A chapter of Corrections.
WE are in receipt of several letters of not unfriendly criticism of statements in recent issues of the Register (two of which we mention), the first from Hon. William Cushing Wait, from which we quote.Let me file a “caveat” as to a statement on page 55 of the last number of the Register. The quoted words are the part I query. “Others hurried along over the Andover turnpike” [Forest street].
Let no one picture occasional stragglers from Charlestown, driven from home in 1775. wandering disconsolately along Forest street. Whoever wandered in 1775 where Forest street now is, traversed fields or fell into clay pits, probably the latter.
Miss Reed remembered part of what she related and unconsciously inserted the rest. Doubtless in some such way our “Cradock house” tradition arose, leading to the teaching of a lot of fable as history.
By reference to page 55 it will be found that Miss Reed's statement is over the name of our valued contributor Miss Eliza M. Gill. The same is taken from her written communication in the Society's Scrap Book. We had no thought that either intended to convey the idea that the refugees wandered along the Andover turnpike as such, but in the locality where some thirty years later the turnpike was built. The Garrison or Wade house was in close proximity thereto and in their disordered flight the homeless ones might well be seeking food or shelter in all quarters. Miss Gill writes, ‘Perhaps some trail or path was taken in the direction later used as the turnpike. If this was not so, Miss Reed must have meant the Woburn road.’
In relation to the other letter (which appears in this issue) we are fortunate in having the evidence of an old resident who knows whereof he writes and the same is presented as a correction on another page.
For the easy reference of the reader, the illustrations he refers to are reprinted, that of the house in question being from a photo, secured by Mr. Eddy, not long before its destruction by fire.
