History of Amesbury - Merrill.org

258 HISTORY OF AMESBURY.
It was a warm day with south-west wind and the guns were
distinctly heard, forcing all to the conclusion that a battle was
going on. Never before had the big guns of an enemy been
heard at Amesbury. All were wild with fear and excitement,
for it should be remembered that almost every family was rep-
resented on that battle ground. The women gathered at some
neighbors to sympathize, as well as express their deep anxiety
as to the result. Would more than half be killed? Some
thought not, others thought there would. But their fears could
not be dispelled for some days, as there were no lightning
trains or telegraphs then, and anxious hearts must retire to
bed, but not to sleep. What will the British do ? Will they kill
us all? Such were the questions asked, which no one could
answer. From other sources I have had like narratives, and in
this manner local tradition has preserved valuable information.
The following will show the quarters this company occupied
at Cambridge soon after the battle.
:
"June 24, 1775.
Gen 1 Orders, That Capt Kyer lodge his men in Mr. Wyth's
Barn until further Orders." /. Ward, Secry.
Later in the season General Washington, who assumed command
of the forces at Cambridge July 2d, sent the following
note to Capt. Currier
" To Capt. Currier, Colo. F. Regiment.
General Washington's Compliments to Capt. Currier.
Requests his Company at Dinner to day half after 2 o'clock
Thursday morn Octbr 26th ."
The original document more than 105 years old is in a good
state of preservation.
The taxes, town and province for the year 1775 were: —
"Town, in West . „ Town
lr°vmce -
Parish.
in East
Parish.
£,66, 12 s. 2d. £ 115, 5 s. 10 d W. P. ,£79, 4 s. 5 d.
Taxpayers, 168 131,9 9 E. P. Tax payers, 232"
In 1773 a committee was chosen to remove all encroach-
ments upon the highways and landings ; and
this year several