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CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 
 iiiiiiiiii i|;i iiiiii||i||i|i|iri "' 
 
 3 1924 087 147 157 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924087147157 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 (firutennial ^cUIrutiau 
 
 BURGOYNE'S SURRENDER, 
 
 SCHUYLERVILLE, OCT. 17, 1877. 
 
 ALBANY; 
 JOEL M UJSrSELL, 
 
 1878. 
 
SARATOGA MONUMENT, 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 OP THE 
 
 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 
 
 OP 
 
 HELD AT SCHUTLEKTIILE, N. T., 
 
 UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION, 
 
 On the 17tli of October, 1877. 
 
 PREPARED BT 
 
 WILLIAM L^TONE, 
 
 Secretary of the Association. 
 
 "History itself mast now begin as from a new epocb. They are new 
 powers that must set the wheels of government and of all the world's 
 machinery in motion." 
 
 ALBANY- 
 
 JOEL MUNSELL. 
 
 1878. 
 
wi>.'j 
 
 NOTE. 
 The author would here acknowleclge his obligations to 
 Col. D. F. Ritchie of Saratoga Springs, and Mr. P. C. 
 Ford of Schuylerville, for assistance in recalling the 
 details of the celebration. 
 
OFFICERS 
 
 SARATOGA MOKUMENT ASSOCIATION. 
 
 President, 
 
 HORATIO SEYMOUR, Utica, N. Y. 
 
 Ylce- President, 
 
 JAMES H. MARVIN, Saratoga Springs, N. Y. 
 
 Secretary, 
 
 WILLIAM L. STONE, New York city. 
 
 Corresponding Secretary, 
 
 ED. W. B. CANNING, Stookbridge, Mass. 
 
 Treasurer, 
 
 DANIEL A. BULLARD, Schuylerville, N. Y. 
 
 STANDING COMMITTEES. 
 
 Committee on Design, 
 
 WiLLiAjvi L. Stoste, Charles H. Payn, E. W. B. Cannins, 
 
 James M. Martin, Leroy Mowet. 
 
 Committee on Location, 
 
 Asa C. Tefpt, Benson J. Lossing, E. F. Btjllaed. 
 
 Building Committee, 
 
 Charles H. Patn, Asa C. Tefft, William L. Stone. 
 
 Executive Committee, 
 
 Leeot Mowrt, James M. Marvin, Daniel A. Bullaed, D. F. 
 
 Ritchie. 
 Advisory Committee, 
 Edwaed F. Bullaed, Saratoga Springs, P. C. Ford, Schuyler- 
 ville, N. Y., B. W. Theockmoeton, New York city, Oscae 
 Feisbib, New York city. 
 
 Executive .Committee for the Centennial Celebration. 
 William L. Stone, P. C. Ford, Edward F. Bullaed. 
 
4 Officers. 
 
 TRUSTEES. 
 
 Horatio Seymour, Wm. J. Bacoist, Utica, N. Y. 
 James M. Marvin, Charles H. Payn, E. F. Bullaed, David 
 
 F. Ritchie, Saratoga Springs, N. Y. 
 Wm. L. Stone, Gen. J. Watts De Petstbr, Algeeno'n S. 
 
 Sullivan, B. W. Throckmorton, New York city. 
 Daniel A. Bullaed, P. C. Ford, H. Clay Homes, Schuyler- 
 
 ville, N. Y. 
 
 Leroy Mowry, Green-tsich, N. Y. 
 
 Asa C. Tepft, Fort Miller, N. Y. 
 
 Charles W. Mayhew, Victory Mills, N. Y. 
 
 E. R. JMudge, Boston, Mass. 
 
 E. W. B. Canning, Stockbridge, Mass. 
 
 Webster Wagnee, Palatine Bridge, N. Y. 
 
 Frank Pruyn, Mecbanicville, N. Y. 
 
 James H. Kelly, Rochester, N. Y. 
 
 Giles B. Slocum, Trenton, Mich. 
 
 Benson J. Lossing, Dover Plains, IS^. Y. 
 
 Gen. John M. Read, Lemon Thomson, Albany, N. Y. 
 
