Department Publications : Stolen Island Review
John Marsh was one of the first colonial settlers of the Orono
area, "having arrived round 1774. He was known as 'the interpreter,'
and served as 'linguister' with Arnold's army" before the
ill-fated march on Quebec. He made a settlement on the island
that still bears his name, near what is now the highway bridge.
His farm, or clearing, was called by the Penobscots "Pem-skud-ek" or "extensive
burned place." For some years Marsh lived "in intimate
and friendly relations with the Indians, learning their language
and frequently acting as interpreter for them. His deportment
was such as to win their unbounded confidence, and for favors
bestowed, and services rendered to them, they proposed to make
him a liberal compensation, and affixed their marks to an instrument,
which was presented to them as being a petition to the general
court of Massachusetts, to grant Marsh a lot of land upon this
island--but when this document reached its destination, it was
ascertained to be a petition in the form of a deed, for the grant
of the whole of the island. In compliance of the terms of the
petition, the State made the grant, and from that time forth
the island has obtained, and still bears the name of Marsh Island.
"When the Indians discovered the imposition that had been
practiced upon them, they made an effort to be revenged upon
Marsh, and made an attempt upon his life, and he was obliged
to keep out of their way for some time, in order to avoid the
consequences of their just indignation.
"But treachery, in time, sooner or later, is sure to meet
its reward; all of this great inheritance so fraudulantly obtained,
the most of it slipped out of his hands during his life time,
and but a small lot, if anything, now remains in the possession
of his descendants."
NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR SIR
- Poetry: 5 poems max.
- Fiction: Short stories up to 3,000 words
- One-Act Plays
- Visual Art: Black and white, for the cover only
- Deadline: February 20, 2005
Submission Guidelines
Please submit cover letter with name, address, phone number,
and e-mail address with manuscript. Do not put your name on
the manuscript. SIR prefers both a hard copy and a disk copy
of the manuscript (PC or Mac formatted disks okay). Please
include a SAS postcard if you wish to be notified of acceptance
or denial: manuscripts will not be returned.
