History of Amesbury - Merrill.org

Prudential men :
HISTORY OF AMESBURY. 27
1643.
Christopher Batt, John Severance, Thomas
Macy, John Hall, Robert Pike, John Sanders and Thomas Brad-
bury.
At this time people were obliged to keep constantly armed
and the General Court ordered " that the military offic r s in every
towne shall appoint what arms to be brought to the meeting
houses on the Lord's day & other times of meeting, & to take
order at farmes & houses remote, that amunition bee safely dis-
posed of, that an enemy may not possesse himselfe of them."
We can imagine our ancestors wending their way to church
on each returning Sabbath, on horse back, each husband with
his wife seated behind and his matchlock slung to the saddle,
ready for any emergency which might happen. Arriving at the
little church, whose bell had proclaimed the solemn hour of wor-
ship, their guns were severally placed within the door ready for
use.
It was a long way from the Powow where William Osgood
and others lived to the meeting house at East Salisbury, and
their crooked bridle paths lay through dark forests, where the
wiley foe could easily conceal himself till sure of his aim.
Verily these were trying times, requiring courage and self reli-
ance. We know but little of the trials and privations of those
early days.
Jan. 5th. The order for removal was again affirmed.
There does not appear to have been any additions to the set-
tlement this year.
Jan. 15th. A meeting was held and it was decided that "all
public charges should be defrayed by both places, the 7 men
having power to make rates to pay debts and to certifie all
ould records and bring into this new book."
" And, also, yat the constable for y e yeare past and so for time
to come shall be allowed for everie rate he shall gather two
days' work or the value thereof by the towne."
Feb. 20th. A grant of 70 acres was made to Mr. Worcester
" between y e uper end of y e uper range & y e great pond." In
addition to this, five hundred acres were granted to various per-
sons, probably in the "Peke" or near Country pond.