Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 127, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 May 1910 — HOME OF A FAMOUS BELLE. [ARTICLE]

HOME OF A FAMOUS BELLE.

Mary Sparhawk Fascinated British Captain and Saved Portsmouth. There is an interesting tradition in connection with the historic Sparhawk house at Kittery Point, Me. This handsome specimen of colonial architecture was built by William Pepperell, the first American baronet, and was presented in 1742 to his daughter at the time of her marriage to Nathaniel Sparhawk, the Boston Globe says. The house is now owned by the Hon. Horace Mitchell and stands as originally planned, the most striking feature being the large hallway staircase. This was planned by Sir William, who drew every spindle. The building has been remarkably well preserved and is in far better condition than the average colonial mansion of that period. The wife of Nathaniel Sparhawk was a noted belle, and her d-aughter, Mary Sparhawk, inherited her mother s beauty and brilliancy, and many stories are told of her wit and fascination.

The tradition is to the effect that Capt. Mowatt of the Canceaux, a British ship of sixteen guns, cruising with a large armed ship, a schooner and sloop, were off Portsmouth harbor in October, 1776, with the intention of destroying Portsmouth. Capt. Mowatt went privately on shore at Kittery Point and was received at the loyal house of Nathaniel Sparhawk. Here he became so much fascinated with Mary th»t the intent of his voyage to destroy Portsmouth was by her influence changed, and he made sail for Falmouth, now Portland, Where he burned more than 400 of the best hotises and stores, leaving only about 100 of the poorest houses, and those much damaged. . r Mary Sparhawk became the wife of Dr. Jarvis. The marriage was a notable event, the ceremony taking place at the house. The wedding party descended the beautiful broad stairway built by the bride’s grandfather, which how stands as a lasting memorial to his skill as an architect.