History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

1TO4.J MODERATOR—MILL RIVER—ORDINARIES—JAIL, 471
couple of young men from Brookfield." The jury returned
a verdict of not guilty, and the prisoners were discharged
on the payment of costs. Dwight had been one of the
licensed innholders, but had no license at that time, though
he received one in September. Probably the young men
were in the habit of carousing at these places of entertainment,
especially when the sessions of the court brought
boon companions from other towns, and from force of habit
went to Dwight's.
Powder Sold from From the town's stock of ammunition, not
the Town Stock. ouly the military company, but the people
obtained their supply. In 1704, about the
time of the outbreak of the second French and Indian war,
the town voted to sell half a barrel of powder at "three shillings
and foure pence per pound in present mony." The
selectmen had heretofore controlled the town's supply of
ammunition, but now an order was adopted placing it in
the care of some "trusty man," to act for the town. Capt.
Clapp, commander of the militia company, was appointed
to that duty.
A New System of The fortifications established in 1675 and
Fortification. renewed and enlarged in 1690, had probably
fallen into decay, and when danger again
threatened, a new system of defense, by means of fortified
houses, was adopted. "Queen Anne's French and Indian
war" commenced in 1704; in March of that year the following
vote was placed upon record, and it is the only allu-
sion to the war, though it continued nine years longer.
The town
" Considering the Great desolation made by the enemy viz ; french
and indians in many places especialy At deerfeild did then vote And
Agree to fortify Severall houses in the Towne And then chose SeveraU
men to Joine in consultation with the committee of Militia And to con-
sider what houses may be best to fortifie."
The expense of fortification was paid by the town. In
accordance with this vote, a number of houses were
strongly fortified, but it is impossible to ascertain where
they were situated.