Ref

: (1) "The History of Portland from 1632-1864"- William Willis, p.891
(2) Ibid- p.330
(3) Maine Historical Society- Book 2, p.11
(4) York Deeds- Vol.XV, fol.13
(5) Ibid- Vol.XIV, fol.92
(6) Mass. Archives- Vol.6, p.495
(7) Maine Wills- p.479
(8) York Deeds- Vol. XIII, fol. 198
(9) Ibid- fol. 71

2IV. HENRY (JAMES 1)

m. 3 July 1749 Falmouth, ME, ELIZABETH (4) WYMAN (b. 10 Mar. 1729 Falmouth, ME)
d. 7 Dec. 1798 Pittston, ME

In Dec. 1745 James & Henry McCausland bought several parcels of land in Falmouth the first being from James Merrill of Falmouth, Gent. for �30 for 15 acres next to Benjamin Blackston's land; the next from John Calley of Falmouth, yeoman for �70 for 35 acres on the North side of the Presumpscott River on the west side of Squittergusett creek bordering the land of Benjamin Blackston, James Merrill, George Tucks and James McCausland Senr.; and the last from Humphrey Merrill of Falmouth, yeoman for �10 for 5 acres at the northeast corner of the 70 acre grant laid out to James McCausland Senr.(1)

On 14 May 1748 Nicholas & Mary Rideout of Falmouth, shipwright sold to Henry & James McCausland of Falmouth, yeomen for �950 old tenure notes, two 30 acre lots in Falmouth on the northeast side of the Presumpscott River above the Lower Falls part of the lot granted to Benjamin Ingersoll 10 Sept. 1733.(2) They then sold this land for �1425 old tenure notes to Zackeriah Field & Nathaniel Carle of Falmouth 4 Oct. 1749. This deed was signed by Henry, James, Elizabeth and Mary McCausland and witnessed by Ebenezer Mayo, Samuel Cobb, James Wyman and Thomas Frucker.(3)

Henry McCaslen, yeoman & James McCaslen, marriner of Falmouth sold to Nathaiel Noyes, gent., Joseph Thompson, yeoman and John Merrill, gent. of Falmouth for �300 old tenure notes 500 acres at the entrance of the Presumpscott River and on the north side of Mackworth's Point up the river to the creek above Squittergussett Creek 26 Dec. 1748.(4) The same day Noyes, Thompson and Merrill deeded Henry & James 37 acres next to Noyes on Squittergussett Creek.(5)

On 24 Feb. 1749 Henry McCausland, yeoman and James McCausland, marrinor of Falmouth bought from Benjamin Blackston, Gent. of Falmouth 30 acres of land in Falmouth next to James' land on Squittergussett Creek for �200.(6) On 28 Oct. 1755 Henry & James sold land to Blackston.(7)

Henry & James then moved to North Yarmouth where James of Falmouth, marrinor bought 41 3/4 acres in North Yarmouth 5/6th of lot No.20 from William Gallaway of Falmouth, yeoman for �13/6/8. The deed was witnessed by George Butler and Henry McCausland.(8)

On 11 Dec. 1755 Henry McCasline & James McCasline of N orth Yarmouth, yeomen sold to Humphrey Merrill of Falmouth, housewright for �266/13/4 106 acres of land and marsh on Squitteragussett Creek bounded by land of Benjamin Blackston, Capt. James Merril, John Adams and James Wyman which James and Henry had purchased from John Calley (35 acres), Capt. James Merril (15 acres), Humphrey Merril (5 acres), Capt. Nathaniel Noyes, Joseph Thompson, John Merril & Nathan Noyes (3 acres marsh), George Butler (20 acres) and Benjamin Blackston (30 acres).(9)

Henry & James McCausland of North Yarmouth, yeomen sold to William Babbridge, husbandman of North Yarmouth 50 acres of land on the northwest side of Mereconeag Neck in North Yarmouth 11 Apr. 1757 for �63/6/8.(10) James and Henry McCausland of Harpswell then sold to William Alexander Sr. of Harpswell 1 Sept. 1760 lot No.5 on Mery Caneag Neck for �160. Their wives Mary and Elizabeth signed by mark.(11)

In 1760 Dr. Gardiner began settling Gardinerstown after consulting with prospective settlers in Boston. In the summer of 1760 they gathered at Falmouth and set sail in the fall proceeding to what was called Dr. Gardiner's estate at Cobbiseconte. Among the first settlers were Mr. Thomes a builder of grist mills, Benjamin Fitch a saw-mill wright, Jacob Loud a house carpenter, James Winslow a wheelwright, Ezra Davis and William Philbrook as well as James and Henry McCausland who were carpenters and saw-mill workers. They ran their vessel into the wide creek where it stayed all winter and immediately built some log huts and spent the winter making preparations for the coming summer with James and Henry sharing the same cottage with the Winslows. On 27 March 1761 they were able to haul logs over the frozen crust for an addition to the cottage.

When the season opened they built a grist mill at the end of the lower dam. They also began building the Great House which was used as an Inn by Dr. Gardiner. It was afterwards operated by James Stackpole. The upper story was used as a place of public worship when Henry McCausland Jr. burned down the Episcopal church.

Henry and James received two settler's lots comprising a part of the present village in Gardiner and extending back from the river.

Antipas Boyes, Edward Tyng, Thomas Brattle and John Winslow at a meeting at Boston 13 June 1764 sold to Henry McCausland of Kennebec, yeoman 250 acres on the east side of the Kennebec River and known as lot No.4. For his part of the bargain Henry had to build a house not less than 20' square, bring fit for tillage 5 acres within 3 years, live and dwell upon the premises himself for seven years and also to work upon the ministerial lot or in building the House for the public worship of God 2 days a year for seven years when required and also 2 days a year upon the public roads until said lands shall be incorporated into a township. Henry's deed was granted at Augusta 19 June 1764.(12)

On 25 April 1765 Henry and James filed a complaint against James Flag, trader and James Cox, handcarpenter of Gardinerstown in the Pownalborough court. Flag and Cox were charged with trespass and with cutting a hole through the dam across the Cobbosee stream 15 Aug. 1763 and damaging the piers thereby causing their double saw-mill to be inoperable. Henry and James were seeking �500 in damages. Flag was eventually apprehended in June by Gideon Thayer, sheriff.(13)

Henry mortgaged lot No.4 on the east side of the Kennebec River to Silvestor Gardiner of Boston, Physician for �50 plus interest at Boston 27 April 1765.(14) Henry paid off this mortgage to Dr. Gardiner 28 June 1765.(15) On 9 July 1765 Henry sold this property to Benjamin Fitch of Gardinerstown, millwright for �33/6/8.(16)

James McCausland sold more land (41 acres) in Falmouth to William Buckman of Falmouth 1 July 1766 witnessed by Henry McCausland and Jonas Mason J.P. in North Yarmouth.(17)

Henry sold 50 acres of land on the Kennebec River above the Cobboseecontie Stream for �100 to Henry Jr. and Silvester Gardiner McCausland, husbandmen 22 June 1793.(18) Henry sold more land in the same area to Henry Jr. for �30 3 May 1794.(19) Henry then sold 10 acres of land to Anna Hammond of Pownalborough 19 May 1795 for �15 on the west side of the Kennebec River next to land he sold to Robert McCausland.(20)

Lot No.9 the last home of Dr. James Parker was sold by Mr. Gardiner subject to the rights of Elizabeth McCausland widow of the late Henry McCausland and their son Robert McCausland. These rights were those of occupancy without title.(21)

Issue- see Gardiner, Hallowell and Augusta V.R.

Ref:

(1) York Deeds- Vol.30, pp. 409-10
(2) Ibid- p.17
(3) Ibid- p.18
(4) Ibid- Vol.50, p.51
(5) Ibid- Vol.30, p.408
(6) Ibid- p.409; also Cumberland Co. Registry of Deeds- Vol.3, p.254
(7) Cumberland Co. Registry of Deeds- Vol.3, p.254
(8) York Deeds- Vol.35, p.150
(9) Ibid- Vol.30, p.400
(10) Cumberland Deeds- Vol.3, p.259
(11) Ibid- Vol.6, p.267
(12) Lincoln Co. Records of Grants- p.142
(13) Lincoln Co. Court Records
(14) Lincoln Co. Deeds- Vol.2, p.82
(15) Ibid- p.100
(16) Ibid- p.101
(17) Ibid- p.152
(18) Ibid- Vol.4, p.218
(19) Ibid- Vol.8, p.111
(20) Ibid- Vol.4, p.372
(21) "History of Kennebec Co., Maine 1625-1892"- Kingsbury & Deyo, p.526

"The History of Gardiner, Pittston and West Gardiner, Maine"- J. W. Hanson, pp.61-2,68-9

3X. HENRY (JAMES 1, HENRY 2)

b. 1759 Harpswell, Maine
m. 12 June 1783 Pittston, ME, ABIAH (5) STACKPOLE (b. 4 May 1765 Biddeford, ME, d. 27 March 1843 Farmingdale, ME, bur. in Northern Ave. Cemetery)
d. 21 Aug. 1829 Augusta prison
bur. Northern Ave. Cemetery

I Henry McCausland, aged fifty nine years, a citizen of the United States born in Harpswell in the District of Maine, now resident in Augusta in said District, upon oath testify and declare that in April 1777 I enlisted as a private soldier in the war of the revolution, against the common enemy, upon the continental establishment, for the period of three years, in Capt. Benjamin Burton's Company and Col. Henry Sherburne's regiment of the Rhode Island troops or line, I served in the company commanded by Capt. Burton about the term of one year, when I was transferred to the company commanded by Capt. Trafton in the same regiment and line. The period of my enlistment I fully served out and took my honorable discharge from the army at Elizabethtown in April 1780- I was discharged as belonging to said Capt. Traftons company. My discharge I gave many years since to General Dearborn, and have never seen it since, and is not now to my knowledge in existence- I was at the battle on Rhode Island under General Spinar...(1)

Col. Sherburne's Additional Continental Regiment was created 12 Jan. 1777 and seems to have had adequate training, supplies and men. Sherburne's Regiment included three companies from Connecticut and a number of Maryland men. On 1 May 1780 the regiment broke up with many of the men going into Samuel B. Webb's Regiment.(2)

Sherburne was Major of the 3rd Rhode Island from 8 May until Dec. 1775 and was Major of the 15th Continental Infantry from 1 Jan. until 31 Dec. 1776. He was taken prisoner near the Cedars 20 May 1776. He was then Major of the 1st Rhode Island 1 Jan. 1777 before becomming Colonel of one of the Sixteen Additional Continental Regiments 12 Jan. 1777. He retired 1 Jan. 1781.(3)

Burton was an Ensign of Reed's New Hampshire Regiment from June until Dec. 1775. He was then Ensign of the 2nd Continental Infantry 1 Jan. 1776 before becomming 2nd Lieutenant 28 Sept. until 31 Dec. 1776. He was then a Captain of Sherburne's Continental Regiment 15 March 1777 until being discharged 1 June 1779.(4)

Trafton was the Sergeant of the Lexington Alarm April 1775 then Ensign of Scammon's Massachusetts Regiment May until Dec. 1775. Trafton was then 2nd Lieutenant of the 15th Continental Infantry 1 Jan. until 31 Dec. 1776 before becoming Captain of Sherburne's Continental Regiment 1 June 1777. He resigned 20 April 1780.(5)

After the war Henry returned to Gardiner where he purchased land from his father as seen earlier. An account of the events that occured in the next part of Henry's life are best described in an anonymous booklet published in 1858 called: The Monomaniac or, The Victim of Religious Excitement.

" Twenty-nine years ago, Sept. 1858, there died, in one of the stone cells of the Augusta (Me.) jail, the stalwart form of a man of three score years and ten, who had spent just half of that long life, thirty- five years, in that solitary dungeon! This man was Henry McCausland, of Gardiner.

The circumstances that brought him thither, and that shut him out from the sight of the world, or the sun of heaven, for so long a time, were very remarkable, and rendered him the object of a grave curiosity for more than one generation of men. A quarter of a century ago, everybody had heard of, and many thousands had seen, the tall, majestic form of that life-long prisoner; but a new generation has now arisen, and to them the story of "Old McCausland" may be interesting and useful. What we write shall be with feelings of entire respect for the descendants bearing his name, that still reside amongst us: for, surely, they are in no wise accountable for either his faults or his misfortunes; and all of them, as far as we know, are entitled to, and enjoy largely, the respect and love of the community in which they live.

McCausland came to Cobbossee shortly after the War of the Revolution, in which he served his part well as a soldier, and for which he drew a pension till the day of his death. He came to work for Mr. Gardiner, in a saw-mill. He married a lady of great intellectual vigor, and of the purest character a sister of the late James Stakpole, Esq., of Waterville, who, before her husband's fall, became the mother of several children. These she educated well, and reared in the strictest principles of virtue. Through life she was most highly respected.- McCausland resided, we believe, a little off from, and back of the main road to Hallowell, a few lots above the residence of Hon. Barzillai Gannett.

