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.
