Pam Peterson - Marblehead Current

19 Jun

MARBLEHEAD CHRONICLES: When the town hit tough times

Pam Peterson0 CommentsColumns, Marblehead Chronicles, Pam Peterson

When the American Revolution ended, the Treaty of Paris was ratified by the new Congress in 1784. "America: To Those Who Wish to Sheath the Desolating Sword of War," a 1781 engraving by R.E. Pine, is kept by the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati. COURTESY PHOTO The entire new United States was struggling, suffering from post-war economic depression. There was a currency shortage, high taxes due, unpaid creditors, foreclosures and bankruptcies. Many of the financial backers of the Revolution lost their…

24 Apr

Ashley Bowen illustrated Colonial history, first known image of Marblehead

Pam Peterson0 CommentsColumns, Culture, Local News, Pam Peterson

Ashley Bowen of Marblehead was not famous during his lifetime, but he left a legacy that has proved invaluable. Bowen was an apprentice seaman from the age of 11. He was married three times and fathered 15 children. After many years at sea, he became a ship's rigger at the age of 35. His personal diaries and illustrations provide information about life in Marblehead and beyond. Bowen's journals record battles in Quebec in the French and Indian War in 1759. For the rest of his…

10 Apr

MARBLEHEAD CHRONICLES: Col. Azor Orne helped champion the Revolutionary

Pam Peterson0 CommentsColumns, Local History, Pam Peterson

Colonel Azor Orne and his half-brother Major Joshua Orne were fervent patriots and supporters of the Revolutionary cause. They both served on the Committee of Correspondence, which was formed to call the world's attention to Colonial grievances, including the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. They recommended non-importation of tea, challenged the tea tax and actively supported the town of Marblehead's right to defend itself against injustice. Azor Orne was part of a group of men who petitioned the town of Marblehead and financed…

28 Mar

MARBLEHEAD CHRONICLES: The town and the American Revolution: Commodore John Manley

Pam Peterson0 CommentsColumns, Culture, Local History, Pam Peterson

The Hannah was the first vessel in George Washington's fleet, with Nicholson Broughton of Marblehead as captain. Washington's Navy used the Pine Tree flag for New England vessels in 1776. COURTESY PHOTO The next three of the early vessels commissioned by Washington in 1775 were also captained by Marbleheaders. In November of 1775, Capt. John Manley of Marblehead was made commander of the Lee, a 72-ton topsail schooner. It flew the new Pine Tree flag, a precursor of Betsy Ross' flag, and the one most…

29 Feb

MARBLEHEAD CHRONICLES: More about Capt. James Mugford

Pam Peterson0 CommentsColumns, Marblehead Chronicles, Pam Peterson

When we left Capt. James Mugford, he was aboard his ship the Franklin following the successful capture of the British powder ship Hope. Mugford and his crew overtook the Hope, which was an amazing accomplishment. The Franklin was a schooner of 60 tons with only four small cannons, and the Hope was a transport ship of 300 tons with 10 large guns. Mugford forced the Hope into a tidal inlet where she was grounded in the low tide. Once the ship was immobile, the Hope…

31 Jan

MARBLEHEAD CHRONICLES: The town and the American Revolution: 1775 Leslie’s Retreat

Pam Peterson0 CommentsColumns, Local History, Pam Peterson

In February of 1775, Gen. Thomas Gage, the British commander in Boston, was informed that cannons were being refitted for use by colonial militia in Salem. He made immediate plans to capture the weapons, ordering Col. Alexander Leslie with 240 troops to do just that. Historical Commission Chair Pam Peterson Leslie headed to Marblehead by ship and planned to march from there to Salem. He chose a Sunday to embark, as he thought that all the people would be at church, thus giving him the…

11 Jan

MARBLEHEAD CHRONICLES: The Hannah and the American Navy

Pam Peterson0 CommentsColumns, Local History, Opinion, Pam Peterson

When the Revolutionary War began, it was evident that the so-called “people’s war” was underfunded and had few of the supplies necessary to carry out a war. Guns and ammunition had been restricted as imports from England in the years leading up to the war. Now the shortage was critical, and their lack was a serious detriment to the revolutionary cause. Elbridge Gerry of Marblehead realized the vital importance and need for these supplies. He urged George Washington to stockpile them and suggested that armed…