Candelmas Day Massacre

Candelmas Day Massacre

Candelmas Day Massacre

In 1724, an army of English settlers from Fort Richmond set out to destroy the village of Norridgewock. Jeremiah Moulton, the leader of the party that attacked Norridgewock that August, had decidedly personal reasons for his hatred of the Indians.

On a snowy January morning in 1692, natives of the same region, spurred on by a different Jesuit priest named Thirty, had attacked his hometown of York, Maine, an event that became known as the Candelmas Day Massacre. The Candlemas Massacre took place in early 1692 during King William's War, when an estimated 150 Abenakis commanded by officers of New France entered the town of York killing about 100 of the English settlers and burning down buildings, taking another estimated 80 villagers hostage, on a forced walk to Canada.(1) The natives killed dozens of inhabitants and burned forty of the forty-five house to the ground. Among those slain was Moulton’s father, who was scalped-a butchery Moulton is said to have witnessed, though he was only three years old. The natives spared Moulton and his brother but took them prisoner, and then some time later, with other children was returned after the release by Benjamin Church of some Indian women and children.

Other children were ransomed by Capt. John Alden of Boston (son of John Alden and Priscilla Mullins of the Plymouth Colony), who would soon be accused of witchcraft in the Salem witch trials. The Indians had set fire to all undefended houses on the north side of the York River, the principal route for trade and around which the town had grown. After the settlement was reduced to ashes, however, it was rebuilt on higher ground at what is today York Village. Also killed that day was our ancestor Thomas Curtis (1) , and his daughter Elizabeth married to John Cooke. They had come to Scituate in 1638 and later moving to York.

Jeremiah Moulton took an active part in the conflicts between the English settlers and the eastern Indians in Queen Anne's war. In 1722 he led an expedition against the village of Norridgewock, and, finding it deserted, carried off the papers of Sebastian Rale, but left the church and houses standing.

“The English and their colonists always feared, and entertained conspiracies of Indians, Frenchmen, Spaniards and Catholics, and hated all of them, and coveted their possessions. Râle was a Frenchman, a Catholic, a priest, a Jesuit (the most hated and feared of Catholics) and a major figure amongst the Indians. All these earned him martyrdom. On August 23rd, 1724 the

Massachusetts militia caught their prey. The accounts differ widely based on partisanship, but his scalp was a prized trophy, along with other items.

The following is a translated copy of a letter written in behalf of the residents who felt threatened by the Jesuit and the Indians. The (?) were words unrecognizable.

Coll. Goffe

Sr. Pursuant to your Directions, we chose out Fifty good able Soldiers& having fitted you[?] in as best possible manner we could, began our march from Richmond toward Noridgawalk the[?] & Currant[?] and proceed’d according to the Inclosed Jornall, to which [?] to be refer.

The tho[?] Jesuit [Rale] (through the inadvertency of Lord[?]) was informed that we were

preparing to give him a vissit: yet that report Did not his belief, but he remained found[?] until Quorobussett[?] whom we mention in our Jornal had the good luck to overrun us which he had not If we had not been previously Clog’d with the Province Moginsons[Moccasins] & Snow Shoos, which are a [?] [?]. And therefore we take this opportunity to Intreat you to move the Govmt to prepare good materials & Imploy the Four Hostages to make a quantity of good Indian Snow Shoos & Moginsons.

The Jesuit was not removed to Canada according to the Indian report to us neither was he out of his house many hours before we were in it. For tho’ the weather was Exceeding cold & study had no fire place in it, yet neither his Ink in his Standish or Drink in his pot were frozen- The Jesuit was well provided with good things for housekeeping, beside a considerable quantity of fur, but considering him as a subject to a Prince with whom his Brittanick Majestie is at peace, and least[?] that Jesuit should animate his Indians to mak reprisal upon the Frontier People by Killing their Cattle. wee left all his assets intact[?]. Excepting his Papers, which we have herewith sent you, Supposing they will give the Goven a True Light of him & shows the countence of his designs[?] We are of opinion the Jesuit is returned to Noridgwalk by this time & will be more [?] then if wee had not marched thither, Supposing there will be no more attempts against him this winter, and therefore wee believe he may yet be taken this winter. If proper methods be taken

But it’s vain to attempt it except the affair be kept secret & able men chose & well provided with good Snow Shoos & Moginsons, [?] so they may be very Expeditious in the march, Otherwise it’s next[?] to a miracle[?] If the Indians that are Dayly down at the Seasides do not overrun and Supplant them - The Soldiers in the Frontiers seems verry willing to goe again if they may be well fitted out The meeting house at Norridgawalk is a large handsom Logg Building adorned within with many Pictures and Toys to please the Indians which we found them very fond of & afraid we would deface but we were better than their fears.

