a large river in New England, which gives name to one of the five colonies of that province (see the next article). It rises in a swamp on the height of land, in N. Lat. 45° 10'. W. Long. 71°. After a sleepy course of eight or ten miles, it tumbles over four separate falls, and turning west keeps close under the hills which form the northern boundary of the vale through which it runs. The Ammonoosuck and Israel rivers, two principal branches of Connecticut river, fall into it from the east, between the latitudes 44° and 43°. Between the towns of Walpole on the east, and Westminster on the west side of the river, are the great falls. The whole river, compressed between two rocks scarcely 30 feet asunder, shoots with amazing rapidity into a broad basin below. Over these falls, a bridge 160 feet in length was built in 1784, under which the highest floods may pass without detriment. This is the first bridge that was ever erected over this noble river. Above Deerfield in Massachusetts it receives Deerfield river from the west, and Miller's river from the east, after which it runs westerly in a sinuous course to Fighting-falls, and a little after tumbles over Deerfield falls, which are impassable by boats. At Windsor in Connecticut it receives Farmington river from the west, and at Hartford meets the tide. From Hartford it passes on in a crooked course, until it falls into Long Island sound between Saybrook and Lyme.
The length of this river, in a straight line, is near- Connecticut is 300 miles long. Its general course is several degrees west of south. It is from 80 to 100 rods wide, 130 miles from its mouth. At its mouth is a bar of sand which considerably obstructs the navigation. Ten feet water at full tide is found on this bar, and the same depth to Middleton. The distance of the bar from this place, as the river runs, is 36 miles. Above Middleton are several shoals which stretch quite across the river. Only six feet water is found on the shoal at high tide, and here the tide ebbs and flows but about eight inches. About three miles below Middleton the river is contracted to about 40 rods in breadth by two high mountains. Almost everywhere else the banks are low, and spread into fine extensive meadows. In the spring floods, which generally happen in May, these meadows are covered with water. At Hartford the water sometimes rises 20 feet above the common surface of the river, and having all to pass through the above-mentioned strait, it is sometimes two or three weeks before it returns to its usual bed. These floods add nothing to the depth of water on the bar at the mouth of the river; this bar lying too far off in the sound to be affected by them.
On this beautiful river, whose banks are settled almost to its source, are many pleasant, neat, well-built towns. On its western bank, from its mouth northward, are the towns of Saybrook, Haddam, Middleton, Weathersfield, Hartford, Windsor, and Suffield, in Connecticut; West Springfield, Northampton, Hatfield, and Deerfield, in Massachusetts; Guilford, Brattleborough, in which is Fort Dummer, Westminster, Windsor, Hartford, Fairlee, Newbury, Brunswick, and many others in Vermont. Crossing the river into New Hampshire, and travelling on the eastern bank, you pass through Woodbury nearly opposite to Brunswick, Northumberland, the Coos country, Lyman, Orford, Lyme, Hanover, in which is Dartmouth College, Lebanon, Cornish, Clermont, Charlestown or No. 4 Chesterfield, and many others in New Hampshire; Sunderland, Hadley, Springfield, Long Meadow, in Massachusetts; and in Connecticut, Enfield, East Windsor, East Hartford, Glastenbury, East Haddam, and Lyme.
This river is navigable for vessels drawing 10 feet water 36 miles; for those of smaller size to Hartford, upwards of 50 miles from its mouth; and flat-bottomed boats ascend 200 miles farther, and bring down the produce of the country. These boats are long and narrow, for the convenience of going up stream, and of so light a make as to be portable in carts. They are taken out of the river at three different carrying-places, all of which make 15 miles.
Sturgeon, salmon, and shad, are caught in plenty in their season, from the mouth of the river upwards, excepting sturgeon, which do not ascend the upper falls; besides a variety of small fish, such as pike, carp, &c.
of the five states of New England in America; bounded on the north by Massachusetts; on the east by Rhode Island; on the south by the sound which divides it from Long Island; and on the west by the province of New York.
The divisional line between Connecticut and Massachusetts, as settled in 1728, was found to be about 72 miles in length. The line dividing Connecticut from Rhode Island was settled in 1728, and found to come about 45 miles. The sea coast, from the mouth of Paukatuk river, which forms a part of the eastern boundary of Connecticut, in a direct south-westwardly line to the mouth of Bryam river, is reckoned at about 90 miles. The line between Connecticut and New York runs from latitude 41° 0' to latitude 42° 2' 37' 72 miles. Connecticut contains about 4674 square miles; equal to about 2,962,000 acres.
This state is watered by several fine rivers, the principal of which are, Connecticut described in the preceding article, Housatonic, and the Thames. One branch of the Housatonic rises in Lanesborough, the other in Windsor, both in Berkshire county in Massachusetts. It passes through a number of pleasant towns, and empties into the sound between Stratford and Milford. It is navigable 12 miles, to Derby. A bar of shells, at its mouth, obstructs its navigation for large vessels. In this river, between Salisbury and Canaan, is a cataract, where the water of the whole river, which is 150 yards wide, falls about 60 feet perpendicularly, in a perfectly white sheet. A copious mist arises, in which floating rainbows are seen in various places at the same time, exhibiting a scene exceedingly grand and beautiful.
