NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTEER.

The Statistics and Gazetteer of New-Hampshire, Seventh
Edition, Compiled by Alonzo J. Fogg. Concord, N.H.:    D.L.

dians, and sketches of some of the
men who participated in them.

Captain Plrineas Stevens was one
of the first settlers. The town, in
its infancy, was protected by his in-
trepidity. He was a native of Sud-
bury, Mass., from whence his fa-
ther removed to Rutland. At the
age of sixteen, while his father was
making hay, he, with three little
brothers,followed him to the mead-
ows. They were ambushed by the
Indians, who killed two of his
brothers, took him prisoner, and
were preparing to kill his youngest
brother, a child four years old.
He, by signs to the Indians, made
them understand if they would
spare him he would carry him on
his back—and he carried him to
Canada. They were redeemed
and both returned. He received
several commissions from Gov-
ernor Shirley, and rendered im-
portant services in protecting the
frontiers. In 1747, when Charles-
town was abandoned by the inhab-
itants he was ordered to occupy
the fort with thirty men. On the
4th of April, he was attacked by
400 French and Indians, under
Mons. Debeline. The assault last-
ed three days. Indian stratagem
and French skill, with fire applied
to everything combustible about
the fort, had not the desired effect.
The heroic band were not appalled.
They refused to capitulate. At
length, an interview between the
commanders took place. The
Frenchman showed his forces, and
described the horrible massacre
that must ensue unless the fort sur-
rendered. “ My men are not afraid
to die,” was the answer made by
Capt. Stevens. The attack con-
tined with increased fury until the
end of the third day, when the en- ,
emy returned to Canada and left
Capt. Stevens in possession of the
fort. Capt. Stevens, for his gal-
lantry on this occasion, was pre-
sented by Sir Charles Knowles
with an elegant sword; and from
this circumstance, the township,
when it was incorporated in 1753,
took the name of Charlestown.