During a 'revival of religion', about the year 1793, McCausland became excited, and the excitement operating too powerfuflly upon one of the weaker passions of his nature, influenced that to an imperious control over all his mind, and rendered him a monomaniac. On all other subjects than religion, he was rational; but on this he really was insane, though his religious friends around him at the time would not admit it. He became wonderfully illuminated. His comprehension of spiritual things was remarkable. He was favored with visions. The Lord made special revelations to him. One night He appeared to him in person, and commanded him to arise, go forth, and make a burnt offering and a sacrifice, reminding him of the Scripture, which saith: 'Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission'. Unless, therefore, he shed blood, his own sins could never be remitted. These exercises he was bold to repeat in the religious meetings he attended, and too many believed and respected them."(6)

During this period of time Abiah gave birth to Andrew as noted in Martha Moore Ballard's diary:

"12 June 1793 Clear & very warm I was Called at home to see the wife of Henry McCausland who is in Labour I was there all night 13 June Clear & warm I was at Mr McCauslands his wifes illness increast about 4h morn her women were called and shee was safe Delived of a son at 6h returned home at noon recivd 6/ as a reward, I went to see mr Parkers inft"(7)

Entry from Martha Ballard's Diary

"Before the Revolution, the first church (Episcopal) had been erected by Mr. Gardiner's ancestor; but, owing to the political troubles, and other causes, it had not been completed. On the death of that ancestor, his will required the completion of the church; and, during this 'revival', the carpenters were at work, accomplishing this design. McCausland's duty, as he interpreted the Devine command, was to make a 'burnt-offering' of that edifice."(8)

"Watching for a good opportunity, he filled a child's shoe with live coals, and fearful that he should be discovered if he crossed the Cabbassa bridge, he forded the river near New Mills, and went cautiously over to the little church on the 22nd of August 1793.(9) The building being unfinished, shavings were scattered in the gallery, and he gathered them into a pile, and placed the coals amoung them, and to prevent a too early discovery, he covered them with a door, and taking the church Bible, he very tenderly carried it into the woods, and laid it on a stump. At that time the boards were rough and loose on the floor, and the humble edifice, in a small clearing in the pine woods, was in strong contrast with the present elegant structure. The building was entirely destroyed."(10)

" General Henry Dearborn at that time resided in Gardiner. He was the chief magistrate of the place- the terror of all evil-doers, for he inflicted punishment very summarily, often on the spot, by lashes at the whipping post. We believe McCausland was thus tried and punished, by General Dearborn, for obeying the divine command, and transgressing the human, in making his 'burnt-offering' of the Episcopal Church; but of this we are not positively certain.

We have heard him at the grates of his dungeon, several times between the years 1815-29, tell the story of his 'sacrifice'. It seems there was a married woman in Gardiner, Mrs. Abigail Warren, who, as it had been revealed to McCausland had had three illegitimate children, and had, thereby, sinned against the Father, against the Son, and against the Holy Ghost. The spirit disclosed to him that she was the proper victim for sacrifice, and that 'without the shedding of her blood, there could be no remission of his sins'. Accordingly, one evening the 18th of October 1794 he proceeded to her house on his pious mission, but learned that she had gone to a dwelling some distance up the Cobbossee, for the purpose of watching over her sick mother Mrs. Solomon Tibbetts who lived near Potter Bridge. The passage thither was made more easily by water than by land, in those days, as few or no roads were made; and so he took his canoe and paddle, and set off for the residence of the sick family. He told us he had a hard time in getting thither, as the night was dark, the stream rapid in some places, and encumbered by snags in others; yet, as the Lord had sent him, he knew he must go, and that, in the way of duty, He would grant him success. At length, he arrived at the place, hauled his canoe ashore, and, without ceremony, entered the house and sick-room. The invalid lady was lying upon a bed, and Mrs. Warren the watcher, was sitting by her side. What follows, was given us in nearly McCausland's own words:-

'I had taken no instrument of death with me, not even a jack-knife, for I knew that if the Lord had sent me to make this sacrifice, he would provide the weapon, as he did the lamb for Abraham; and, casting my eye over the head of the bed, I beheld a large butcher knife, which the man of the house had sharpened the day before, for the purpose of butchering a hog on the morrow, and stuck it up there, to be ready for use. I knew this was the Lord's doing, and that it was provided for my sake; so all I had to do, was to place one hand on the handle of the knife, and seizing Mrs. Warren's foretop with the other, drew the sharp knife deeply across her throat, and the work was done!' He added, with an air of conscious innocency and triumph, 'she bled like a calf!"(11)

" Mrs. Warren's brother Abiathar heard the outcry, and sprang up from his bed and saw the event in a moment. He seized a loaded gun which was suspended over the mantle piece, and would have shot him dead, but his brother restrained him, until the maniac escaped."(12)

" Henry made no attempt to escape from the penalty of human laws, but rather coveted it. He had made his burnt offering and his sacrifice, and now wished to crown his religious acts by 'suffering for righteousness sake."(13)

" He wandered about until the people had begun to assemble in the Great House, where they had worshipped since the church was burned, when he appeared, wild and haggard, and confessed that he perpetrated both deeds."(14)

Entry from Martha Ballard's Diary

" He was arrested for murder, and committed to jail- This was in 1794. At that time, we believe, old Judges Payne and Sedgwick were on the Bench of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. The trial was held in Pownalboro (now Dresden), that being the shire town of Lincoln County.

When brought into Court, and the charge of murder was read against him, he was interrogated by the clerk, to answer to the indictment, and say whether he was guilty or not guilty. His prompt reply was 'guilty'. The court, apprehending that the prisoner was a monomaniac, and really insane when he committed the deed; and wishing, therefore, that the jury might bring in a verdict accordingly, desired him to withdraw that plea, and put in, rather, the plea of not guilty- the judge remarking to McCausland that he was under no obligation, in law, to plead guilty- that, if the government had charged him with the crime of murder, it was for the government to prove, not for him to confess, that he was guilty- and, therefore, requested the prisoner to say, 'Not Guilty'.

'What!' exclaimed the conscientious McCausland, 'would the honorable judges of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts have me come here and lie to them? Sir, I did kill the woman; I shall not plead innocency. I am guilty, and I would have you make the most of it!' What could the court do? The case could not go to a jury. He was charged with murder; and as he was found guilty, must be sentenced to be hung by the neck till he should be dead. There was no discretion left with the court. The duty was plain and inevitable. How was the sentence of death to be avoided?

The judges had the right to remand him to prison to await his sentence, and there he remained thirty-five long years, waiting for the sentence of death to be passed upon him, which, indeed, never came, but from the higher court of Heaven. He always complained of the tardiness of his judges; he had got almost tired waiting for them to perform their duty. He was ready and anxious to 'suffer for righteousness sake'.

The Court, it is true, might have recommended him to Executive clemency; but a pardon from the Governor would have restored him to full liberty, and it was not considered safe for such a madman to be let loose in society since he had stated that there were several other wicked persons whom he was directed to kill.

He had never shaved since his incarceration; and his beard had attained an enormous length, reaching like Aaron's beard, 'to the skirts of his garments'. It had become gray nay, white as snow, and he always kept it carefully combed and clean. Indeed, he was remarkably neat and clean in all his habits. He was an interesting object to look upon, but he allowed no person to see him, unless he was first paid two cents; then he would draw the slide of his grate, and allow the visitor to look in upon him. He was worth seeing- one of the handsomest human figures we ever saw; a large, well- proportioned man, over six feet high, with a lofty brow, a clear, penetrating eye, an aquiline nose a mouth expressing sweetness and dignity, a skin delicate as that of a child on whose tender face the sun had never shone, a beard white and flowing almost to the knees, and a voice peculiarly rich and melodious."(15) When arraingned in court 'Judge Parsons remarked that he never saw a more imposing figure'.(16)

Commnwealth v Henry McCausland Junr for murder
�17/6/2

At the Supreme Judicial Court begun and held at Pownalborough within the county of Lincoln and for the Counties of Lincoln Hancock and Washinton on the second tuesday next following the fourth tuesday of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety five

The Jurors of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on their oath present that Henry Mc Causland Junior of Pitston in the same County of Lincoln ( ) at a place lately called Fairfield and now the town of Litchfield in the same county of Lincoln not having the favor of God before his eyes but being moved and ( ) by the instigation of the Devil with force and arms on the nineteenth day of october now last past in and upon Abigail Warren the wife of Pelton Warren in the peace of God and the commonwealth aforesaid then and there being wickedly and feloniously, of the malise aforethought of him the said Henry and afault did make and with a certaine knife of the value of one shilling which he the said Henry then and there in his right hand had and held in and upon the neck and throat of her the said Abigail wickedly, feloniously and of the malise before thought of him the said Henry did cut, thrust and strike, therby giving to her the said Abigail, with the same knife aforesaid, in and upon the neck and throat of her the said Abigail one mortal wound of the length of four inches of the breadth of one inch and of the depth of two inches of which mortal wound that said Abigail Warren then and there instantly died, and so the Jurors aforesaid their oath aforsaid do say that he the said Henry McCausland Junior then and there wickedly wilfully and feloniously cut the said Abagail Warren in manner aforesaid of his malise aforethought did kill and murder against the peace and dignity of the commonwealth aforesaid and the Law in such case made and provided

Jas Sullivan Attorney General
A True Bill
Ephm Ballard Foreman

July Term at Pownalboro 1795- The said Henry McCausland Jr was arraigned at the Bar, and has this Indictment read to him he says there of that he is guilty

Jn. Tucker"(27)

Henry McCausland's indictment- Page 1, Page 2

" In all his devotional exercises, he seemed very sincere, and in relating the circumstances of his burnt offering and sacrifice, he fortified his story all the way through with pertinent quotations from Holy Writ, which he made to justify his course. Many a doctrine proved from the Scriptures has had as little to support it as these passages proved McCausland's mission. He never appeared sorry or ashamed of what he did, but always spoke of it as a meritorious act. The truth is, he was a religious monomaniac; and as such, he was to be pitied rather than hated."(17)

" The jail where 'Old McCausland' was incarcerated was two stories high, of hewn timber and not very secure, small apertures were cut in the walls to admit light and air to the cells. Through one of these a man from Winthrop by the name of Carter, who was confined for stealing a watch, once escaped. He enlarged the opening with a jack-knife, and then stripped naked, but so tight was the squeeze to effect an exit that some of his skin was left on the timber sides of the opening. He was not heard from afterwards."(18)

" When Amos Partridge was jailor, his young daughter about nine years of age, of whom McCausland was very fond, was permitted to enter his cell to amuse him, as he appeared to be inoffensive. One day, however, he suddenly struck her with a billet of wood, nearly depriving her of life."(19) The following account of this incident is given in the diary of Martha Moore Ballard:

"19 Nov. 1796 Cloudy I left mrs Byrns not so well as Could be wisht Came home attended by mr Graves find my family well- I was Called at 6h evn. to mr. Partridges to see his Dear little child who McCausland had struck down with a Billit of wood and its life was dispared of I find it a little revivd & I spent the night there

20 Nov. A fogy morn I left mr Partridges his child a little revivd Came home at noon- mrs Dingley Came here to inquire after the Childs welfare I went into the prison and saw the irons put onto McCauslands hands an aufull spectacle he is to behold may God grant his pardoning mercy for all his offences and give us all seutable reflections may the Dear Babe be restord to health and its Parents make a wise improvement of this Chastisement."(20)

Entry from Martha Ballard's Diary

" The intimations and threats which for some had been circulated, that the 'Indians' would come in force from the upper town and liberate the prisoners, burn the court house and jail, and destroy the county records, were, as the citizens believed, about to be realized, as on the sixteenth of March 1808, at sundown, a sudden alarm was given that the jail was on fire. The fire was discovered in the upper story. It rapidly spread, enveloping the building. Citizens, with the fire engine, had arrived in great numbers, but were powerless to stay the progress of the flames. The prisoners were mustered under guard and taken to the house of Lot Hamlen. Old McCausland showed no disposition to escape, but was active in securing and guarding the other prisoners.

The citizens of Hallowell attended in great numbers 'with both their engines', and were entitled to 'much credit' for their 'prompt and spirited exertions'. The jail and jail-house were reduced to ashes, but Pitt Dillingham, the keeper, in anticipation of such an event had removed the papers to a place of safety, so that none were lost. During the same evening an attempt was made to burn the court house; 'two fire-brands' were placed for that purpose in 'one corner of the upper part of the building', but were fortunately discovered just after the fire took, and were extinguished without doing much damage."(21)

" The temporary jail was so insecure that a constant guard was required to prevent the escape of prisoners. This was quite expensive to the county. The new stone building was hurried forward, and before completion, in December, was 'approved and accepted as a gaol', and the sheriff was directed, on account of its greater security to cause it to be used in addition to the wooden jail. It was much in advance of the prison accomodations of that day, and was considered a very expensive and secure structure. It was two stories high, each story divided by an alley way in the center separating blocks of cells. The lower cells were lighted and ventilated by openings in the walls six inches wide and two feet long. In these were kept the worst criminals. The upper story had a grated window to each cell, and in these were confined poor debtors and criminals confined for crimes of less magnitude. The walls were constructed of large blocks of rough hammered stone fastened together with iron dowels. A large grated door above and below closed the alley ways, and heavy iron doors the cells. The jail was connceted, by a brick ell, with the two story brick jail house."(22)

" Henry did not know how to read when committed to prison, but Mr.úDillingham's daughters undertook to teach him. He learned very readily. The Bible was his chief companion."(23)

" Had he received a decent education in his youth, it is not improbable that his naturally vigorous mind would have exerted its reasoning powers in pursuit of truth, and his intellect never been disordered by fanatical excitement."(24)

" His kind and faithful keeper, Mr. Dillingham, died in July 1829, and this broke the heart of Old McCausland. He could not endure the affliction, but sank rapidly under it; and in two months was himself numbered with the dead."(25)

Abiah survived him and received a pension of $80.00 per year from the government until her death in 1843. Henry had received a pension of $96.00 per year part of which was retained by the county for his support from 1818 until his death in 1829.(26)

Issue-

Ref:

(1) Pension Records- National Archives, Washington D.C., file No. W26252
(2) Encyclopedia of Continental Army Units- Fred
Anderson Berg, p.108
(3) Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army- Francis B. Heitman, p.494
(4) Ibid- p.136
(5) Ibid- p.547
(6) The Monomaniac- pp.1-3
(7) The Diary of Martha Moore Ballard 1785-1799- Maine State Library
(8) The Monomaniac- p.3
(9) The Diary of Martha Moore Ballard
(10) The History of Gardiner, Pittston and West Gardiner- J.W. Hanson, pp.248-9
(11) The Monomaniac- pp.4-5
(12) The History of Gardiner, Pittston and West Gardiner- J.W. Hanson, pp.249-50
(13) The Monomaniac- p.5
(14) The History of Gardiner, Pittston and West Gardiner- J.W. Hanson, p.250
(15) The Monomaniac- pp.5-8
(16) History of Augusta- James W. North, p.494
(17) The Monomaniac- p.8
(18) Historical Notes on Augusta- Joseph T. Beck, p.248
(19) History of Augusta- James W. North, p.494
(20) The Diary of Martha Moore Ballard 1785-1799- Maine State Library
(21) History of Augusta- James W. North, pp.354-5
(22) Ibid- pp.360-1
(23) The Monomaniac- p.8
(24) Obituary- Kennebec Journal, 28 Oct. 1829
(25) The Monomaniac- p.8
(26) Pension Records- National Archives, Washington D.C., file No. W26252
(27) Court Records- Kennebec County Court House- 1795

Pittston Vital Records
Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War- Vol.X, pp.423-4

4I. JOHN (JAMES 1, HENRY 2, HENRY 3)

b. 19 Nov. 1784 Pittston, ME
m.1. 18 Feb. 1816 Jane Conner (b. 1793, d. 12 Jan. 1832 Gardiner)
2. 2 Nov. 1832 MARTHA (6) DILL (b.17 Sept. 1802, m.1. 18 May 1824 Benjamin Urmsted 3. 9 May 1866 Henry Wakefield, d. 6 Jan. 1884. Salem, MA, bur. Northern Ave. Cemetery, Farmingdale)
d. 1 Sept. 1855 Farmingdale, ME
bur. Northern Ave. Cemetery

John was a member of the Methodist Church in Gardiner in 1851 and was assigned pew No. 29.(1)

" In the name of Almighty God Amen:

I John MCausland of Farmingdale in the county of Kennebec... do make... this my last Will and Testament... Item: To my beloved wife Martha I will that she shall have her home and maintainance eaqual in all respects to that she enjoyed during my life on the homestead farm...

Item: To my beloved Son James S. McCausland I will and bequeath the Sum of one hundred dollars payable in four years from this date...

Item: To my beloved Son John A. MCausland I will and bequeath the sum of fifty dollars payable in four years from this date... and also I will that a certain Note of hand given by the said John A. in the name, and payable to Emerson T. MCausland... shall be cancelled and given up.

Item: To my beloved Son William H. MCausland I will & bequeath the sum of one hundred dollars payable in four years from this date...

Item: To my beloved daughter Ellen Jane MCausland I will and bequeath the Sum of one hundred dollars payable in four years from this date...

Item: To my beloved daughter Ann R. MCausland I will and bequeath the sum of one hundred dollars payable in four years from this date... Also that she shall have her home and be maintained on the homestead untill she shall arrive at the age of twenty one years or be married.

Item: To my beloved Sons Benjamin U. MCausland, Emerson T. MCausland and Moses B. MCausland I give and bequeath all the residue of my Estate both Real & Personal...

I hereby appoint Alexander S. Chadwick Executor of this my last Will & Testament

In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal on this twenty seventh day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five in the presence of Benjamin Marston, Charles W. MCausland and Renaldo Robbins...

John McCausland"(2)

"My dear children.
Moses & Annie. Oh I am glad you & Annie have started to Searve god to geather. Dear Mosey when I heard you had found Jesus I shouted glorie to God.
I hope you will try to git Benj to go with you. I wish you could hear Moody preach & ( ) sing you would be pleased.
I should like to see you dear Mosey and Annie very much and the children to ( ) sends a kiss.
Albert sayes if he dies he wants to be carried to Gardiner to be bearied in the Semirtary by the side of his father. I think he cannot live long. tell James give my love to Benj and all the family. I send my love to you all from your mother

Martha Wakefield

write soon.
tuesday afternoon Albert is not so well today. he has no apertite ( )

tuesday Eave. I have been to Salem this aft. I am fixing to go to New York tomorrow to git some new styles. The furm have advanced the money for my journey. I expect to open ( ) Monday if nothing prevents (then it will be hard work for a while) and ( ) will transfiring back seame natrol (?)

Letter page 1, Letter page 2

Late in life John's son James wrote a short autobiography of his life which makes most interesting reading:

"Born in town of Gardiner Feb. 23, 1817. Lived at home until I was twenty one and worked on the farm, then went to work at anything I could get to do . Cutting wood at 33 cts. a cord. In March at the time of Arostook war while working for Nathaniel Keniston cutting wood at his house with Jacob his son, he was working behind me, he made a miss and struck my ankle between the heel cord and ankle joint making a deep wound the whole width of the blade of the axe. It took the doctor two hours to dress it, having to take up 3 arteries and quite a number of stitches to close. This kept me tied up until the soldiers returned from the Arostook war. Had just got able to walk on crutches and then I was taken sick and went to Hallowell to an Infirmary to be treated. This was my first start in life at twenty one and as soon as able went to work for Mr. Josiah Sprague farming and carpentering for $13.50 a month worked til July then went home to help father get his hay. When done bought ten acres of uncultivated land with some wood on it then in August cut and carted some of it to the landing for the Boston market, sold it for $2.50 a cord. By hard work could get half cord a day. About that time I took the farm at the halves it was pretty well run out it was. The Capt. Springer farm. I leased it of Ezekiel Waterhouse and I went on to it alone with a pair of oxen with a few old farming tools such as cart and plough and set up house keeping in batchelor syle working out at anything I could get to do, for money was about as scarce as hen's teeth. The first winter I got a job to cart clay from bank back of Town half on to the wharf then owned by William Grant, for which I got the sum of one dollar and quarter per day for self, oxen and two carts, had men to load them and I drove down and dumped them and I had half the oxen's pay which left me about 94 cts. for self and oxen as the farm was so run down did not have much hay to sell and it did not bring much. Potatoes were worth about 15 cts. per bushel as near as I can remember. Got tired of living alone, May 3, 1842 got married to Sarah B. Sprague. We lived happy together and reered 9 children, 4 boys and 5 girls all married and settled comfortably. I have 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and all doing well. A number of them get salaries from eight hundred to fourteen hundred dollars a year. Four grandchildren married, all doing well. Have six families living in Hartford, Conn. fourteen married and unmarried all members of the M.E. Church but one. I don't wish to boast, but think it quite a record for a poor man. In the year 1843 or 44 moved to Capt. Jason Collins house on North St. Lived there about two years. Went to work with my cousin Wm. H. McCausland carpentering for about one dollar per day when we could get anything to do. About that time begun preparations to build a house digging cellar and putting in foundation myself on the lot I bought of my father when I begun had fifty dollars in money to start with and hired some and gave my note for mason work and doing the carpenter work myself managed to get a very comfortable home by working nights and making long days and work out when I could get anything to do. Paid up my debts and supported my family. At one time paid $13.00 a barrel for flour and $1.00 per gallon for kerosine oil. When I got in tight place could always get trusted by Freeman Trott, Forsyth and J.A. Cox never refused me nor doned me of all the people I work for once. Whenever they had work would come for me again, and I have worked for as many as any carpenter in Gardiner and they never complained because I did not do them faithful day's work and never found fault because I did not do honest contract work. As there was nothing at any price doing in Gardiner several of us went to Togus to work on a Hotel for a Mr. Beal of New York. One dollar and twenty five cents a day and paid our board $2.50 a week. I would take my breakfast at home Monday walking getting in time to go to work as soon as it is light and work until Saturday night then leave for home before supper, had to work outside all winter until April. Came home and built a house for Mr. Haynes. The next winter had a contract to build a house for Sifamie Bowman, the house now occupied by Mr. Willard and Bert Fuller. When we took the job we expected to have our boys Albert and Gus, but they enlisted to fight the rebellion and left us alone and we had to do about all the work by hand. Made all the gutters and mouldings and planed clapboards and fitted them. It made a long job as we took it slow as there was not much doing. We only got less than one dollar per day for the year, but I managed to pay all my bills. I was one of the Board of Selectmen 1866 had to get men to fill the quoter for Farmingdale as Mr. Lancaster was sick. I walked to Augusta quite a number of times to get my men credited for which I did not get a cent for traveling fees. I have refused town office frequently as something I never cared for. I have been school agent for No. 1 and 2 schools for several years for which I got five dollars a year for hiring teachers and caring for school houses, getting fuel, etc.

My wife died June 4, 1882 Age 63 years. Married Caroline Chenery Dec. 1883. She died Nov. 15, 1901 Age 75

James Stackpole McCausland Age 86 years"

The following clipping was also among the family papers, probably from the "Kennebec Journal":

"Pleasantly Observed- The Eighty-fifty Anniversary of A Much Respected Citizen.

On Sunday, Feb. 23, James S. McCausland of this city, who is spending the winter in Hartford, Conn., with his son, C. Elmer McCausland, quietly observed his eighty-fifth birthday. He was given a large bouquet of variagated carnations, accompanied by a letter of congratulation, from his nine children, Albert McCausland of West Fitchburg, Mass., Oscar McCausland and Mrs. L.A. Hodgdon of Gardiner, Mrs. Louis E. Parkhurst, Mrs. Joseph F. Noyes and C. Elmer McCausland of Hartford, Merritt McCausland of Nashua, N.H., Mrs. Arthur Jewett and Mrs. William A. Stanley of Gardiner. In the cluster there were eighty-five buds, one for each year of his age. Mr. McCausland has felt the infirmity of years the past month, but was feeling much improved on his birthday. His children, living in Hartford, spent the afternoon with him."

And from the paper in Hartford:

"Celebrated Eighty-Sixth Birthday.

Mr. and Mrs. C. Elmer McCausland of No. 59 Allen place entertained a score of relatives and friends, Monday evening, in celebration of the eighty-sixth anniversary of the birth of James S. McCausland, the father of Mr. McCausland. The affair was in the nature of a George Washington party, the house and table decorations being in red, white and blue. Mr. McCausland has, for a couple of years, spent the winters with his children in Hartford, while in summer he lives at his home in Gardiner, Me. He is in fairly good health, and takes daily walks. He was the recipient of floral and other gifts on Monday, and thoroughly enjoyed his birthday celebration. His Hartford relatives embrace children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as follows: Mr. and Mrs. C.E. McCausland, Miss Irene M. McCausland, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Noyes, Mr. and Mrs. Louis E. Parhurst, Miss Madeline S. Parkhurst, Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Parkhurst and little Helen Elizabeth, Mr. and Mrs. Willard E. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph E. McCausland and their children, Harry Richard and George Oscar, Howard Bott and Miss Marguerite Bott. Others in attendance were the Rev. and Mrs. James A. Macmillan, Mr. and Mrs. Philip H. Ober, Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Turner, Robert S. McGee and Miss Emma F. McGee. A very pleasant evening was spent. Refreshements were served, Miss McCausland and Miss Parkhurst, wearing Liberty caps, presiding at the tables."

An interesting article is on the opposite side of the above:

"On both sides of the water curiosity has been aroused over the construction of what is known as the famous twenty-three-story flatiron building at the junction of Fifth avenue, Broadway, and Twenty-third street, New York city, which covers a narrow triangular plot of ground, making the prodigious structure appear like the prow of an enormous ship. The wind plays queer antics about this "Sky Scraper", creating a vortex dangerous to pedestrians. This has given the name of "The Hurricane Corner" to the location and the subject is made the theme of a striking illustration on the cover of the current issue of Leslie's Weekly."

Autobiography page 1, page 2, page 3, page 4, page 5, page 6, page 7, Newspaper Articles

Issue-

Ref:

(1) Annals of the People Called Methodists in the City of Gardiner, Maine- L.W. Robbins, Kennebec Journal Press, 1900, p.52
(2) Kennebec County Registry of Probate
(3) Obituary from Hartford, CT newspaper- quoted in E-mail from his descendant Barbara Barnes: "James S. McCausland died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Joseph F. Noyes, No. 80 Evergreen avenue at 7 o'clock this morning, aged 89 years and 7 months. Death was caused by a general breaking down incident to old age. He was a native of Maine, but had lived with his children in this city during the winters of the past five years, spending the summers at the home of his son in Gardiner, Me. Last spring he was not strong enough to make the Journey, but remained in fairly good health during the summer. On Sunday, August 19, he had a bad spell and had been confined to his bed since then, gradually growing weaker in the end.

James Stackpole McCausland was born in Gardiner, Me., February 23, 1817. He was brought up on a farm as a boy. Reaching his majority he learned the carpenter's trade, working as a joiner and contractor until he was past 80 years of age. In 1863 he was a member of the board of selectmen of the town of Farmingdale, and had charge of filling the town's quota of soldiers. He also served as school agent for several years. He was a member of the Methodist church in Gardiner for seventy years, nearly all of which time he held official positions in the church organization.

