Keith Alan Brough, Editor, Frank A. Gardner M.D., Writer
2014
MAJOR GENERAL ARTEMAS WARD was born in Shrewsbury Nov. 26, 1727. He was the son of Col. Nahum & Martha (Howe) Ward. He graduated from Harvard in 1748. On Jan. 28, 1755, he was commissioned Captain of the First Company of militia of Shrewsbury and Major in the “3rd regiment of militia in the county of Middlesex and Worcester. . . whereof Abraham Williams, Esq. is Colonel.” Early in 1758 he was commissioned Major in the regiment of Col. Wm. Williams, raised “for the general invasion of Canada,” and took part in Abercrombie’s Ticonderoga campaign, being promoted to Lieut. Col. on July 3, 1758. On July 1, 1762 he became Colonel of the Third Regiment of militia of Middlesex and Worcester counties, continuing in its command until 1766. The episode of his removal is part of the political history of Massachusetts. It followed close upon his alignment against the prerogative party, in the political unrest fomented by the Stamp Act — and it was a summary action, put into effect without notice by the following communication delivered by a special mounted messenger: “Boston, June 30, 1766. To Artemas Ward, Esq. Sir— I am ordered by the Governor to signify to you, that he has thought fit to supersede your commission of Colonel in the Regiment of Militia, lying in part in the County of Worcester and in part in the County of Middlesex, and your commission is superseded accordingly. I am, Sir, your most Ob’t and Humble Sv’t Jno. Cotton, Dep,ty Sec,y.” In return, Colonel Ward sent his compliments to the Governor as follows: “Tell him that I consider myself twice honored, but more in being superceded than in being commissioned, and that I thank him for this” (holding up the letter to the messenger) “since the motive that dictated it, is evidence that I am, what he is not, a friend to my country.” Gen. Ward did not again hold military command until the fall of 1774 when his old regiment, throwing aside the crown commissions, elected him colonel — this action preceding by 24 days his e
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