"Built by Lady Pepperell after the death of Sir William in 1759. She left the old mansion when this one was completed, and resided here until her death in 1789. The house then came into the possession of Capt. Joseph Cutts, who was born in 1764, being a direct descendant of Robert Cutt. Captain Cutts was ruined by the ware of 1812, and became insane. His daughter, Sally, took the whole charge of her father and brothers for many years, until, worn out by trouble, she too lost her reason. After the death of the others, Sally Cutts lived here alone until a short time before her own death, which took place in 1874. The house since then has been thoroughly repaired."

Excerpted from The Portsmouth Guide Book, 1896, by Sarah Haven Foster.

Inscription reads, "Back of Cutts house."