The Thames empties into Long Island sound at New London. It is navigable 14 miles, to Norwich Landing. Here it loses its name, and branches into Shetucket on the east, and Norwich or Little River on the west. The city of Norwich stands on the tongue of land between these rivers. Little River, about a mile from its mouth has a remarkable and very romantic cataract. A rock 10 or 12 feet in perpendicular height, extends quite across the channel of the river. Over this the whole river pitches, in one entire sheet, upon a bed of rocks below. Here the river is compressed into a very narrow channel between two craggy cliffs, one of which towers to a considerable height. The channel descends gradually, is very crooked, and covered with pointed rocks. Upon these the water swiftly tumbles, foaming with the most violent agitation, 15 or 20 rods, into a broad basin which spreads before it. At the bottom of the perpendicular falls, the rocks are curiously excavated by the constant pouring of the water. Some of the cavities, which are all of a circular form, are five or six feet deep. The smoothness of the water above its descent, the regularity and beauty of the perpendicular fall, the tremendous roughness of the other, and the craggy, towering cliff which impedes the whole, present to the view of the spectator a scene indescribably delightful and majestic. On this river are some of the finest mill seats in New England, and those immediately below the falls, occupied by Lathrop's mill, are perhaps not exceeded by any in the world. Across the mouth of this river is a broad, commodious bridge, in the form of a wharf, built at a great expense.
Shetucket river, the other branch of the Thames, four miles from its mouth, receives Quinnabog, which has its source in Brimfield in Massachusetts; thence passing through Sturbridge and Dudley in Massachusetts, it crosses into Connecticut, and divides Pomfret from Killingly, Canterbury from Plainfield, and Lisbon from Preston, and then mingles with Shetucket. passing through this hilly country, it tumbles over many falls, and affords a vast number of mill seats. The source of the Shetucket is not far from that of Quinabog. It has the name of Willamantic while passing through Stafford, and between Tolland and Willington, Coventry, and Mansfield. Below Windham it takes the name of Shetucket, and empties as above. These rivers are fed by numberless brooks from every part of the adjacent country. At the mouth of Shetucket is a bridge of timber 124 feet in length, supported at each end by pillars, and held up in the middle by braces on the top, in the nature of an arch.
The two principal harbours are at New London and New Haven. The former opens to the south. From the light-house, which stands at the mouth of the harbour, to the town, is about three miles; the breadth is three quarters of a mile, and in some places more. The harbour has from five to six fathoms water, a clear bottom, tough ooze, and as far as one mile above the town is entirely secure and commodious for large ships. New Haven harbour is greatly inferior to that of New London. It is a bay which sets up northerly from the sound about four miles. Its entrance is about half a mile wide. It has very good anchorage, and two and a half fathoms at low water, and three fathoms and four feet at common tides. The whole of the sea coast is indented with harbours, many of which are safe and commodious, but are not sufficiently used to merit a description.
Connecticut, though subject to the extremes of heat and cold in their seasons, and to frequent sudden changes, is very healthful. As many as one in 46 of the inhabitants of Connecticut, who were living in 1774, were upwards of 40 years old. From accurate calculation it is found, that about one in eight live to the age of 70 years and upwards; one in 15 to the age of 80 years, and one in about 30 to the age of 90.
In the maritime towns the weather is variable, according as the wind blows from the sea or land. As you advance into the country, the sea breezes have less effect upon the air, and consequently the weather is less variable. The shortest day is 8 hours and 58 minutes, and the longest 15 hours. The north-west winds, in the winter-season, are often extremely severe and piercing, occasioned by the great body of snow which lies concealed from the dissolving influence of the sun in the immense forests north and north-west. The clear and serene temperature of the sky, however, makes amends for the severity of the weather, and is favourable to health and longevity. Connecticut is generally broken land, made up of mountains, hills, and valleys; and is exceedingly well watered. Some small parts of it are thin and barren. It lies in the fifth and sixth northern climates, and has a strong fertile soil. Its principal productions are Indian corn, rye, wheat in many parts of the state, oats, and barley, which are heavy and good, and of late buck-wheat, flax in large quantities, some hemp, potatoes of several kinds, pumpkins, turnips, pease, beans, &c. &c. fruits of all kinds, which are common to the climate. The soil is very well calculated for pasture and mowing, which enables the farmers to feed large numbers of neat cattle and horses. Actual calculation has evinced, that any given quantity of the best mowing land in Connecticut, produces about twice as much clear profit as the same quantity of the best wheat land in the state of New York. Many farmers, in the eastern part of the state, have lately found their advantage in raising mules, which are carried from the ports of Norwich and New London to the West India islands, and yield a handsome profit. The beef, pork, butter, and cheese, of Connecticut, are equal to any in the world.
The trade of Connecticut is partly with the West India islands, and is carried on in vessels from 60 to 140 tons. The exports consist of horses, mules, oxen, oak staves, hoops, pine boards, oak planks, beans, Indian corn, fish, beef, pork, &c. Horses, live cattle and lumber, are permitted in the Dutch, Danish, and French ports. Beef and fish are liable to such heavy duties in the French islands, as that little profit arises to the merchant who sends them to their ports. Pork and flour are prohibited. As the ordinance making free ports in the French West India islands extends to all foreigners, the price of molasses and other articles has been greatly enhanced by the English purchasers for Canada and Nova Scotia; so that the trade of Connecticut with the French West India islands is not profitable. Cotton, cocoa, indigo, and sugars, are not permitted to be brought away by Americans. The severity with which these prohibitory laws are administered is such, as that these articles cannot be smuggled.
Connecticut has a large number of coasting vessels employed in carrying the produce of the state to other states.—To Rhode island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, they carry pork, wheat, corn, and rye. To North and South Carolinas, and Georgia, butter, cheese, salted beef, cider, apples, potatoes, hay, &c. and receive in return rice, indigo, and money. But as New York is nearer, and the state of the markets always well known, much of the produce of Connecticut, especially of the western parts, is carried there; particularly pot and pearl ashes, flax-seed, beef, pork, cheese, and butter in large quantities. Most of the produce of Connecticut river, from the parts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, as well as of Connecticut, which are adjacent, goes to the same market. Considerable quantities of the produce of the eastern parts of the state are marketed at Boston and Providence.
