We frankly acknowledge that the conduct of Gov. Endecott in the religious intolerance of his day, may be considered a stain upon his escutcheon. Yet, while we admit that those severe measures which were adopted, especially when contrasted with the present unrestrained exercise of religious freedom in our country, were great blemishes on his administration, we think they certainly ought not to be regarded as such on his moral character. It was not the cause of religion alone, which was thought to be endangered by the dissemination and triumph of such principles as were then advanced; but the overthrow of all civil government was looked upon as the ultimate result. Besides, the whole responsibility and obloquy of this dark page in our early history, should not be thrown upon him. True, he was the official organ through which was carried into effect the established laws of the Colony, and vox populi was believed to be vox Dei. But so far as he was individually concerned, we think his motives were pure and elevated, and that all his actions were based upon principle. Without doubt he partook largely of the prevailing prejudices of the day; and the wild spirit of fanaticism found in him a strenuous and energetic opponent. But we hold that all men should be judged according to the light of the age in which they live, and the influences with which they are surrounded. In this dread of unlimited toleration he was not alone; it was the prevailing temper of the times, and the errors in this respect, in which he shared in common with the wise and good of his day, arose rather from an error in judgment than any obliquity of heart.
It has been remarked by a recent writer, that "Governor Endecott was undoubtedly the finest specimen to be found among our Governors of the genuine Puritan character,—of a quick temper, which the habit of military command had not softened,—of strong religious feelings, moulded on the sterner features of Calvinism; resolute to uphold with the sword what he received as gospel truth, and fearing no enemy so much as a gainsaying spirit." "He was a very virtuous gentleman," says Secretary Morton, "and was greatly beloved of the most, as he well deserved." "In his public and private relations," says the Annalist of Salem, "he was a man of unshaken integrity. For my country and my God, was the motto inscribed upon his motives, purposes, and deeds. That he had his imperfections, there is no doubt; but that he exhibited as few of them under his multiplied duties, as the most excellent men would in his situation, is equally correct. His many exertions for the prosperity of Salem, and his ardent attachment to it, should impress his name and worth upon the hearts of its inhabitants, so long as its existence continues."
Thus lived and thus died, one of the principal founders and firmest pillars of New England.
At his decease he left a widow and two sons. The elder son left no children;—the younger was a physician, and resided in Salem. He was twice married; and a family of five sons and five daughters survived him. His second wife was Elisabeth, daughter of Governor Winthrop, and widow of the Rev. Antipas Newman of Wenham.
There exists a perfect genealogy of the Governor's family, so far as relates to his descendants in New England. We hope to publish it in our next number.
The Governor, and all his descendants, to the third generation, (1724,) spelt their names Endecott; since then an i has been substituted for the e in the second syllable.
There is an original portrait of the Governor in possession of one of the family, taken the year he died. By this we learn that his countenance was open, energetic, and independent, possessing much individuality of expression, and in perfect harmony with the character of the man. According to the custom of the age, he wore mustaches, and a tuft of hair upon his chin. The miniature likeness which accompanies this Memoir was engraved from this portrait, and is considered an excellent resemblance, and was presented by the family to the New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, at their solicitation.
Note. The Charter posesssed by Gov. Endecott, and which is now in the Salem Athenæum, and the Charter possessed by Gov. Winthrop, and which is now in the State House, Boston, appear to be duplicate original Charters, provided for in the Charter itself, and neither of them copies. They are precisely alike in all respects—the same in phraseology and chirography, and the same in dates. Each Governor was elected and commissioned by the same Company, and by the same Colony, acted under the same Charter, with the same authority, and each alike entitled to the official designation of Governor, whether he was elected Governor by the Company in London, or by the Colony here, for both were elected Governor by each.