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

106 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON. [1745.
tlie militia from tlie northern section of the county, as very
few troops, if any, were sent from the east. A company
of soldiers from a Worcester regiment was sent to Northampton,
and ordered to do duty on the frontiers in the summer.
The French, in the meantime, were organizing their
Indian allies, in readiness to take the field the following
year.
The Town Adopts While the battle was afar the people of
aNewaiethod Northampton remained inactive. Ordinary
precautions were undoubtedly taken, but
no systematic defensive measures were entered upon till the
latter part of the year 1745. The system of fortifications
adopted in former years was no longer tenable, even if in
existence. A new method better adapted to existing conditions
of warfare, had been devised. It was not till December
that the matter was brought before the town
for action, though it must have formed a topic for general
discussion throughout the year. It was then decided by a
" great majority that something should be done to fortify
themselves against the enemy," and a vote was passed to
make "niounts and fortifications." The whole matter was
put into the " custody " of a committee who were instructed
to report on " Wednesday next." Accordingly on the 25"'
of December, the committee ofi^ered their suggestions.
They concluded " that for the present 'tis not best to do
any more than to make mounts and flankers according to
the Inclinations of those that are to be defended by them,"
and that it was not expedient to do anything "by way of
publick Tax or Expense." They also proposed that the
town should be " divided into proper Squadrons & that
Each Squadron fort Such Houses and in Such manner as
they think best for themselves." Fifteen squadrons were
proposed by the committee, and the limits of each district
defined. This action of the town seems to have been un-
satisfactory, and it was never carried out. Probably the
most unpopular feature of the proposition, was that which
had reference to the manner of paying the expense. As
these squadrons evidently formed the groundwork of the
plan of fortifications adopted the next year, they are copied
in full : —