In 1675, Capt. Thomas Lathrop and his company were killed by the Indians, at Bloody Brook. He, with Roger Conant, had removed from Salem to Beverly, in 1663. His company were called the "Flower of Essex," and many of them were from Salem.

nut is esteemed the handsomest, | 1644, there was a strong party to though it is not the most public make Salem the seat of government, street. It has rows of elms on ei- but in this attempt, the deputies ther side. Winter and Broad streets were defeated. are the widest. The first pavement was made in Essex street, between Court and North streets, in 1773, and is still in use. The south church has great architectural beauty, and the north church is built of stone, with a beautiful front of the gothic order. There is a Custom House at the head of Derby wharf. Sa- In 1681, Major William Hawlem has always been a commercial thorne died. He was a leading and place. It has a convenient harbor influential character in his time, and good anchorage. In point of having been speaker, assistant, wealth and commerce, it has al-judge, commissioner of the united ways ranked as the second town in New England.

colonies, &c., and having ever showed himself able, faithful, and worthy of confidence.

In 1687, William Brown gave a farm for the benefit of the schools of Salem. The Brown family were ever great friends and liberal patrons of learning. They not only made donations to the Salem schools, but also to Harvard College for the benefit of poor scholars.

Its history is identified with that of Massachusetts, and there is much in it to interest and instruct. Its rank, the character and number of its population, its facilities for commerce, and the advantage of being the chosen residence of many of the first and most distinguished settlers, made it early and seriously thought of as the Capital, instead of Boston. It was first settled in 1626, by Roger Conant, Peter Palfray and others, who had failed in an attempt to plant themselves at Cape Ann. In 1628, a cession of Massachusetts was made to Sir Henry Roswell and others, with a view to establish a colony there. Of this company, Matthew Cradock was President, and in 1628, John Endicott was sent over to reside at Salem as the company's agent. In the same year, the first church was formed. It has ever been remarkable for its succession of eminent, independent and useful Divines; among whom, are the Higginsons, Skelton, Roger Williams, Hugh Pe-ing at the western corner of Essex ters, Noyes, Fiske, Dr. Prince, &c. In 1634, the first general court met at Newton. Roger Conant was one of the first deputies from Salem. In 1643, Massachusetts was divided into 4 counties; Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk and Norfolk. In

In 1692, the witchcraft delusion prevailed in Salem, and nineteen persons were tried and hanged as witches. Though designated" the Salem witchcraft," it had pervaded other places, previously to its appearance here. In England, laws had been enacted against it, and Sir Matthew Hale, gave to those laws his sanction. In 1648, Margaret Jones was condemned and hanged at Charlestown, and in 1655, Ann Hibbins, at Boston. The imputation for a time induced a belief of the reality of the imposition; but time finally detected and exposed the error. The house, in which the accused were tried, is still stand

and North streets, and the place of their execution is now known as "Gallows Hill." A full and interesting account of this delusion of the imagination has been written and published by Rev. C. W. Upham.

boat. Finally, Col. Leslie proposed that if he should be permitted to pass 30 rods beyond the bridge, he would return. Having been per

In 1698, a great fire broke out, | and destroyed several dwelling houses. In 1718, the second or east church was built and is still standing. The celebrated Dr. Bent-mitted, the gallant colonel returned ley was pastor of this church. He peaceably to Boston. wrote a " Description of Salem," which is published in the "Collections of the Mass. Hist. Society."

During the revolution, there were about 60 armed vessels fitted out from Salem, manned by 4,000 men; and many unrecorded deeds of high daring and chivalrous adventure were performed on the sea by citizens of Salem, during that eventful period. Indeed, in her naval achievements consists principally the part which Salem bore in the revolutionary struggle.

This seaport has been more known for its East India trade than any other in the United States. The first ship from Salem engaged in this trade was the Grand Turk, owned by E. H. Derby. She was at the Cape of Good Hope in 1784,

In 1774, General Gage ordered the removal of the general court to Salem. At that time, Boston was a closed port. The merchants and citizens of Salem called a town meeting, at which, resolutions denouncing, in very strong terms, the Boston port bill, were passed unanimously. The meeting was very full, and a copy of their doings was communicated to their neighbors of Boston. On the 11th of June, when Gov. Gage was at Salem, an address, numerously signed, was presented to him, which reflects high honor on the sense of justice and patriot-commanded by Capt. Jonathan Inism of this ancient town. Among gersoll, and at Canton in 1786, comother things it said, "By shutting manded by Ebenezer West. A up the port of Boston, some imag- model of her, completely rigged, is ine that the course of trade might in the Museum. In 1818, there be turned hither and to our benefit; were 53 vessels employed in this but nature in the formation of our trade belonging to Salem, the tonharbor forbids our becoming rivals nage of which was 14,272 tons. in commerce to that convenient mart. And were it otherwise, we must be dead to every idea of justice-lost to all feelings of humanity-could we indulge one thought to seize on wealth and raise our fortunes on the ruin of our suffering neighbors."

