Rogue's March in Medford,
Attention has been called in the REGISTER1 to an advertisement in the New England Chronicle early in 1776; wherein the Colony of New Hampshire offered a reward of one hundred dollars, for the discovery of some evil minded person who did steal and carry away the funds of the colonial paymaster, from the home of Benjamin Hall in Medford.One of the New Hampshire officers who in later years related incidents of General Stark threw some light on the alleged steal, that was somewhat discreditable to the paymaster who came from Exeter. He styled him a man of plausible address but a mischief maker and with feelings of hostility to General Stark.
Upon his arrival in Medford he secured quarters in the home of the leading business man, Benjamin Hall, whither the troops marched from their camp on Winter Hill to receive their pay. This he refused them, alleging that the payrolls were not properly drawn. With much dissatisfaction they marched back to camp and on the next day marched down to Medford again only to be again refused on some trifling pretext. On the third day the same scene was enacted and the men were well nigh mutinous (which was what the paymaster was desirous of), and in this state of mind appeared at Colonel Stark's headquarters, probably the Royall House. He was no less indignant and gave expression to his feelings by saying that Hubbard (or Hobart) was a poltroon, and that having been visited thrice, it was but fair that he make [p. 71] one in return. Serjeant Abbot, with a guard of soldiers was detailed so go down to Medford and arrest Colonel Paymaster Hubbard at his quarters at Mr. Hall's.
This the serjeant did and brought him to camp, to the accompaniment of the ‘Rogue's March’ which the musicians played all the way. Upon his arrival, complaint was made and the payrolls produced. In the presence of the commanding officer they were examined and found correct. As the paymaster could make no further pretense or delay he paid the men and was dismissed. Upon his return, which seems to have been without escort or music, he spread a report that during his absence (which by the printed advertisement appears to have been on December 30) his funds had been stolen. These consisted of bills of the first emission of New Hampshire paper money.
The General Court was then in session at Exeter and word was immediately sent thither. As but little of the first series of bills had been put in circulation it was decided to call it in by proclamation. By the time this was done the paymaster had arrived at Exeter and on the following evening a strange looking man closely wrapped in a long cloak and muffler approached the door-keeper. After handing him a bundle for the Speaker he suddenly disappeared. On examination of the parcel, it was found to contain the money said to have been stolen from Mr. Hall's house at Medford.
The affair proved to the discredit of the paymaster who held the rank of colonel and he soon after left the army. It seems that he got no satisfaction for his arrest by Colonel Stark's order, though the latter's conduct was looked into by a Court of Inquiry. This was doubtless at the instigation of the paymaster and several sessions were held. We have never heard of any other occasion of the Rogue's March being played in the streets of Medford, and this occasion was no doubt the town talk for days afterward.
