| Descendants of Edward Dorr |
| William Dorr 1 1 1 2 |
This man was active in a humble way during the Revolutionary war and before. On the stirring night of Dec. 16, 1773, when a band of mendisguised as Indians and armed with axes went aboard ships in Bostonharbor and unloaded their cargoes of taxed tea into the salt water,William, then sixteen, and a number of other young men, went alongwith the men and participated in the exploit. At the age of 18, about the last of September 1775, William accompanied General Arnold's expedition to Quebec during theRevolutionary war through the Maine wilderness. Starting at FortWestern (now Augusta) and young William Dorr and his pet dog were withthe little army. About three miles below the starting point as thevarious detachments of the army came up, the men stopped to refreshthemselves at a beautiful spring, which bubbled from the hills by thebanks of the Kennebec River. Among the rest, William was very muchfascinated with the spot, and in his enthusiasm declared to hiscomrades that when the war was over he was going back to Boston andget married, and bring his wife up to that spring and settle down. Hedid so and he and his wife Jane lived there while six of his ninechildren were born. The little city of Hallowell now stands there.In 1788 he founded the town of Hallowell (a suburb of Augusta, Maine)at a spot on the Kennebec River he had greatly admired on his earlierexpedition to Canada. In terrible march starvation repeatedly stared them in the face. Their extremity became so great that William's dog was killed andeaten by his mess. William himself kept a small bone from hisfaithful friend's leg as a memento, and when his hunger becameunbearable he would draw it from his pocket and hold it in his mouth,declaring that he drew strength from it. An aide to General Montgomery, he fought on the Plains of Abraham and was subsequently captured and imprisoned on a ship in the St.Lawrence River, suffering many hardships. Expedition Against Quebec A journal of the March from Cambridge on an expedition against Quebec, in Col. Benedict Arnold's Detachment, 13 Sep 1775. 13th. Sept. Marched from Cambridge in the evening, and encamped that evening at Malden that night. 14th. This morning marched very early, an encamped that evening at Beverly. This day marched 25 miles - weather very sultry. Nothingmaterial. 15th. This morning marched briskly along, and got into Newburyport at 8 o'clock at night, where we were to make a stay for some days. 16th. In Newburyport, waiting for the vessels, getting ready to carry us to Kennebec. 17th. This day had a general review, and our men appeared well, and in good spirits, and made a grand appearance, and we had the praise ofhundreds of spectators, who were sorry to see so many brave fellowsgoing to be sacrificed for their country. 18th. Had orders to embark in the evening; our fleet consisted of eleven vessels, sloops and schooners; our number of troops, consistedof 1300 and 11 companies of musketman and three of rifleman. 19th. Early this morning weighed anchor with a pleasant gale, our colors flying, drums and fifes a playing, and the hills all aroundcovered with pretty girls weeping fro their departing swains. Thisnight had like to have proved fatal to us. We were immediately allcalled upon deck, expecting every moment to be dashed in piecesagainst the rocks, but the wind fortunately freshen, we got clearafter several tacks, to the great joy of us all. 20th. Arrived in Kennebec River, rowed and sailed up against the wind and tide. 21st. Arrived at Fort Weston, where we halted for some days, and here we were furnished with bateaux and provisions, for carrying us up theriver. Continued here the 22,23,24th. 25th. Embarked on board our bateaux and arrived at Fort Halifax in the evening of the 26th. 27th. Carried over Ticonic Falls our bateaux and provisions, 40 rods and carriages, and pushed up three miles. 28th. Pushed up eight miles, the water so bad that the bateaux men were obliged to drag the boats up over the shoals, and in many placeswere up to their chins in water. 29th. Pushed up to the second carrying-place, called Cohiggin Falls. 30th. Carried over 60 rods and pushed up 3 miles. October 1st. Pushed up over rocks and shoals, where we were many times overhead in water, pulling the bateaux over, and arrived at thecarrying place in the evening. 