Puritans defeated forces loyal to King Charles I in the English Civil War. After the King’s execution, Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell led his army north to Scotland.
Cromwell at Dunbar by Andrew Carrack Dow. - Tate Britain
The Battle of Dunbar, 1650
Cromwell’s army defeated Scottish supporters of the monarchy at Dunbar. After a brutal forced march of 100 miles survivors were held in a castle and cathedral in Durham. (Mass graves were uncovered in the cathedral yard in 2013.) Not wishing to kill all of the prisoners, but unable to feed them under famine conditions, the English welcomed proposals for removal of the survivors. John Becx, an investor in the Saugus Iron Works, proposed forced indentures in Massachusetts.
Voyage of the Unity
An estimated 150 prisoners boarded the ship Unity, eventually landing in Charlestown, Massachusetts. (One year later, after a second battle at Worcester, the ship John and Sara brought 275 prisoners of war. They were distributed among several towns.)
Old World Names
The names of Durham, New Hampshire, Berwick, Maine, and the Scotland section of York, Maine reflect the Scottish legacy.
The Scots Charitable Society
Founded in 1657, the Society assisted indigent members of the Scottish community. Many early members were former prisoners. It is the oldest charitable organization in the Western hemisphere and remains active funding scholarships and programs celebrating Scottish culture.
Daderot at English Wikipedia
Iron Works and Saw Mills
Most Scottish prisoners had seven-year indentures. Sixty-two went to the Saugus Iron Works. Many started as woodcutters. Some learned more advanced skills as colliers (making charcoal), carpenters, and blacksmiths. This helped in making a living after the indenture. After company managers complained about spending for food, the allowance per person was cut almost in half. Some prisoners went to sawmills in Berwick, Maine and other towns.
Samuel McIntyre was the great, great, grandson of a Scottish prisoner of war. He became a leading architect and wood carver in Salem during the Federal period.
- Daderot
His design of a “tea house” for merchant Elias Hasket Derby has been copied several times. There is a replica at a Newport, Rhode Island home.
- Daderot