Mr. McCausland was twice married. May 3, 1842, he married Miss Sarah B. Sprague, who died June 4, 1882, aged 63 years. In December, 1883 he married Mrs. Caroline Chenery, who died November 15, 1901 aged 75 years. Nine children were born by the first marriage and all are living: Albert McCausland of Fitchburg, Mass., Mrs. Laura A. Hodgdon of Farmindale, Me., Oscar McCausland of Gardiner, Me., James Merritt McCausland of Nashua, NH, Mrs. William A. Stanley of Syracuse, NY., Mrs. Arthur Jewett of Bath, Me., and Mrs. Louis E. Parkhurst, Mrs. Joseph F. Noyes and C. Elmer McCausland of this city. There are eleven grandchildren living; Mrs. Frank Powers, Fitchburg, Mass., Miss Myrtle h. Hodgdon, Augusta, Me., J. Lee Hodgdon, Farmingdale, Me., Harold, Ray and Ralph McCausland of Nashua, NH., Ralph E. McCausland, and Miss Irene M. McCausland, Harry E. Parkhurst, Mrs. Willard E. Brown and Miss Madeline S. Parkhurst of this city; also four great-grandchildren; Harry R., George O., and Ruth S. McCausland, children of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph E. McCausland, and Helen E. Parkhurst, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Parkhurst, all of this city. Mr. McCausland also leaves one brother, William H. McCausland of Wakefield, Mass., and two sisters, Mrs. Ellen J. Carlton and Mrs. Annie R. Conant both of Salem, Mass. The latter had been with her brother since Wednesday, aiding in his care.

Funeral services will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Noyes, No. 80 Evergreen avenue, at 4 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. The Rev. Dr. Elmer A. Dent, of the South Park Methodist church officiating. The body will be taken to Gardiner, Me. for interment." And a further notice from Tuesday's paper: "James S. McCausland- A brief service was held for James S. McCausland at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Joseph F. Noyes, No. 80 Evergreen avenue at 4 o'clock this afternoon. The Rev. Dr. Elmer A. Dent, pastor of the South Methodist church officiated. The body rested in a crepe covered casket with oxidized trimmings, the plate bearing the name and the dates '1817-1906'. There were many floral tributes from relatives and friends. The body will be taken to Gardiner, Me., where funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon. Interment will be in the family lot at Oak Grove cemetery, in that city."

John A. McCausland born Farmingdale Maine, business shop carpenter in Bath, Me., died age 74 in 1902, Oct. 13. Resided in East Boston, Melrose, where he was a carpenter and later a milk farmer. Methodist. Left widow, 3 daughters, Mrs. Rufus W. Smith, Mrs. Ida Baker, Miss Angie McCausland; 2 sons, William L. McCausland and Eugene McCausland, former of Melrose later of Malden. He was a Mason also Chelsea Commandery. Buried Wyoming Cemetery. Eugene died in Malden, formerly lived in Attleboro."

1850 Census of the United States- Gardiner, ME, No.332
Monumental Inscriptions- Northern Ave. Cemetery, Farmindale, ME

5IX. MOSES BENJAMIN (JAMES 1, HENRY 2, HENRY 3, JOHN 4)

b. Dec. 1837 Farmingdale, ME
m. 11 Feb. 1862 Farmingdale, ME, MERCY ANN (7) LIBBY (b. 27 May 1838 Gardiner, ME, d. 12 Feb. 1905 Gardiner, ME., bur. in Northern Ave. Cemetery, Farmingdale)
d. 11 May 1892 Farmingdale, ME
bur. Northern Ave. Cemetery, Farmingdale

Moses' death certificate

Photo of Mercy Ann (Libby) McCausland
Photo of Moses Benjamin McCausland

Moses and his brothers Emerson and Benjamin were gold miners in California. Moses returned home, however, Em stayed there for many years. His letters home make fascinating reading into life in a California gold mining town. Emerson is listed on the tax list for Steiner's Flat in 1858 and is listed on the 1860 census, age 24, a miner, born in Maine. He was registered to vote in May 1867 and was still living in Steiner's Flat. Benjamin was also listed in the 1860 census for Trinity County and was at Reading's Bar. (2)

PO Weaverville Trinity County California
I was up to weaver last Sunday. Moses is at work there he has had a felen on his finger and had it cut open and the bone scraped it is most well now he says he is coming Home when I do oh he must it may not be long before you see us coming up north street. Oh Annie I guess that I shall go up north street pretty soon (in a ( )) I am comeing to live with you and Charley you have my best wishes for a long and happy life.

Please except my love and it will be a shame if you do not put me in a frame.

Annie give my love to Mother and tell her that she is often thought of by her absent sons...... Emerson

This is done in haste for I have no time to waste. At 10 a child at 20 wild at 30 strong if ever At 40 wise at 50 sick At 60 good if ever. ET McCausland.

Soon as the daisy flowers bloom
And the woods are green and fair
Then I will leave my cabin home
And kill a grizzly bear.
I will climb to the peak of the mountain cliff
That bounds the sea girt shore
And listen to the eagle cry
As he skims its surface o'r

" Letter page 1,Letter page 2

"Steiners Flat Aug. 9th, 1861
Dear Brother
it is with pleasure that I find a few leisure moments to spare to answer your kind letter which I received some time ago but as I have been very busy I have neglected writing to you I had almost forgoten my fond Friends at Home but I received a letter from Annie last evening which was very interesting to me Tell Annie that I will answer it as soon as I can find time to rite a good long letter for I owe her more than one tell her to return my complyments for Friendship never spring up to die Well Mosey I will tell you how I am getting a long we have got the water all into the race and have got the head dam all most drye we have got the dryest head dam and race that ever has been on this river before we built the dam out of bed rock by putting the big rock on the lower side and run the fine rock on the upper side which settled into the rock and made it almost drye. We put up the overshot Wheel to day to pump out the hole we find it more faiverable than we expected to in regard to tailings above the dam it is drained so now that we can see bed rock. spurs sticking up all over the botom it will take two or three days to pump it out and by that time we will have the floom in and go to washing up. I am writing in the dining room just behind the shed it is 12 by 20 the top and sides is covered with lineing the men all sleeps in the cabin and are as lively set of fellows as ever was in the Northern mines there is ten of us now and there will be six more next monday our expenses has been rather large but we will soon be gin to prospect now. ( ) left the first of July he would not work any longer so I paid him $125. I was glad that he went for he was an old seceder. We do not want any of his kind. I have got Barker Peter Hanson, H. Wells. 2 Carrolls W. Palmer and Delong that big feller that came out with us. The sidny hill boys is coming down monday A N Dodge has cleared between four and five thousand dollars this winter good for Al. J. Ham is cleaning up and it is paing big. They will take out between sixty and eighty thousand dollars they have ( ) out now, he paid me the other day. Moses I hpe we will get paid for our trouble in the river and that I can have something to send to you. I have cooked for eight men and worked 10 hours in the claim a day for the last six weeks but we have a cook now and I have little easyer times since Send my love to Benj and tell him that I have not forgotten him. Tell Mother that those few lines from her in Annies letter was very interesting to me. Sind Mother my love and all the rest of the folks. I will write to you oftener and let you know how we get a long as we have just got started we can only hope for the best, from your ( ) brother Emerson."

Letter page 1,Letter page 2,Letter page 3

"Steiners Flat Sept 3rd 1861
Dear Brother Mosey
as I have an opportunity to write a few lines I am happy to inform you of my good health and I hope this will find you the same. I have not heard from Home for some time and it makes me feel rather lonesome not to hear from my dear friends at home. I presume it is with you as it is with me to have a good real to attend to as it is the buissyest point of the year. Well Moses I will give you a sketch of the Mines we are ( ) king for and we are getting along very well. we commenced washing week before last and took out $500 last week we took out $2450.00 yesterday and to day we have taken out $1,000. I think that we can take out over two thousand dollars this week we have taken out most four thousand dollars and we have paid up every thing on the company Acct for hired help and all of our expenses which was $2135.36 and it leaves us a little over eighteen hundred dollars for a dividend that is good isnt it for two weeks and a half we have paid every thing and our expenses will not be so much now we have 11 men working day times and 8 at work nights and our expenses is about sixty dollars per day. last wednesday we took out nine hundred dollars it is rather spotted we strip the ( ) and wheel the bottom up into the floom I washed two pans of dirt yesterday and got one hundred and fifty dollars I scraped up about half a pan of dirt on the bed rock to day and paned it out and got one hundred and thirty dollars that is a good prospect isnt it it is the richest ground that has been found in Trinity County if it keeps on paying as it is now I can soon have your claim all cleer I value your share at 2500. I shall sell it if I can this fall and send the money to you cheer up Mose and I will try and clear 2000 for you I hope that I can. as it is getting late I shall have to close I will write again soon. Tell Ben that I have not forgoten him and I will write as soon as I find a chance. Tell Annie not to look for a letter untill I get a better chance to write for I owe her a good long one. give my love to Mother and tell her that her son will come home just as soon as he can sell out and get ready to leave Cal or just as soon as he gets the river worked up to the water wwworks. one more year perhaps.

Accept my love from you Brother Emerson

give my love to James Norton tell him that his Father is trucking ice
there was a man shot in weaver last friday they have got the man that shot him and are going to hang him there was another man staked and cut most all to pieces there is a fight most every day in town"

Letter page 1,Letter page 2,Letter page 3

"San Francisco Oct. 20, 1861
Respected Brother
After having a long and a dusty ride I find my self in the City I arrived here nine days ago and I will be detained here about one week more before I can return to Trinity County. Business seems to be very lively in San Francisco and it makes me feel home sick when I think of going back to Steiners Flat. But it is no use talking I will have to go back to the mines. Brother Moses it has been some time since I have wrote to you and it is quite a long since I have had a letter from home. In my last letter I mentioned how the claim was paying I sold your claim the fifth of Sept. to Alexander Delong for 2500 dollars five hundred dollars down and two thousand as it come out after the company expenses. he paid me four hundred and fifty three dollars and I told him that I would call it even for the five hundred dollars. after I sold the claim it cleerd four hundred and seventeen 32 cts dollars to the time that we quit work that leaves fifteen hundred eighty two dollars and sixty eight cents due on the claim. the claim cleared a little over six hundred dollars from the time that we commenced washing to the time that I sold it
I received $600 $453. $417.32=$1470.32
you was debter= 1461.00
I will send you a bill of items. I know that you will be surprised when you see this and find that it has cost you so much. It has been a long time since you bought your claim and our expenses was very large. You have $1582.68 comeing to you on the claim. I shall go rite back to Steiners Flat and stay ther untill I get your money back. The company is trying to sell the water wheel to Charles Shoppe and company we will sell the water works for 1000 dollars the floom acrost the river is almost tumbled down and the diggings will never pay us to build new works if we can sell the wheel we will get water of whetstone ditch to work our claim if we can sel I will send you the money just as soon as I can get it we are going to trye the river a gain another year that will be the ( ) show for me to get that money for you for it would take a long time to get it out of the claim. I got out this fall with about twelve hundred dollars. I had eight last fall to start with & I had it in dust that is the reason that I am detained here so long waiting to get it coined (?) My health is very good I have not seen a sick day since you left. I have been very ( ) this summer and way one hundred and seventy. I expect to meet Fred here on his way to the states that is if he has sold out. He was about to sell when I came down. I shall go out and see Mr.Wellers before I go back although I expect that he would rather see the divile than me. I would like to come home this fall and see you and Mother keeping house we would have a good time wouldnt we. Give my love to Mother tell her that emmie will come home before a great while. I would come home this fall if the fair was not so high 180 second cabin. How does Ben get a long he has not write to me for six months. I shall write to him soon.
excuse haste your Brother ET McCausland"

Letter page 1,Letter page 2,Letter page 3,Letter page 4

"Steiner's Flat Mar 16, 62
Brother Moses
I received a letter from you the other evening bearing date Jan. twenty six. I was very glad to hear from home but sorry to learn that your health is so poor. I hope that you will get better soon. I received a letter from you and one from Benj about two weeks ago the first that I have received since Mr Norton left here. I have not wrote for some time not since the first flood as it has been almost imposible to get the mail here. you spoke about the flood. I will give you a sketch of it in Trinity County. The first raise was Dec. the second the water in the River was five feet higher than ever known by white men. the water raised fiver feet over the top of the bulk head and carried away boath wheels and all of the bulkhead but one post. it wasked away boath flooms acrost the river and the over shots wheels for draining the river claim with the tunle and all the other fixings required for working a river claim. we made out to save part of the floom and the pumps by working day and night by rowling them up the bank to keep them from going to humbolt. most every floom and wheels, bridges went on the river. in just one week along came the flood the water raised thirty six feet here and down in the canon partz it swept away every thing on the river. it washed away all of the floom clear up to the bank and sloosed of a lot of rocks and the bank on the point where you got the black dirt for Bates. its broke down those big trees standing on the bar by the water works it swept away quite a number of houses sores and thirteen men that was trying to save their property from washing away. it did not leave us a box nor a stick of any kind to start to work with it took the pumps and floom and did not leave us a peace of board to work the river with. since the big raise we have had three very high freshets from five to eight feet higher than known of before this winter. the mountains has slid so that it has filled up all of the water raises and stoped every one from work. these that can get a little water have not got lumber for there is no roads to get it from the mills. quite a number of comp that had good claims have left them. Sardine claim is abandoned and Whetstone will never build any more water works. Brand and red Bar company have bought the Browns Creek water from James Guessoot (?) and by diging a ditch about five or six miles they can get water outer their claims. they will build suspension works they will put their wire works acrost Niger hill the span will be fiver hundred feet. the estimated cost to bring the water outer their claims is ten thousand dollars which is as much as their claims is worth( ) that we have a few more freshets. We have been prospecting Brinker hill this winter and we did not get enough to pay the water bill the company is about three hundred dollars in det. we have bought some boxes of sardines and have got them all ready to go to wasking up that ground that we sloosed up last winter and if the weather is fair ( ) we will soon have things all right we will work to men ( ) the company to get all of the ground wasked up before we commence work in the river that will be the only show to get your money back it is rather heavy on Delong the man that I sold your claim to for the Company has lost four thousand dollars. you spoke about sending you some money as I sold your share and have received part of the money and as the remainder is due as it comes out after the compnay expenses I cannot possibly do any better for you than to keep working the claim as fast as we can untill the money comes out as we are all ready to go to washing up and the company is not more than two hundred and fifty or three hundred in det we may soon get that out and have a dividend is so I will send you the money as fast as I can get it. Brother Moses if I had any money by me I would be pleased to assist you but I do not know where I could get it at the present time. Please give my respects to all of the folks. I will close hopeing this will find you in good health
your aff brother
ET McCausland"