2nd. This day carried over Norridgewalk Falls, one mile and a quarter and then encamped very uncomfortably this night after carrying ourboats over roots and mud. 3rd. Pushed up 11 Miles on our way. Capt. Hendrick's company of rifleman shot a young moose, which weighed about 200 lbs; but we hadnone of it, they being before us. This day we left all inhabitants andentered an uncultivated country, and a barren wilderness. The timberfor the most part is birch, pine, and hemlock. Some places on theriverside there are pieces of ground, where large sugar trees grow. 4th. Pushed up eight miles to Tintucket or Hell Gate Falls, and carried over forty perches. 5,6,7th. Pushed up to the head of the Kennebec, where we carried out into a pond. These three last days we came about 20 miles. 8th. This day we pushed on very briskly, it being Sunday, the foremost company lying still on account of heavy rains, but we marchedall day, it being very wet and cold, and we suffered a good deal fromthe inclemency of the weather, and came up with some of them at night. 9,10,11th. Carried to the first pond 3 1/2 miles land carried crossed the pond two miles. 12,13th. Carried to a second pond 3/4 of a mile, crossed the pond one mile over, then carried 2 miles to a 3d pond and crossed the pond twomiles over. 14,15th. Carried into Dead River three miles and went up one mile, then encamped at night. This river runs so still, that it canscarcely be perceived which way it runs; it is black water, about rodswide and runs SE. 16th. The water now being deep and dead, we betook ourselves to our barge and rowed up for six miles. 17th. Rowed up (after carrying over a small carrying place, about 10 rods) 16 miles. 18th. Rowed 20 miles, and carried over a small carrying place. 19th. Carried over 4 carrying places, and rowed up about five miles this day. 20, 21, 22nd. Were detained in our tents by heavy rain. 23rd. The water being shallow, we were obliged to lay by our oars and take our setting poles; we pushed up 10 miles. 24th. Our provisions growing scanty, and some of our men being sick, held a council and agreed to send back the sick back, and to send aCaptain and 50 men forward to the inhabitants as soon as possible thatthey might send us some provisions. Accordingly the sick were sentback and Capt Handchit with 50 men was sent forward. Before this Col.Enos, with three captains and their companies turned back and tookwith them large stores of provisions and ammunition, being discouraged(as we supposed) by difficulties they met with. This day got forwardnine miles. The water very rapid and many of our boats were upset andmuch of our baggage lost and provisions and guns. 25th. Snowed all night; very cold this morning, pushed over the carrying places, and got forward 8 miles this day. 26th. Pushed up 4 ponds and carried over two carrying places one of them a mile over. The ground covered with snow. 27th. Crossed a pond 1/2 mile over, and carried 15 rods to another pond. 2 miles over, to the Great Carrying place, 4 miles and 5perches over. Here it was agreed to leave most of our bateaux, beinggreatly fatigued by carrying over such hills, rocks and swamps whichwere never passed by man before. 28th. After carrying over the Great carrying place, we encamped by a small stream, running into Chaudiere Pond; dealt out to each about 4pints of flour and what little meat we had, which was about 4 oz. perman. 29th. Early this morning set out for the head of Chaudiere river. This day we suffered greatly by our bateaux passing by us, for we hadto wade waist high through swamps and rivers and breaking ice beforeus. Here we wandered around all day and came at night to the sameplace, we left in the morning, where we found a small dry spot, wherewe made a fire, and we were obliged to stand up all night in order todry ourselves and keep from freezing. We continued so till next daywhen a bateaux came up and took us across the river. 30th. At noon were relieved from our miserable situation and we made the best of our way through the woods for Chaudiere. 31st. Pushed on for Chaudiere with all speed, in hopes of overtaking our bateaux in order to get some flour, for ours was all expended; butto our great grief and sorrow, our bateaux were stove and the flourwas lost, and the men barely escaped with their lives; now we were ina miserable situation, not a mouthful of provisions, and by account 70miles from inhabitants, and we had a wilderness, barren and destituteof any sustenance to go through, where we expected to suffer hunger,cold and fatigue. Here the Captain with the ablest men pushedforward, in order to get provisions to send back for the sick. Nov 1st. This morning started very early and hungry and little satisfied with our night's rest. Traveled all day very briskly, andat night encamped in a miserable situation. Here we killed a dog andwe made a great feast without either bread or salt, we have been 4 or5 days without any provisions, and