gence. At the close of a century of its life we find great vigilance as to the character of its growing population.

The authorities believed that whatsoever a town soweth, that

shall it also reap. It was therefore in vain that the " pauper immigrant" or "criminal classes" knocked for admittance. It is said that the town was "made up at the beginning of choice men,' very desirable' and 'good Christians.'"*

"The selectmen were empowered to examine into the character and habits of all persons seeking residence, and to admit none who were idle or immoral.

ANDOVER, the 30th of January, 1719-20.

To MR. EBENEZER LOVEJOY, constable.

GREETING: - Whereas there are severall Persons com to Reside in our Towne and we feare a futer charge and as the Law directs to prevent such charge, you are Requested in his Majesty's name forthwith to warn the severall persons under wrighten: to depart out of our Town as the law directs to, least they prove a futer charge to the Towne.

[Signed by the Selectmen.]

"The town also encouraged desirable persons to settle by making them grants of land, etc. Ministers and masters of grammar schools were exempt from taxation."

* Historical Sketches, p. 145.

In few places can the local features of the great Revolutionary struggle be as well studied as in the ample and well-preserved records of Andover. It would take many pages to tell what the town did in council and on the field, in business, and at the fireside, to encourage the patriots. So loyal was the town that its citizens were greatly trusted, and a portion of Harvard College library was sent there for its greater safety.

A pleasant description of the town is given by Thomas Hough

ton, an Englishman, who, writing from Andover in 1789, mentions. several characteristics of the people at that period. He says: "One thing I must observe, which, I think, wants rectifying, that is, their pluming pride when adjoined to apparent poverty, — no uncommon case!"

He adds that they grow "their own wool, which they also get spun, weaved, and dyed, and both the gentlemen I am with, Hon. Samuel Phillips and his father, who is a justice of the peace, generally appear in their own manufacture, in imitation of the British."

"As to property, it seems so well secured from principle in the people that there is not such use of locks and bolts as in England. Even where I am, we have five out-door and sixty-two sash windows; yet all the barage on the doors is a wood catch on the door-snek."