New-York tribune., 1902-07-20
REVOLUTIONARY HEROINE.
MEMORIAL TO BE ERECTED TO MRS.
HANNAH WESTON-HOW SHE CAR
RIED AMMUNITION FOR FIRST
NAVAL BATTLE.

Bangor Ne. July IS (speciaD.-The people of
Machas are preparing TO erect suitable memorial
over the grave of Hannah Weston, an heroic
woman. who rendered notable service in connection
with the first naval battle Of the Revolutionary
War in carrying from her home, in Jonesboro, 10
Machias a distance of sixteen miles through
wilderness infested with hostile Indians, supply
OF ammunition to be used by the patriots under
Captain John O'Brien in the attack upon the Brit
ish man-of-war Margaretta. The fight that re-
suited in the capture of the Marsaretta was the
first naval conflict of the Revolution and is re-
corded as the proudest event in Names history.
The date of its occurrence, June T. l5. is to the
people of Machias and all that region what April 10
IS TO Lexington and Concord and it is due to the
efforts Of Hannah Weston Chapter Daughters of
the American Revolution, that the noble service OF
the Jonesboro heroine is TO be commemorated.
When il was found that the presence off the east
coast of the Margaretta was to lead to open
hostilties. a messenger was dispatched from Ma
chias through the wilderness Jonesboro and
neighboring settlements to inform the people and
10 request all men who able and willing to
bear arms TO hasten to Machias TO assist in the
defence of the and in the capture of the hated
war vessel The word spread rapidly through the
settlements and the people made hasty prepara-
tions respond to the call for aid. All gathered
at the home of Josiah and Hannah Weston, from
which place the start was 10 be made. Mrs Wes-
:on took great interest in the preparations. and
when the start made her husband and two OF
her brothers were among the volunteers
She had made careful inquiry of each man as to
the amount of ammunition that he carried, ana she
felt confident that more would be needed If much
fighting was done. After their departure she called
at each home IN the settlement and gathered up
what powder, lead, pewter spoons, etc, had been
left behind. A collection OF about thirty or forty
pounds was made, and this taken to her home,
where il packed. ready to be sent to Machias.
But not man able TO make the journey was left
in the settlement, and on the following morning.
accompanied by Rebecca Weston, a sister OF her
che Cd he
ney.
Mrs. Weston carried the ammunition. while the
younger woman carried hatchet and the TWO
days supply Of provisions which they had taken
along. The distance to Macfias sixteen miles,
through dense wilderness with guide save the
footprints made by the soldiers who had gone on
before, and occasional bazed tree. For the first
five miles the two women experienced no difficulty
except from WEAKNESS Of carrying so much weight
such rugged path; but before reaching the
river they missed their way, and their efforts 70
find the trail fruitless.
The younger woman. being OF a comparatively
weak constitution, became nearly exhausted from
their wanderings, and the elder suggested rest and
| refreshment. After resting for time Mrs Wes-
ton encouraged her companion to again undertake
the march. They had travelled for another hour
through the woods when they were overjoyed TO
sind themselves upon the bank Of the Machias
River II was then about o'clock in the afternoon.
Knowing that they above the town. they de-
cded that their only course was to follow the river
fans If they kept in sight OF the water they fol-
loved course parallel with the river, but dis
tanee from the bank. They found it very laborious
20 proceed owing 10 the thick swamps through
which they Obliged TO pass and the brooks,
which frequently obliged them to make long de-
tours from their course to hnd a place where they
might effect crossing. But. feeling sure that they
following the right course. they pushed on
with all their strength, expecting at every turn
that they would be able to catch glimpse OF the
AS he gTh Of Weston
becoming exhausted, Mrs. Weston relieved her of
her burden, and herself carried both the ammuni-
1ion and the provisions. When they had proceeded
short distance further. however. the strength OF
upon the ground Mrs Weston was sun resolute
and hopeful. and after brief pause started alone
for the top of hill which could be plainly seen
By this time night was falling. and if she failed
20 the town from the top of the hill they would
highest hopes were realized. however, when she
reached the summit Of the hill. for she could
plainly see a house short distance below. Hasten
ing back 10 her companion, sne FOUND heL IasL
climbing the hill and in making their way TO the
The news Of their arrival was spread through the
village and crowds Of people gathered az the house
noble act. Captain O'Brien. Colonel Foster and
other prominent Machias men we're among an the the
women They had entered upon the difficult task
because they believed that the ammunition would
be needed In the battle that was threatening when
the word was sent 10 Jonesboro but While they
the battle had been fought and won Upon their
Margarefta had been captured. and that her com
ulander Captain Moor, had been wounded by a
shot fired by Mrs. WestoD'S brother. Samuel Watts,
which must result fatally. This proved to be true,
sor on the following day the young British officer.
the first naval officer TO lose his life in the ReVo-
luton. was dead. The ammunition, although It
was not received in time TO be used IN the Dattle,
was afterWard used in the repulse OF the British
when thew attempted to recapture MachiaS. Mr..
Watts was subsequently pensioned by the govern
that rendered to the people Of Machias in the later
defence OF the town.
The return of the brave women to Jonesboro was
not made through the woods but, after resting at
bV partv of men by vessel. Mrs Weston was
hailed as the heroine Of the day and every possible
honor shown her.
Hannah Weston Chapter, D. A. R.. has for SIX
months been engaged in collecting funds TO pay
for suitable monument and bronze tablet to be
erected over the neglected grave OF the hero
Inc and Mrs WestOn's descendants, who number
-FOUR hundred and scattered all over the coun-
frv are being asked TO contribute, while others
- and the town Of Machas have given toward the
fund.
Watts was born HaYerhill, y. H, on November
% l75s and died JonesborO December II. 1856,
twenty days after she had passed her ninety-sev-
Mrs Duston of HaverhiIl, whose capture by the
Indians and subsequent escape made her a famous
Character in New-England history. The marriage
ceremony which united Josiah Weston and Hannah
Watts was performed by the Rev. James Lyons.
the first settled minister Of Machtas Twelve chill
dren were born them, the youngest a boy the
others girls Their lives for many years, like those
of all pioneers, were lives Of hardship and toll,
but by their perseverance they won success and
their memory is honored where echoed the guns OF