Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1909-02-26
D. A. r. DELEGATES TO
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.
Six Papers on The Part Norwich Took
in the Revolutionary War.

Mrs. Clinton Z. Stark and Mrs. Daniel
NJ. Lester gave favorable accounts OF
the recent whist held by the chapter
and which added S50.50 to the memo
rial fountain fund.
Delegates and Alternates.
The election Of delegates and alter
mates to the next Continental congress,
in April. followed Those chosen by
the chapter to represent them at the
congress are: Regent, Mrs B. p. Bish-
up; delegate, Mrs. William G. Hender-
son; regents alternate, Mrs. Charles
Prentice of Taftville; delegates's alter
nate, Mrs. George Thompson OF Taft
Vile: other alternates, Mrs. William II.
Dat. Mrs. William +. Hill and Mrs.
George A. Haskell of Jewett City. Mrs.
Bella P. Learned Mrs. Amos A. Brown
ing, Mrs Charming M. Huntington AMI
Mrs. Henry II. Gallup were appointed
committee to act upon the resigna-
tion Of Mrs. Sarah T.. Kinney as state
regent, which is deeply regretted by
Faith Trumbull chapter.
Two Songs.
The papers for the afternoon related
to the part Norwich took In the revolu-
tionary war. and were preceded by two
appropriate songs, Revolutionary Tea
and Yankee Doodle, given by the D. A.
r. choir-Mrs. William H. Allen, direc-
tor; Mrs. Clinton l.. Stark. Mrs. Charles
D. Gallup, Miss Phebe Brewster, Mrs.
William G. Henderson. Mrs. Charles
Prentice and Mrs. Augustus Sullivan.
Mrs. Frank Coxeter accompanied.
Norwich in the Revolution.
The six papers read were all ex-
tremely interesting, and gave com
preventive view OF the enthusiasm and
patriotism shown by Norwich citizens
In every way by which they might aid
the cause of the colonies.
Mrs. c. Leslie Hopkins briefly sum-
married. the cause which led up to the
American revolution. The general in
telligence Of the colonists and their
study of law made them resent theare-
strictions on trade and navigation and
the great authority of the customs Of
fcials. They did not care to be taxed
to pay for a large army OF British
soldiers. The first record of any Off
cial protest made in Norwich was in
1894, at the time Of the stamp act The
stamp officer was arrested at Wethers-
field by John Durkee OF Norwich. and
the celebration Of the repeal OF the
stamp act was a glorious rally around
the Liberty tree. The revenue act caus-
ed another great ripple of excitement
and a boycott upon foreign Injuries In
response to the Boston Circular. The
art Of war became the study OF all four
companies drilling on the Green in 1774,
and preparations were made for de-
tense.
Part in Marine Affairs.
Mrs. Irving clifford described .the part
Norwich took in the marine affairs at
this time She told Of the several ships
built or fitted out in Norwich for use
as cruisers and privateers. and of the
notable sea captains who commanded
these b$Its, especially Captain Robert
Niles. who was in command of the Spy.
fast cutter, carrying intelligence and
stores along the coast, and later TAX
ing the treaty safely to France, besides
capturing several British prizes. Sea
fights were numerous. and so were the
number Of rich prizes taken by these
boats, and helping out the store of pro-
visions in Norwich during the later
years Of the war.
Simon Huntinston's Voyage.
Mary L. Huntington gave brief ac-
count Of the voyage of Simon Hunting
ton to America in 1893 and the settle
witch, where their descendants were
prominent upright and highly honored
citizens. holding many public offices
and interested in everything for the
advancement Of the town and country.
General Jabez Huntington, OF the fifth
generation, n prominent and wealthy
man and ship owner. gave up every
thing for the American cause, sacrfic-
ing ease. wealth. health. and even life
itself. dying in 1856 from the effects Of
the hardships Of active service in the
war. He was a member OF the COM
mite of safety His son, Jedediah.
also a major general, fought in many
battles. After the war he was collec-
tor of customs many years at New
London, where he died in 171s.
Tory Prisoners Here.
Miss Lucy Geer told of many tories
who were held as prisoners in Norwich,
this being q favorite place for their
safe keeping. Among these were Sam
uel Greene and DIR. Benjamin Church
Of Boston. Ebenezer Punderson OF
Preston lad his estate confiscated, Tory
Hill being part Of IL. The Robertsons.
part owners OF the Norwich Packet,
were also tories. She also told Of for
eign officers Of the revolution who
spent some time In Norwich. These
were Marquis de Lafayette, Baron
Steuben, Count Pulaski and the Due
de Luzan. Twenty French soldiers are
buried here from a regiment on its
way to the south.
Mrs. George "A. Keppler reviewed the
hardships OF the colonists during the
war. Dress, amusements and display
were given up. Homespun parties
were popular and simple living was
test Of patriotism. There were about
forty articles Of import which they
were pledged not to use. Anyone vfo
lating this pledge was posted through
the town. The lack OF molasses and
salt were great privations and wheat
was often scarce and apportioned even
ly among families. After 1880 the town
Jared better, being q port Of refuge and
receiving many vessels OF supplies.
What Happened at Home.
Local Incidents Of the Revolution as
the subject Of Mrs. Amos A. Brown
lngs paper. She drew a stirring pic
ture OF the intense excitement which
prevailed in Norwich previous to and
during the revolution. and the rejoicing
az Its close. Though far from the seat
Of war, so that they might easily have
been more Indifferent they we're fully
alive 10 the situation. eager for the
latest news. and most generous with
men, money. clothing and provisions
for the cause. All the men seemed to
be captains and even the women did
their full share. In 1777 q contribu-
ton Of clothing. money and provisions
amounted TO 400 pounds.
Mrs. Robertson contributed two views
towards the chapter album. Refresh.
ments were served by the social COM
mittee. Mrs. c. Leslie Hopkins being
chairman.
VIII Have AZ staterooms.
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