NHSTRAFF-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: Re: [NHSTRAFF] Association Test
Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2000 14:17:44 EDT

Dear Muriel & responder:

I agree with the responder with one exception... that although they were told
to disarm those that didn't sign this piece of paper some towns choose to
just "watch" those that didn't sign.

The following is from "History of the town of Rochester New hampshire from
1722 to
1890 by Franklin McDuffee, A.M. edited and revised by Silvanus
Hayward
Published by John B. Clarke Co., Printers, Manchester, 1892
(pgs 60-63)
> >
> >Can someone on this list please tell me in detail what this phrase means?
> >
> >"...and in 1776 he signed the Association Test."
> >
> >What was the Association Test? Something to do with associating with the
> >colonial cause for independence?
> >
> >Was signature voluntary or required? Who was eligible to sign?

In order to carry the underwritten resolve of the Honorable
Continental Congress into execution, you are requested to desire all males
above twenty-one years of age (lunatics, idiots, and negroes excepted),
to sign to the Declaration on this paper; and when so done, to make return
hereof, together with the name or names of all who shall refuse to sign the
same, to the GENERAL ASSEMBLY or Committee of Safety of this Colony.

-also-

Resolved, That it be recommended to the several Assemblies, conventions,
and Councils or committees of Safety of the United Colonies immediately to
cause all persons to be disarmed, within their respective Colonies, who are
notoriously disaffected to the cause of America, or who have not associated
and refused to associate to defend by Arms the United colonies against the
hostile attempts of the British fleets and armies.

(copy) Extract from the minutes.
Charles Thompson, Sect'y"

"In consequence of the resolution of the, Honorable Continental Congress,
and to show our determination in joining with our American bretheren in
defending the lives, liberties, and properties of the inhabitants of the
United Colonies,
We, the Subscribers do hereby solemnly engage and promise that we will to
the utmost of our power, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, with arms,
oppose the hostile proceedings of the British fleets and armies, against
the United American Colonies."


-also- ( this is where the signers signed) I have copied one list at
<A
HREF="http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/nh/straffor.htm">http://www.rootsweb.c
om/~usgenweb/nh/straffor.htm</A>

"Thus, *one hundred and ninety-eight persons in Rochester(N.H.) signed this
agreement, twenty-two belonging to the Society of Friends "did not choose
to sign," and twenty-two others refused to sign. This placed every man
as a friend or an enemy to his country, and informed the committee of Safety
what individuals to watch or disarm."

This thread:

• [NHSTRAFF] Association Test by Christine Pettit <>

  • Re: [NHSTRAFF] Association Test by <>