In 1776, Feb. 26, Col. Leslie, with a British regiment from Boston Castle, landed privately at Salem and proceeded to the North bridge, with a view to seize on some military stores beyond it. The citizens were, at the time, in meeting; but Col. Timothy Pickering, with 30 or 40 men, got there in season to raise the draw, and thus prevent Leslie and his regiment from passing further. The British attempted to cross the river in a gondola, but the Americans scuttled the

Salem became a city in 1836. Its government consists of a mayor and six aldermen, and twenty-four common council men. Its public schools are nineteen. The number of scholars in 1837, was 1,534, and the amount paid for instruction $8,877.

The Athenæum was incorporated in 1810. Edward A. Holyoke, William Orne, Nathaniel Silsbee and Samuel Putnam were authorised to call the first meeting of the proprietors. The stock is divided into 90 or 100 shares. Its library contains about 9,000 volumes. The institution, though at present rather private, may ultimately become more public.

The Museum is remarkable for the extent and variety of its natural and artificial curiosities, collected from almost every part of the world.

There are 4,724 names of different articles on the catalogue: they are kept in a spacious hall built for that purpose, and belong to the East India Marine society. This society consists of such only as have actually navigated the seas near the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn, as master or factor. In 1823, there were 160 of these enterprising men living in Salem. The hall is open daily for the reception of visitors,and vast numbers of strangers throng there. All come with an eager and excited curiosity, and leave with that curiosity at least gratified, if not satisfied.

The commerce of Salem is very extended. There is hardly any part of the world which her ships have not visited. The number of vessels, engaged in foreign commerce, is 100 or more, and 18 in the whaling business, beside the vessels employed in the coasting trade and fishery. Tonnage of the district in 1837, 32,800 tons.

Many of the wharves bear the names of their builders and owners: as the Allen, Derby, Peabody, Forester and Phillips' wharf. This last was recently re-built by Stephen C. Phillips, on the ruins of the old Crowninshield wharf, which had become dilapidated and useless. It is an admirable piece of work.

The Aqueduct furnishes the city with a constant supply of fresh and soft spring water.

The fire department is under good regulations. Some of the societies in the city are the "East India Marine society," incorporated in 1801; the "E. I. M. Hall Corporation," in 1821; the "Salem Charitable Mechanic Association," instituted in 1817, and incorporated, în 1822; the "Essex Historical Society," in 1821, and the "Salem Lyceum," which was formed in 1830

The Common was reserved "as a training field for the use of Salem," in 1713. It is a beautiful, level spot of ground, surrounded by a double row of elm and other ornamental trees, and is designed to have a gravel walk around it. The alms house formerly stood upon it, but it is now entirely unencumbered.

The City Hall was built in 1837. It has a beautiful granite front, and is handsomely finished and furnished within.

The Rail-Road from Salem to Boston, was opened for travel, August 28, 1838; thus making Salem, as it were, a part of Boston. The first stage between these cities was run by Ezra Burrill, in 1782. It went to Boston one day and returned to Salem the next. Now the disAlthough Salem is without any tance can be easily passed over in important water power, and has ev-50 minutes; and at the same time, er been almost exclusively devoted the traveller will ride rapidly to maritime pursuits, yet its manu- through a beautiful and picturesque facturing interests are by no means country. See Register. small. During the year ending April 1, 1837, the value of its man- Among the distinguished men, in ufactures amounted to $1,471,889. almost every profession, which SaThey consisted of vessels, cordage, lem claims as among its sons, the leather, boots, shoes, hats, tin and name of NATHANIEL BOWDITCH, cabinet wares,chairs, spirits; white, LL. D.,F. R. S., author of the Pracsheet and pipe lead, carriages, straw|tical Navigator, is identified with bonnets, sperm candles, tobacco, alum, saltpetre refined, aquafortis, muriatic acid,oil of vitriol, &c. The value of its whale, cod and mackerel fisheries, the same year, amounted to $210,843.

its fame and nautical achievements.

Dr. Bowditch was born at Salem, March 26, 1773. He was taken from school at the age of 10 years and placed as an apprentice to a ship chandler. At the age of 22

ding to thy word? These were his last words."

Salem, Ct.

New London co. This town was taken from the towns of Colchester, Lyme and Montville; but the principal part from Colchester, and incorporated in 1819. It comprises an area of six by five miles of fertile and productive land. The in

he went to sea and spent nine years in the capacity of captain's clerk, supercargo, and finally as master of a ship. In 1804, he became president of a Marine Insurance Company, in Salem, which office he held until 1823, when his superior talents called him to become Actuary of the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company, in Boston; the responsible and laborious duties of which office he faithfully discharg-habitants are generally good farmed until his death, March 16, 1838. Notwithstanding his limited means of education, Dr. Bowditch acquired, by his extraordinary genius and economy of time, a perfect knowledge of all the modern languages, and became the most eminent mathematician and astronomer in America. The Practical Navigator, has been translated into every European language, and its use is co-extensive with maritime adventures.