Letter page 1,Letter page 2,Letter page 3,Letter page 4,Letter page 5,Letter page 6

"Steiners Flat Apr 22 1862
Dear Brother
Yourse came to hand to day bearing date Mar 6 I was very happy to hear from home to learn that you was all well and a little surprised to learn that you have got married. I wish you and yourse along and a happy life. Moses you wanted to know what is the reason that I have not wrote to you. I have wrote to you and you must have received it by this time. Mose you know what a hard task it was for you to write when you was in California and that I was not far behind you never mind I will come and bring you one before long. Mosey in my last letter I informed you of the great floods that we have had here this winter which carried away every thing in the shape of water works on trinity River and that Bunker Hill was a failure and that we had commenced washing up in the bank claim which has proved a failure also. we commenced washing on the upper side by Brands line and it did not pay back only about half way to the bank we only find a little pay on the front we will only get enough to pay our winter expenses. we have Sluiced a large peace where you got the black dirt for Bates but it is so rocky it will never pay us to wash it up. the claim is not wourth working it will not more than pay for the water to wash it up. Moses you spoke about selling your claim. I have sold you claim I sold it to Alexander Delong last fall for twenty five hundred dollars five hundred dollars down and two thousand as it come out of the claim even and above companies expenses. The money that I received was just enough to balance your Acct in full I sent you the receipt in full of your Acct by mr Norton stating that there was fifteen hundred dollars comeing to you on the claim. Delong has had a man hired all winter to work here on his own expence trying to raise the money to pay you but we have not made a cent yet. you must want money very bad to offer three percent a month. that is more money than I have got. I have got a little money owing to me here and if I can get it I will send you two hundred as soon as possible. give my love to brother Benj and his and his Lady and his Daughter to. when I come home I will bring him a momento. also tell him that I will answer his letter soon. Give my love to Mother. moses I must close at once as the stage is about to leave. I intended to write a few lines in return for those in behalf of my Sister in law. they was very exceptible and I will answer as soon as an oppertunity may offer. Yourse with the best wishes and love ET"

Letter page 1,Letter page 2

"Steiners Flat May 4 1862
Dear Brother
As I have the means of complying with your request I am highly gratified to oblige you by forwarding you the sum of two hundred dollars by mail. the same to be without interest untill paid. Brother Moses I received yourse of Mar six the twentyeth of Apr and sent you an answer. The general news is there has nothing since occured of much importance only that Lewistown has burnt down I do not know whether Frederick establishment burnt or not I have not learned the particulars. Alvin(?) Dodge has been very sick in San Francisco all winter he has somewhat recovered and is on his way home. we are having a very delightfull spring. I will close by sending a few lines to Mrs. M.A. McCausland. Please give my love to Mother. When you write tell me how she is getting along with farming. I must answer Benj letter to night one that I received some time ago. Tell Annie that I have neglected writing to her so long that I do not know as I shall ever write to her again. Please give my Respects to all enquire Friends. yourse with much Respect
ET McCausland

Mrs. M.A. McCausland
Dear Sister
I return my thanks for those few lines that I received from you in Moses letter. As I have heard Moses speak of you when he was in California I was not surprised when I learned that he was married that Mercy Ann was his bride. As I am the only one left I shall have to dance in the Brass Kittle. I may tip over the frying pan and put the Beef steak on to broil before I get the fire built. As I did not have an invitation to the Wedding I must give you an invitation to dine with me tomorrow Eave to tea. Please excuse this as I am not a letter writer. Yourse with pleasure ET Mc

Letter page 1,Letter page 2

"Whetstone Bar Dec. 14, 1862
Dear Brother Moses
I hasten to answer your kind letter that I received last evening. I was much pleased to hear from Home and that Mothers Health is so good but was very sorry to learn that your Health is so poor you must take the very best care of your self and not expose your self by working hard nor lifting so as to effect your lungs. I learn from your letter that Emily is very sick wich is sad news to me it must be very hard for Benjamin. I hoped that they would be blessed with good Health and prosperity. Moses it has been some time since I wrote my last letter which was in May. I have neglected writing partly because I had nothing very interesting to write so waiting for a more faiverable opportunity to do so. I received one from you and Mother since I wrote by the way of Fred and as I was much hurried at the time I did not write I wanted to get through with the river claim as I did not know as I should stay here this winter. Moses I am sorry to inform you that the River Claim has proved to be a failure. We extended the race up two hundred and fifty feet and put in the head dam but the river was very high and we had a very heavy job to turn the river and as we lost all of the pumps wheels and flooms last winter by the flood our expenses was very large and we had from twelve to twenty men at work all summer encluding the company. we worked up to the dam and we only took out twenty two hundred dollars and our expenses was twenty five hundred dollars leaving the company three hundred in debt. we sold the Bank claim and water wright in Duttons Creek for two hundred dollars (the whole claim). after a very hard summers work we find our selves in debt. I have given Delong full possession of your claim as we intend to put in a wing Dam next summer. he was going to leave the claim as he said that the claim never would pay for it self. he has lost the five hundre dollars that he paid down and has had a hired man in the claim since last fall. I could not sell your claim for twenty five cts if I had taken it back. I told Delong that if he would help pay the compnay expenses that he could have the claim clear. since that I sold the bank claim for the company for two hundred and we are only one hundred dollars behind. Moses I have done the best that I could to get the money for you but the claim has proved to be good for nothing. I have done a very hard summers work besides working in the water most all of the time. working around the pumps wheels and flooms. there was a great deal of water to pump. we twisted of two ( ) and broke two wheels. I worked many a night after working all day so that the men could keep steady at work. I had every thing to look after. money wouldnt hire me to do another such a summers work. working on Sidney hill in Dodge drift was not half so bad. I must close this sheet by informing you of my good health and I do hope that your health will be much improved when this you see I wish you and yours and enquiring friends a happy new year.

Please give my love to Annie and Charles & tell them that I received their kind letter and I will answer it between this and new years

I must write to Benjamin very soon- my love to Benj

Give my love to Mother and tell her that I will write her a good long letter soon and I will tell her when I think of coming home. Good night Mosey"

Letter page 1,Letter page 2,Letter page 3

Moses was a farmer in Farmingdale when he enlisted in the Second Maine Cavalry 18 Dec. 1863 as a private soldier at Farmingdale by J.S. McCausland (his brother). He was described as 5'9" with a dark complexion, black hair, and hazel eyes. Moses was mustered into the service at Augusta 24 Dec. 1863 and was paid a bounty of $75.00. The regiment was under the command of Colonel Ephraim W. Woodman from Wilton, ME. Moses was in company or squadron L which was under the leadership of Captain Samuel H. Libby of Limerick, ME.(1)

"Whetstone Bar Feb 16 1864
Dear Brother
I received your letter a few days ago and I was very glad to get a letter from you for it has been a long time since I have had a letter from you. I was somewhat surprised to learn that you had enlisted in the Army as you are subject to the rheumatism so bad you will be much exposed to the stormy weather and it will be very bad for the romattics. you will be as much exposed as though you was in the mines. I am very sorry to learn that you have enlisted I am afraid it will be so hard for you. Brother Moses you stated in your letter that you wanted to send me that money that I sent you (I can never take that). you came to California and got sick and lost all of your money and had a very hard time. I thought that you would have been discouraged. I was in hopes that I could have made something in the river for you but we did not get any thing out after the first year and as the expenses on your shair was very large as you had a man hired so long what I sold your claim for and what come out was just enough to make you even with the prospect of the claim paying after the first year. the high freshit swept away every thing that we had we lost three hundred dollars last year and this year (1863) was a total failure. after we got in the head dam and wind dam we started the pumps. they lowered the water nine feet and we could not lower it any more so we quit and gave it up for a bad job. I have been very much disapointed in your behalf. I want you to except that money that I sent to you and that money that I requested Benj to pay to you as it is easier for me to pay you one hundred dollars than for you to pay me two. I want to see you get a fair start. I have got a very good claim here. it cost me fifteen hundred dollars besides bringing on the big ditch. when I bought it I only had seven hundred dollars. the claim is paying eight hundred dollars a day to the man (four partners) we will have our big ditch completed by the first of July. I will soon have the claim paid for. when the ditch is done the claim is well worth twenty five hudren dollars. I have no one but my self to look after and it is a pleasure to me to assist my Friends. Please except that as a present from your Brother Emerson and trye and locate some where where you can make you a home. I shall come home and make you a visit as soon as I get every thing settled up. I wrote to Benj last evening and I shall write to Annie and Mother soon. I received a fine present from Mother by Fred he is well. I send my love and best wishes to you and yours from ET McCausland

Charles Shoppe seys tell Moses to have that sixteen pounder [that would have been Uncle Wallace] grow up quick to take my place out here in the mines

P.S. Please direct to Douglas City Trinity County"

Letter page 1,Letter page 2

Flags of the Second Maine Cavalry

On 2 Jan. 1864 twelve squadrons were camped at Augusta where on 11 Jan. the order was received from the War Department assigning the regiment to the Department of the Gulf. They left Augusta and went to Portland where they were transported to New Orleans, loosing two men and 150 horses on the way.

On 16 April General Reynolds, Commander of the defenses at New Orleans, ordered all available companies to proceed to the front. Squadrons A and D and about half of G under the command of Maj. Miller had arrived and left immediately for Alexandria on the Red River where they arrived on the 21st. Upon their return on 13 May this detachment was assigned to duty with the 3rd brigade cavalry and was involved in several battles against General Dick Taylor during the march down the river at Cherryville Cross Roads, Marksville, Avoyelles Prairie and Yellow Bayou. This detachment rejoined the rest of the regiment at Thibodeaux 1 June.

The main body of the regiment arrived at New Orleans on 18,19,22 and 23 April and 7 May and stayed there until the 9th when they moved to the training camp at Greenville, LA commanded by Col. Woodman.

On 26 May the regiment was ordered to Thibodeaux where the headquarters remained until 27 July. Gen. McNeil who was in command at Thibodeaux found it necessary to break up the regiment. Squadrons F, M, C and I under Major Spurling moved immediately to Brashear City, squadrons B and H under Major Hutchinson to Tigerville and Chacahonla and squadrons K and L under Captain French moved to Napoleonville. Major Miller on rejoining the regiment was assigned to the command of the latter post by order of Gen. McNeil. At these points the regiment was involved in scouting and skirmishing around the La Fourche District.

About 1 July the regiment was again assembled at Thibodeaux under command of Lieut. Col. Spurling, as Col. Woodman was assigned to special duty.

On 27 July the regiment went by train to Algiers then to Greenville and on 3,4 and 9 August they left New Orleans for Pensacola, Fla. and arrived at Warrington navy yard 11 Aug. where they camped near Fort Barrancas.

On 12 Jan. 1864 Moses was admitted to the regimental hospital with catarrhus and was released the next day. From Feb. until July of that year Moses was on duty to assist the veterinary surgeon. After this time, tradition has it, he was assigned to be a cook. During this time Moses received $110.00 for his services. He was in the hospital 1 Sept. 1864 with rheumatism acutis and again on 3 Nov. 1864.(1)

On 3 Sept. Col. Woodman was ordered to the command of the 4th brigade cavalry consisting of the 2nd Maine, 1st Florida and a detachment of the 14th New York cavalry.

During the summer season the excessive heat of southern Louisiana with constant exposure to alternate rains and scalding sun along with living upon salt provisions with very little or no vegetable diet, drinking impure water and frequently sleeping upon wet ground in one of the most malarious districts of the country generated " intermittent, bilious, lung and typhus malaria fevers, chronic diarrhea, scurvy and other diseases". At one time they suffered so severly from sickness and disease that those who died or received their discharge so reduced their number that out of 989 not over 450 reported for duty. In forty days from 10 Aug. 62 men died in the regimental hospital, exclusive of those who died in general hospitals. In 35 days from 10 Aug. 100 cases of scurvy appeared. Chaplain Mason made known the facts to the people of Maine and succeeded in collecting and forwarding to the regiment a large and bountiful supply of vegetables and various other articles that they were in need of.

On 18 Sept. an expedition under the command of Gen. Asboth comprising 11 companies of the 2nd Maine under the command of Lieut. Col. Spurling (Col. Woodman was commanding the brigade in camp), two companies of the 1st Florida cavalry and two companies of the 82nd U.S. Colored Volunteers, left Barrancas on a raid into the interior of West Florida. Landing at Deer Point opposite Pensacola they marched 50 miles through a barren, sandy region. They met no rebel force until they reached Euchelia where on 23 Sept. the 2nd Maine surprised and captured 25 rebel cavalry who were enforcing a conscription. Col. Spurling was then sent with a small detachment of his command in another direction on a scouting expedition. The main column then pushed on for Marianna, the county seat of Jackson county, where they encountered the Confederates.