The value of the whole exported produce and commodities from this state amounted in 1805 to $1,443,729 dollars, and in 1817 only to $604,139 dollars. The high amount at the former period was owing to the extraordinary activity of the neutral trade during the war between France and Britain.
In 1774, the number of shipping in Connecticut was 189; their tonnage 10,317; seafaring men 1,162; besides upwards of 20 sail of coasting vessels, which employed about 90 seamen. In 1815, the shipping belonging to the state amounted to 60,102 tons, of which 13,669 belonged to New London, 13,637 to New Haven, 25,950 to Middleton, and 6846 to Fairfield. New London harbour is fortified, and admits of large vessels, the other ports are unfortified. Connecticut. Though Connecticut has a great extent of sea coast, it is a much less commercial state than Massachusetts.
The number of shipping from the port of New London employed in 1788 in the European and West India trade, was four ships, one snow, 54 brigantines, 32 schooners, and 45 sloops. The number of horses and cattle exported from the district round New London, from the 10th of January 1787, to the 10th of January 1788, was 6917; besides jack asses imported and exported, not included. From 1786 to 1787, the number was 6671; so that the last year exceeded the other 246. From March 1787 to January 1788, 1459 horses, 780 oxen, and 23 cows, were exported from the port of Middletown.
The farmers in Connecticut and their families are mostly clothed in plain, decent, homespun cloth. Their linens and woollens are manufactured in the family way; and although they are generally of a coarser kind, they are of a stronger texture, and much more durable, than those imported from France and Great Britain. Many of their cloths are fine and handsome.
In New Haven is a linen manufactory which flourishes, and one for cotton is about to be established. In East Hartford is a glass-work, a snuff and powder mill, and an iron-work and slitting mill. Iron-works are established also at Salisbury, Norwich, and other parts of the state. At Stafford is a furnace at which are made large quantities of hollow ware and other ironmongery, sufficient to supply the whole state. Paper is manufactured at Norwich, Hartford, New Haven, and in Litchfield county. Nails of every size are made in almost every town and village in Connecticut; so that considerable quantities can be exported to the neighbouring states, and at a better rate than they can be had from Europe. Ironmongery, hats of the best kinds, candles, leather, shoes, and boots, are manufactured in this state. We must not omit to mention wooden dishes and other wooden ware, which are made in vast quantities in Suffield and some few other places, and sold in almost every part of the eastern states. The annual value of the manufactures of this state in 1810 was estimated at 5,900,560 dollars.
It appears from experiments made formerly in this state, that a bushel of sunflower seed yields a gallon of oil; and that an acre of ground planted with the seed at three feet apart, will yield between forty and fifty bushels of the seed. This oil is as mild as sweet oil, and is equally agreeable with salads, and as a medicine. It may, moreover, be used with advantage in paints, varnishes, and ointments. From its being manufactured in our own country, it may always be procured and used in a fresh state. The oil is pressed from the seed in the same manner that cold-drawn linseed oil is drawn from flax-seed, and with as little trouble. Sweet olive oils sells for six shillings a quart. Should the oil of the sunflower sell for only two-thirds of that price, the produce of an acre of ground, supposing it to yield only 40 bushels of the seed, will be £2l. a sum far beyond the product of an acre of ground in any kind of grain. The seed is raised with very little trouble, and grows in land of moderate fertility. It may be gathered and shelled, fit for the extraction of the oil, by women and children.
Connecticut is divided into eight counties, viz. Hartford, New Haven, New London, Fairfield, Windham, Litchfield, Middlesex, and Tolland. The counties are subdivided into upwards of 119 townships; each of which is a corporation invested with power to hold lands, choose their own town officers, to make prudential laws, the penalty of transgression not to exceed 20s. and to choose their own representatives to the general assembly. The townships are generally divided into two or more parishes, in each of which is one or more places of public worship.
Connecticut is the most populous, in proportion to its extent, of any of the thirteen states. It is laid out in small farms from 50 to 300 or 400 acres each, which are held by the farmers in fee-simple; and are generally cultivated as well as the nature of the soil will admit. The state is chequered with innumerable roads or highways, crossing each other in every direction. A traveller in any of these roads, even in the most unsettled parts of the state, will seldom pass more than two or three miles without finding a house or cottage, and a farm under such improvements as to afford the necessaries for the support of a family. The whole state resembles a well-cultivated garden; which, with that degree of industry that is requisite for happiness, produces the necessaries and conveniences of life in great plenty.
In 1759, the number of inhabitants in Connecticut was 130,611; in 1774, there were 197,856 souls. In 18 years, the increase was 67,245; from 1774 to 1782, the increase was but 11,294 persons. This comparatively small increase was owing to the destruction of the war, and the numerous emigrations to Vermont. In 1810 the population was 261,942.
The inhabitants are almost entirely of English descent. There are no Dutch, French, or Germans, and very few Scotch or Irish people, in any part of New England.
In addition to what has been already said on these particulars under New England, it may be observed, that the people of Connecticut are remarkably fond of having all their disputes, even those of the most trivial kind, settled according to law. The prevalence of this litigious spirit affords employment and support for a numerous body of lawyers. The number of actions entered annually upon the several dockets in the state, justifies the above observations. That party spirit, however, which is the bane of political happiness, has not raged with such violence in this state as in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Public proceedings have been conducted, generally, and especially of late, with much calmness and candour. The people are well informed in regard to their rights, and judicious in the methods they adopt to secure them.
