To his Excellency the Governor, the Honourable Senate and House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court Assembled.
The Petition of the Selectmen of the Town of Gorham, with Edward Anderson
agent in behalf of the Town of Windham, Benjamin Mussey agent in behalf
of the Inhabitats of Pearson Town and Enoch Perley agent in behalf of the
Proprietors of Bridgton, humbly sheweth.
That the inhabitants of the Towns and Plantations adjoining the Stream known
by the name of Pesumpscot River, Labors under many Grievances which appears
too great silently to be borne. That said river in times past been remarkable
for being frequented by Shad, Bass, Salmon etc.
That about forty years since there was a dam erected across said river whereby
the free course of the fish was obstructed, and since that time there has
been a number of others built whereby the fish are entirely deprived of
the use of said river.
That this honourable Court has been repeatedly petitioned for the redress
of said grievance but nothing as been enacted that has removed the same
The Prayer of your Petitioners therefore is that the Honourable Court would
appoint a Committee that shall cause good and sufficient fish courses to
be made through the several dams on the river or point out such methods
as they in their wisdom shall judge best that all obstructions in said river
may be removed and the fish enjoy the Privilege of the Stream as usual.
The Reasons why the Prayer of this Petition should be granted are That the
Inhabitants of the Plantations adjoining said Stream are many of them but
in a state of infancy with respect to settlements and their cultivations
but small that renders it difficult for them to procure the Absolute necessaries
of life. In these circumstances a Plenty of fish coming even to their own
doors would greatly contribute to their support. And not only to such Plantations
but to the Inhabitants of those towns that are in more affluent circumstances
would the advantage be very considerable. Especially to those in the Sea
Shore who depend on the Cod fishery. For it is well known that the small
fish running in shore for fresh water streams draw the Cod after them.
And as our Fishing Craft by reason of British cruisers are in these years
confined to narrow limits, it makes it more expedient that all streams should
be opened where fish have been wont to frequent, for it appears to be a
grievance that ought no longer quietly to be borne that one great source
of life which Nature has provided for Public Use should be destroyed to
serve the Interest of a Few individuals.
As you Petitioners in Duty bound shall Ever Pray.
E. Phinney
Wm. Gorham
Selectmen of Gorham
Edward Anderson
Benj. Mussey
Enoch Perley
Agents
Gorham in the County of Cumberland
October 30, 1781