The GeneralThe Friends of Stark NewsPark Newsletter

starkpark.com | Summer 2020

Photo courtesy of Paule Houle; flickr.com/photos/paul_houle/collections Lafayette: French Born, American Made - Part 1 By Jim Adams Inside this Issue: His long name was a source of amusement to him, and in his autobiography “Memoirs of Lafayette ………….…….… 1-4 General Lafayette,” he joked: “It’s not my fault. I was baptized like a Spaniard, with the Summer Concerts ……...….… 4 name of every conceivable saint who might offer me … protection in battle.” His peers Spring Cleanup ………...……. 4 described him as vain, naive, immature, and egocentric. He was prone to take unnecessary Stark Portrait ……………….. 4 risks, was impatient, and often chastised by his superiors for pushing his men too hard. But Candlelight Vigil …..……….. 5 he was also known as a man who was fiercely loyal Past Pathogens …………….. 6-7 and consistently stuck to his beliefs no matter the Spring Flowers …….……..…. 8 consequences. He also seemingly had a knack for Back in the Day ……………... 8 being in the right place at the right time. He was Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de La Fayette, but he would become The Board: known in America and around the world simply as President Lafayette. He was a Revolutionary War hero who Brian Brady played an important role in America’s fight for Vice President freedom. Matthew Labbe Born in 1757 into a wealthy military family, Lafa- Secretary yette was orphaned by the age of 13 and inherited Linda Miccio a vast fortune. Although barely into his teens, he Treasurer was commissioned an officer in the French Mus- Stephanie Lewry keteers as was customary with title and privilege at the time. However, his duties were mostly con- Marquis de LaFayette by Alonzo Chappel, 1863. From Jim Adams fined to parades and ceremonial events. Wikimedia Commons Kara Andersson At about age 16, he married Marie Adrienne de Noailles, age 14, a member of an influen- Tom Christensen tial family. The marriage had been arranged two years earlier, but Marie’s mother felt her Diana Duckoff 12-year-old wasn’t quite ready for marriage and insisted they wait a year or two. Once Erin Kerwin married, the couple enjoyed the royal court of France and had it not been for a routine din- Jennifer McBride ner invitation, Lafayette and his wife might have partied their lives away and likely been Katie Shaka forgotten to history. Ann Thorner The stage for that dinner was set more than 10 years earlier when France and England were on opposing sides during the . When peace was reached in 1763, Contact us at [email protected]! The Friends of Stark Park is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to develop, revitalize, maintain, and protect the heritage and recreational use of Stark Park as a historic asset to the City of Manchester, NH.

Lafayette continued

England emerged as the most powerful nation in the world. France, although bitter over its defeat, forged a delicate rela- tionship with England, and in 1775 a dinner was held to honor King George III’s brother, Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester. It was at this dinner, historians believe, that the duke caused Lafayette to take notice of the American Revolu- tion – and begin his move into history. Humiliated for being publicly chastised by his brother over a personal matter, Prince William criticized the English king for his heavy handedness and applauded colonists for their actions at Lexington and Concord. The duke was apparently unaware Lafayette’s father had been killed by English cannon fire during the war, and historians believe it was the duke’s remarks that caused the young nobleman to see the budding revolution as a way to avenge his father’s death. “From that hour,” Lafayette would later write, “I could think of nothing but this enter- prise….My heart was dedicated.” Meanwhile, France had been secretly supplying aid to the colo- nists in the hope of both regaining territory in North America and disgracing Great Britain. Lafayette, now a major general, had joined other officers being sent to aid the colonists. Great Britain learned of the plan, however, and it warned financially strapped France to reconsider sending any more aid. Not want- ing to further provoke England, the newly crowned King Louis Portrait of Lafayette as Lieutenant General in 1791.Commissioned by the Historical Museum XVI ordered the officers to remain in France. of Versailles. By Joseph Désiré Court, 1834. From Wikimedia Commons.