we went to sleep that night, alittle better satisfied (Probably William Dorr's dog). Our distresswas so great, that dollars were offered for bits of bread, as big asthe palm of one's hand. 2nd. This morning when we arose, many of us were so weak, that we could hardly stand, and we staggered about like drunken men. Howeverwe made shift to get our packs on, and marched off hoping to see someinhabitants this night. A small stick across the road was sufficientto bring the stoutest to the ground. In the evening we came in sightof the cattle coming up the riverside, which were sent by Col. Arnold,who got in two days before. It was the joyous sight that ever Ibeheld, and some could not refrain from crying for joy. We were toldby the men, who came with the cattle, that we were twenty, miles fromthe nearest inhabitants. Here we killed a creature, and we made anoble feast and some of the men were so hungry, before the creaturewas dead, the hide and flesh were on the fire broiling. 3rd. Marched this day 20 miles, wading several small rivers, some of them up to our middle and very cold. In the evening came in sight ofa house, the first we had seen for 41 days. 4th. Last night had a plenty of beef and potatoes, but little or no bread to be had. Snowed most of the night. In the morning marcheddown the river to inhabitants thick settled 5th. Continued our march down the river. The people were very hospitable, provisions plenty, but very dear, milk one-shillingsterling per quart, and bread a shilling per loaf, weighing no morethan 3 pounds. Came this day twelve miles. 6th. Came up with Col. Arnold, and the advance party. Marched off together at 2 o'clock and marched till 12 o'clock at night. Roadsexcessively bad, most of the way mid deep, with mud and water.Marched 17 miles. 7th. Marched three miles, and then halted till night, when a lieutenant and 20 men were sent forward, to see if our way was clear.Accordingly they marched till near 2 o'clock in the morning, and whenwe halted we were in sight of Quebec, the river St. Lawrence betweenus and the town. 8th. Took up our quarters along the riverside, until our troops behind could come up; here we stayed until the 13th. By this time allthe men alive were coming up, several having perished with hunger inthe woods. During our stay here, we took a midshipman, belonging to afrigate in the harbor, who came on shore with others in a boat tocarry away flour from a mill on our side of the river. The river isabout one mile or some better wide. At the city one 28 gun frigateand a sloop of war, with some merchantmen in the harbor. 13th. Crossed the river at night in long boats and canoes. Some of the canoes over set in the river, but none of the men lost, only somefew guns and some clothes. Got all over against morning at a placecalled Wolf's cove. 14th. This morning were fired upon by the frigate, but received no damage; took up our quarters in some good houses near the town, whichwere forsaken by the owners. Here we remained till the 20th. Duringwhich time we were informed that there were not more than 100 regularsin the city, with a number of sailors and other new recruits, in allnot exceeding four hundred under arms. The first day we came over theriver, we passed close by the walls of the town, and gave three cheerswithout being molested by the enemy, who fired a few shots from theircannon, but did us no harm. 21st. Marched up the river 20 miles to Point Aux Tremble, our ammunition being almost expended, and too scanty to attack the townwith. Here we joined by Gen. Montgomery with York forces fromMontreal, who had taken St. John's fort, Chambles and Montreal. Inthese places they took a great quantity of provisions, clothing,ammunition and cannon, with 950 prisoners. Remained here till 5thDecember, when we marched back to Quebec, and laid siege to the town.Continued the siege until the 29th, during which time we took severalprisoners and cannonaded and bombarded each other both day and night.During these transactions the two men who had ever been left with Lt.M'Cleland, came to us and informed us that they had buried him at thefirst inhabitants, after he had been brought down the river by twoIndians, hired by Capt. Smith for that purpose. Sunday, Dec 29, 30, 31st. This night prepared to storm the city in two different places. Gen Montgomery with York forces on one quarterand Col. Arnold on the other hand. It began to thicken up towardsnight and snowed very much. We were ordered to be in readiness, andat 2 o'clock at night, we were mustered, and got all fit for scalingthe walls and marched near the city, some with ladders, some withaxes, and some with saws. Gen, Montgomery