102 



a considerable extent, was also carried on successfully from tlic 

 town at that period, and some fifty sail of vessels, principally 

 schooners, were employed in that business. The fish were 

 cured upon the southern banks of the North River, and the 

 flakes extended from the neighborhood of the North Bridge, to 

 the present location of Conant street. Here was often presented 

 a busy, active, enlivening scene. But the vengeance of the 

 British ministry was about to visit even this humble branch of 

 industry, with its blighting effects. A bill prohibiting the 

 New England Provinces from fishing for a certain time, upon 

 the banks of Newfoundland, was passed during the month of 

 March, 1775. This measure was calculated to bear particu- 

 larly hard upon the interests of Salem, whose commerce was 

 almost wholly sustained by the fishery. Her inhabitants 

 generally were a frugal, industrious, enterprising people, re- 

 markable for their sagacity and intelligence, with a keen sense 

 of their just rights, and an indomitable love of liberty; ready 

 to peril life, property, and all they held dear in her cause. 

 Strange as it may appear, at this day, there was also found here 

 a small sprinkling of the friends of arbitrary power,* some of 

 whom, from constitutional timidity, perhaps, dreaded a contest 

 with Great Britain, and the fearful consequences which would 

 overwhelm the country in case of defeat. 



Foremost among the friends of liberty, and the resolute and 

 daring enemies of oppression and arbritary power, stood Captain 

 John Felt, who, Avithout any disparagement to others, appears 

 entitled to the distinction of the hero of the British repulse at 

 the North Field Bridge. He was at this time about fifty 

 years of age. His frame, square, strong and muscular, denoted 

 him a man, whom it would be the part of prudence to avoid 

 in single combat. Salem possessed many men whose social 

 position in life was perhaps superior ; — men of wealth — of more 

 erudition — of more influence in her public councils ; — but none 

 of greater moral worth, or irreproachable private character. 

 He belonged to that class thus elegantly apostrophized by the 

 poet : — 



« ' Heart of the people — Working Men ! 

 Marrow and nerve of human powers ; 

 Who on your sturdy backs sustain, 

 Through streaming time this World of Otjrs." 



* We forbear to specify them ; their names can mostly be found 

 prefixed to an address to Governor Gage on his arrival in Salem, in 

 June, 1774. Sec Esses Gazette files, June 14th, 1774. 