Letter of Private Davis concerning the raid on West Florida
Page 2

The 2nd Maine was in the advance with Major Cutler's battalion ahead. As they entered the town they were met by a volley from the rebel cavalry which killed and wounded several. The severe fire caused them to waver and fall back. Major Hutchinson's battalion was then ordered to charge with Majors Hutchinson and Cutler leading and driving the Confederates through the town. Charging down the street they found a barricade of wagons across it. They continued the pursuit when all at once the militia who were concealed in houses, churches and stores opened a furious fire. Major Cutler fell badly wounded, his leg broken, wrist fractured and with other wounds and had two horses shot from under him. Major Hutchinson was wounded in the foot and leg. Lieut. Adams, Co. M, was mortally wounded. Lieut. Moody, Co. L, was wounded in the thigh. The total casualties were 3 killed, 19 wounded and 10 missing. Major Cutler, Lieut. Adams and several enlisted men had to be left at Marianna being too badly wounded to bring away.

By this raid the regiment inflicted heavy damage on the Confederates, obtained a large supply of commissary and Quartermaster's stores, arms, 250 horses and mules, 400 head of cattle and 500 contrabands. Over 100 prisoners were taken in all; one Colonel, two captains and several Lieutenants. The city officials, judge and members of the court were also captured.

Moving to Point Washington the expedition returned to their camp at Barrancas arriving on 5 Oct. having been absent about three weeks. Lieut. Col. Spurling did not rejoin the main column until it reached Cerro Gordo on its return. He and his command came in with 15 prisoners, 50 horses, several teams and a large train of cattle, mules and contrabands having been gone five days and having traveled 125 miles.

Shorly after this expedition Lieut. Col. Spurling with a force of about 700 men made a raid on Milton. His object was to capture a force of cavalry but this was frustrated by disobedience of orders on the part of a co-operating force. The Confederates were routed and 13 were taken prisoners. On the return he destroyed many buildings and a considerable amount of stores, bringing away over 100,000 feet of lumber.

On 13 Dec. the regiment formed part of an expedition that made a raid into the edge of Alabama. The object of the raid was to destroy the large quantity of military stores and supplies supposed to be at Pollard, Alabama and to burn the trestle bridge of the Mobile and Charleston Railroad across the Escambia River.

Late in the afternoon Spurling left the main column and proceeded in advance with the 2nd Maine. His mission was to reach Pine Barren Creek and if possible capture the rebel picket stationed there. Lieut. Glidden was despatched with a small force to cross a short distance below and get in the Confederates rear if possible but the bad condition of the bridge, deep water and swift current prevented him from executing his plans. Two men were seen coming up the road and both taken, but the third man on duty at the bridge escaped. The bridge was repaired and the cavalry passed over and quietly awaited the arrival of the main column which came up in the evening. At 0300 on 15 Dec. the march was again resumed in the direction of Pollard, Alabama. After 15 miles they came to Bluff Springs where they encountered a small force of rebels who were routed and pursued to the Escambia River. After reaching it they found that the rebels had set fire to the bridge and appeared in considerable force on the other side. The cavalry dismounted to fight on foot, but there was no escape.

In the meantime 100 of the 2nd Maine were sent to take possession of another bridge about four miles up the Escambia. The town of Pollard was a depot of great importance filled with valuble warlike material. Within six miles of this town they came suddenly upon a station of the Mobile and Great Northern Railroad and captured the station master with 50 able bodied negroes who were workmen on the road. The railroad bridge which spans the river at this point was burned along with 1000 sacks of corn, the track torn up for a long distance and the trestle work was destroyed. After doing all further damage possible, they returned to the main column which had repaired the bridge burned in the morning and crossed over. Another skirmish took place within six miles of town with Capt. Roberts' Co. M in charge of two howitzers. The next morning the advance guard entered Pollard without opposition and everything that was of any value to the enemy was destroyed.

Having accomplished all that was intended the column took up the line of march back to Barrancas. Fearful that the rebels might get reinforcements from Mobile Spurling was sent to hold the bridge over the Escambia River. Upon reaching the bridge the planks had been torn up and a picket posted on the other side. The battery was placed in position and at daylight on the 17th they opened fire with grape and shell on the building which sheltered the Confederates. The infantry charged led by Col. Robinson of the 97th Colored Regiment. He was in command of the expedition and was severely wounded in the thigh. The command now passed to Spurling who as fast as the forces crossed the bridge placed them in line of battle and put them in motion, but after a short distance the enemy appeared in front. The engagement soon became general the column moving forward causing the Confederates to fall back for five miles trying to gain an advantageous position and give battle. They did not even take along their dead or wounded. They made many charges upon the train with a view of capturing it but they were repulsed and sent back. The last engagement took place at Pine Barren Creek which the expedition had to ford leaving four wagons and one ambulance behind. In this battle the 2nd Maine lost one killed and five wounded.

That Spurling was able to bring back the command encucmbered with a train of 50 wagons 60 miles through enemy country attacked almost every hour in front, rear and flanks by a force superior to his own in numbers is sufficient comment on his ability and qualities. Five times at different places the Confederates chose their ground and position and attacked with an equal force and were repulsed. The expedition having been a complete success the whole command returned to Barrancas arriving in camp on the 19th.

Col. Woodman being in command of the Fourth Brigade Cavalry division left the regiment in command of Spurling.

During the year the regiment lost by death 1 officer and 278 enlisted men but at the close numbered 46 commissioned officers and 931 enlisted men present and absent.

January 1865 found the 2nd Maine stationed at Barrancas with a detachment of 50 men under command of Capt. E.D. Johnson on duty at Pascagoula, Miss. They remained in Mississippi until 6 Feb. when orders were issued for their return. This detachment was involved in the attack upon the defences of Mobile by Major Gen. Granger in the months of Dec. 1864 and Jan. 1865.

The regiment remained at Barrancas during Jan. and Feb. On 23 Feb. Spurling with 300 men attacked the Confederates at Milton, Fla. and completely routed them. A number of them were killed or wounded and 30 were taken prisoner. Portions of the regiment almost daily successfully fought the Southerners at different and remote points. The rebels were always defeated their extended lines of defense continually broken, their means of communication cut off and their depots of supply destroyed.

Early in the spring the army under Major General Steele began to concentrate at Pensacola preparatory to the attack on Mobile which was to result in its capture and the opening of Alabama to Federal troops. On 19 March the army began to advance and Spurling was assigned to the command of a special cavalry expedition composed of 1,000 men with the 2nd Maine forming the most important part. By a circuitous and rapid march from Pensacola, Spurling struck the Alabama and Florida Railroad at Evergreen, Alabama 60 miles south of Montgomery, destroyed a large amount of rolling stock, captured two trains of cars (one of which was filled with soldiers), and destroyed the bridges and trestle work for many miles thus cutting off all railroad communication with Mobile and the country above. It was learned that Gen. Forrest had sent off 2,000 of his cavalry to intercept the expedition on its return to the army. Spurling succeeded in evading this force and communicated with Gen. Steele at Pollard. The 2nd Maine was immediately place at the front and formed the advance guard of the army during the march to Blakely, Alabama. When the army reached Stockton, about 20 miles above Blakely, the cavalry was sent forward by General Steele to open up communication with Maj. Gen. Canby commanding the forces besieging Spanish Fort when upon arriving near Blakely they were suddenly met by the Confederates. The 2nd Maine dismounted, fought on foot and drove the enemy over two miles. The entire command was then remounted and a charge resulted in the capture of nearly every man of the 49th Mississippi. The mounted portion of the regiment was often engaged with the Confederate cavalry while protecting the rear.

After the fall of Mobile the mounted detachment of the regiment was assigned to duty with the 16th Army Corps being the only cavalry in that force of 30,000 men. The detachment was placed at the front and kept Gen. Smith informed of the strength and movements of the Confederate forces during the 200 mile march to Montgomery continuously driving before them the broken and demoralized fragments of the rebel army. Subsequent to their arrival at Montgomery and the cessation of hostilities small detachments were sent into the most turbulent localities to preserve harmony between the freedmen and their former masters and to suppress any insurrectionary movements which might take place. In August the detachment was ordered to return to Florida and rejoin the regiment at Barrancas.

Moses was again in the Barrancas Hospital with rheumatismus from 30 April 1865 until 26 July 1865.(1)

During the months of August, September, October and part of November the regiment was broken up and small detachments stationed at various points throughout Western Florida under the command of Lieut. Col. Spurling, Majors Miller, Hutchinson and Cutler and Captains Merry and Allen.

In November the order for the muster-out of the regiment was received when Col. Woodman who had for some time been in command of the District of West Florida and also of Middle Florida made the necessary arrangements for the force's concentration at Barrancas. By 1 Dec. the entire regiment was gathered together and on the 6th mustered out of service by Lieut. E.M. Schryver, Assistant Commissary of Musters. Twenty-five officers and about 116 enlisted men were discharged in Florida to become residents of the South taking an oath of their intention to remain there and receiving miliage in lieu of transportation. On the evening of the 8th the remainder of the regiment comprising 14 officers and 500 enlisted men under command of Major Hutchinson sailed by the steamer "General Barnes" from Pensacola Harbor for New York City where it arrived on the morning of the 15th. The final payment and discharge of the regiment was completed at Augusta on Thursday 21 Dec. 1865. Moses received $43.69 on his clothing account and also a $300.00 bounty.(1)

Moses returned to his family and home on Northern Ave. in Farmingdale. In 1884 he applied for a pension due to his disabled condition.

Moses McCausland's Military Records

Page 1, Page 2 , Page 3 , Page 4 , Page 5 , Page 6 , Page 7 , Page 8 , Page 9 , Page 10 , Page 11 , Page 12 , Page 13 , Page 14 , Page 15 , Page 16

Moses' discharge papers

Pension papers- page 1, page 2, page 3,page 4,page 5,page 6,page 7, pension application

"Douglas City Mar 10th 1866
Dear Brother
I received your letter last Sunday and one from John with his pickture he looks finely I have wrote to him to night. I was very glad to hear from you to learn that you was well and the rest of the Folks. I was much pleased to learn that you had purchased a farm to make you a home. I often thought of you while your was in the army you must have had a very hard time of it you must not work to hard on your new place so as to get lame a gain. I think that you made a good trade it is as much land as you want to take care of. if you work to hard you will be lame all of the time. I hope that you will enjoy good Health and Prosperity. you spoke of that three hundred dollars you will please except that from you Brother as first intended. Truely I have not thought of it being paid back to me since I gave it to you. I want you to foret all about it and we will call it ( ) I would like to see that big boy of yours. perhaps I shall in about a year. wouldn't I have a good time to make you a visit I guess that I should stay longer than I did before when I was at Home. I was glad to learn that Annies Health is improveing and that Charles has got so as to be sound again he must have had a very hard time of it. he has been lame so long. I owe them a letter since last fall. Benjamin has had il health it has been hard for you all. I must write to him soon. I send Johns letter in his cair. Give my love to Mother. We have had five very high freshits this winter. it covered our ditch all over twice this winter. we have been working on the ditch ever since last December. I do not think we can get the water on to the Claim before July. bad luck. Charley Shoppe has killed nine deer this winter. vensen at the hole sale. Well I must close. the fire has gone out and it is very cold. yourse in haste. from your Brother ET McCausland. my love to you and yourse. Give my love to Fred and his Folks."

Letter page 1,Letter page 2

"Mortgage Deed from Moses B McCausland to Martha Wakerfield

Kennebec Registry of Deeds received february 22nd 1867... recorded in Book 263 page 136- Attest: J.A. Richards, Register

Kennebec Registry of Deeds Discharge received march 16 1875 and recorded on the marjin of the record of the within mortgage Attest P. M. Fogler Register

Gardiner March 15th 1875
Rec'd the amount due on the within mortgage and I hereby discharge the same
Martha Wakefield

Know all men by these presents that I Moses B. McCausland of Farmingdale in the county of Kennebec yeoman in consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars to me paid by Martha Wakefield of Gardiner in the said County wife of Henry Wakefield the receipt whereof do hereby acknowledge do hereby give, bargain, sell, and convey, unto the said Martha Wakefield her Heirs and Assigns forever a certain lot or parcel of land lying and being in said Farmingdale and bounded as follows ( ) beginning on North Street on the Southerly line of said street at the North East corner of land of Hannah Johnson thence Easterly on the Southerly line of said street fifty-eight and one fourth rods thence South fifty-nine and three fourths rods to a stake and stones, thence South westerly sixty two and one half rods to land of the said Hannah Johnson- thence on the East line of said Johnson land Eighty two and one half rods to the place of beginning... and defend the same against the lawful claims and demands of all persons excepting a mortgage this day given by me to James S. McCausland... In Witness whereof, I the said Moses B. McCausland have hereunto set my hand and seal this second day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six

Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of
Geo. W. Wilcox
Moses B. McCausland..."