The clergy, who are numerous, and, as a body, very respectable, have hitherto preserved a kind of aristocratical balance in the very democratical government of the state; which has happily operated as a check upon the overbearing spirit of republicanism. It has been lamented that the unhappy religious dis- putes which have too much prevailed among some of the clergy, and the too great attention that others have paid to their temporal concerns, to the neglect of their flocks, and an inattention to the qualifications of those who have been admitted to the sacred office, have, heretofore, considerably diminished their influence. It is a pleasing circumstance that the rage for theological disputation is abating; and greater strictness is observed in the admission of candidates to the ministry. Their influence is on the increase; and it is no doubt to be attributed, in part, to their increasing influence, that an evident reformation in the manners of the people of this state has taken place since the peace. In regard to learning and abilities, the clergy, at the present day, are equal to their predecessors at any former period.
As to ecclesiastical government and discipline, each church is a separate jurisdiction, and claims authority to choose their own minister, to exercise government, and to enjoy gospel ordinances within itself. The churches, however, are not independent of each other; they are associated for mutual benefit and convenience. The associations have power to license candidates for the ministry, to consult for the general welfare, and to recommend measures to be adopted by the churches, but have no authority to enforce them. When disputes arise in churches, councils are called, by the parties, to settle them; but their power is only advisory. There are as many associations in the state as there are counties; and they meet twice in a year. These are all combined in one general association, who meet annually.
All religions that are consistent with the peace of society are tolerated in Connecticut; and a spirit of liberality and catholicism is increasing. There are very few religious sects in this state; the bulk of the people are Congregationalists. Besides these there are Episcopalians and Baptists; and formerly there was a society of Sandemanians at New-Haven; but they are now reduced to a very small number. The Episcopalian churches are respectable, and are under the superintendence of a bishop. The Baptists are increasing here as in the other states. Their congregations, with those in the neighbouring states, meet in associations, by delegation, annually.
There are a great number of very pleasant towns, both maritime and inland, in Connecticut. It contains five incorporated towns or cities. Two of these, Hartford and New-Haven, are the capitals of the state. The general assembly is held at the former in May, and at the latter in October, annually. See Hartford and New-Haven.
In no part of the world is the education of all ranks of people more attended to than in Connecticut. Almost every town in the state is divided into districts, and each district has a public school kept in it a greater or less part of every year. Somewhat more than one third of the money arising from a tax on the polls and rateable estate of the inhabitants, is appropriated to the support of schools, in the several towns, for the education of children and youth. The law directs that a grammar school shall be kept in every county town through the state.
There is a grammar school at Hartford, and another at New-Haven, supported by a donation of Governor Hopkins. This venerable and benevolent gentleman, in his last will, dated 1657, left in the hands of Theophilus Eaton, Esq. and three others, a legacy of £1324l. "as an encouragement, in these foreign plantations, of breeding up hopeful youths both at the grammar school and college." In 1664, this legacy was equally divided between New-Haven and Hartford; and grammar schools were erected, which have been supported ever since.
At Greenfield there is a respectable academy. At Plainfield is another. This academy has flourished for several years, and furnished a number of students for Yale and Dartmouth colleges. At Norwich and Windham, likewise are academies furnished with able instructors; each of these academies has 60 or 70 scholars. In 1801 Mr. P. Bacon bequeathed 30,000 dollars to found an academy in Colchester.
Yale College was founded in 1700, and remained at Killingworth until 1707—then at Saybrook, until 1716, when it was removed and fixed at New-Haven. See New-Haven.
On the bank of Connecticut river, two miles from Mines, Middleton, is a lead mine, which was wrought during the war at the expense of the state, and was productive. It is too expensive to work in time of peace. Copper mines have been discovered and opened in several parts of the state, but have proved unprofitable, and are much neglected. Iron mines are numerous and productive. Steel ore has been found in the mountains between Woodbury and New Milford. Talc of various kinds, white, brown, and chocolate-coloured crystals, zinc or spelter, a semimetal, and several other fossils and metals, have been found in Connecticut.
All freetholders in the state are required by law to give in lists of their polls and rateable estate, to persons appointed in the respective towns to receive them, on or before the 20th of August annually. These are valued according to law, arranged in proper order, and sent to the general assembly annually in May.
The sum total of the list of the polls and rateable estate of the inhabitants of Connecticut, as brought into the general assembly in May 1787, were as follows:
| Sum total of the single list | L.1,484,901 | |-------------------------------|-------------| | Assessments | 47,790 | | One quarter of the fourfolds | 1,176 |
Total L.1,533,867
On this sum taxes are levied, so much on the pound, according to the sum proposed to be raised. A tax of two-pence on the pound would raise 12,782l. 4s.
The ordinary annual expences of government before the war amounted to near 4000l. sterling, exclusive of that which was appropriated to the support of schools. In 1811 the revenue was 79,192 dollars.
At Stafford is a medicinal spring, which is said to be a sovereign remedy for scurbutic, cutaneous, and other disorders. At Guilford is a spring, whose water, it is said, when separated from the fountain, will evaporate even when put into a bottle and tightly corked.
It is difficult to say what is the constitution of this state. Connecticut. Contented with the form of government which originated from the charter of Charles II., granted in 1662, the people have not been disposed to run the hazard of framing a new constitution since the declaration of independence. They have tacitly adopted their old charter as the ground of civil government, so far as it is applicable to an independent people.
