The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1846-03-09
Revolutionary Scraps.

oiuuohary war, and few years Immediately pre-
ceeo'ng' will recollect several by the name OF
Henshaw among the active Patriots and stirring
spirits Of that period.
wo brothers of that name resided II this Col
ony' thenln advanced life. Joshualot Boston,
and Daniel of Leicester The sons of the former
were Joshua and Andrew; of the latter were
Joseph, William and David. There We're others
OF the name IN public life but these are mention
ed because each will figure more or less in this
series OF scraps Joshua, Jr was Boston mer-
chant, Andrew clerk in the JudicisKC Courts for
ouholk County, end both like their father, earn
est wings From the highest watch-town Of lib
erty, they scanned with eagle ewes, every move
ment OF the British Ministry at home, and the
hlhg troops in Boston; and sent out notes Of
alarm 10 all parts OF the province. When Boston
became British fortress, these families moved
10 Dedham, where the father died in I'm He
had hlied high and responsible stations in his ma
i've town OF Boston, and i'll the Colony. as a Sc
lect man and member of the Executive Council.
Powers and Willis paper of Aug. s. III contain
ca handsome and chaste notice Of his Character
Andrew died soon after the close of the war, leav-
ing widow, but no children.
Joshua, the son, came to Shrewsbury and spent
the remainder of his life in pleasant retirement
he possessed delicate constitution. butby rig
I'd observance OF regular diet and exercise. was
spared to good old age. With kind heart re-
fined taste, and dignifed men, he was fine
specimen oil an old school gentleman. In his re-
trement. he cultivated literary taste. and con-
tributed literally to the journals and periodicals of
the day; the old Massachusetts Spy was one of
them He died in 1924 without children. JOS
eph accepted ColonePs commission at the COM
mencement OF hostilities, but feeling two old or
otherwise conceiving dislike to military life
left the service in few months He was wise
in counsel, and his advice was much sought after.
He had been successful merchant, and to sustain
the credit of the Colonies, poured out his wealth
like water.
He afterwards complained Of repudiatio,, in
style that would be caution to some non debt
paying states oil the present day. After the war
he removed to Shrewsbury, where he died In
1884 leaving a widow, daughter of the Hon
Joshua Henshaw before named
David the youngest son of this family, was an
early and ardent advocate for the rights of the
Colonies and did efficient service in the cause of
freedom by precept and example. When the
contest became general, he folded up his commits
sion in his leathern belt, hooked his epaulette on
the right shoulder, clutched handful of bullets,
(Which his wife's mother had moulded, bymet-
ing down her clock weight, with the Injunction
to her boys not to get shot in the back) ard has
tened to the field OF strife.
He possessed strong mind, with great energy
and decision OF character; and Wi a kind t-and
affecdonate husband and father. He died in
Leicester in 1903, and left numerous family
William, some years older than the last named
had received Lieutenants commission at the
age of 81, in the "seven years French War"
and learned some camp duty and field service at
Fort Edward, Lake George, Ticonderoga, and,
Crown point. 1t was, perhaps, owing to some
military reputation acquired in these campaigns
that his services called into early requisi-
sition in the increasing difficulties with the moth
er country. From 81 TO rs ne seems to have
been in close communication with committees
and individuals in Boston, and other towns in the
Colony. Soon after the Lexington fight we find
him by the side of his friend and companion, Gen.
Artemas Ward, and dating bis communications
Head Quarters, Cambridge April I775h' He
was appointed by the provincial Congress, Adiu-
tant General and saved in that capacity until the
arrival of General Washington in July, and the
large reinforcement OF continental troops On
the reorganization OF the army, he was commits
stoned 1t Colonel, and continued at Cam
bridge, Roxbury and Dorchester until the evacu-
alton Of Boston by the g Regulars"
On the first of April rs he was sent with de-
tachment OF troops to look after the enemy at
Newport, where a British feet OF thirtysail had
just made its appearance Alter short fur
Tough, he was transferred, with the main body of
the army, to New York, aud was engaged in the
hot skirmishes or Long Island, in August of that
year. On occasion, detachment snder his
command, in returning from Flatbush tothe ferry
landing, were intercepted aud nearly surrounded
by body OF British troops, hut by gorous as
sault at one point they forced the enemies lines,
and cutting right and lett, made good their es-
cape. They have tradition at Brodklin that
these Yankees, after passing swollen creek or
stream OF water, cooly tore up the bridge amidst
shower Of balls, and deliberately returning the
enemy round OF two, followed up the retreat
without moesiation, that day In September he
removed, with portion OF troops, up the Hudson,
and was engaged in some OF the hard-iought bat
ties AZ Tarrytown and White Plains and saw
some hard service that winter in the Jerseys.
He led on his regiment, in the absence of the
Colonel Commandment, in the successful battle at
Princeton, Jan 3D. 1777. In February follow
ing. he resigned his commission for the more de-
sirable service of taking care of young family.
In Justice to the memory OF this Christian Patri-
OF, it should be added that he did not court militia
ny distinction, much less delight in human car
mage.
At an early period of the war, he declared to
almost intimate friend, that 4" nothing but strong
sense Of pubic duty induced him to remain in the
service single days" and all his family letters
breathed the fervent wish " that this unnatural
contest may be succeeded by an honorable peace,
and every man be permitted to set, unmolested,
under his own vine and fig tree"