Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-07-24
Machias to Honor Memory Of
Hannah Weston.
Will Erect Suitable Monument Over
Her Grave.
How She Carried Powder fer First
Naval Battle.

!
ing from her home, in Jonesboro. to
Machias, a distance Of sixteen miles
through a wilderness infested with
hostile Indians, supply of ammuni-
ton to be used by the patriots under
Captain John O'Brien in the attack up
on the British man-of- war Margaretta.
The fight that resulted in the capture
of the Margaretta was the first naval
conflict of the Revolution, and is re-
corded as the proudest event in
Names history. The date of its oc-
currence, June IL, 1775, 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 it was found that the presence
| OFF the eastern coast of the Margaretta
was to lead to open hostilities, mes
senger was dispatched from Machias
through the wilderness to Jonesboro
and neighboring settlements to inform
| the people, and to request all men who
were able and willing to bear arms to
hasten 10 Machias to assist in the de-
|
| the hated war vessel. The word
spread rapidly through the settlements,
and the people made hasty prepara-
lions to respond to the call for aid. Ali
| gathered at the home of Josiah and
Hannah Weston, from which place the
start was to be made. Mrs. weston
took great interest in the preparations,
4 and when the start was made her nus
| band 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, and she felt confident
| that more would be needed if much
fighting was done. After their de-
parture 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 was taken to her home, Where II
was packed, ready to be sent to Ma
chias. But not a man able TO make the
| Journey was left in the settlement, and
on the following morning, accom-
| nanied by Rebecca Weston, sister OF
her husband. she started to make the
| hazardous journey
| Mrs Weston carried the ammuni-
ton, while the younger woman carried
a Ratchet and the two days supply OF
provisions which they had taken
i along. The distance to Machias was
| sixteen miles, through dense wider
!. ness. with no guide save the footprints
| made by the soldiers who had 5cne Oh
before. and an occasional bla"ed Tree
, For the first five miles the two women
experienced no difficulty. except from
weariness of carrying so much weight
over such d rugged path; but before
reaching the river they missed ts.eir
way. and their efforts to find the tran
were fruitleSS.
| The Younger woman, being OF com
naratively weak constitution, became
) nearly exhausted from their wander
ines and the elder suggested rest and
| rafrcshment After resting for time
| Mrs. Weston encouraged her COM
nanion to again undertake the march.
: Tbcv had travelled for another hour
through the woods, when they were
: oyerioyed to find themselves upon the
hank of the Machias river. 1t was
then about 2 O'Clock in the afternoon.
Knowing that they were above the
: town. they decided that their only
course was to follow the river; but.
fearing that they might encounter
hostile indians if they kept in slght OF
the water. they followed a course
nara1Iel with the river. but some DIS
tance from the bank. They found IL
worry laborious to proceed owing to the
thick swamps through which they were
ohiieed to pass. and the brooks. when
freo,,entlv obliged them to make long
: detours from their course to ma
!. mace where they might effect cross
ing. But, feeling sure that they We're
following the right course, they pushed
on with all their strength, expecting
~ every turn that they would be apie
| to catch n glimpse of the town. rs
tbe strength of Miss Weston was fast
Incoming; exhausted, Mrs. Weston re-
Iiavod her of her burden, and herself
carried both the ammunition and the
provisions. When they had proceed
cd \ short distance further, however
the strength of Miss Weston gave our
completely. and she dropped upon 'h9
rround. Mrs. Weston was still reso-
into and hopeful, and after prlel
nause started alone for the top OF a
hin which could be. plainly seen htlis
way ahead.
BY this time night was faiilng, anu 4
che failed to see the town from the TOP
of the hill they would be obliged to
snend the night in the woods Her
highest hopes were realized. however,
whom she reached the summit of the
hill for she could plainly see a house
!. short distance below. Fastening
haeb to her companion, she found her
. fast asleep. Quickly arousing heF,
they lost no time in climbing the hill
and in making their way to the house.
The news of their arrival was spread
through the village, ard crowds Of
neonle gathered at the house to extend
CONGRATULATIONS and praise them for
their nople act. Captain O'Brien.
Colonel Foster and other prominent
Machias men We're among the number,
and were loud in their praise of the
two women. They had entered upon
the difficult task because they believed
4 that the ammunition would be needed
in the battle that was threatening
when the word was sent to Jonesboro.
but while they were making their
march through the wilderness the bat
!, tie had been fought and Won Upon
their arrival at Machias they were in
1900. .hs+ Aha Afarra ratta had been