|
|
Canton Historical Society
Historical Anniversary
Always Passes Unnoticed
November 17, 1997, marked the 223rd anniversary of an event which Cantonites have long since forgotten, but which is worthy of honorable mention. It was on that date, in 1774, that the citizens of Canton Corner, at that time known as "Old Stoughton", observed for the last time the flying of the banner under which they had rallied since childhood.
That day marked the final furling of the national flag of Motherland England, the conjoined crosses of Saint George and Saint Andrew. Never again would that blue canton be a symbol of love and veneration for those who had been taught to respect and love it from infancy, and who had fought many a harried battle beneath its flutter and wave.
On that day, on the open field near the old meetinghouse, his Majesty's troops lined up for the last time. One by one, the officers surrendered their commissions and re-enlisted under the new government "of the people, by the people and for the people". Thus the stage was set for the start of 1775 in Canton, and ultimately for the beginning of the Revolutionary war.
The year of "the War" brought many changes for citizens of the colonies. No longer were they asked to gather for Town Meeting "in his Majesty's name". No longer did the Town Warrants read "In the ….. year of His Majesty's reign".
Instead, one would find, "In the name of the Government and the People of Massachusetts State". By the end of the war this had been changed to "in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", and "In the sixth year of the Independent States of America".
More important economically, that same year found all tax money raised within Massachusetts being sent to Henry Gardner, Esq., of Stow instead of to the Royal Treasurer. The year 1775 also saw the birth of the Committee of Inspection of Correspondence.
This nineteen-man panel had as its objective to see that "the resolves and associations of the Continental Congress be strictly adhered to". Headed by Lieutenant John Withington, the Committee proved to be extremely vigilant and energetic.
During that year there appeared in the Annual Warrant, an Article urging 'the establishment of a local armed unit to be known as the "Minutemen". Although no formal action was taken at the time, the young men of the town voluntarily devoted themselves to the manual at arms in order that they might be prepared to be called upon at "a minute's notice" to march against the enemy.
When the official vote was finally tallied on March 6, it was also decided that each "minuteman" should receive one shilling per day of instruction. One cannot help but wonder how history would have changed had these men preferred Canada to defending their homeland. (This article originally appeared in the November 18, 1971, Canton Journal, modifications have been made by Chris Brindley.)