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 
 
 SURREI^DER OF BIJRGOYNE. 
 
 NARRATIVE. 
 
 At early day-break on the Centennial of Burgoyne's 
 surrender I stood upon the highly elevated plateau on 
 which rests the foundation for the Saratoga Monument. 
 A vast amphitheatre was spread at my feet. High as I 
 was above the village of Schuylerville and the surround- 
 ing plain, or rather the whole region of country between 
 the Kayaderosseras range on the west, the Green mount-' 
 ains on the east, and the Catskills on the south, the 
 varieties of upland and lowland were lost in the almost 
 perpendicular line of vision in which they were presented 
 to the view. As the dawn grew on apace, a gray jasper 
 tinge slowly crept along the edge of the horizon. Flecks 
 of pale sapphire gradually branched up, which, changing 
 into shoaling spires of emerald and chalcedony, grew 
 more and more distinct, until the entire eastern sky was 
 bathed in the hues of the topaz and amethyst. As the 
 day advanced, and the rays of light darted thicker and 
 brighter across the heavens, the purple clouds which hung 
 over Willard's mountain, were fringed with a saffron dye 
 of inexpressible beauty. As the sun ascended above the 
 horizon — the broad glare of his beams being somewhat 
 2 
 
6 Centennial Celebeation of 
 
 repressed by a dense atmosphere — the orb could be clearly 
 defined by the naked eye. After it had gained the horizon 
 the lesser spires below began to point their tall shadows 
 toward me ; a cheerful and mellow light gradually difltused 
 itself around; and the fog, which had rested upon the 
 lower landscape, gently lifting, disclosed hill and vale, 
 wood and river, in all their autumnal loveliness, standing 
 sponsors for the new-born day. 
 
 Wednesday, the 17th of October, 1877, was, indeed, a 
 superb autumn day. The air was mild and balmy, and 
 by nine o'clock not a cloud could be descried in any quar- 
 ter of the heavens. It would seem as if the fates had 
 deliberately combined to render the weather most auspi- 
 cious. On the Monday previous, a cold, driving rain had 
 set in ; and although it had partially cleared, yet the sun 
 of Tuesday had gone down in gloom ; while the wailing 
 of the wind in the tall pines and the leaden clouds over- 
 head gave every indication of another storm. IsTotwith- 
 standing, however, these untoward signs and the con- 
 tinued interrogations "Will it ever clear up ?" the citizens 
 "of the patriotic little village of Schuylerville continued 
 the work of decoration late into the night. Early in the 
 afternoon of the 16th the advance guard of the visitors, 
 press-reporters and delegates from different military and 
 civic associations began to arrive. Among these came 
 Battery B, of Troy, Captain A. H. Green commanding, 
 with twenty men and five brass twelve pounders, and, 
 also. Captain Tracy of the same city with twenty police- 
 men, whose manly bearing and effective measures for 
 preserving the peace during the' celebration received the 
 deserved commendation of all lovers of order. In the 
 evening, the village was generally illuminated, giving to 
 the colored decorations a really fine effect, and eliciting 
 warm encomiums for the tasteful manner in which the 
 ladies and gentlemen had performed their work. 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 7 
 
 The following morning, a little before sunrise, the 
 artillery men of Battery B turned out, and dividing into 
 four squads proceeded in as many directions to the out- 
 skirts of the village where their cannons had previously 
 been placed in position.' The day was formally ushered 
 in by a salute of one hundred guns, the echoes of which 
 had scarcely died away, when the people of Easton, from 
 the heights of Willard's mountain, returned the greeting 
 with the same number of guns. Tlie bells of the churches 
 then rang out merrily, and the steam whistles from the 
 factories in the vicinity blew their shrillest notes. The 
 rumbling of wheels along the several roads leading into 
 the village was now heard, and soon the streets were 
 astir with wagons, carriages and omnibusses filled with 
 people from the surrounding country. In Saratoga Springs, 
 twelve miles away, all the stores were closed, and a still- 
 ness, more than funereal, hung over its streets; while the 
 entire length of the road leading from that village to 
 Schuylerville was, for more than four hours, covered with 
 a continuous line of vehicles of every description — from 
 the field-wagon, with rough board seat and chains on 
 which to rest the feet and drawn by oxen, to the hand- 
 some chariotee of the wealthy citizen.^ Toward noon the 
 