But Lafayette was determined. Ignoring the king’s orders and Firstly, he was a Mason – a major door-opener in political cir- despite family warnings about possible political and financial cles since most of the Continental Congress were also Masons. repercussions, he purchased a ship and sailed for America, ar- Secondly, he had met Benjamin Franklin who wrote a courtesy riving on June 13, 1777. The two-month voyage, he later not- letter on his behalf urging Congress to “accommodate him.” ed, was marked by endless boredom and sea sickness. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, he was volunteering his By the first week in July, he was in Philadelphia before the services. Continental Congress with his offer to join the cause. At just So, on July 31, six weeks after arriving, Congress commis- 19, he had no battle experience, little real military training, had sioned him a major general in Gen. ’s Con- no friends in the New World and spoke only a few basic words tinental Army. And his good luck had just begun. On Aug. 5, of English that he had learned on the voyage (he would become less than a week later, Lafayette found himself among officers fluent within a year). On the surface it dining with George Washington, who was in Philadelphia to didn’t appear he had much to offer, but update Congress on the war. he did have three aces up his sleeve.

About the Author: Jim Adams, a new board member this year, was a long time City Editor for the Sunday News. He is the co-author of the three Manchester Memories book and helped research two nationally published history books. His history articles have appeared in publications around the county. 2

Lafayette continued Howe went on the offense shortly after 7 a.m. by sending Lt. Gen. Wilhelm von Knyphausen and his men directly into Washington’s front line. With Washington occupied by Kny- phausen’s surge, Howe ordered Lord Charles Cornwallis, an- other battle-scarred veteran, to extend his troops along Wash- ington’s weak right. Washington was aware of Cornwallis’ movements but conflicting reports as to exactly where he was, coupled with the constant barrage from Knyphausen, left him unable to prepare. By the time he was able to redirect troops, it was too late.

Around 4 p.m., Cornwallis attacked. Chaos erupted and Wash- ington was desperate for help to direct his scattered troops. First Meeting of Washington and Lafayette in Philadelphia, August 3, 1777. By Currier & Ives, 1876. From the Library of Congress. That is when Lafayette took his first real step into American history. Washington, likely with misgivings, ordered Lafayette Lafayette’s naive enthusiasm for the revolution and his self- to report to Gen. John Sullivan, whose division on Washing- confidence quickly caught Washington’s attention and the pair ton’s flank was taking heavy fire. Sullivan would later tell would form a lifelong relationship. Washington would look Washington that his force “put up a most spirited defense,” be- upon Lafayette as a son, and the future president would serve as fore being driven back. He singled out Lafayette for praise, a father figure to the young Frenchman. In fact, Lafayette noting he was wounded in the battle but remained calm and named his son Georges Washington de la Fayette. But like any helped direct a retreat that saved many lives. After hearing sim- father/son relationship, it was often beset by a difference of ilar reports, Washington cited Lafayette for “bravery and mili- opinions. One of those differences was an early misunderstand- tary ardour,” and reconsidered his military status. ing regarding Lafayette’s military status. His ego led him to believe he was a full-fledged officer in the and that he was being personally groomed by Washington to assume his own command. A frustrated Wash- ington explained he was not a real officer, his rank was merely honorary and that he would not be given a command, or even likely to see action up close. But still, he liked the brash Lafa- yette and invited him to remain so he could observe and learn. Lafayette decided to stay, but was likely disappointed over his minor role. That would change within a month. Washington had been receiving reports that the British were amassing a large army in anticipation of storming Philadelphia and so he began gathering his own troops in the area to block the assault. The resulting Battle of Brandywine would be one of Lafayette wounded at Brandywine, by Alonzo Chapel, c.1880. From the NY Public Library. the hardest fought of the war.

The morning of Thursday, Sept. 11, dawned overcast. There When Lafayette returned to Washington’s winter encampment was a fall chill in the air, a heavy fog covered the low-lying area at Valley Forge after treatment for his wound, he was assigned and veteran British General Sir William Howe was finally ready to active duty. His first assignment ended with him again being to tip his hand. He had 15,500 British and Hessian troops along singled out for praise. Washington ordered Lafayette to assist Brandywine Creek, about 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia. Gen. Nathanael Greene with reconnaissance of British troops in Nearby in the fog, Washington and his 14,600-strong Conti- New Jersey. Greene, who had also been at Brandywine, saw nental Army quietly waited. Lafayette was nearby to observe. extensive action throughout the war and is remembered as one