Wee have not wrote to any but your Self, Thinking it more proper that his Excell & the Governm’t Should receive the report. From our Coll. non[?] our Selves. We are with Hearty respects

Brunswick Jan. 21 1721/2 Your Most Hum’ble Obedient Serv’nt Johnson Harmon and Joseph Heath” ( Maine Historical Society Website)

Jeremiah went on to become a prominent member of the provincial militia, and he might have been forgiven if his life experience made him overzealous thirty-two years later at Norridgewock. Under his command, on 23 August, 1724, he attacked the same village with 200 men. The Indians were taken by surprise and tried to escape across Kennebec river, but were killed in the water, not more than fifty reaching the other shore. The English slaughtered women and children and shot Father Rale, who came out of his cabin to expostulate, notwithstanding Moulton's orders that his life be spared, the settler raiding party shot Rale repeatedly, scalped him, and mutilated his body.

The village and chapel were demolished, and the Norridgewock Indians were never heard of more.

The oldest account includes that; he was shot dead, in front of an outdoor cross. Forty years later, the English provided another account. When the survivors returned, they found his grossly, mutilated body and buried him, where the altar had been. A ‘fama ancititatis’ (reputation for holiness) began among the Abenaki, concerning Râle, and remains. The requirements, to be recognized, as martyrs are, that he willingly risked life, with fervor for the faith, to those ‘in odium fidei’ (hatred of the faith).

In 1784 the property was deeded to James Moulton of the fifth generation. According to the town tax records for the year 1812, James was not listed for the payment of any tax on buildings. One can only assume that in that year the house, or a large part of it was consumed by fire. Following this, James must have either built a new house or added to what was not destroyed by fire, since the tax records indicate that in 1813, a tax of $300 was levied on his buildings.

Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Langley, Junior, the present (1962) owners of the house, have furnished it with some early American antiques and with other furniture which they have adapted well to its attractiveness and liveability. An original "keeping room" has been transformed into a pleasant family room. To be noted in the construction and faithful restoration of the house are original summer beams, an unusually large exposed hand-hewn ceiling beam in the dining room, wide plank floors, and old paneling.

Probate of John Moulton of Hampton, 1706/7

[Administration on the estate of Lieut. John Moulton of Hampton granted to his son, John Moulton of Hampton, March 4, 1706/7.]

[Probate Records, vol. 4, p. 332.]

[Bond of John Moulton of Hampton, with Humphrey Perkins and Daniel Moulton as sureties, March 4, 1706/7, in the sum of £200, for the administration of the estate; witnesses, Thomas Batchelder and Jacob Moulton.]

An Agreemt about the Estat of Lt John Moulton of Hampton decd as foll:

Know all men by these presents that whereas Lieut John Moulton of Hampton, in the province of New Hampshire in New England late deceased, dyed Intestate, and left an Estate of Lands Goods & Chattels, and Administration being granted Unto his eldest Sonn John Moulton; as alsoe the Said John Moulton deceased left a wife and Tenn Children the widdow and Relict of the Said Lt John Moulton deceased, as alsoe the Children hereafter Named doe Mutually Agree that the Estate be divided and Settled as followeth./viz.

1ly That the widdow Lydia Moulton shall possess and Enjoy dureing her Natural life the west end of the dwelling House with all the Roomes and Convenyences Unto the Same belonging, together with one third part of the Orchard, and one third part of all the Lands which did of Right belong Unto her Husband John Moulton in his life time, And alsoe to Have hold, possess and Enjoy the one third part of all the Goods and Chattells after the funeral Expences, Debts and Charges are paid to her the Said Lydia Moulton widdow Unto her for Ever at her dispose.