Mortgage page 1,page 2 page 3

"Mortgage Deed
from Moses B McCausland to James S. McCausland
Kennebec... March 7th 1867... recorded in Book 263, page 162
Attest: J.A. Richards Register

Registry of Deeds Kennebec County Assignment received March 16, 1875... and recorded in Vol. 286 page 390
Attest P.M. Fogler Register Paid

Kennebec ss Registry of Deeds Discharge received March 16.1875 and recorded on the margin of the record of the within mortgage
attest. P.M. Fogler Register

Gardiner Sept. 14 1874
Recd the amount due on the within mortgage and hereby discharge the same
S. Bowman

Know all Men by these Presents
That I Moses B. McCausland of Farmingdale in the county of Kennebec Yeoman in consideration of the sum of Three hundred dollars to me paid by James S. McCausland of said Farmindale... I do hereby.... sell... onto the said James S. McCausland... a certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in said Farmingdale and bounded as follows to wit beginning on North Street in the Southerly line of said street at the North east corner of land of Hannah Johnson thence easterly on the southerly line of said street fifty eight and one fourth rods. thence South fifty nine and three fourths rods to a stake and stones & thence South westerly sixty two and one half rods to land of said Hannah Johnson thence on the east line of said Johnson land eighty two and one half rods to the place of beginning... the said Moses B. McCausland... pay to the said James S. McCausland... the sum of Three hundred & fifty four dollars in two years from this date...I the said Moses B. McCausland have hereunto set my hand and seal this second day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty six
Moses B. McCausland
... in presence of George W. Wilcox... justice of the peace

For a Valuable consideration to me paid by ( ) Bowman of Gardner the receipt whereof is herby acknowledged & do hereby transfer sell @ assign to said Bowman all my right letter @ interest in ( ) as the note belonging to the same to have @ to hold the same to said Bowman his heirs @ assigns forever
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand @ seal this 2d day of October AD 1866
James S. McCausland
In presence of J. Maxey... justice of the peace"
Mortgage page 1,page 2, page 3, page 4

"Lejous Iowa May the 24 1868
Dear Brother and Sister
I will answer your kind letter. I aught to have written before but you will forgive me I no. I hope this will find you all in good helth. dear brother you was so kind to tell those things. I was sorry to trouble you but could not git there to do it my self. I shall remember all this you are doing for me Mosey. I will tell you how it was with me. I borrowed monney before I was married for things I needed and did not let R.L. no it for I wanted to git what I wanted before we was married my self and I wished to say the same. I have not payed all of it yet. It cost me a good deal for you no I had to pay every thing I had one side and I owe William Seven 7 dollars I got of him in boston when I came threw. I do not want my Husband to pay those bills for I think it is my place to pay them. I have every thing I wish for and could have the money to pay that but I want to pay them my self. has benja got the pay for the wagon yet. I thought perhaps you could git enough to send william that seven dollars. for I feal ashamed to have him wait any longer. tell benja if he has got the returns to send to william the same if conveanant have you sold eny thing else yet for I feal anxious to pay up all my old dets. I was surprised to heare you had sold that old carpet for I gave that to you Annie. please to keep that close basket. Mother gave me choise for I do not wishe to part with it. Those other baskets ( ) so and ( ) you can have to do as you wish with them. also eny thing Annie wants I will give her of those small things do not let eny one have that paring machine for I wish to always keep it while I live. See that it does not rust eny if you will. I will enclose a letter to Mother and you may read it for I wrote about my sickness and will not ( ) it in hear for it is late and I cannot write much more dear sister do write me for you do not no how dreadfully I want to hear from you see. tell Benja and Hannah to write I have ( ) looking for a letter from them for some time I have not heard a word from home since you and benja wrote to ( ) and write me before you ( ) the second time. write all the news.
Monday morning
I will try and finish this letter I went to ride last Eave and had a splended one to. I wished I could call on my friends at home but it was late and we did not git as fare from hear as that. My love to all. RL joins in sending love to you all. he is out in the Nursery to work now. oh the delishious fruits I wish I could send you some of it. Our love to Benj and Hannah. good by this time from your sister Annie. Pleas Kiss the children for Aunt Annie and Uncle Rufus."

Letter page 1,Letter page 2

"Douglas City Feb the 8, 1869
Dear Brother Moses
How do you do I hope this will find you all at Home in good health. my health is very good. I am tending Smiths Toll Bridge. I framed the bridge & had very good luck every stick went & no dutchmen about it. the Bridge is six hundred feet long five spans. the longest one is one hundred & five feet long. it cost five thousand dollars. I & my partners put in a dam at red Bar last summer 240 feet long & 15 feet high. the water is rolling over it now nice & smooth it is the best dam ever put in here. cost $1500. dollar. it has been the mildest winter that I ever knew. Well what are you doing this winter why don't you write & tell me how you are getting along. give my love to Dear mother. I will come & see her just as soon as I can sell my claim & take a sly glance of you
good night from your Brother ET McCausland
for his Brother Moses B. McCausland gardiner Maine
I send my love to you & M.A. Mc & all of the little ones. By By"

Letter page 1

"Douglas City Nov 27 1869
My Dear Brother Moses
I received yours two weeks ago & was very glad to hear from Home but was very sorry that you have worried about me so much. I think that I am much better than you have been informed & in regards to my comeing home & could come well enough if my business affairs would admit. I have got several hundred dollars debts to pay before I can start for home. that is all that keeps me here. I will tell you what I am doing. I am tending Smiths Bridge & cooking for his men. Smith is away part of the time & I have all of his Business to attend to. he went off with his teame this fall & left me to build one hundred & thirty four feet of new bridge. I laid of every stick & had the men to fraim the timber & then I took the men & raised it & every stick was a purfect fit. I got much credit for the job. besides tending the Bridge & cooking I do lots of work. I repair sewing machines & fix clocks & saws & make gloves. I have sewing machines sent to me by Express for twenty miles. I get lots from Weaver. a gentleman sent a word from weaver that he had a very nice machine & it was out of order & if I would come up he would come after me with his Buggy. I sent for the machine by Express & put it in good order & sent it back. I have fixed over 75 clocks this summer. my work last week amounted to twenty seven dollars. I buye buck skins & have them dressed & make them up into Gloves & I get two dollars & a half a pair for all that I can make & there is twenty pairs ordered a head. I am making a machine to make Gloves with & I thinke that when I get it done I can make One hundred dollars per month with it. I have three clocks & one sewing machine & one saw & three pairs of Gloves ready for the trade. I have to set up untill 9 every night. that is the time to make gloves. I work 16 hours per day. I guess that some of the well ( ) would complain to do the work that I am doing dont you Mose. I have told you just what I am doing so you can judge for your self in regards to my bone & mussle
I wish you a very Good Night Brother Moses & Sister M.A. & the little folks
Tell Benj not to come out here for me for I could not come any sooner for it. Give him my love & keep a ( ) for Mose
I will trye to write to mother soon. Tell Mother that I am getting better all the time.
Please wright immediately or tellegraph at wonce whether you get this or not. if you think there is going to be an Earth quake or if the Comit is likely to come down."

Letter page 1,Letter page 2

"Weaverville Dec. 16, 1872
My Dear Mother & Father
I received your very kind letter a few days ago and was very glad to hear from you to learn that you are well. I was very glad to hear from Home to hear from all of the Folks is a great blessing to me. I am happy to inform you that my health is much improved. I attend to my jewelry store and to the treasurers office and I have a great deal of repairing clocks watches and jewelry to do so that I am as buisey as a bee for the past year I have not had hardly time to eat my meals my work is very light. Dear Mother you was so very kind to send me such a very nice letter I wish that I could see you to have a good long talk with you. Mother I send you a small Christmas presant a Poste Office order for the sum of thirty dollars. Please give my love to all the folks. I hope that this will find you well. I send lots of love to you & Father Wakefield. Please excuse haste from your son Emerson T. McCausland. I wish you a very good Night."

Letter page 1 "Weaverville Feb 17 1873
Dear Brother Moses
I am tired of waiting to get a letter from you I have not had one from you for a very long time. I wrote to you last winter and sent a few lines to little Carrie and a gold dollar to Carrie in your letter & I have not heard any thing about it since. I guess that you did not get the letter. I sent Mother a poste office order of thirty dollars last Christmas & I sent to sister Annie a package valued at twenty five dollars by express the first of Jan 1873 directed to north Marshfield Mass and I have not heard from them. Brother Moses I want you to write to me as soon as you get this and tell me how all of the folks is and what you are doing and where is Brother Benjamin and why does not he write to me. tell me where Fred Mc is and all of the Boys. My helth is quite good. now I am very buisey at work in my shop & treasury office. I hope this will find you well. Please excuse haste. give my love to all of the folks & accept a large shair for yourself & Family. yours Respectfully E.T. McCausland"

Letter page 1,Letter page 2

The Steamship Ferry "Star of the East" at Steamboat Wharf in Gardiner c. 1870
The ferry was built in New York in 1865 and made the Gardiner to Boston run twice weekly. It was rebuilt in 1891and renamed "Sagadahoc". It continued to operate until 1902.

"Weaverville July 26th 1876
To Mr & Mrs Moses B McCausland
My Dear Brother & sister how may times I have wanted to set down & write to you to let you know that I was all ready to shart for Home. but I have not had the pleasure untill this eavening. I shall leave here for Home Aug. 1st & I hope that I will have the pleasure to see you by the middle of the month. I received Mrs MA kind letter. I think that you are a very little impatient about my comeing home. I know that I have been absent for a few days. only seventeen years. the time has passed quickly by & I will soon find myself on my journey Home I hope that this will find you all well. from your Brother Emerson
I have wrote to Nellie Carleton & to Mr & Mrs Farnum & to Brother James & to Mother & your letter this eavening. please excuse this short letter my health is quite good."

Letter page 1 "Mortgage Deed
from M.B. McCausland to Gardiner Savings Inst. dated November 21 1876... Book 312 page 146
Attest P.M. Fogler Register...

Kennebec ss: Registry of Deeds Discharge received June 4. 1879 and recorded on the margin of the record of the within mortgage
Attest P.M. Fogler Register Paid

Know all Men by these Presents, That I Moses B. McCausland of Farmingdale County of Kennebec & State of Maine in consideration of Four hundred fifty dollars paid by the Gardiner Savings Institution... I do hereby... sell... unto the Gardiner Savings Institution... a certain parcel of land situate in said Farmingdale and bounded as follows, to wit beginning on North Street on the southerly side thereof at the Northeast corner of land of Hannah Johnson: Thence easterly on the southerly side of said street 58 1/4 rods- thence south 59 3/4 rods to a stake & stones- thence southwesterly 62 1/2 rods to land of said Johnson thence on the east line of said Johnsons land 82 1/2 rods to bounds first mentioned being the same premises conveyed to me by two several deeds viz. one from Rinaldo Robbins dated Feby 1, 1866 recorded book 260 p16. the other from B.U. McCausland recorded book 260 p.17... the said Moses B. McCausland.... pay to the said Gardiner Savings Institution... the sum of Four Hundred & fifty dollars in three years... with interest on said sum at the rate of seven & three tenths...
In witness whereof I the said Moses B. McCausland and I Mercy A. wife of the said Moses B.... have set their hands and seals this Twenty first day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-six
M.B. McCausland
Mercy A. McCausland
In presence of ( ) Lewis... Justice of the Peace".

Mortgage page 1,page 2 page 3 page 4

"Weaverville Jan 7th 1877
Dear Brother Mosey
How do you all do. I received your kind letter some time ago and was very buisey and neglected to answer. will you please excuse the long delay. I suppose that you are snowed in and have not much to do but to feed the piggie and the cow and the little pony. we are having the hardest winter for the miners that I have every seen here. there is not one bit of snow on the highest peaks and no rain plenty of cold foggy weather. my health is very good I am at work every day. it hardly seems as though I have been at Home. it seems only like a dream. I was gone two months and it seems only a few days. what a terrable railroad accident ther was in Ohio lately 100 lives lost & 60 wounded. what a dredfull acident at the Brooklyn theatre New York 300 poor soles perished. we hardly know when we are safe. we do not know what is comeing next. I suppose that Hayes will be our next President what a time they are having about it. Is all of your little ones well. how is Mrs M.A. and how is your rhumatism. how is Brother Benj & his little family I hope that you are all well. tell Alvin that he is a little Machanic. tell Robert Emerson that he is a little brick. Walter is a good farmer I will tell you about the rest of them next time. How does Mother like living at Peabody. I hope that she is not sorry that she left Mr. Wakefield. I sent her thirty dollars a short time ago I will send her some more when she wants it. How is Aunt Hannah. I need a good long letter from Cousin Hannah. I shall answer soon. Please write all of the news. I shall try and come home in two years for ( ). I have sold seven nice gold watches and gold chaines since I come back for over eleven hundred dollars. nice sails wasnt it. I am at work every day at the watch bench. I wish that you could see my nice tools. I wish you a very good Night & a happy new year from your Brother E.T. McCausland"

Letter page 1,Letter page 2

"Peabody July 11th 1878
Dear Brother
I guess that is is about time to write a few lines to you to let you know how I am getting along. I am at work on my contracted cords and when I get them all straight I shall come down Home. I do not like to travel around much untill I get them healed up it hurts me so and the stiller that I keep the quicker they will heal. Oh isnt it awful hot weather. it is enough to wilt us down in the shade. Mother is getting along nicely. she goes out every morning to walk. she is out now makeing her morning calls. she has got wonderful nice neighbors. so meny call to see how she is getting along. it is a splendid neighborhood. Annie is in the shop. she has got to be quite an engineer. she works so many hours I should think that it would wair her plum out but she is quite well & strong. Saddie is flying around on her tiptoes singing and is full of like. I hope that this will find you all well. I will write to Brother Benj in a few days. tell all enquireing friends that I am getting along nicely. I shall not come down untill you get through haying. you will be so buisey I shall wait untill you get through with your work. I have my model about half done. the weather was so hot and it make me so lame to work on it that I quit work on it until it gets cooler then I can ( ) finish it. you must not work to hard this hot weather. give my love to your good Lady and to all the folks. Brother Will is quite well & Lucinda. John is well & all of the folks but Wilder he is quite slim. I was out to tea with one of my old California friends mr Pope last night. Charley Davis has been to see me. he is a Weaverville boy. from your Brother E.T. McCausland
Mother recieved your letter the other day. she received $75.00 yesterday on the Wakefield estate and signed a deed in full."