Agreeable to this charter, the supreme legislative authority of the state is vested in a governor, deputy-governor, twelve assistants or counsellors, and the representatives of the people, styled the General Assembly. The governor, deputy-governor, and assistants, are annually chosen by the freemen in the month of May. The representatives (their number not to exceed two from each town) are chosen by the freemen twice a-year, to attend the two annual sessions, on the second Thursday of May and October. This assembly has power to erect judicatories, for the trial of causes civil and criminal, and to ordain and establish laws for settling the forms and ceremonies of government. By these laws the general assembly is divided into two branches, called the upper and lower houses. The upper house is composed of the governor, deputy-governor, and assistants; the lower house, of the representatives of the people. No law can pass without the concurrence of both houses. The judges of the superior court hold their offices during the pleasure of the general assembly. The judges of the county courts, and justices, are annually appointed. Sheriffs are appointed by the governor and council, without limitation of time. The governor is captain-general of the militia, the deputy-governor lieutenant-general. All other military officers are appointed by the assembly, and commissioned by the governor.
The mode of electing the governor, deputy-governor, assistants, treasurer, and secretary, is as follows: The freemen in the several towns meet on the Monday next after the first Tuesday in April, annually, and give in their votes for the persons they choose for the said offices respectively, with their names written on a piece of paper, which are received and sealed up by a constable in open meeting, the votes for each office by themselves, with the name of the town and office written on the outside. These votes, thus sealed, are sent to the general assembly in May, and there counted by a committee from both houses. All freemen are eligible to any office in government. In choosing assistants, twenty persons are nominated, by the vote of each freeman, at the freemen's meeting for choosing representatives in September annually. These votes are sealed up, and sent to the general assembly in October, and are there counted by a committee of both houses, and the twenty persons who have the most votes stand in nomination; out of which number the twelve who have the greatest number of votes, given by the freemen at their meeting in April, are in May declared assistants in the manner above mentioned. The qualifications of freemen are, maturity in years, quiet and peaceable behaviour, a civil conversation, and freehold estate to the value of forty shillings per annum, or forty pounds personal estate in the list, certified by the select men of the town; it is necessary also that they take the oath of fidelity to the state. In 1818, a bill was brought in for altering the constitution of Connecticut, by making the elections annual, instead of every six months as at present.
The courts are as follows: The justices of the peace, of whom a number are annually appointed in each town by the general assembly, have authority to hear and determine civil actions, where the demand does not exceed four pounds. If the demand exceeds forty shillings, an appeal to the county is allowed. They have cognizance of small offences, and may punish by fine not exceeding forty shillings, or whipping not exceeding ten stripes, or sitting in the stocks. There are eight county courts in the state, held in the several counties by one judge and four justices of the quorum, who have jurisdiction of all criminal cases, arising within their respective counties, where the punishment does not extend to life, limb, or banishment. They have original jurisdiction of all civil actions which exceed the jurisdiction of a justice. Either party may appeal to the superior court, if the demand exceeds twenty pounds, except on bonds or notes vouched by two witnesses.
There are several courts of probate in each county, consisting of one judge. The peculiar province of this court, is, the probate of wills, granting administration of intestate estates, ordering distribution of them, and appointing guardians for minors, &c. An appeal lies from any decree of this court to the superior court.
The superior court consists of five judges. It has authority in all criminal cases extending to life, limb, or banishment, and other high crimes and misdemeanors, to grant divorces, and to hear and determine all civil actions brought by appeal from the county courts, or the court of probate, and to correct the errors of all inferior courts. This is a circuit court, and has two state sessions in each county annually. The superior and county courts try matters of fact by a jury, or without if the parties will agree.
There is a supreme court of errors, consisting of the deputy-governor and the twelve assistants. Their sole business is to determine writs of error brought on judgments of the superior court, where the error complained of appears on the record. They have two stated sessions annually, viz. on the Tuesdays of the weeks preceding the stated sessions of the general assembly.
The county court is a court of chancery, empowered to hear and determine cases in equity, where the matter in demand does not exceed one hundred pounds. The superior court has cognizance of all cases where the demand exceeds that sum. Error may be brought from the county to the superior court, and from the superior court to the supreme court of errors, on judgment in cases of equity as well as of law.
The general assembly only have power to grant pardons and reprieves, to grant commissions of bankruptcy, or protect the persons and estates of unfortunate debtors.
The common law of England, so far as it is applicable to this country, is considered as the common law of this state. The reports of adjudication in the court of king's bench, common pleas, and chancery, are read in the courts of this state as authorities; yet the judges do not consider them as conclusively bind- The feudal system of descents was never adopted in this state. All the real estate of intestates is divided equally among the children, males and females, except that the eldest son has a double portion. And all estates given in tail must be given to some person then in being, or to their immediate issue, and shall become fee-simple estates to the issue of the first donee in tail. The widow of an intestate is entitled to a third part of the personal estate for ever, and to her dower, or third part of the houses and lands belonging to the intestate at the time of his death, during her life.
The practice of law in this state has more simplicity, but less precision, than in England. Assistants and judges are empowered to issue writs through the state, and justices through their respective counties. In these writs, the substance of the complaints or the declarations must be contained; and if neither of the parties show good reason for delay, the causes are heard and determined the same term to which the writs are returnable. Few of the fictions of law, so common in the English practice, are known in this state. The plaintiff has always his election to attach or summon the defendant. Attorneys are admitted and qualified by the county courts. Previous to their admission to the bar, they must study two years with a practising attorney in the state, if they have had a college education, and three years if they have not; their morals must be good, and their characters unblemished; and they must sustain an examination by the attorneys of the court of the county where they are admitted, and be by them recommended to the court. When admitted to the county court, they can practise without other qualifications, in any court in the state. There are upon an average about thirteen attorneys to each county, one hundred and four in the state; a very great proportion for the real exigencies of the people. Yet from the litigious spirit of the citizens, the most of them find employment and support. There is no attorney general, but there is one attorney to the state in each county.