with his forces, on the onequarter and Col. Arnold on the other hand. Gen Montgomery was tothrow three rockets into the air for a signal for each party to striketogether. Accordingly, about 5 o'clock, in the morning, began theattack; but they could not get to the walls, but retreated back totheir quarters, Gen. Montgomery and two leading officers were killedby the fire from the city. There were three or four false flashesmade, for a signal to retreat, Col. Arnold did not receive them, butcarried on the attack on his quarter, and got possession of theirtwo-gun battery, and took 70 prisoners carried back, and the captainsthemselves then took the lead, and drove the enemy, until overpoweredby numbers and surrounded, we were obliged to surrounded ourselvesprisoners of war. During the attack Capt. Hendrick and Capt. Hubbard,with Capt Morgan's first Lieutenant were killed. Likewise they setSt. Roche all on fire. We were all put in the French convent, andthere they gave us a gill of rum to drink and hard bread to eat. William Dorr is listed as captured in Capt. Ward's company. Prison 1 Jan 1776. Our allowance of provisions is one pound of bread and a half-pound of pork, and one gill of rice for a day, and 6 oz of butterfor a week. 2nd. In Prison. This day we had a cask of porter sent to us by some gentleman of the Town. 3, 4th. The general sent for a list of our names, of the old countrymen in particular by themselves, that were with us, and theychiefly listed in the king's service. 5 to 8th. The prisoners petitioned to have their packs sent in to them, where-upon they sent out a flag, and received them for us. 8 to 15th. The general sent for a list of the occupations of the prisoners. The small pox is very plenty with us. 15 to 19th. Capt. Hubbard died with the wound he received a coming in. 19 to 22nd. Five of those that listed out of prison, and five others deserted the garrison in the night. There were two men put in ironsfor attempting to break out of prison. 22 to 25th. There were three vessels and a house burnt by our people. The enemy went into St. Roche after plunder. There were two of ourpeople taken a going to set fire to the shipping. 25 to 29th. There were eight men deserted the garrison. The people go out into St. Roche every day, and fetch in the remains of thebuildings that were burnt. 29 to 31st. Two men of Capt. Ward's company died with the small pox. The men are getting well, some of them. Feb 1 to 5th. There were 2 men deserted, 7 of our men died with small pox, and one man died with pleurisy. He was sick but 4 days. 5 to 9th. Three men deserted. Forty men lay sick in prison. 9 to 12th. Very snowy. The storm very heavy. Three men were stifled to death in the night on duty. 12 to 16th. This morning 60 men went to the hospital with small pox. The men have it very favorably. 16 to 20th. Six of the old countrymen, that listed out deserted, and the remainder of them put into prison again, because they deserted. 20 to 24th. Five men die with small pox. The enemy made an attempt to cut out after our people's cannon, and got drove back. There was acontinual firing after them. 24 to 31st. Nothing remarkable. Mar 1st to 6th. Three men deserted. 6 to 10th. One of the prisoners was put in irons for talking with one of the sentries. We hear that Boston is taken by our people. 10 to 13th. There was an alarm in the city at 10 o'clock at night. A large picket was set around the prison, and a field piece before thedoor. 13 to 18th. The "emigrants" are moved into the artillery barracks, and the rest of us into stone goal and are locked up at 7 o'clock atnight. 18 to 25th. Nothing remarkable. 25to 30th. In the night one of the prisoners got out of prison and run to our people. We are in a miserable condition having no wood, wealmost freeze. 30 to 31st. Most of the prisoners consulted together to break out of prison, to try their best to take the town, but as one of the personswas cutting away some ice at the cellar door, in order to have ithandy to open at a moments, to go out at, the sentry standing nigh,and hearing the cutting, acquainted then officers of the guard, whoacquainted some other officers and they coming in, inquired who wascutting at the door, and what they were (about). On which, one of theprisoners informed them of all transactions that were going forward.The officers searched all the rooms in the prison, and every man'spack, to see if they could find any arms or ammunition, for theysupposed some of the people in the town had supplied us with arms andammunition; but they could not find any such thing with us. At thiswe were put all in to strong irons. Apr 1st. to 14th. Our people having a battery across the river, at Point Levi, they threw shot into the town very merry. The officers ofthe guard are very particular with us. They call a roll and count usmorning and evening. 