Another work of Dr. Bowditch, places his name, as a man of science, still higher on the roll of fame. It is his translation of the Mecanique Celeste of La Place, with an elab orate and copious commentary on that work, in four large quarto vol. umes. This work was completed just before his death.

ers, who live scattered about on their farms. Population, 1830, 958. Salem is well watered by small streams, and is bounded on the N. E. by a large and beautiful pond. It lies 29 miles S. E. from Hartford, and 13 N. W. from New London.

Salisbury, N. II.,

Merrimack co., lies 15 miles N. from Concord. Black water river passes through the W. part of Salisbury. There are 5 bridges across this stream in this town. The soil of the upland is strong, deep and loamy; the hilly land affords some fine tracts of tillage, but chiefly abounds in excellent pasturage. On Blackwater river, there is some very fertile intervale, which united with the adjacent hilly land, composes several very valuable farms. A considerable portion of Kearsarge

of Salisbury, the N. W. corner bound of which extends nearly to the summit. There are two very pleasant villages in this town, situated on the 4th N. H. turnpike about 1 1-2 miles apart.

The last hours of such a man as Dr. Bowditch, cannot fail to be interesting, as they mark his charac-mountain ranges within the bounds ter through life. A friend of his who was present, says, "He did not like to see those about him look sad and gloomy; and he remarked, on one occasion, I feel no gloom within me; why should you wear it in your faces?' On the morning of his death, when his sight was very dim and his voice almost gone, he called his children to his bed side, and, arranging them in the order of age, pointed to and addressed each by name, You see I can distinguish you all; and now I give you my parting blessing. The time is come. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, accor

Salisbury was incorporated by charter from the government of N. H., March 1, 1763, when it took the name of Salisbury. It was settled as early as 1750. The first settlers were Philip Call,Nathaniel Meloon, Benjamin Pettengill, John and Ebenezer Webster, Andrew Bohonnon, Edward Eastman, and others. The first inhabitants experienced the inroads of the Indians. On the

excellent meadows. It is watered by Otter Creek, Middlebury and Leicester rivers. The latter river affords a good water power, which propels a number of valuable manufacturing establishments. Leicester river is the outlet of Lake Dunmore, a fine sheet of water, about four miles in length, and three fourths of a mile in width. This lake lies in Leicester and Salisbury. There is a pleasant and flourishing village in the town, and a large cavern supposed to have been an Indian lodging place. Salisbu

pelier, and is bounded N. by Middlebury. Population, 1830, 907.

16th of May, 1753, Nathaniel Me- | tains some rough land, and some loon, living in the W. part of the town, was captured, together with his wife, and three children, viz: Sarah, Rachel, and Daniel. They were carried to Canada, where he and his wife were sold to the French in Montreal. The three children were kept by the Indians. After the parents had resided in Montreal about a year and a half, they had a son born, who was baptized by a French friar by the name of Joseph Mary. Mr. Meloon returned from captivity after four years and a half, to his farm in Salisbury. Sarah died with the In-ry lies 34 miles S. W. from Montdians. Rachel, who was 9 years old when captured, returned after 9 years. She had become much attached to the Indians, was about to be married to Peter Louis, son of Col. Louis, of Cognawaga. She had the habits, and acted like an Indian, understood the Indian language and could sing their songs. Hon. EBENEZER WEBSTER was one of the early settlers; a patriot of the revolution; an officer of the militia; for several years a senator in the legislature, and a judge of the court of common pleas till his death in 1806. He was the father of the Hon. EZEKIEL and DANIEL WEBSTER, names well known throughout the country. Population, in 1830, 1,379.

Salisbury, Vt.

Addison co. The widow of Amos Story, with 8 or 10 small children, was the first family that made Salisbury a permanent residence. She came here in 1775, and endured every hardship incident to the life of a pioneer; chopping down timber, clearing the land, laboring in the field, and sleeping in a cavern. Mr. Story, was killed by the falling of a tree previous to the removal of his family. The proprietors gave Mrs. Story 100 acres of land for her manly conduct. The soil of the town is generally good; it con

Salisbury, Mass.

Essex co. In 1638, this town was granted, by the name of Merrimack, to be a plantation, unto Simon Bradstreet, Daniel Dennison, and others. The year following it was incorporated by the name of Colchester, and in 1640 assumed, by direction of the then general court, the name of Salisbury. It is seven by three miles in extent, and is bounded southerly by the river Merrimack, westerly by Powow river, which divides it from the town of Amesbury, northerly by the New Hampshire line, which separates it from the towns of South Hampton and Seabrook, and easterly by the sea.

In 1643, the plantation in New Hampshire, viz. Hampton, Exeter, Portsmouth and Dover, were united to Massachusetts, and, together with Salisbury and Haverhill, formed into a new and distinct county, called Norfolk, of which Salisbury was the shire town, and so continued to the year 1679, when New Hampshire was again separated and formed into a royal government. In August, 1737, commissioners, appointed by the crown, met at Hampton falls, for the purpose of settling a controversy, respecting the boun