Supernatural Seacoast Stories (continued)

In reply to some inquiries made by us of Rev. Mr. Alden of Newcastle, we have received the following letter, giving some interesting historical memoranda.

Newcastle, N. E., Jan. 1, 1862.

C. W. Brewster, Esq.

Dear Sir: Agreeably to your suggestion, I would communicate the following in regard to an article in the Historical Magazine for November last, purporting to be the reprint of a tract, entitled "Lithobolia," by R. C. Esq., and published in London in the year 1698. The writer states that he had been in America, at Great Island (now Newcastle, N. E.) was employed in His Majesty's service and lodged in the house of Mr. George Walton.

It is an inquiry of some interest to the antiquary whether this curious and unique treatise will be found to be genuine and authentic, on an application of the proper tests in similar cases used. In the instance before us, we are furnished with a specification of the names of persons and of places. An examination shows the authenticity of the writer in there respects.

Prominent among, the names is that of George Walton. Adam's, in his annals states that in the year 1661, George Walton claimed the land at Fort Point, on Great Island, and commenced building on it. He subsequently says that one of that name here was a long time President of the Provincial Council.

" John Amazeen, an ltalian." He is well known to have been an emigrant from Europe, to have settled here at an early period. His posterity is numerous in Newcastle."

"Mr. Randolph," in 1680, was appointed by the King, Collector of Customs for New England, and in 1683, he was Attorney General for the Province of New Hampshire.

" Captain Walter Barefoot," was Deputy Collector under Randolph, and subsequently captain of the fort, a judge, and President of the Council.

"Mr. Jaffrey's, a merchant." George Jaffrey was a prominent citizen in this place in 1684. His ancient mansion built nearly 200 years ago is still standing, and this review is being written in one of its chambers.

" One Mrs. Clark." None of this name now reside here, but tradition says that there was once a family of that name, the proprietors of Clark's Island, now so called, and that they resided at a little distance from the Walton estate.

The localities specified. The traditions of many aged persons concurrently testify that the estate of the Walton family was situated about one-quarter of a mile from Newcastle Bridge, on the north side of the road leading to Fort Constitution and now owned by the Locke family. Some of the inhabitants of advanced age recollect the mansion house, which was spacious - of two stories and with a gambrel roof; the exact spot is known from the remains of the cellar.

"The fence gate between him and his neighbor John Amazeen." The Walton estate adjoins that of Amazeen; the latter having been entailed, remains essentially as it was at that period, and is now owned by Capt. John Amazeen of the sixth generation from John the Italian.

"A Cove by his house." There is now a small and beautiful cove a few rods south of the ancient cellar of the Walton mansion.

"Great Bay" is a well known sheet of water, and a very prominent locality in Rockingham county.

"The Stone Fence between the Field and the lane." No road passed through the Walton estate till the Newcastle Bridge was built, about the year 1821. Previously the only passage way to Amazeen's and Walton's was a lane as is well remembered by the present inhabitants.

As regards authenticity of the narration, it may be readily allowed, in so far as relates to the unquestionable fact of a popular delusion concerning Witchcraft, which at that period extensively prevailed. All who are familiar with the history of New England in the 17th century, need not be informed of this fact. The occurrences detailed in this treatise, as absurd and ridiculous as they are, and, if allowed to be real, must be classed with the miraculous, yet are not more marvelous than those relating to the same subject as recorded in Bancroft's History of the United States, Felt's History of Salem, Barber's historical Notes on Andover, Mass., and Adams' Annals of this Settlement, under date 1656. It is well known that Rev. Joshua Moody, minister here at that period, stood almost alone in opposing this pernicious delusion, and was the means of saving the lives of some persons of eminence, accused of Witchcraft. And there are now among the older citizens here traditions of this "Lithobolia, or Stone-Throwing Demon " And it is said, that at a later period, gravel on the beach has been thrown at some persons, as was supposed, by invisible hands.

As regards the definite object of the writer and publisher of this Treatise, it may be no easy matter to decide. On supposition that the production is spurious, and got up by some wag as a hoax for the antiquary, it may be said of the author, he has outdone his own hero, "Lithobolia," the Stone-Throwing Demon himself.

Most respectfully,
Lucius Alden

UPDATES & LINKS: The most complete coverage of the Rock Throwing Devil will be issued in a future book by Prof. Emerson Baker. We'll let you know when it arrived. Also read our treatment of the Rock Throwing Devil and an account of Hampton accused with Goody Cole on SeacoastNH.com.

Text scanned courtesy of The Brewster Family Network
Copy of Rambles courtesy Peter E. Randall
History Hypertext project by SeacoastNH.com
This digital transcript  © 1999 SeacoastNH.com