14 to 27th. It is very sickly with us. The scurvy and lameness rage very much occasioned by living on salt provisions. 27 to 31st. The town was alarmed in the night. May 1st to 6th. Nothing strange; but in great distress and despair. 6th. This morning 3 ships came in with a re-enforcement of about 1000 men. All bells in the town rang for joy most of the day. Thenall forces in the town marched out on Abraham's Plain to have a battlewith our people, but they retreated as fast as possible and left anumber of sick in the hospital. Likewise some of their cannon andammunition with a number of small arms and packs. 7 to 8th. The general ordered the irons to be taken off the prisoners. The general likewise gave the "Emigrants" their libertyagain. This morning two ships came in. The ships have gone up river,and a number of troops by land and, for Montreal. 9 to 14th. Three ships and three brigs came in. There were six prisoners put in with us, taken Strolling about. One company set outfor Montreal. 14 to 19th. Two ships went out. One of them a packet from England. 19 to 23rd. One ship and a number of small craft came in. Thirteen prisoners, listed into the king's service. One ship sailed out. 23rd. Our allowance is one pound of soft bread and one pound of beef. 24 to 26th. The militia has laid down their arms. One of those men that went out of prison was put aboard a to gun ship; but he did notincline to enter on board, and they put him in irons, and threatenedto hang him, but he was taken out of irons and put into prison againin the evening. Robert Beard was taken out of prison and had got hisliberty. He is going home by water to Ireland. 26 to 30th. One ship went out and twenty came in. there were 8 or 9 prisoners taken out to work; they stayed out 1 or 2 days, and wererequired to swear allegiance to the king, that they would not take uparms against him, and to make it known all experiments against him. 30 to 31st. Four ships came in; one brig and two ship went out. June 1 to 5th. Eighteen ships came in with Gen Burgoyne. There are six thousand Hessians and Hanoverians come to assist the king'stroops. Five hundred marched up river fro Montreal. 5th. This day General Carlton with a number of the officers, came to see us, and inquired of us whether we had fared as well as theypromised us we should when we were taken. He told him we fared verywell. He said he did not take us as enemies, and likewise said if hecould rely upon our honors, he would send us to New England, if wewould be quiet and peaceable, and not take up arms any more. June 6th. A.D. 1776 A copy of an answer sent to Gen Carlton. May it please you your excellency: We, prisoners in His Majesty's goals, return your Excellency our most happy and unfeigned thanks for your clemency and goodness to us whilein imprisonment. Being sensible of your humanity, we give yourExcellency thanks for your offer made us yesterday, and having adesire to return to our friends and families again, we promise not totake up arms against His Majesty, but remain peaceable and quiet inour respective places of abode, and we further assure your Excellencythat you may depend on our fidelity. So we remain your Excellency's humble servants. Signed in behalf of the prisoners. June 7 to 12th. Thirteen of the prisoners were taken out to go a fishing. Two ships sailed. Gov. Carlton has gone up to Montreal.One regiment has set out for the same place. The French are obligedto send a number out of every parish. 12 to 17th. Two of the prisoners that were out at work, ran away. 17 to 21st. A child killed by lightning. Two ships came in. 21 to 25th. Nothing remarkable. 25 to 30th. The soldiers are cut short of their allowance of bread-half pound a week; likewise the prisoners the same. A companymarches for Montreal. One ship came in. July 1 to 7th. Five ships came in, and three schooners. Two prisoners were put in with us, which were taken up at Montreal by theIndians. 7 to 14th. Nothing remarkable. 14 to 19th. Col McLean came from Montreal. 19 to 21st. A ship came in. One of the prisoners, that were taken last, was taken out and confined in close prison in irons for takingsaucy with the provost. 21st. This day number of the prisoners, that went out to work, ran away through the woods. The general has sent after them. 22d. The general has come down from Montreal. 23 to 27th. One ship came in and one went out. One of the prisoners taken crazy. 