The Merrimack River: its source and its tributaries. Embracing a history of manufactures, and of the towns along its course; their geography, topography, and products, with a description of the magnificent natural scenery about its upper waters./ By J. W. Meader.

THE MERRIMACK RIVER;
rimack River, in the extreme south-eastern angle of New Hampshire.
A portion of its present limits was formerly in Massachusetts, but
was restored to the rightful jurisdiction of New Hampshire by the
adjustment of the boundary line between the States, which occurred
in 1741. The former line, from the " Bound Rock " at the mouth
of the river,- on which can still be traced the inscription, "A. D.,
1657, H. B.,"- can yet be traced to a rock near the brick school house, marked "B. T." Seabrook was granted, June 3d, 1768, to
Jonathan Weare and others. The Weare family have been among
the most able and prominent of the early settlers of New Hampshire.
Nathaniel Weare was an agent for the colonies, and was in England
much of the time, urging attention to the complaints of the colonies
against Edward Cranfield, the royal Governor. Nathaniel Weare,
Jr., was much in public life, and was familiar with and skilled in the
transaction of public business. Meshech Weare, son of the latter,
was also a resident of this town, and was at one time President of
New Hampshire, and was a prominent character as well as one of the
ablest men of his time. Among the early settlers were the Felches,
Christopher Hersey, Joseph Dow, Thomas Philbrick, and the Goves.
These names are still familiar wherever there is a society of Friends
in New Hampshire. Edward Gove was always bitterly opposed to
the arbitrary and tyrannical policy of England. I-Ie was arrested,
tried, and convicted of high treason, and was a prisoner in the. tower
of London for three years, when he was released and returned to his
.friends. The following is a copy of his pardon: -
"JANIES R. Where as Edward Gove was neare three years since apprehended, tryed & condemned for High Treason in our Colony of New England
in America, and in June, 1683, was committed prisoner to the Tower of London, we have thought fit hereby to signify our Will and Pleasure to you that
you cause him, the said Edward Gove, to be inserted in the next general
pardon that shall come out for the poor Convicts of Newgate without any
condition of transportation, he giving such security for his good behavior as
you will think requisite. And for so doing this shall be'your warrant.
"Given at our Court at Windsor the 14th day of Septemnber, 1685, in the first
year of our reign. By his Mag. his command. Sunderland. To our trusty
and wellbeloved the Recorder of our Citty of London and all others whom it
may concern. Edward Gove to be inserted in ye General Pardon."
There is a letter still extant, written to him at this period by his
daughter Hannah and her husband, Abraham Clements, the super
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