2dly The Said John Moulton Junr To have hold, possess and Enjoy to him his heires and Assignes for Ever, all the Lands, Meadows, Marshes Outlands, Orchards, Buildings, Excepting what is in this Covenant of Agreement Excepted, together with two thirds of all the Goods and Chattells, after all Debts and Charges are paid Unto him the Said John Moulton for Ever at his dispose./ he paying Such portions and Divisions of Lands to each of his Brothers and Sisters as is hereafter mentioned (viz) the said Admr John Moulton doth hereby binde and obleidge himselfe and his Successors, to pay all Debts whatsoever which his father owed in his life time; and to deliver his Mother Lydia Moulton her thirds as abovementioned, and to Deliver Unto his Brother Daniel Moulton one peice of Land being part of the home Lott, containeing two Acres and three quarters adjoyneing to Land of the Said Daniels Eastwardly, Land of palmers Northerly, and of Said John Moultons at the Topp of the Hill Southerly Upon Land of Nathaniel Batchelers South Eastwardly the Said John Moulton Reserving a peice of Land of one Rodd in Breadth next Nathaniel Batchelors, for a way into the Woods Engageing not any wayes to Dampnifie the Inclosure of the General ffeild by Improveing the said way &c; Alsoe the Said John Moulton above Named doth Engage to pay Unto his Brother James Moulton the Sum'e of three pounds. And Unto his brother Nathan Moulton if he demand it Twenty shillings he haveing received his portion in his fathers life time. And Unto his brother David Moulton forty acres of Land lying at Bridehill, and halfe a share of the Cow Common, And Unto his brother Jacob Moulton two Acres of Marsh lying at a place Called the Severals, and abutting Upon the ffresh River.

And Unto his Sister Martha Perkins the Sum'e of forty shillings.

And Unto his Sister Ann Marston the Sum'e of forty shillings.

And Unto his Sister Lydia Marston the Sum'e of forty shillings.

And Unto his Sister Rachel Moulton the Sum'e of forty shillings./

In confirmation of all above written wee the above Named persons to this Agreement, have Mutually Sett to our hands and Seales this fourth day of March 1706, or Seaven; in the fifth yeare of the Reigne of Queen Anne that now is Over England &c: And pray the Honourable Judge of probates to Confirme and Ratifie the Same, as a full and final Settlement of the Estate of our father Lt John Moulton deceased. [Probate Records, vol. 4, p. 88.] .

The first John Moulton was recognized as a man of considerable ability, being chosen as Hampton's first representative to the General Court at Boston. In fact, John Moulton's line contributed much to Hampton's history, among the most illustrious being General Jonathan Moulton and Coronal Josiah Moulton.

General Jonathan Moulton

The Man and The Legend

By Stillman M. Hobbs

Fact has been so mingled with fancy concerning the life of General Jonathan Moulton that for years the fanciful tales were handed down from generation to generation and magnified with the telling, while the facts of the man's life and accomplishments have been largely obscured or neglected.

Legend has it that Moulton sold his soul to the Devil for a boot full of gold. Having made the bargain with the Evil One, the old General cheated him by cutting off the sole of the boot so that the gold pieces poured into it would never quite fill it no matter how much was poured. Thus the Devil was frustrated and Moulton received much more than the bootful of gold. It is quite possible that the local citizenry concocted this tale because Moulton was a man of great reserve and, as the historian (Joseph) Dow says, of "lofty bearing" in his dealing with the townsfolk. Furthermore, his shrewd business practices which resulted in the accumulation of considerable wealth and property probably aroused the envy and dislike of many people.

Another story, widely accepted, was that after death, the ghosts of the General and his wife appeared at night in the house where they had lived. Credulous people believed that their return could be verified by the sounds they heard, Moulton thumping the floor with his big gold-headed cane and his wife moving about in her rustling silk gown. Because of the wide circulation of this tale, the fine house in which the General lived was referred to locally as the "haunted house". In the popular mind, Moulton was considered as evil because of his alleged compact with the Devil and his nocturnal reappearances which plagued the serenity of the townsfolk.

