevens to John Murray 

 

Letter 20   To Mr Murray   Gloucester.  July 28th 1775 

You wish for some particulars relative to our publick affairs, and indeed they have somewhat varied since you left us — Upon the day of your departure, the arrival of a schooner belonging to his Britannick Majesty, threw our people into great alarm — Immediately the drums beat to arms, the [bells] sounded portentously, and the streets were filled with the goods of the terrified inhabitants — [Families] running up and down, throwing abroad their hands, the most heart affecting distress visible in their almost frantic gestures, when to heighten the misery of the scene, the Captain of the schooner dispatched a special messenger to the family of the Sargents, soliciting permission to visit them, and begging that some fresh provision may be sent on board, for which he will make ample payment, and disavowing at the same time all intention of hostility — 

 

"No, no, no" was the purport of the answer, worded in as strong terms as language could embody.  We continued in a state of distressing suspense, through the whole of friday, saturday and sunday — all our men bearing arms even to their place of worship, but Monday confirmed our direful apprehensions — ... maneuvers on board the schooner, it was believed the war was coming up to the landing, Words are inadequate to describe the panic which took possession of the bosoms of the more timid sex, while our Men bravely prepared for opposition — 

 

Captain Dawson, however, again dropt Anchor; this in some measure quieted the minds of the people, but toward the close of the day, an event took place which hath alarmed the most judicious among us, Some of our ill advised Townsmen have very indiscreetly fired on the schooner, as she lay in the road, and we have great reason to fear that the Town will fall a sacrifice to their imprudence, indeed it is not improbable, that we may be devoted to destruction — the innocent may too possibly be involved in one common ruin with the Guilty!!    

 

Since writing the above Captain Dawson hath addressed the Town as follows

 

            "Hope Schooner Cape An [sic] Harbour   June 29 — 1775

           "To the Committee of Safety in The Town of Gloucester"

 

"Gentlemen

 

"The reason of my sending you this, is to inform you that yesterday, after his Majesty's schooner,

under my command, anchored in this harbour, in the place where she now lies, she was fired at

from the shore, by some armed Men, which you must be sensible might have been attended with

the worst consequences, especially, when I heard and saw nothing but what gave the justest reason

to believe, that hostile intentions, were intended to his Majesty's schooner, from your Town, or why

did the people assemble in arms, which, I saw by my own eyes, and what did the meeting bell ring,

and the drums beat for? — I will leave you to judge, and to complete the scene properly, some of your armed Men fired at his Majesty's schooner without the least provocation, or cause for so doing — 

Surely I must conclude that the greatest part of these proceedings must be the [scare] of the Town — 

I am informed this morning that two of the Men, which fired at the schooner, are put in gaol, and are deserting from his majesty's service and from his majesty's schooner, that I now command, and I do

now demand them in his majesty's name of the Town, which I have a right to do, and it is your duty

to deliver them up — such proceedings would give the Admiral, and Governour, the most favourable opinion of the Town, you cannot suppose that I have orders to molest any person on shore, or any

where else, without I am fired at, or molested in doing my duty!  The Governour's proclamation

which I am informed the people here are acquainted with, __________ indicates the contrary — 

I am gentlemen your most obedient

                                   humble servant

                                  George Dawson

Captain Dawson's information deceived him, the offenders were never in his majesty's service — Neither were they under confinement.  I believe they are rather [applauded] than otherwise — Captain Dawson's requisition was peremptorily refused, he however revenged himself by capturing no less than 15 vessels, among which was one belonging to my Father, when, to the no small joy of the inhabitants of the place, he took his departure.

 
 

 

 

 

 

1785: Visiting Lexington and Concord 10 Years Later

 

8 May 1785
Judith Sargent Stevens to Mary Turner Sargent

 

Letter 407    to Mrs Sargent of Boston    Gloucester    May 8th. 1785

 I should not, my dear Lady, have thus long delayed my acknowledgements for your last favour, had I not expected, e’er this, to have expressed my gratitude in person: my wishes have been prevented by the interposition of kind friends, who solicitous for my health have judged the country air absolutely essential to its establishment and I have, in order to give a display of my acquiescence with my superiors, taken a journey of upwards of forty miles — I was escorted by Mr Stevens, and we have traced the road, in which the british progressed, in their first attempt, to establish their oppressing mandates, by force of arms — 

 

We have viewed the river at the extremity of Concord: where their retreat commenced, we have blessed the memory of those whose ashes are entombed in the burial ground at Lexington, who first sacrificed their lives in the revolutionary contest, and, although, strange to tell, no stone points the precise spot which inhumes them, although they are huddled together in one promiscuous group with the common dead, yet every child of the Village can lead you to their graves, and directing the eye of the stranger can proclaim — 

 

Here lie the Men who first urged the missive weapon against the insolent invaders of the Rights of Freemen — they were early immolated at the shrine of liberty, and their names should be held in everlasting remembrance — 

 

With solemn steps, interesting introspection, and the gaze of veneration, we measured with our feet the hallowed earth, we would have raised the monumental marble, the sculptured register, and the song of the Bard, should have transmitted to the latest posterity, each Hero’s name — but alas! nor means, nor Muse were ours, and we departed, impotent and unavailing wishes our only resource, and, what were our sensations as we passed over Lexington plains, the patriotic bosom can better imagine than my pen can describe....

 Notes
• Mary Turner Sargent/Mrs. Daniel Sargent
• In 1785, Judith was married to her first husband, John Stevens, and living in Gloucester. Their home, on today's Middle Street, is the Sargent House Museum and open to the public.