Letter of Phineas Fish to Josiah Quincy

Honored Sir,

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Since my last of the 17th,[1] the meeting to organize the parish of Marshpee has been holden (20th instant) and acts have been performed, which I deem proper the Corporation[2] should know that they may have a just view of the present condition of the recipients of their bounty!

After organizing the parish (twenty-four of the forty-odd proprietors of Marshpee constantly voting, while a few raised their hands on the contrary, and the rest, over-awed, declined acting), they proceeded to dismiss me.  During a short recess, their prudential committee requested an interview with me in order to communicate their votes relating to myself and to the possession of the meeting house and parsonage land.  Their proposal was to give me my house-spot, and a little firewood for a few years, if I would instantly give up the key (the meeting was held in the meeting house and leave all to them!  That was the utmost they would do, and I must determine on the spot! On my refusing to answer such important demands without time for deliberation and consultation, they broke off conference, saying they should proceed to business and assume their rights immediately without reference to anyone.  On commencing business, Honorable Charles Marston, Commissioner of Marshpee, who had the key, and who had pledged himself to close the door and return the key after they had, as a matter of courtesy, occupied the house for their business, suddenly perceived some of the people endeavouring to take off the lock (this was by the previous advice of B. F. Hallett) from the door. Mr. Marston stept forward and forbad the proceeding and placed himself against the door to prevent it. This produced the interposition of the moderator, selectmen and Hallett’s brother-in-law, who were there, I suppose, as his representatives.  This issue was to call in the aid of their coloured Constable Mingo, and remove Mr. Marston by force, which was done. They then accomplished the removal of the lock and substituted a new one.  Their next business was to vote in their new Baptist minister for one year and to place him by authority, and against my simple remonstrance in my pulpit to perform prayers and to ask the blessing of Heaven on the parish and upon these transactions!!  At the adjournment of the meeting, they ordered the Constable to put me, and two Messrs. Crocker,[3] who were requested to remain with me, forcibly out of the house, which was done.  I was seized, borne down the aisle by four men, placed on my feet, on the ground, and they triumphantly obtained possession.  I was advised by all to attend the meeting. My object in thus remaining was to obtain more completely the disclosure of their whole purpose and also hoping it might answer all the legal purpose of a similar scene on the ensuing Sabbath. My attendance was only to ascertain what should be done in affairs so deeply interesting to myself, and of course not to take part, unless properly called upon.  I have done all I could to persuade them to take the legal and peaceable steps to obtain their wishes, and think I should have succeeded, but for foreign influence.  I have conferred also with their missionary and advised him to take peaceable measures himself and so to advise them.  I think you would exceedingly disapprove the spirit he manifested toward me. He said “it did not concern him how they got possession.  The Trustees (meaning Your Honorable Body) were all on their side, against me.  He had only to obey their bidding,” etc., etc.  Their wish and purpose is unquestionably to thrust me out unceremoniously, and, without the slightest regard to my reserved rights, by the Legislature.  Tho’ they have a legal action in process against me in reference to the parsonage lands, yet they have voted to take immediate possession of these, notwithstanding I am interdicted the use of them, by injunction of the Court, and tho’ by reason of securities, I was required to give, in order to the removal of my wood which was cut, remaining on the woodlot, at the time the suit was commenced, for a sum that will strip me [ hole ]ly all I have!  I let this statement of facts speak for itself. [ hole ]ing it highly probable, they will take my cow again from the pasture and the land on which my house stands being claimed, I now know not where they will stop!

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And whereas, by means of the Indian authorities, I am most justly restrained from the customary use of the parsonage woodland, and on that account, reduced to great straits, (having now no income but the two hundred and thirty-eight dollars from yourselves, and my firewood) and inevitably involving myself deeper in debt, from which I see no way to extricate myself) and as they have now voted to take immediate possession of the parsonage, I trust Your Honours will not turn a deaf ear to the request contained in mine of the 17th.  I will be pleased to restore the portion of the salary, at least till such time as the legal controversy in which they have involved me, shall be terminated, and the injunction of the Court, I hope, removed.  After all I have written, may I not hope to hear from you soon?

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From your persecuted humble servant,

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Phineas Fish

Marshpee, July 22, 1840

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