us sects
before the law was produced. In 1817, after the re-union of the
Congregational Churches, the parish system was revived. It should be
kept in mind that by far the larger part of the population were members
of that denomination, identifying its early history with that of the
town. Rev. Heman Humphrey became pastor, a man of scholarly attainments,
and well fitted to encourage the general longing for a complete
reconciliation.

In 1821 a great revival took place, and to strengthen the religious
interest Mr. Humphrey believed it to be essential that, so far as
possible, the town should preserve a solemn quiet, and he endeavored to
substitute religious services in place of the ordinary manner of
celebrating the Fourth of July. This plan was, to a considerable number
of citizens, by no means acceptable, yet the exercises in the Church
were attended by a large and reverent congregation. The meeting-house
stood upon the little square where the people were wont to collect on
all anniversaries. In consequence, there was a very annoying disturbance
from fire-crackers, drums, fifes, and even cannon, and the attempt to
make this national holiday quiet and serious was not repeated. Mr.
Humphrey two years later became President of Amherst College. In 1833
the corporate connection of the Congregational Society with the town
came to an end through the Constitutional Amendment of that year. Two
years later business was in a state of depression, and emigration went
on at a rapid rate. A missionary from the West made known the need in
that great section of Christian emigrants to help mould its character.
From the Baptist Church in one year more than a hundred members set
forth, leaving finally but three men in the Congregation. During the
first half of the century other sects acquired a foot-hold, and are now
supported by large Congregations, composed of the best citizens of the
town.

To turn back again in the narrative of events. Of the town's record in
the war of 1812, little must be said, although much is deserved. In this
matter, as previously in others, the county, by its warm support of the
war party, showed its independence in thought and action of the rest of
the State. Pittsfield was made a place of meeting for recruits; a
cantonment for United States troops was established, and a depot for
prisoners of war, who numbered at times 1,500 or more. The town was most
largely represented in the Ninth and Twenty-first Regiment