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Lafayette concluded Summer Concert Series Cancelled of Washington’s most gifted commanders. Due to the ongoing pandemic and under the recommendations of local, state, and federal officials, The For most of the morning of November 25, Lafayette led Friends of Stark Park has decided to cancel our summer about 300 men around the New Jersey countryside to scout British locations, at times getting himself within firing range concert series this year. This was a difficult decision, but of sentries in his attempt to estimate numbers and positions. we believe that the safety of our audience outweighs all While making his way around a British encampment in the other considerations. We hope to bring back the series early afternoon, he encountered approximately 400 Hessians. next year, bigger and better than ever! Lafayette attacked and because they were taken by surprise, SpRing Cleanup they were unable to mount a defense and began a disor- ganized retreat. Lafayette chased them, stopping only when The current social distancing guidelines made it the British camp sent troops to provide cover for the Hessi- challenging to clean the park this spring. Normally, we ans. The firing continued sporadically from both sides until have groups of volunteers from local businesses and sunset when Lafayette was able to make his way back to organizations spend a morning raking, picking up trash, Greene, and eventually to Valley Forge. He lost only one man and pruning bushes, but that was not possible this year. in the conflict and was praised for his efforts. Instead, the FoSP Board spent an afternoon doing a socially distant cleanup with masks on May 20. The work was slower and less intensive than usual, but the park is looking great as a result!

Stark Portrait Found A magnificent portrait of John Stark by the artist Alexander Ritchie (1782-1862) has been rediscovered after it was believed missing for 170 years. The portrait had only been known from a daguerreotype taken around 1850 and from an early engraving published in 1831. The portrait was held in a private collection for decades and was last restored 40 years ago. It was sold by Morphy Auctions in Denver on May 27 of this year for $25,000. It appears that the General is still relevant in art circles! Washington and Lafayette speaking with soldiers at Valley Forge. By John Ward Dun- smore, 1907. From Wikimedia Commons Lafayette remained with Washington at Valley Forge, about 20 miles from Philadelphia, during the bitter winter of 1777– 1778. More than 1,000 men and nearly 1,500 livestock died from disease and exposure. While there, he gained the re- spect and loyalty of others by refusing to use his rank for ex- tra food or comforts. As the long winter gave way to early signs of spring, good news reached the encampment. Treaties between America and France were signed in which France formally recognized American independence and pledged help in the fight. The colonies were gaining international sup- port, but the war was far from over.

Next Month: Part 2 - Winning the war and fighting a new one! The recently rediscovered portrait of General Stark. From mutualart.com 4

Candlelight Vigil at the Park On Tuesday, June 2, Black Lives Matter Manchester host- ed a candlelight vigil in Stark Park to honor George Floyd and too many others who have lost their lives due to racial injustice. At least 800 people, and likely more, were in attendance. The crowd was a diverse mix of people from all age groups and ethnicities. The event began at 8:00 p.m. and lasted until 9:30 p.m., well after sundown. The mood was somber, raw, and emotional. The event consisted of music, eulogies, prayers, stories, and speeches that highlighted ongoing problems of racism and violence against people of color around the country. Participants held a long moment of silence after reading the names of people who lost their lives to violence. These Candlelight dots the bandstand and the audience. elements were backlit by impressive and beautiful display of candlelight in the bandstand and throughout the audience. BLM pro- vided candles and masks for those who wanted them. An overwhelming majority of the participants wore masks and other PPE. Ronelle Tshiela, one of the organizers of the vigil, as well as an earlier peaceful protest in the city the previous weekend, spoke to reporters for the Union Leader saying that the event was an opportunity to refocus after looting and rioting broke out at protests around the country. She added, “It’s a time for us to mourn...I’m hoping people understand that their neigh- bors are hurting. This isn’t an easy time for anybody in this country, but black Americans are hurting.” Both participants and police acted admirably during the event. There was no damage to the park, and volunteers removed all litter after the event concluded. Mollash Cambell of Goffstown told the Union Leader, “We are here to come in peace and leave in peace, maybe more peace than we came Bishop Libasci speaks with attendees at the vigil with.” That was certainly the spirit we saw that night. We at the Friends of Stark Park want to thank everyone in- volved - organizers, police, and attendees - for treating the park and each other with dignity and respect. It is unclear why Stark Park was chosen for the event, but it was certainly an appropriate location because of its association with John Stark, one of New Hampshire’s most important Revolu- tionary heroes. When our fledgling nation cried out for justice, John Stark answered that call without hesitation and at consider- able risk to his family, his property, and his life. His zeal for justice and his rejection of tyranny led him to pen his most fa- mous words, “Live free or die; death is not the worst of evils,” which became the state motto in 1945. Those words ring as true today as they did over 200 years ago. The audience raises their candles during a moment of silence 5