Letter page 1,Letter page 2

In the 1880 census both Emerson and his mother Martha had moved back to Farmingdale and were living with his brother Ben and his family. Moses and Mercy are also listed in the 1880 census for Farmingdale along with their children Wallace, Mattie, Alvin, Hannah, Emerson, May, Fred and Dexter

Edwin Arlington Robinson lived in Gardiner and graduated from Gardiner High School in 1888. His short, dark, psychological "Tilbury Town" poems are based on the people, places and incidents that occurred while Robinson lived there. This graduation portrait from Gardiner High was taken in 1888. He was about the same age as Uncle Alvin and Aunt Lou... might they have known him? Were some of the family the basis for some of his poems? I hope not!

"I have been sick considerable you know but I can truly say it has been good for me for it has been a great source of education to my spiritually. I has enlarged my Soul, brought me into closer union with Christ and whereas I used to hope to be saved now I find it possible to live conscious of being saved. Little by little He has taught and led me onward and upward till now I realize our most earnest endeavors should be for heavenly things. Subordinating the affairs of this life because they are so transient and of no permanent value to us unless made to serve as instruments for higher good. But how blessed to live each day Striving to overcome for is it not said "He that overcometh will I grant to set with me in my kingdom even as I have overcome and sit with my Father in his kingdom". Oh the blessed truth. How little happiness should we have were it not for our perfect trust and faith in our heavenly Fathers promises. I am hopeing and praying daily for you dear Uncle that you are enjoying the Saviors presence and that you may be able to do ( ) of young people and all with whom you are brought in contact the good you did me and more for the longer we live and are taught of Christ so are we better able to teach and lead others. I found I needed the pruning to fit me for my duties as a Sunday School teacher and that Jesus teaches me first that I may be able to impart to others or give the Spirit freedom through me to the hearts of others. I have not been out all winter but my class are trying with me to see how near we can live to Christ each day marking upon the calendar our success but I seldom get more than a half mark for if one takes Christ as the pattern and compares his or hier life with it there will be a great contrast. To be always cheerful and agreeable through every trial even as Christ when he suffered betrayal and crucifixion without even a murmur to seek constantly avenues for doing good- to keep in mind Cor XIII- IV to VIII- to constantly aspire to the perfect example. Have we not a life work and to think that while we are thus building we are being used for the higher good of some one else- does it not give us courage? I cannot see the old home friends often now but I have begun to think well there will be a reunion in heaven and what has been dear here will no doubt be endeared there. I should like to hear from you very much dear Uncle Moses can not you write me a short letter? My folks have a large place in my heart. Dear Aunt Annie how is she? I shall be glad to hear she has kept well through this winter. Poor May has had the measles and perhaps Cousin Fred Dexter and baby Edith. I should just like to see you all. ( ) long and welcome letter I shall try to ( ) I am anxious for Alvan's address as I think I will write to him again trying for a reply once more. Aunt Ellen keeps quite snug for Nellie's baby has been poorly all winter and now Nellie is her self sick caused by going to make a call and sitting in a partially heated room. May's health is poor also her blood is not good- Dr says she needs building up. Cousin Martin is having a little rest now which he needed greatly They are coming down to spend the evening soon I expect. He is a noble man and Clemie is a lovable woman. I should be so much pleased to have my Uncle Moses and wife come and see us Sometime. Perhaps you do love me enough to come. I hope so. Benja. is quite well and I am better although do not go out. Now please accept this letter as a partial experession of my love and interest in you and hopeing to hear you are getting real well."

Letter- page 1,Letter- page 2,Letter- page 3,Letter- page 4,Letter- page 5,Letter- page 6

"Winthrop, Me April 10, 1890
Dear Comrade
At the State Encampment of the GAR held at Augusta Feb. 3 and 4, twenty of the members of the Second Maine Cavalry Regiment met and organized an Association to be called, The Second Maine Cavalry Association.

The object of forming such an Association is to meet once a year, at least, to renew our former acquaintances and talk over old times.

We all realize that many of the Second Maine Cavalry who were mustered out of the service "have fought their last battles through and are laid to rest"; therefore we most earnestly urge all surviving members to join this Association.

The following Officers were elected for the year ensuing: L.K. Litchfield, Company I., President; Lieut. W.H. Moody, Company L., M. Morrill, Company I., R.W. Withee, Company M., Vice Presidents; Geo. R. Smith, Company K., Secretary; Capt. Moses French, Company K., Treasurer.

The Association voted to place the membership fee at the small sum of fifty cents; therefore, all members of the Second maine Cavalry who will send the Secretary that sum, will become members of the Second Maine Cavalry Association.

Due notice will be given of the next meeting, at which we hope all will be present.

Your in F.C. and L.
Geo. R. Smith, Secretary

" On the reverse side of this notice is written the following:

"I received your letter with much pleasure in regard to the 2d Me Cav. As which I am much pleased to join. I will in close in this letter 50cts worth of stamps as I cannot get a PO order for so small amount so will have to send the stamps."

GAR letter, Page 2

After his death Mercy Ann applied for a widow's pension. So slow were the wheels of the Washington bureaucrasy turning that Mercy wrote the following letter to the pension office:

"Farmingdale Jan 30th 1893

Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir

I recieved your postal in July stating my claim had been acknoledge, No and title of claim 552298 Private 2d Me Cav Co. L. It may not do eny good to write, but will tell you that one soldier was not selfish, my husband Moses B. McCausland before he applied for a pension from the time he came out of the army he suffered terrible with rhumatism and heart trouble he would be every year three and four months at time be so he could not do but a very little work and I would have to assist him to dress so he could go to work and then he said he would not ask the Government to help him as long as he could take care of his family but eight years ago he was unable to work and then he applied and he did not have any trouble in getting a pension and then two years ago I was taken with the tyfoid fever and four others of my family and I lost my eye so I unable to do a great deal of work and then my husband one year ago last Oct. fell and broak his color bone and the rhumatism set so he could not do any thing (it being his right arm) untill he died and in four months my little son died and then my other son was taken sick and was sick for a long time and with all our sickness our expence has been auful large and it will take all we have laid up to pay my debts and I have two small children that are unable to urn thair own living, so I thought I would write and see if you could help hasten my pension for I am realy in need of it if you can you will have the prayers of the widow and fatherless please excuse this long letter you may think I am like all others that send to you, but I am know imposter what I have writen are postive facts, please pardon me if you think me unwomanly in writing to you but assist me if it is in your power and I will be greatfully obliged.

yours with Respect

Mrs. Mercy A McCausland

P.O. address Gardiner, Me

Box 142" (1)

"See Dr. KP Strout and Dr. Fred Strout and ascertain whether, in their opinion the paralysis of which he died was the result of the heart disease & rheumatism. They need not give an affidavit at present. Also get copy of the affidavit of dr. Sawyer from Mr. Wadsworth. Send those to me and I can then tell you whether it is of any use to try the case under the old law. What is date Wadsworth gave of Soldier's death? what is exact date of marriage. Soldier's death May 11 1892 Marriage Feb. 11 1862"

Letter from lawyer page 1

In June 1893 the family farm was valued at $1550.00 with a mortgage of $878.00. Mercy also had $300.00 in outstanding bills.(1)

"Camden. Oct 6. 1893
My Darling Mother and all, I will write you a few lines as I aught to before but was tired when work was done so's have been in every night but last Saturday I went to a dance it did not cost me any thing. they have not sent me any since I have been here they owe me 22 dollars tomorrow night. Well Ma how do you all do I am all right I don't know how long we will be here I like best of any place I ever was in. I am a farmer I will stick to it I like the country. this is a country place. I have got a nice place to board the mans name is Frank French they are nice folks. how is HL getting along I make Griffin stay in every night and dont give him a chance to get any thing to drink all though he would like to, he don't like it if he goes ( ) I go to. but after I tell him I am doing it for his good he will thank me and tell me to keep right on. Willey was good when we got here a week ago Monday noon he took us to the Bay View House to diner and paid for it. went back Tuesday the last word he said was look out for Griffin and laught. The folks are all away to night but Grif and I have had an awful cold some ( ) we have got an other job here to do so I dont know when I will get through Ma I am going to save my money tell May I will write her soon. give my love to all and keep a good share for yourself so good by and please excuse my writing I must close. from you loving son one who thinks of you all often- Em
Box 313 Camden Me write as soon as you have a chance."

Letter page 1,Letter page 2

Mercy Ann was also working on her garden as the following seeds were on her list:

Seed list- Page 1, Page 2

"Odd Fellows Home
Worcester, Mass
Feb. 27, 1900

Mrs. Mary A McCausland
Gardiner Maine
Bro. Alvin Libby died this evening- He had a shock and was so old (78) he could not rally- His Lodge will no doubt bury him in the Family lot Mt. Hope Cemetery Roxbury- Thursday the first of March-
Should you wish for further particulars about Bro. Libby I shall be glad to give them.
Sincerely yours-
G.H. Jefts Supt."

"Farmingdale Mar. 5th 1900
Dear Mother-
I am in rather poor circumstances to write as I have no paper or pen. Thought I must explain here is the litter concerning Uncle Alvins death and it seems that Charlie McCauslands mother got the letter and opened it and this morn he carried down to A.W. Peaslees to Bert and he had gone to Togus so Arthur wanted to know if Alvin knew anything about it and gave it to him and so here it is. Will write more next time. Write when you can
From your daughter & son
Lillian & Alvin"

Notice of Alvin Libby's death, Page 2

"Old Fellows Home
Worcester Mass March 5, 1900
Dear Friends,
My wife is writing to you of Br Libbys sickness I write of his funeral. he was brought to the Home Friday Morn the 2nd and the funeral was at 9 oclock in the morning after the service his body was carried to Boston to be buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery where his wife lies. the supintendant going with it. the funeral services was conducted by the salvation Army consisting of two men and five women. it was very affecting the paid a high tribute to him they spoke with much feeling of him as a Christian and a brother ( ) interest he to in behalf of his Saviour they told of the last time he came to meeting how he could hardly walk and that he could barely arise to his feet to testify his love of his saviour. All the Brothers that were able to down stairs were there and many tears were shed they sang home sweet home. Safe in the arms of Jesus and neare my God to thee. the Casket was covered with black broad cloth lined with white satten. He looked very nice and clean. All the brothers in the Home had a respect for Brother Libby. we miss him as he used to make our room his home in the day time but he has gone to a better home where there is no more pain or sorrow.
( ) Home but God knew best being left a lone I could not have taken care of him as he was, why I write to you this is eny one might think I was cruel harted not to be more attentive to him I used to write often but he did not read them a right to understand them. I used to write for him to let you read them to him but he thought I suppose that he could read as well as he used to as his mind began to fail. Oh, how he trusted you. he told may you was like a mother to him God bless you my Brother and sister and may you have all the kindness and some one to take the best care. may says if you could only see mr and mrs Gilson you would love them and indeed I do for taking such lovely care..."

Notice of Alvin Libby's death, Page 2

"The Rochester German Insurance Company of Rochester, New York... in consideration of two dollars... does insure Mrs. Mercy A. McCausland... against loss or damage by fire to the amount of Two hundred dollars.... in frame dwellinghouse and additions situate #56 Montreal St., Portland, Maine... 9th day of Sept. 1903" Number 56, Montreal st. is where William and May Martin were living at the time of the 1900 census, however, Mercy was not listed on that census report.

Home Owner's Insurance policy page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Bill for undertaking services Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

"Mr McCausland bought of Preble & Keene General House Furnishers, undertaking a speicality
Services of Undertaker and use of Mdse..... 10.00"

10.-
Feb. 15th 1905

Received of Alvin L. McCausland
Ten Dollars- no/100
for singers & team to Mrs. M.B. McCauslands funeral-
Arthur H. Lander

Gardiner February 16 1905
A.S. Mcauslin
ED Tasker

To hacks from train 4.00
Six Hacks for Funeral 24.00
of Mrs. M.B. Causlin 28.00
Recived Payment
ED Tasker"

"Gardiner Granite and Marble Works...
Estate of Mercy A. McCausland head stone $28.00
Paid Gardiner Marble and Gr. Works
By Emma Preble"

"Est. Mrs. M.B. McCausland
To Oak Grove Cemetery Asso., Dr.
E.C.H. Smith, Supt...
1905 May 17 For the funeral of Mrs. McCausland 10.00
recd pay ECH Smith"

"Portland Maine Mar 6-05
Mercy A. McCausland Estate

Bath Bank 32.86
Pocket Book 9.62
Lou Cobb Note 75.00
Gardiner Bank 42.98
Portland Bank 11.60
172.06
142.00
______
30.06

Bath undertakers $70.00
Transportation and minister 10.50
Bath Dr. and minister 10.50
undertaker and Hacks and singers 48.00
Dr in Gardiner ( ) 3.00
142.00
Hearse and Rent of Tomb"

Issue- all children born in Farmingdale, ME

Ref

: (1) Military Service Records- National Archives, file No. WC380 238
(2) Tax list, 1860 US Census for Steiner's Flat- courtesy of the Jake Jackson Museum, Weaverville, CA (NARA M653- pp.44, 128)

Census of the United States- Farmingdale, ME 1870
The Civil War in Pensacola-Pensacola Historical Society, pp.9-14
Adjutant General's Report for 1865 and 1866
Eastern Maine and the Rebellion- R.H. Stanley and George O. Hall, pp.306-8
Maine in the War for the Union- William E. S. Whitman and Charles S. True, pp.563-9
Kennebec Co. Registry of Probate- book 242, p.28
Daily Kennebec Journal- Friday 13 May 1892

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