History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

166 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON. [1704-1744.
career as a soldier was ushered in by one of tlie most fero-
cious and bloody encounters of that cruel and relentless
warfare, in which he was subsequently called to bear a conspicuous
part. Political and economic questions of vital
interest to the colony were constantly claiming attention
during his entire collegiate course, and he could not have
been indifferent to their significance.
Military Honors. Whcu barely twcuty-one years of age he
enlisted in the train band of Northampton,
and was soon after in active service. His ability as a soldier
and an officer was speedily recognized, and promotion
was not delayed. At every new outbreak of hostilities,
when men of military capacity were needed, Col. Stoddard
received greater honors. Common soldier in 170-1: ; Captain
in 170G ; Major in 1712 ; Colonel in 1721 ; Commander-inchief
of the Western Department in 17-14:, he proved himself
everywhere the right man in the right place. Gov.
Dummer, recognizing his capacity, soon employed him in
diplomatic service. In 1713, when he had attained only the
rank of Major, he was sent on a difficult and perplexing
mission to Canada, for the purpose of negotiating for the
release and exchange of the English prisoners then in the
hands of the French and Indians. ^
'
' This delicate and
very important commission he executed in such a manner,
as to recommend himself highly to the Governour of Can-
ada, and to produce a general satisfaction throughout his
own country. " ^
Selectman. His abilities were early recognized by his
townsmen, and he was honored by them
with many offices of trust and importance. At the age of
twenty-four, he was first chosen a member of the board of
Selectmen, and the record shows the prefix of Mr. to his
name, a mark of distinction, seldom in those days accorded
to one so young. He was sixteen times re-elected selectman
during the remaining thirty-two years of his life. In 1713,
he had a superfluity of titles, being named on the record as
Hon. John Stoddard Esq. Afterwards he is repeatedly
1 Vol. 1, p. 534.
2 DwightVs Travels, vol. 1, p. 831.