Affidavit of John Mason, Israel Barney and Daniel Morton, Jr.

Page v3:166

Swanzey, September 5,1775.

We, the deponents, of lawful age, do testify and say, that at a Town-meeting called in order to raise a Company of Minute-Men to be ready on the shortest notice to march in the defence of our Country, soon after the battle at Bunker' s Hill, Colonel Jerathmeel Bowers appeared to be very fierce against raising said Company, and said there was no men wanted, for there was more men there than they knew what to do with, and that it was not expected Swanzey should send any; and after a debate with him, it was voted to raise said Company; and it was proposed to allow said Company, by said Town, a proper allowance for those learning the military exercise, two half days in a week; then said Bowers made a speech against the proceedings, telling them how costly it would be, and how hard it would be for the Town to pay the cost; and that the learning of the exercise would do them no good; and also, that it would hurt our cause, and earnestly moved to the Moderator to call a vote to dismiss said Company; and after a dispute, he prevailed to have a vote called, and the Company was dismissed by a majority of one or two; and said Bowers seemed to be well pleased; and after which, amongst other things, a motion was made, that if there was no need of men nor of money for our defence, that there was no need of a Committee, and seconded by Colonel Bowers, that the Committee be dismissed, and they were dismissed accordingly. Afterwards, when Colonel Bowers withdrew from the meeting, the Town thinking it dangerous to be without a Committee, chose a new Committee. We now say that we think said Bowers has acted an unfriendly part to his Country, in intimidating his townsmen for about a year last past, so that they have done little or nothing for the good of the common cause.

JOHN MASON,
ISRAEL BARNEY,
DANIEL MORTOK, JUN.

BRISTOL, ss., WARREN, Sept. 5, 1775:

The above-named John Mason, Israel Barney, and Daniel Morton, being cautioned to depose the whole truth, made oath to the truth of the above deposition.

Before me: JOHN KINNICUT, Just. Peace.

Affidavit of John Mason, Israel Barney and Daniel Morton, Jr.. [1775-09-05] Mason, John; Barney, Israel; Morton, Daniel, Jr.; Kinnicut, John; Massachusetts, Rehoboth Committee of Inspection; Massachusetts, Swanzey Committee of Inspection. [S4-V3-p0166] [Document Details][Complete Volume]