about tbe fort, had not the desired effect. The heroic band were not appalled. They refused to capitu- late. At .length an interview be- tween the' commanders took place. The Frenchman shewed his forces, and described the horrid massacre that must ensue unless the fort was surrendered. “ My men are not 'afraid to die,” was the'answer made by Capt. Stevens. The attack con- tinued with increased fury until the end of the third day, when the enemy returned to Canada, and left Capt. Stevens in possession of the fort. Capt. Stevens, for his gallant- ry on this occasion, was presented by Sir Charles Knowles with an el- egant sword; and from this circum- stance the township, when it was incorporated, in 1753, took the name of Charlestown. Population, in 1830, 1,778.
Clmrlestowii, Mass.
Middlesex co. The Indian name of this town was Mishawun. First settled, 1628. Incorporated, 1829. Population, 1820, 6,591 : 1830,
8,787; 1837, 10,101. Charlestown is a peninsula, formed hy Charles and Mystic rivers, and is united to Boston hy Charles and Warrert bridges. It is also united to Boston as a port of entry, and in its various commercial and manufacturing pur- suits. This town is noted for its sacrifices in the cause of liberty; and its soil will ever he dear to the patriot’s bosom. The town is not so regularly laid out as Philadel- phia, yet it is neatly built, and con- tains mdny elegant public and pri- vate edifices. The streets are wide and airy, and many of them have recently been planted with trees for shade. Considerable shipping is owned here, engaged in foreign and domestic commerce. The an- nual value of the cod and mackerel fisheries is about §40,000. The value of the manufactures, in Charlestown, the year ending April |
1,1837, exclusive of a large amount of leather, was §390,000. The ar tides manufactured were as fol- lows: soap, candles, boots, shoes, hats, morocco, chairs, cabinet ware, vessels, combs, tin ware, and spirits.
The United States’ Navy Yard was first established in this town about the year 1798. The yard is situated on the N. side of Charles river, on a plot of ground of about 60 acpes. It is enclosed by a high w alb of durable masonry, and con- tains several ware-houses, dwell- ing-houses for the officers, and a large amount of navaUstores, live oak and other timber. It also con- tains three large ship-houses, in which are the Vermont and Caro- lina of 74, and the Cumberland frigate of 44 guns. These ships can be launched and ready for sea in a very short time.
The dry dock at this place is of hewn granite, and of unrivalled masonry. It is 341 feet in length, 80 in width, and 30 in depth. It cost $670,089. This dock was com- pleted and received the Constitu- tion on the 24th of June, 1833.— Connected "with this establishment are a naval hospital and magazine, at Chelsea, and a large ropewalk in the yard; other additions are con- templated. This is considered one of the best naval depots in the Uni- ted States.
McLean Asylum. This estab- lishment is located on a beautiful rise of ground, in Charlestown, near East Cambridge, and about a mile and a half from the City Hall, in Boston. The buildings are large, and exceedingly well adapted to their philanthropic design. They cost about §186,000. This House was opened for patients on the 6th of October, 1818.
Belonging to, and surrounding this Asylum, are about 15 acres of land,appropriated to courts and gar- dens. These are laid out with grav- elled walks. The former are furnish- |