27 to 29th. One ship sailed. Two officers came into prison, and enquired if there were not some of us that wanted shirts. They weretold; there were a number of us that had none. They told us we shouldall have shirts that wanted. They likewise told us, we should be senthome in ten days. 29 to 31st. Our officers have liberty of the town. Aug 1 to 3rd. Nothing Remarkable. 4th. The General sent for all prisoners to come in, who were out in the country at work that were minded to go home. 5th. This day ninety-five prisoners embarked on board the ship. 6th. This day expected to embark, but were disappointed. 7th. This day the men all in good spirits, and embarked on board the ships. Sixty of the prisoners on board the Mermaid. 8th. This day our provisions are pork, peas and hard bread. The wind in our favor, but waiting for orders to sail. At night removedfrom the Mermaid to the John Christopher 9th. This day our provision is fresh meat and soft bread. The wind in our favor, but no orders to sail. 10th. Last night a brig came down river with 28 prisoners. At little Wolf's Cove, the wind blows up river. 11th. This morning the signal was given for sailing. Weighted anchor and went down one mile. At night weighed anchor, and went downthe river thirteen miles. The weather cold and stormy. 12th. This morning the signal was given. We weighted anchor and beat down river about 11 miles, and came to an anchor, the wind beingstrong against us. 13th. This day we lay waiting for the wind. 14th. This morning weighted anchor with a pleasant gale of wind. Sailed down river about 15 miles, and came to an anchor. Then hoveup, and with a brisk wind, sailed down the river to the Isle Obeeck,to leagues from Quebec. 15th. Having a prosperous gale of wind, we mad sail. In the afternoon passed a Frigate, lying in the river, to see if there was nofleet coming up except their own. 16th. This day we had a very brief wind. 17th. The wind breezed up in our favor. 18th. Left Gasey and made St. John's Island. 19th. St. John's Island being 11 leagues long, we sailed by it most of the day. Hove in sight of Cape Breton Island, before we left SaintJohns. Espied a ship in distress, cast away on the end of the islandher foremast, mizzenmast and bowsprit carried away. A barge was senton board from our convoy, but we had heard no return. 20th. We were detained by beating round the island to get letters ashore to the Governor of the island, concerning the wreck that wasrun ashore. 21st. This day, we had a small breeze of wind against us. At night came to an anchor, on order to send a boast ashore with letters to theGovernor. 22nd. This morning the boat went ashore and returned about sunset. Then hove up with a brisk wind. Sailed all night. 23rd. This day went thro' Canso Gut into Chebucto Bay. Left it this night and came in to the open ocean. 24th. It was our misfortune to have the wind ahead, so that we drifted from our course, and made little or no headway this day. Sunday 25th. The wind still ahead. Changed our course NW. and made Cancer Shore that night. 26th. This day the wind got about almost fair, and breezy up a very brisk gale about dark. 27th. The wind held fair and strong till about 2 o'clock this afternoon. 28th. The wind died away and there was a large swell. 29th. This morning the wind quickened up, and the captain of the ship took an observation and found us to be latitude 42, which isBoston latitude. 30th. A light breeze, but very fair, and continued so this day. 31st. We were told, by the second mate, that we were abreast of New York, and were afraid to put in for a harbor, for fear our Privateerswould give them a basting. Sunday, Sep 1st. Were this night informed, that we were south of Pennsylvania. 2nd. This day kept our course SW. until the morning, the wind being yet ahead. 3rd. This morning we were almost up with the Virginia Cape. We about ship and run upon the other tack. 4th. About 3 o'clock this morning, blew up a squall and a heavy downer of rain. We were obliged to shorten sail, and stand before it. 5th. Fortune yet frowning in regard to the wind, we look up within our points. 6th. We were informed by the shipmen, according to reckoning, that we were in the latitude of Philadelphia. Latitude 39, North. He was in the Revolutionary War. He applied 2 June, 1830, age 73; widow Jane applied 8 February 1843, age 82. Dorr, William. Fifer,Capt. Moses Whiting's Co. of Minute-men, Col John Greaton's Regt,which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 13 days; alsoCapt. Edward Payson William's Co., 36th Regt; Company returned datedFort No.2, 5 Oct 1775; reported gone to Canada.The Fourth Meeting House.
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