 'These guns were placed respectively near the corner stone of the Sara- 
 toga Monument ; on the site of the camp of the British Grenadiers ; on the 
 hill back of Ahmzo Welch's house where General Morgan's riflemen were 
 stationed, and on the high bluff on the east side of the river, the site of old 
 Fort Saratoga during the French and Indian colonial wars, and, just pre- 
 vious to the surrender, occupied by Col. Fellows with a battery. An eight- 
 een pounder captured from the British in 1813, and presented to the 
 Saratoga Monument Association by Frederick DePeyster and Gen. J. W. 
 DePeyster, of New York City, was also placed near the corner stone. 
 
 'Benj. W. Amsden of No. 70 Lake avenue says that on Wednesday 
 morning vehicles were passing his place, en route to Schuylerville, long 
 before daybreak. Somewhat surpiised at the immense number of people 
 moving in the direction of the surrender grounds, he began at six o'clock 
 and kept a tally of each team that passed up to eleven o'clock, five hours. 
 
8 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 military, masonic and other organizations that were to 
 take part in the approaching pageant thronged into the 
 town, and by mid-day, the pavements and the windows 
 and porches of the houses were filled with an expectant 
 multitude anxious to secure a good view of the procession.^ 
 And well might the scene now presented rivet the eye. 
 It is seldom that a spectacle, such as that which the streets 
 and buildings of Schuylerville afforded on this occasion, is 
 seen. As early as a week previous to the celebration, 
 every flag, large or small, every yard, remnant and piece 
 of colored goods to be found in any of the stores were 
 purchased, to the great gratification of the merchants, who 
 had feared that, in their patriotic enthusiasm, they had 
 been unwise in filling their shelves with so large a stock 
 of red, blue and white goods. Ifor were the decorations, 
 so universally displayed, massed together in ahetreogene- 
 ous manner without form or comeliness. Good judgment, 
 a cultivated taste and a lavish expenditure of money gave 
 to the public buildings, the hotels and the stores a bril- 
 liant and striking appearance ; while the facades of the 
 houses adorned with bunting and various original devices 
 illustrative of scenes and incidents of a century ago, 
 showed good taste and commendable patriotism. This, 
 
 and found tlie number to be three hundred and tifty-four. As this is but 
 one outlet to our village some idea may be formed of Saratoga's delegation 
 to the celebration when the other streets and avenues on the east side are 
 taken into consideration. The number of Saratogians who attended the 
 centennial could not have been less than five thousand. — Saraiogian, 
 Oct. 18lh, 1877. 
 
 'It was estimated by persons whose experience in large gatherings of a 
 like nature rendered them competent judges, that fully thirty thousand 
 people were in the village and upon the surrender grounds at noon on 
 Wednesday. Had the conveyance to the village been by rail road instead 
 of stages and private teams, undoubtedly more than double that number 
 would have been present. A more orderly and a more intelligent number 
 of persons, it was repeatedly remarked during the day by participants in 
 the Oriskany, Bennington and Beniis's Heights celebrations, was never 
 observed in any other place where people were so closely brought together. 
 
THE Surrender of Bukqoyne. 9 
 
 together with the bright and variegated colors of the 
 autumn foliage in the j-ards and along the side-walks, did 
 much to heighten the general eft'ect. When this hand- 
 some adornment was so universal, to specify those resi- 
 dences that were more richly dressed than others would 
 be invidious. So general, moreover, was the desire to 
 create a good impression — when neighbor vied with 
 neighbor in beautifying their houses and places of busi- 
 ness — that great would be the ditSculty to know how or 
 what to write in regard to the mottoes, buntings, banners 
 and lanterns of eacli private dwelling. 
 