The present territory of Connecticut, at the time of the first arrival of the English, was possessed by the Pequot, the Mohegan, Podunk, and many other smaller tribes of Indians.
The Pequots were numerous and warlike. Their country extended along the sea coast from Paukatuk to Connecticut river. About the year 1630, this powerful tribe extended their conquests over a considerable part of Connecticut, over all Long Island, and part of Narragansett. Sassacus, who was the grand monarch of the whole country, was king of this nation. The seat of his dominions was at New London; the ancient Indian name of which was Pequot.
The Mohegans were a numerous tribe, and their territory extensive. Their ancient claim, which was surveyed and settled by commissioners from Queen Anne in 1705, comprehended all New London county, except a narrow strip of about eight miles wide, on the sea-coast, almost the whole of the county of Windham, and a part of the counties of Tolland and Hartford. Uncas, distinguished for his friendship to the English, was the sachem of this tribe.
The Podunks inhabited East Hartford, and the circumjacent country. The first sachem of this tribe, of whom the English had any knowledge was Taianimo. He was able to bring into the field more than 200 fighting men.
The first grant of Connecticut was made by the Plymouth council to the earl of Warwick, in 1630, and confirmed by his majesty in council the same year. This grant comprehended all that part of New England which lies west from Narragansett river, 120 miles on the sea-coast, from thence in latitude and breadth aforesaid to the South sea. The year following, the earl assigned the grant to Lord Say and Sele, Lord Brook, and nine others.
No English settlements were attempted in Connecticut, until the year 1633, when a number of Indian traders, having purchased of Zeguasson and Natawamute, two principal sachems, a tract of land at the mouth of Little river in Windsor, built a house and fortified it, and ever after maintained their right of soil upon the river.
The same year, a little before the arrival of the English, a company of Dutch traders came to Hartford, and built a house which they called the House of Good Hope, and erected a small fort, in which they planted two cannon. The remains of this settlement are still visible on the bank of Connecticut river. This was the only settlement of the Dutch in Connecticut in these ancient times. The Dutch, and after them the province of New York, for a long time claimed as far east as the western bank of Connecticut river. It belongs to the professed historian to prove or disprove the justice of this claim. Douglas says, "The partition line between New York and Connecticut, as established December 1, 1664, runs from the mouth of Memorecook river, a little west of Byram river, N. N. W. and was the ancient easterly limits of New York; until November 23, 1683, when the line was run nearly the same as it is now settled." If Douglas is right, the New York claim could not have been well founded.
In 1634, Lord Say and Sele, &c. sent over a small number of men, who built a fort at Saybrook, and held a treaty with the Pequot Indians, who in a formal manner gave to the English their right to Connecticut river and the adjacent country.
In 1635, the Plymouth council granted to the duke of Hamilton, all lands between Narragansett and Connecticut rivers, and back into the country as far as Massachusetts south line. This covered a part of the earl of Warwick's patent, and occasioned some disputes in the colony. There were several attempts to revive the Hamilton claim, but they were never prosecuted.
In October of this year, about sixty persons from Newton, Dorchester, and Watertown, in Massachusetts, came and settled at Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor, in Connecticut; and the June following the famous Mr Hooker and his company came and settled at Hartford, and was a friend and father to the colony to the day of his death.
The first court held in Connecticut was at Hartford, April 26, 1636.
The year 1637 was distinguished by the war with the Pequots. This warlike nation had, for some time, been troublesome neighbours. They solicited the Nar- Connecticut to join them in extirpating the English. They had surprised and killed several of the English upon Connecticut river. These threatening appearances and actual hostilities induced the three colonies of Massachusetts, Plymouth, and Connecticut, to combine their forces, to carry the war into their country, and to attempt the entire destruction of the whole tribe. Myantonomo, the Narrangansett sachem, and Uncas, sachem of the Mohegans, sent to the English and offered their service to join with them against the Pequots. Forces were accordingly raised in all the colonies; but those of Connecticut, on account of their vicinity to the enemy, were first in action. Captain Mason, with 80 English and 100 Indians from Connecticut river, proceeded by water to the Narragansetts country, where 200 of that tribe joined him. On the 24th of May, they began their march for Sassaquas fort on Pequot, now Thames river. They afterwards determined first to assault Mystic fort, which was situated between them and Pequot river. On the morning of the 26th of May the attack was made. The Indians, after a midnight revel, were buried in a deep sleep. At the moment of their approach, the sentinel happened to be gone into a wigwam to light his pipe. The barking of a dog gave the alarm. The Indians awoke, seized their arrows and began their hideous yell. They were joined in their tremendous noise by the Indians in the English army, who were in the rear and afraid to approach. The battle was warm and bloody, and the victory complete. The fort was taken—about 70 wigwams burnt—50 or 60 of the Indians were killed—many were wounded and taken, and the rest escaped. Sassaquas and his warriors at Pequot, struck with terror at the news of this defeat, demolished their principal fort, burnt their wigwams, and fled to the westward. Captain Stoughton, with 160 men from Massachusetts, had by this time arrived at Saybrook. He with his forces joined Captain Mason and pursued the Indians, and overtook and surrounded them in a great swamp near Fairfield. A sachem and 99 women and children came out and delivered themselves up to their pursuers. Terms of peace were offered to the rest; but after a short parley they determined, that as they had lived they would die together. There were about 80 who made this resolution. Part of these escaped by means of the darkness of the night. The rest were either killed or taken. In this action the Indians had guns, which is the first account of their having used them. Sassaquas fled to the Mohawks, by whom it is reported he was murdered; but it is most probable that he and his company incorporated with them. Many of the Indian captives were unjustifiably sent to Bermuda and sold for slaves. The Pequot tribe was wholly extinguished. This successful expedition struck the Indians that remained with such terror, as restrained them from open hostilities for near forty years after.
