A PEN-RAMBLE IN LINEBROOK. 119 



Near the site of the ancient church is "pulpit rock," hav- 

 ing a perpendicular frontage of some ten feet, overlooking 

 a broad plain, where Rev. George Whitefield electri- 

 fied the multitude with the spirit of his power, as he 

 reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and a judgment to 

 come. Near the present church is one of the largest barns 

 in the county, 120 by 41 feet, with excellent equipments. 

 Opposite this barn is the site of the old garrison and 

 tavern, where at a militia election the successful candidate 

 was accidentally shot by his opponent, who was tried and 

 convicted, but pardoned by the Governor before sentence 

 was pronounced ; and where upon an election day a Mr. 

 J. P. climbed the flag-staff, unaided, to the top of the 

 mainstaff, for the reward of a bowl of punch that had 

 been placed there by means of ladders. Having reached 

 the top and secured the prize, he offered to share it with 

 any who might earn it as he had. Several attempts with 

 as many failures made him 



Monarch of all he surveyed 



With rights that none could dispute. 



Early in the present century there was the very eccen- 

 tric sign of a very eccentric man. It has found its way 

 into literature, and has been told as an entertaining story 

 by travellers far and wide. His title was corporal, his 

 trade blacksmith, his business landlord, and his sign : 



"I shoe the horse, I shoe the ox; 

 I carry the nails in my box ; 

 I make the nail, I set the shoe, 

 And entertain some strangers too." 



At times he would not reply when questioned unless 

 addressed by his title. He was as obliging and generous 

 as he was eccentric. 



During the Revolution, report said one day that the 

 enemy was sailing up Batchelder's brook, and men, wo- 



ESSEX INST. BULLETIN, VOL. XV. 10 