 Among the public buildings thus decorated were the 
 new school building, the engine-house and the churches 
 of St. Stephen and of the Visitation. The Dutch Ee- 
 formed church wreathfed garlands of the red, white and 
 blue around its doric pillars, and the Methodists also ex^ 
 pressed their patriotism by a fine display of flags and 
 streamers. The Goldsmith and Gaily Houses were pro- 
 fusely hung with bunting and colored lanterns, and the 
 Schuylerville House presented a picturesque front with 
 its heavy festoonings of evergreens interwoven with the 
 red berries of the bay. Suspended over the main street 
 at a prominent point was a pictorial representation of the 
 surrender. Burgoyne was painted in the act of handing 
 his sword to Gates, while underneath the scene was in- 
 scribed the British general's remark : " The fortune of 
 war. General Gates, has made me your prisoner." At a 
 number of points, from newly erected flag-staffs, American 
 colors were floating'; and here and there one saw now a 
 
 'One of these flag-poles, at the corner of Pearl and Burgoyne streets, is 
 oife hundred and fifty feet in height; another, close by the cornerstone 
 of the monument, is one hundred and sixty feet high. Each of these 
 poles is surmounted by a large glass ball ; and the one planted by the cor- 
 ner stone may be readily seen by the aid of a field glass by the citizens of 
 Saratoga Springs, twelve miles distant. Tliese flag-staffs were both the 
 work of Mr. Giles P. Laing, of Schuylerville. 
 
10 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 portrait of George Wiishiugton, and again one of Philip 
 Schuyler, Morgan or some other old hero in a frame of 
 everiijreen. Nor was this kind of work confined to 
 Schuylerville. Standing near the site of the monument 
 the eye took in, for miles around, flags waving from poles 
 set up for the nonce before innumerable farm-houses. In 
 the distance, snugly nestled among the lower spurs of the 
 Green mountains, the pretty villages of Greenwich and 
 Middle Falls looked like two fleets riding at anchor, their 
 tall masts flying gaily colored pennants as if for some 
 great naval victory. Saratoga and Washington counties 
 seemed in very truth to have hung their banners upon the 
 outer walls. Indeed, as it was well said at the time, 
 "What, with the vivid hues of autumn upon the trees, 
 and tbe vivid hues of patriotism upon the houses, the vil- 
 lage and its vicinage looked as gay and attractive as did 
 the splendid army of Burgoyne, as it sailed up Lake 
 Champlain in June 1777, when the sun shone on the scar- 
 let coats of British grenadiers^ and on the bright helmets 
 of the German dragoons^" 
 
 As the troops of the several commands arrived they re- 
 ported to the Grand Marshal, General W. B. French, on 
 Schuyler Square where they were assigned positions. In 
 consequence, however, of the late arrival of the more dis- 
 tant organizations it was noon before the Marshal and 
 his aides had arranged them into column.^ Finally, the 
 report of a cannon told that all was in readiness ; and at 
 half past twelve o'clock the procession, headed by a pla- 
 toon of Troy police, filed out of the square into Gates's 
 avenue. General French and his staff gallantly leading 
 
 'Mr. JIcElroy, in the Albany Bvening Journal. 
 
 'Gen. French deserves much credit for the skill with which he held the 
 procession intact along the line of march. No break or impediment 
 caused any of those halts or separations that so frequently occur on occa- 
 sions of this kind. 
 
THE Surrender of Burqoyne. 11 
 
 the way. The line of march was from Gates's avenue to 
 Grove street, thence to Pearl ; from Pearl to Burgoyne ; 
 down Burgoyne to Broad; up Broad to Spring; thence 
 to Church, to Burgoyne, to Pearl, to Saratoga, to Green 
 and up Burgoyne avenue to the monument grounds ad- 
 joining Prospect Hill Cemetery. 
 