The English thus obtained the country east of the Dutch settlements, by right of conquest. The pursuit of the Indians led to an acquaintance with the lands on the sea-coast from Seabrook to Fairfield. It was reported to be a very fine country. This favourable report induced Messrs Eaton and Hopkins, two very respectable London merchants, and Mr Davenport, a man of distinguished piety and abilities, with their company, who arrived his year (1637) from London, to think of this part of the country as the place of their settlement. Their friends in Massachusetts, sorry to part with so valuable a company, dissuaded them from their purpose. Influenced, however, by the promising prospects which the country afforded, and flattering themselves that they should be out of the jurisdiction of a general governor, with which the country was from time to time threatened, they determined to proceed. Accordingly, in March 1638, with the consent of their friends on Connecticut river, they settled at New Haven, and laid the foundation of a flourishing colony, of which Quonipiaq, now New Haven, was the chief town. The first public worship in this new plantation, was attended on Lord's day, April 18, 1638, under a large spreading oak. The Rev. Mr Davenport preached from Mat. iii. 1. on the temptations of the wilderness. Both colonies, by voluntary compact, formed themselves into distinct commonwealths, and remained so until their union in 1665.
In 1639, the three towns on Connecticut river, already mentioned, finding themselves without the limits of any jurisdiction, formed themselves into a body politic, and agreed upon articles of civil government. These articles were the foundation of Connecticut charter, which was granted in 1662. The substance of the articles, so far as they respect the holding of assemblies, the time and manner of electing magistrates and other civil officers (except that in the old confederation no person was to be chosen governor more than once in two years), and the extent of legislative powers was transferred into, and established in said charter.
The first church was gathered in New Haven this year, and consisted of seven members. These were chosen by the settlers after Mr Davenport had preached from the words of Solomon, "Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewed out her seven pillars." These men were indeed the pillars of the church, to whom the rest were added as they became qualified. They were also the court to try all civil actions.
The first settlers in New Haven had all things common; all purchases were made in the name and for the use of the whole plantation; and the lands were apportioned out to each family, according to their number and original stock.
At their first election, in October 1639, Mr Theophilus Eaton was chosen governor for the first year. Their elections, by agreement, were to be annual; and the word of God their only rule in conducting the affairs of government in the plantation.
In 1643, the articles of confederation between the four New England colonies, mentioned under the article NEW ENGLAND, were unanimously adopted by the colonies of New Haven and Connecticut.
The English settlement on Delaware, which was under the jurisdiction of New Haven, was surprised by the Swedes, and the people put in irons, under a false pretence that they were entering into a conspiracy with the Indians to extirpate the Swedes.
The general court of New Haven, this year, established it as a fundamental article, not to be disputed, That none be admitted as free burgesses but church members, and that none but such should vote at elections. They also ordained, That each town choose from among themselves judges (church members) to be a court, to have cognizance of all civil actions not exceeding twenty pounds; and of criminal causes, where the punishment was sitting in the stocks, whipping, and fining not exceeding five pounds. There was liberty of appeal from this to the court of magistrates.
The court of magistrates consisted of all the magistrates throughout the colony, who were to meet twice a-year at New Haven, for the trial of all capital causes. Six made a quorum. The general court was to consist of the governor, deputy-governor, magistrates, and two representatives from each town. The annual election of officers of government was at this time established, and has ever since continued.
The unsettled state of the colony had hitherto prevented their establishing a code of laws. To supply this defect, the general court ordered, 'That the judicial laws of God, as they were delivered to Moses, and as they are a fence to the moral, being neither typical nor ceremonial, nor having any reference to Canaan, shall be accounted of moral equity, and generally bind all offenders, and be a rule to all the courts in this jurisdiction in their proceedings against offenders, until they be branched out into particulars hereafter.'
About this time a war broke out between the Mohegan and Narragansett Indians. A personal quarrel between Myantonomo sachem of the Narragansetts, and Uncas sachem of the Mohegans, was the foundation of the war. Myantonomo raised an army of 900 warriors, and marched towards the Mohegan country. Uncas by his spies received timely notice of their approach. His seat of residence was in some part of Norwich. He quickly collected 600 of his bravest warriors, and told them, 'The Narragansetts must not come into our town; we must meet them.' They accordingly marched about three miles to a large plain, where the two armies met, and halted within bow-shot of each other. A parley was proposed by Uncas, and agreed to by Myantonomo. The sachems met, and Uncas addressed his enemy as follows. You have a great many brave men; so have I. You and I have quarrelled; but these warriors, what have they done? Shall they die to avenge a private quarrel between us? No. Come like a brave man, as you pretend to be, and let us fight. If you kill me, my men shall be yours: if I kill you, your men shall be mine.' Myantonomo replied: 'My men came to fight, and they shall fight.' Uncas, like an experienced warrior, aware of the result of the conference from the superior force of his enemy, had previously signified to his men, that if Myantonomo refused to fight him in single combat, he would immediately fall, which was to be the signal for them to begin the attack. As soon therefore as Myantonomo had finished his laconic speech, Uncas dropped: his men instantly obeyed the signal, and poured in a shower of arrows upon the unsuspecting Narragansetts, and rushing on with their horrid yells and savage fierceness, put them to flight. Many were killed on the spot, the rest were closely pursued, and some were precipitately driven down craggy precipices, and dashed in pieces. At a place called, from this event, Sachem's plain, Uncas overtook and seized Myantonomo by the shoulder. They sat down together; and Uncas with a hoop called in Connecti- Connecticut, for a charter, and their petition was granted. His majesty, on the 23d of April 1662, issued his letters patent under the great seal, ordaining that the colony of Connecticut should for ever hereafter be one body corporate and politic, in fact and in name, confirming to them their ancient grant and purchase, and fixing their boundaries as follows, viz. "All that part of his Majesty's dominions in New England, in America, bounded east by Narragansett river, commonly called Narragansett bay, where the river falleth into the sea; and on the north by the line of Massachusetts plantation, and on the south by the sea, and in longitude as the line of the Massachusetts colony, running from east to west, that is to say, from the said Narragansett bay on the east, to the South sea on the west part, with the islands thereunto belonging." This charter has ever since remained the basis of the government of Connecticut.