The facts of General Moulton's life are far from prosaic and his accomplishments were considerably more than ordinary. He was descended from John Moulton who came to Hampton with Stephen Bachiler in 1638. Although Moulton was probably the wealthiest man in Hampton, owning slaves, running a prosperous store, and engaging in many land enterprises, he found the time and energy to transact public affairs. His ability was apparently recognized by the citizenry of Hampton since he served for many years as the moderator of town meetings and represented the town in the provincial legislature. In 1778 he was one of Hampton's two delegates sent to Concord to make a new state constitution.

Jonathan Moulton was also recognized for his military prowess. During the long and bloody Indian wars he had served with distinction as a courageous and resourceful fighter.

In 1763 Moulton and sixty-one other men were granted land in the interior of New Hampshire by the Masonian proprietors. Moulton was the head of the grantees, and it was largely through his foresight and enterprise that the town of Moultonborough was founded to forever honor and perpetuate the Moulton name in New Hampshire.

A little later Moulton was granted by Governor Benning Wentworth the land which is now the town of New Hampton. The "Moulton Annals" relates the manner in which the General secured this grant from his great and good friend as follows:

"In 1763 General Jonathan Moulton of Hampton, having an ox weighing one thousand four hundred pounds, fattened for the purpose, hoisted a flag upon his horns, and drove him to Portsmouth as a present to Governor Wentworth.

"The General refused any compensation for the ox, but said he would like a charter of a small gore of land -- adjoining the town of Moultonborough --. The Governor granted this simple request of General Moulton, and he called it New Hampton, in honor of his native town."

The following information about the historical York Garrison is from the Michelin Guide to New England (1993). "In 1624 the Pilgrims established a trading post at Agamenticus, the present-day site of York. The small settlement that grew up around the trading post was chosen by Sir Ferdinando Gorges, the proprietor of Maine, as the capital of his vast New World territory. In 1641, Sir Gorges gave the village a city charter and renamed it Gorgeana in his honor." Gorges's plans for the area failed, and the village was reorganized as York by the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1652. The village was several times subject to Indian attack, and was destroyed in the York or Candlemas massacre of 1692.

Jewett speaks a little of York in her historical essay, "The Old Town of Berwick," where she mentions Indian raids. However, she makes clear there that the date of this story is probably anachronistic. The Scotland Garrison almost certainly would not have had this name before 1652, when Cromwell's Scottish prisoners from the Battle of Dunbar were transported to the colonies to do forced labor. Jewett also describes the period from first settlement until 1675 in this area as characterized by peaceful interaction between Indians and settlers. Many of the details of this poem suggest that Jewett thought of it as taking place in the 1670s or after. (Research assistance, Wendy Pirsig).

"The Orchard's Grandmother," one of Jewett's stories for young readers is also set in part at a York garrison.

The illustration below represents a garrison house that stood north of the current village of York, along the York Road. A restored garrison house now sits at this location (see photograph below). Now referred to as the York Garrison, it was originally the Maxwell Garrison and later became the McIntire Garrison. The probable site of the "Scotland garrison" in Jewett's poem is(Source: Virginia Spillers, Old York Historical Society). The illustration is from Emery's Ancient City of Gorgeana and Modern Town of York (18 the Masterson Garrison, which stood nearer present-day York village, on Cider Hill. 74).

York or McIntire Garrison house, built 1707 or later, originally the Maxwell Garrison.

footnote

(1)The awful march to Canada: Probably this reference is anachronistic. When Native Americans captured English colonists, they sometimes carried them to Canada and turned them over to the French there, but such events did not begin to take place until late in the 17th Century, as tensions grew between British and French colonies. For British colonists this increased the horror of captivity, for it would then include separation from family, the dangers to life and spirit of being in the hands of "agents of Satan" during an arduous trek through the wilderness, finally to be delivered - if one survived - into the hands of Papists and enemies of England. For further discussion and examples, see Puritans among the Indians, edited by Alden T. Va. Clark, Cambridge:

(2)The Curtis family name was brought to America by four brothers Thomas born in 1619 who married Richardene Chamers and settled in York; brother William, who settled in Scituate, coming in the ship Lion, on her first voyage; Richard, who settled in Scituate; andJohn, left no descendants. Their father, William Curtis, came a year later, but in the same ship the Lion, settling in Roxbury. William Jr. was also accompanied by his wife, Sarah (a sister of Rev. John Eliot, the Indian apostle), and four children.