To the editor:
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, it is time to recognize unpaid debts due the town of Marblehead for the loans and sacrifices made by its patriotic citizens.
Though there were many, I cite for example the contributions and sacrifices made by Col. Jeremiah Lee, Azor Orne, Elbridge Gerry and Gen. John Glover.
Colonel Lee, one of the most prominent merchants of the time, was an ardent patriot. He commanded the Marblehead militia, financially supported the efforts to obtain supplies and weapons and was one of the first leaders to lose their life in the cause of American independence.
Along with Orne, Lee narrowly escaped a British raid searching for members of the Committee of Safety and Supplies. They were forced to flee from their inn in the dead of night and hide in a cornfield. On that frigid April night in 1775, they avoided capture, but Lee died from an ensuing case of pneumonia.
While Orne survived that fateful night, his finances never fully recovered. His personal fortune was lent to the American cause for arms and supplies and never repaid.
Elbridge Gerry, our fifth vice president who served in the Continental Congress and signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, also made great personal sacrifices in support of our independence.
During the war, Gerry leveraged his family’s merchant business to provide vital supplies to the Continental Army and supported privateering operations against British shipping.
Glover, who assumed the command of the Marblehead militia upon Lee’s death, rarely receives the recognition he deserves for assuring America’s victory.
Glover led his regiment in crucial endeavors that were necessary to avoid defeat and ultimately secured victory including: the evacuation from Long Island, the battle of Pell’s Point and the Delaware crossing. The war would never have been won if it wasn’t for Gen. John Glover.
Unfortunately, today, the Gen. John Glover historic farmhouse is on the brink of destruction and in need of rescue and preservation.
Rather than call in our loans, I’m requesting that our Select Board invite our congressman, Seth Moulton, to appear before them to hear the following proposal:
In light of the sacrifices and unpaid debts due the town and citizens of Marblehead previously mentioned, two federal grants should be applied for, including:
First, a grant for $2 million to preserve Gen. John Glover’s historic residence.
Second, a grant for $6 million to the town of Marblehead Historic Commission for the purpose of building a museum.
A dedicated, public museum is needed to protect the priceless documents and artifacts that are presently vulnerable and inadequately preserved and are scattered throughout the town.
Additionally, I suggest that the congressman request from the Department of the Navy that it name one of the new ships being built the USS Marblehead, honoring the town’s claim to “Birthplace of the Navy” and “Birthplace of Marine Aviation.”
Lastly, I suggest that the congressman requests the naming of an additional ship after Marblehead Capt. James Mugford. Mugford was fatally wounded aboard his ship, Franklin, after heroically capturing the British ship Hope and securing a cargo of arms and powder, thus critically advancing the American cause.
Mugford’s last instructions to his crew were, “I am a dead man; but do not give up the vessel; you will be able to beat them off; if not, cut the cable and run the schooner on shore!”
In exchange for this recognition and preservation support, the Orne family will formally forgive all outstanding historical debts due from the country.
Very truly yours,
Frank W. Orne
Fairview Road