Such was the ignorance of the Europeans respecting the geography of America, when they first assumed the right of giving away lands which the God of nature had long before given to the Indians, that their patents extended they knew not where; many of them were of doubtful construction, and very often covered each other in part, and have produced innumerable disputes and mischiefs in the colonies, some of which are not settled to this day. Connecticut construed her charter literally, and passing over New York, which was then in possession of the subjects of a Christian prince, claimed, in latitude and breadth mentioned therein, to the South sea. Accordingly purchases were made of the Indians, on the Delaware river, west of the western bounds of New York, and within the supposed limits of Connecticut charter, and settlements were made thereon by people from, and under the jurisdiction of, Connecticut. The charter of Pennsylvania, granted to William Penn, in 1681, covered these settlements. This laid the foundation for a dispute, which for a long time was maintained with warmth on both sides. The matter was at last submitted to gentlemen chosen for the purpose, who decided the dispute in favour of Pennsylvania. Many, however, still assert the justice of the Connecticut claim. The state of Connecticut has lately ceded to Congress all their lands west of Pennsylvania, except a reserve of 20 miles square. This cession Congress have accepted, and thereby undubitably established the right of Connecticut to the reserve.
The colony of New Haven, though unconnected with the colony of Connecticut, was comprehended within the limits of their charter, and, as they concluded, within their jurisdiction. But New Haven remonstrated against their claim, and refused to unite with them until they should hear from England. It was not until the year 1665, when it was believed that the king's commissioners had a design upon the New England charters, that these two colonies formed a union, which has ever since amicably subsisted between them.
In 1672, the laws of the colony were revised, and the general court ordered them to be printed; and also, that "every family should buy one of the law books; such as pay in silver, to have a book for 12d. such as pay in wheat, to pay a peck and a half a book; and such as pay in pease, to pay 2s. a book, the pease at 3s. the bushel." Perhaps it is owing to this early Connecticut and universal spread of law books, that the people of Connecticut are to this day so fond of the law. In 1750, the laws of Connecticut were again revised and published in a small folio volume of 258 pages. Dr Douglas observes, that they were the most natural, equitable, plain, and concise code of laws for plantations hitherto extant. There has been a revision of them since the peace, in which they were greatly and very judiciously simplified.
The years 1675 and 1676 were distinguished by the wars with Philip and his Indians, and with the Narragansetts, by which the colony was thrown into great distress and confusion. The inroads of the enraged savages were marked with cruel murders, and with fire and devastation.
In 1684, the charters of Massachusetts bay and Plymouth were taken away in consequence of Quo warrantos which had been issued against them. The charter of Connecticut would have shared the same fate had it not been for Wadsworth, Esq. who having very artfully procured it when it was on the point of being delivered up, buried it under an oak tree in Hartford, where it remained until all danger was over, and then was dug up and reassumed.
Connecticut has ever made rapid advances in population. There have been more emigrations from this than from any of the other states, and yet it is at present full of inhabitants. This increase, under the divine benediction, may be ascribed to several causes. The bulk of the inhabitants are industrious, sagacious husbandmen. Their farms furnish them with all the necessaries, most of the conveniences, and but few of the luxuries of life. They of course are generally temperate, and, if they choose, can subsist with as much independence as is consistent with happiness. The subsistence of the farmer is substantial, and does not depend on incidental circumstances, like that of most other professions. There is no necessity of serving an apprenticeship to the business, nor of a large stock of money to commence it to advantage. Farmers, who deal much in barter, have less need of money than any other class of people. The ease with which a comfortable subsistence is obtained, induces the husbandman to marry young. The cultivation of his farm makes him strong and healthful. He toils cheerfully through the day—eats the fruit of his own labour with a glad heart—at night devoutly thanks his bounteous God for his daily blessings—retires to rest, and his sleep is sweet. Such circumstances as these have greatly contributed to the amazing increase of inhabitants in this state.
Besides, the people live under a free government, and have no fear of a tyrant. There are no overgrown estates, with rich and ambitious landlords, to have an undue and pernicious influence in the election of civil officers. Property is equally enough divided, and must continue to be so as long as estates descend as they now do. No person is prohibited from voting, or from being elected into office, on account of his poverty. He who has the most merit, not he who has the most money, is generally chosen into public office. As instances of this, it is to be observed, that many of the citizens of Connecticut, from the humble walks of life, have arisen to the first offices in the state, and filled them with