History of Amesbury - Merrill.org

5 HISTORY OF AMESBURY.
This unfortunate beginning did not prevent the contemplated
occupation of the territory by good and true men at a subse-
quent period.
On the 6th
1638.
of September, in answer to a petition presented to
the General Court by Simon Bradstreet and others, leave was granted
for a plantation at Merrimac, on the north side of the river. No
legal settlement had previously been made here, although it may
be possible that a few had ventured across and erected temporary
residences. No reference is made by Salisbury records to any
such settlement however, and it is hardly probable that much
was accomplished during the latter part of the year, nor until
the spring of 1639. The territory was little better than one un-
broken forest. There were, however, a few clear spots where
the Indians had planted their corn, and meadow lands which
they had often burned over to get rid of the tall grass, which
tradition says "grew so thick and high that a man or beast could
not be seen five rods" and which prevented them from killing
the deer which resorted hither every spring to feed upon it.
There were also many acres of marsh, clear and available as at
present ; but houses must be built for families, and sheds for
cattle before venturing into this wilderness to spend the long
severe winter. These preparations could not possibly be made
in the short time before winter must set in ; besides no lots were
granted this year for building or planting, and squatter sovereignty
was less prevalent than at present. So it is pretty certain that few
removals were made in 1638; but there was an abundance of
work in making preparation for the coming spring.
The inducements which led to this new settlement are not
quite clear, but there were some advantages which may have
had weight in forwarding the movement. The great tract of
marsh was near at hand and was a valuable feeding ground for
their cattle ; clams and fish were within easy reach, and the
meadows and beach were alive with various kinds of fowl ; indeed
tradition has it that at times geese were so plenty as to greatly
damage the hay crop. Nor were these alone numerous, but
other species of water-fowl were abundant and easily obtained.