The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1900-09-19


in constant alarm. They regarded him
as sort of buccaneer in that he haC
borrowed trading vessel up in Massa-
chusetts and inadvertently had forgot
ten to return it. The owner made
complaint and a deputation from both
Hartford and New Haven was appoint
ed to seize him If his strength bee not
too create and convey him to New Ha-
ven" This was in March, 1858. Be
fore the warrant could be served or on
March 7, 1858, the colony of Stamford
met to choose deputies. Bassett was
early in evidence He had his fighting
gear on In political terms he essayed
to smash the slate" already made by
New Haven. When all were assembled
he demanded to know why the meeting
! was called
Francis Bell replied ITO choose depu-
ties for the court at New Haven"
1--WE acknowledge no New Haven
court here" said Bassett.
But" said Bell, 1--WE took our title
from New Haven and are here to prove
our loyalty"
Bassett shouted I'VE know no laws
but Englands and shall heed no au-
thority but hers"
The commissioner calmly answered,
MY authority is from England"
Then Bassett came right up to the
firing line with his burden. Stridng
back and forth he declared I'VE have
no English laws or rights We have no
votes We have 10 liberties. We have
no justice here! We are mere asses for
fools to ride and our backs are we'll
nigh broken You make laws when
you please and what you pleased You
execute them when you please! You
lay what rates you please and give
what measure you please! We are
bondmen and slaves and there will be
no better times for US until our task
masters are out of the way"
In answer to this Indictment he was
told that he was full of pride and in
science and that he harbored "a false,
rotten spirit" Much other recrimina-
ton followed. There is some confusion
in the records of that memorable occa-
sion, and it is not exactly clear what
it's outcome was except that the ma
chine was out at the polls. Bassett
was not called to account for these rev.
dictionary words until later.
1SIudu6 lue aulHplIllSS NCic bCNCii-
ing accustomed to them Certainly
there was grumbling enough in the air
all about. Possibly they saw the rea-
sonableness of much that was said. 1t
was a declaration of independence! the
first uttered on American soil! / know
that it is a far cry to 1858, nevertheless,
then and there in that little meeting
house in Stamford, (whatever else men
may say) American liberty was born
md Robert Bassett was the exponent
thereof!
At some stage in this turmoil Mr.
Goodyear and Mr.. Newman of New
Haven were sent to Stamford to feel
the pulse of the people. They thought
to find but little uneasiness, but were
surprised at It's magnitude.
It must not be understood there was
entire unanimity in this disaifection.
The majority still remained true to the
parent authority at New Haven, but
the minority were "boysterous in their
sperltts" and made up in dcmonstra-
ton what they lacked in numbers. Inc
committee begged that their grievances
be referred to the magistrates Bassett |
demurred. He declared their feelings
were so disqueted and they were IN
such an oppressed way that they de-
q hearing before the full court. |
9th to further anger them, the commit |
tee tried dalliance 1t was fruitless |
and finally as last resort (sinilar to |
reading the modern riot acD Mr.. Good |
year commanded silence, and in the |
name of the king read an order from |
lto, RI limit /
the New Haven jurisdiction, which pro-
cedding the record says Did some
what allaye THERE spirits.
Events occurred rapidly. On the day
succeeding the town meeting, the mar
shall's posse in search of Baxter found
his trail They located him in Fairfield
and arrested him Bassett was with
him and the record says followed with
his sword drawne," and gave the mar
shall many high and offensive words
and carriage" He demanded Baxter
should have his liberty. In retaliation
the marshall ordered him to assist in
holding his prisoners, Bassett fled and
by some means alarmed the disaffected
1nes in the neighborhood, who shortly
made a rally to liberate Baxter. In the
md one of the posse wounded. Law
and when order was restored
Bassett re-appeared. He again de-
handed Bakers release. Goodman
Lewis, of Hartford, who represented
he Connecticut colony in the arrest,
low took Bassett in hand and enlight-
med him somewhat as to the estima-
ion in which he was held by law abid-
ng citizens. He told him he was a
,rawler a disturber of the peace, re-
ormer of commemorative and church
IS, &c, &c. and, moreover, that he was
child of the Diville. Robert acknowl-
dyed this with great magnimity, but
aid it was "drawne cute of him.
Lewis countered with the re-
,ly that it was in him, else it could not
AVE been "drawne cute" and having {
eceived this confession he speedily t
Tapped hands on him as his prisoner I
nd bore him along an New Haven. I
The court sat in New Haven March
0, 1858. Baxter was sent on to Hart t
ord for trial and Bassett had his hear
ng before the New Haven WORTHLESS, 2
he facts as just presented were '
rought out with much more, and the g
erdict of the court placed him under I
$50 bail, with the option of remaining t
t the marshalls house seven days or
eing committed to the city goal. Per- =,
APPS he preferred the latter. Twelve 7
avs later or on March 22d he was q
before the general court i
gain and his case re-opened. Cumula- II