Pathogens of the Past: The Stark Family’s Fight Against Smallpox By Matt Labbe The effects of today’s pandemic are something that no one has experienced in living memory, but the danger and fear of lingering disease was an everyday fact of life for John Stark and his family. Innumerable contagious deadly diseases like cholera, diphtheria, and typhus plagued Old and New World communities alike, but none was as feared as the dreaded smallpox, one of the most difficult to control and treat. Smallpox is one of two strains of a virus that leads to a potentially life-threatening illness. Symptoms begin like the flu, followed later by sores and rashes on the skin and mucous membranes that developed into fluid filled blisters. Blindness Artistic representation of smallpox blisters by J.A. Philip, 1900. From Wikimedia Commons. Typically, the patient would develop minor symptoms but gain was a common side effect, and sometimes the blisters caused full immunity. The public, clergy, and colonial governments uncontrollable bleeding. If the blisters healed, they often left were skeptical of the treatment because improper application disfiguring scars. It was fatal 30% of the time, and young could cause the disease to come on severely and spread. This children were the most likely to die. Like the current resistance meant that inoculation did not catch on quickly or coronavirus, it was transmitted through contaminated air systematically. Even worse, there was an abundance of useless droplets and bodily fluids. or even harmful medical opinions about treatment. The New When the Stark family set sail for America, the disease was Hampshire Gazette, for example, recommended that the best killing upwards of 400,000 people per year in Europe and had treatment for smallpox was drinking cool water, avoidance of already decimated the Native American population. John meat and liquor, and bloodletting once or twice a day. Stark’s parents, Archibald and Eleanor, had an outbreak of the Smallpox came to Derryfield, now Manchester, and the disease on their ship and they lost three children at sea. The surrounding towns in small waves during the mid-18th century. contaminated vessel was turned away from in the fall of Matthew Patten of Bedford wrote in his journal that he had 1720, so the settlers were forced north to the wilds near built a coffin for James Peters, Jr. who died of the disease in Wiscasset, Maine where they spent the winter. The Starks 1757. He charged 4£. The French and Indian War, however, made their way over land to what is now in the spring. was the major catalyst for the rapid spread of the disease. Shortly after the Starks settled, the idea of inoculating against Smallpox had a tendency to follow armies, and John Stark the disease came to New England. Reports of the Chinese and learned this firsthand. He travelled to New York in 1757 to Ottoman techniques for combating the disease reached assist with the siege of Fort William Henry, but he was stricken London in 1700, and European nobles began inoculating with the disease before he arrived. He headed for Fort Edwards themselves. In 1721 Cotton Mather inoculated hundreds in in Albany, but he was stopped from entering the city by local Boston after learning of the technique from his slave who had officials who found him symptomatic when they inspected his received the treatment while still in Africa. river sloop. Even then, governments had a vested interest in The process involved grinding ensuring public health. John was sent to an unknown hospital smallpox scabs into a powder and to convalesce, but suffered severe, permanent scars. It would injecting them into the skin. not be his last experience with the disease.

About the Author: Matthew Labbe, Vice President of the Friends of Stark Park, holds a M.A. in Anthropology from Texas A&M University and works as a Project Archeologist with Monadnock Archaeological Consulting. His previous research on the history of his hometown has been published by Historical New Hampshire. 6