 A volume would scarce suffice to detail the particulars 
 necessary to a full description of the flags and emblems 
 and patriotic decorations which graced the arches under 
 which passed the many divisions and sub-divisions of this 
 imposing pageant ; nor yet to give the incidents which, 
 like the fragments of a splendid vision are still floating in 
 bright and glowing masses through the imagination. 
 But the spectacle was too brilliant and the scenes too 
 various for the memory to retain more than certain vague 
 impressions no less beautiful than indistinct. Those who 
 were present and saw the magnificent scene on that lovely 
 autumn day — while it gave them an idea of the appear- 
 ance of the two armies one hundred years ago at that very 
 hour and on that very spot — will at once admit that it 
 cannot be painted in language ; and those who had not 
 that happiness, must content themselves with the assur- 
 ance that the best endeavors of the writer to convey to 
 them an adequate idea of its eifect will fail. 
 
 The first arch (tastily draped with flags and bunting) 
 under which the procession marched, was at the corner 
 of Green and Pearl streets, near the handsomely adorned 
 residences of C. W. Mayhew, and G. VV. Watson. The 
 next one was at the junction of Burgoyne and Pearl streets 
 in front of the Dutch Reformed church. Upon it in let- 
 ters of evergreen were the words of welcome ascribed by 
 some to Gates on his first meeting the defeated British 
 general ; " I am glad to see you,"^ with the century 
 
 '•'It is the custom in England, and In America on approacliing any body 
 for the first time to say, ' I am very happy to see you.' General Gates 
 
12 Centennial Celebration op 
 
 dates of Oct. 17th, 1777, and 1877 ; the right and left of 
 tlie centre inscription bearing the names (also in ever- 
 green), of Schuyler, Gates and Morgan. At the corner of 
 Burgoyne and Broad streets another arch, festooned with 
 laurel, spanned the road; while a little further on and 
 opposite the Methodist parsonage, a graceful arch, thrown 
 across the street, bore on its south side the legend, " Meth- 
 odism honors the occasion," and on the north " Methodism 
 reveres the heroes of 1777." On the lawn, in front of the 
 Marshall House,' from a tall liberty pole floated the stars 
 and stripes, and a little distance from the foot of Bur- 
 goyne avenue on the Main street, an old elm, whose trunk 
 was wreathed with the " red, white and blue," bore this 
 inscription; " JSTear this spot, Oct. 17th, 1777, American 
 and British officers met and consummated the articles of 
 capitulation of General Burgoyne to General Gates ; and 
 on this ground the^British laid down their arms thus se- 
 curing American independence." Standing on the roof 
 
 chanced to Diake use of this expression in accosting General Burgoyne : 
 '7 believe you are,' replied the general, the fortune of the day is entirely 
 yours'." — Travels in. North America in 1780-82, by the Marquis De Chastel- 
 lux. 
 
 ' " A hundred years ago from yesterday, in the cellar of the house, at 
 present occupied by Mrs. Jane M. Marshall, there was a pitiful picture of 
 Ik few crouching, terror-stricken women and children, and a number of 
 wounded, hungry soldiers ; a century later, yesterday, upon the lawn of 
 toe same house, there was a joyous, paft'iotio company of wives and 
 maidens, raising into the air a liberty pole whereon, in a few days shall 
 float the glorious emblem of freedom and victory. With the dait mem- 
 ories of that house upon their minds did these women lift aloft with wil- 
 ling hands the celebraling statt'of its peace and domestic love. The sad 
 records of Madame Riedesel sland in dark contrast wilh this honorary act 
 of Mrs. J. M. Marshall, Mi's. George W. Smith, Miss Jennie Marshall (the 
 two latter the formej''s daughters), Mi's. Chas. Biirtram of Greenpoiut, L. I., 
 Mj-s. Wesley Buck and Mrs. Joseph Hudson of this village. The pole is 
 eiglity-niue feet fjom the ground and will float a flag twelve by fourteen 
 feet." — Schuylerville Standard, Oct. 15, 1877. 
 
