Fairfield, John (fl. 1747) [John Fairfield's declaration regarding a settlement near Witchcassett]
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10408 Author/Creator: Fairfield, John (fl. 1747) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Manuscript document Date: 27 February 1746 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 37.5 x 22.9 cm. Order a Copy
John Fairfield offers an affidavit regarding Witchcassett, "four miles from Sheepscott and thirty four miles from St. George River, in the County of York" (present-day Maine). Attests that he moved to Witchcassett in 1738, commenting that at the time, forty families and householders lived in the settlement. Remarks on additional settlers in later years and sawmills located in the area. Recounts that in 1744, settlers felt vulnerable after hearing of the war that broke out in Europe between Britain and France, and many moved away from the settlement. In 1745, some settlers moved when Native Americans broke a peace agreement, and others joined an expedition to Canada. Attests, "... by the number of the Inhabitants being lessen'd & forced into Garrison as aforesaid the Settlements in Generall lye waste, and the few remaining Inhabitants are not able to make Improvements unless under Cover of the Garrisons aforementioned, that they are reduced to great straits & Difficulties & under great Discouragements." [Cornelius] Waldo, Justice of the Peace, signs a note dated 27 February 1746/7 in Boston, attesting to the veracity of Fairfield's declaration. James Grant, captain of a militia company in Witchcassett, signs a separate note attesting to the truth of Fairfield's statement. Another note signed by Cornelius Waldo on the same date confirms the veracity of Grant's claim.
James Grant's militia company belonged to the regiment in the lower Division of the County of York commanded by Brigadier General Samuel Waldo. Dated 1746/7, 1747 reflecting the present-day calendar.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.