After the , John Stark Stark inoculated his family members who headed to for the were not yet immune and extended the offer winter. The soldiers there were tasked to others who wanted it. Again, the Stark with bringing guns and ammo to Boston to house acted as a makeshift clinic. The town fortify . The soldiers apparently did not take this news well. At were cold and poorly fed, and smallpox the October and December town meetings, soon broke out among them. Molly Stark they voted to prevent inoculations and told John to send the sick back to New investigated punishing anyone who did not Hampshire where she tended them at the comply. They eventually decided not to dole family home on River Road that John had out punishment, and although he is not built with his own hands in 1765. About mentioned by name, it may have been two dozen arrived at the Stark’s makeshift because of Stark’s political stature. hospital, and not a single one died under Edward Jenner developed the first true Molly’s care. vaccination for the disease in 1797, and This type of hospital was not unique to Portrait of Molly Stark by Raymond Pease, 1941. From the towns and cities slowly began to get the Bennington Museum Molly Stark. Like her, Catherine Greene, smallpox under control by quarantining the wife of General Nathanael Greene, opened her own home in ill in “pest houses,” which acted as municipally owned Rhode Island to the infected. Later, she would follow her temporary hospitals. But smallpox continued to plague the city husband on his campaigns and nurse smallpox patients since on occasion long after John and Molly Stark’s deaths. she was immune. Manchester had a sizable outbreak in 1834. The city voted to The virus continued to rage throughout the Revolution. elect a committee to stop the spread of disease, providing George Washington himself was struck while visiting Barbados vaccinations free of charge. Another family from Towlesville, in 1751 and was left with terrible facial scarring. As a result, contracted the disease in 1840. It spread to Hallsville where it he required his soldiers to be inoculated, but most claimed its fist victim. No one was willing to bury the body for commanders did not follow suit. Many local New Hampshire fear of being infected. Finally, Dr. Thomas Brown took the soldiers were affected by the lack of medical treatments and body to the cemetery in a wheelbarrow. The city paid for supplies in the field, in addition to lack of food and poor vaccinations of a large number of people at the request of the sanitation. John Stark lost his own nephew, also named John Board of Health. And since disease follows war, many of our Stark, to the disease at Chimney Point, in 1776, and local Civil War soldiers fell to smallpox. The development of Matthew Patten’s son John died of smallpox while fighting the vaccines for this and other diseases continued to improve, and British on the Canadian frontier the same year. A third of John the last natural case of smallpox in the US occurred in 1949. Patten’s unit fell that spring. Matthew blamed the British, and The World Health Organization announced the worldwide this death solidified his commitment to the Revolution. eradication of the disease in 1980. John and Molly Stark, who had Thanks to improved sanitation, both seen the disease firsthand, antibiotics, and vaccines, most likewise wanted to inoculate of the threatening diseases of the th their families. Molly went before 18 century have been controlled. Yet we must also the NH courts in November remember that disease has 1778 for permission to do so, plagued humans throughout but she was rejected. Both she history and will continue to do and some of their children would so for the foreseeable future. As eventually catch the disease. the Stark family’s experience Smallpox visited Derryfield again with smallpox shows, however, the solution is to remain vigilant in the fall and winter 1792. John and proactive to stay safe. The Stark house where soldiers recovered from smallpox, built 1765. Postcard, circa 1915. 7

Non-profit org. Friends of Stark Park PO Box 1485 U.S. Postage Manchester, NH 03105-1485 PAID starkpark.com Manchester, NH Permit No. 424

Spring Flowers Past board member Oral Foster sent us some stunning photos of the flowers and magnolia trees blooming in the park this past May. The cool, wet weather we had all spring really made the colors pop (which makes us sorry this newsletter is printed in grayscale!). Stark Park is home to over 30 different tree species, and probably as many flowers. The forest in the west end of the park have been growing for over a century, and half of the trees are over 18” in diameter! Some of the flowers are still blooming, and you can see all of them if you take a leisurely stroll through the park in the next few weeks.

Back in the Day

Live Free AND JOIN! Do you love Stark Park? The Friends of Stark Park invite you to join us! Stay informed on activities, events, and opportuni- ties to help revitalize, maintain, and protect the heritage and recreational use of Stark Park! Become a member or renew your membership via starkpark.com/ Park Cannons, c. 1915. Detroit Publishing Co., From the Library of Congress. membership! Donations are welcomed This is a view facing west toward the Civil War era Dahlgren and accepted year round and allow the cannons circa 1915. The Uncanoonuc Mountains are visible in FSP to continue furthering our mission the distance due to a lack of trees in the park at the time. to preserve and protect the heritage of Stark Park. Thank you for your Some sources claim the cannons were from the War of 1812, generosity and support! but John A. Dahlgren who designed them was only Membership Dues: three years old at that time. • Student: $10.00 • Seniors: $20.00 These muzzle loaded naval cannons were pro- • Individual: $25.00 cured from the Charlestown Naval Shipyard in • Family: $35.00 1896. They were placed on mountings produced by • Friend: $100.00 the machine shop of the Amoskeag Manufacturing • Corporate: $250.00 Company and each cannon weighs 4,545lbs. Attentive readers will note that although there were four piles of cannonballs when this picture was Photo by New England Nomad newenglandnomad2015.com taken, two have since been lost to vandalism.