 Mrs. Marshall also, gave the two Albany companies of the Twenty-fifth 
 regiment, the day after the celebration, an elegant dinner set out on the 
 lawn. 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 13 
 
 of the Grecian portico of D. L. Potter's dwelling, the God- 
 dess of Liberty, in life size, shone resplendent in u stiirry 
 crown and a skirt made of the American flag. Within 
 tliecourt-yardofAlonzo Welch — the site of the old Revo- 
 lutionary Barracks -^ stood a large marquee from the top 
 of which were unfurled the American and British colors; 
 while on the northwest corner of Pearl and Terry streets 
 a wooden monument was placed, having upon one of its 
 sides the following lettering : 
 
 Saratoga, 
 
 Bemis Heights, 
 
 Bennington, 
 
 Oriskany, 
 Lexington and Concord. 
 The eye of beauty, too, gazed with delight upon thtfpass- 
 ing scene. Every window was thronged ; and the myriads 
 of handkerchiefs which fluttered in the air was only rivaled 
 in whiteness by the delicate hands which suspended them ; 
 while the glowing cheeks, the ingenuous smiles of loveli- 
 ness and innocence, and the intelligence which beamed 
 brightly from many a sparkling eye, proclaimed their po- 
 sessors worthy of being the wives, mothers and daughters 
 of freemen. It was in fine a proud spectacle; but language 
 fails in attempting its description — much more in impart- 
 ing to paper the ' sensations which 'it created. It is not 
 difficult to describe individual objects correctly, but it is 
 impossible to portray their general effect when happily 
 grouped together. We rejoiced, and all who were there 
 rejoiced ; although, as we looked upon the countless 
 throng, we could not but remember the exclamation of 
 Xerxes, and feel that "a hundred years hence, not one of 
 all that vast multitude will be alive." 
 
 Immediately behind the police and leading the proces- 
 sion proper, came the popular Boring's band of Troy, 
 composed of twenty-six pieces. Following these, and 
 3 
 
14 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 marching by platoons, were Company F, Tenth regiment 
 N. Y. S. ]Sr. G., Captain George D. Weidman commanding, 
 and Company I, Twenty-fifth regiment under Captain 
 "Wallvcr. Both companies wore a neat gray uniform, and 
 by their soldierly bearing did credit to the capital city. 
 Colt's armory band of twenty pieces, one of the choicest 
 musical organizations in the land, and clad in scarlet, fol- 
 lowed next in order ; and directly after them were the 
 Governor's Foot Guards of Hartford, Conn., commanded 
 by Major W. II. Talcott. The presence, on this occasion, 
 of the Foot Guards was particularly fortunate, and most 
 appropriate. Dressed in the rich and peculiar stjde of the 
 time of George III — bear-skin caps, scarlet coats, knee- 
 breeches, and black velvet leggins with silver buckles on 
 their- shoes — they gave to the spectators a correct idea of 
 the appearance of Burgoyne's " Red-coats" at the time of 
 the surrender. Accompanying the Foot Guards were the 
 Veterans of the corps in citizen's dress, wearing Kossuth 
 hats and crimson badges.^ The Park Guard's band, one 
 of Vermont's best, with the Park Guards of Bennington, 
 Capt. !N". 0. Wilcox, made a striking appearance in their 
 grenadier hats and steel gray uniforms. Having taken 
 part in the Bennington centennial, it gave them pleasure 
 to participate in Saratoga's celebration. It was one of the 
 best equipped commands on the ground. As the proces- 
 sion moved by, the next command that passed along was 
 
 'Tlie Governor's Foot Guards were chartered in 1771. In October, 
 1777, it started for Saratoga to offer its services to Gates thougli organized' 
 specially as a body guard to the governor and general assembly of the 
 colony of Connecticut. The company, under the command of Captain 
 Jonathan Bull, marched as far as the Rhinebeck flats, where, being met 
 liy an express with the news of Burgoyne's surrender, they returned 
 home. The battalion now numbers about one hundred, including a band 
 of iwentj-iive pieces. James Bull, now living at Saratoga Springs, is a 
 grandson of Captain Jonathan Bull, and was a member of the guards 
 fifty years ago. His father Isaac D. Bull was the first major of the or- 
 ganization when it became a battalion in 1813, serving until 1816. 
 
TFiE Surrender of Burgoyne. 15 
 
 the Hughes Light Guards of South Glen's Falls, Capt. 
 Gleesettle. This company has only recently been organ- 
 ized, but the members carried them^^elves like veterans, 
 reflecting credit on the most northei'ly town in Saratoga 
 county. The "Whitehall Cornet band then filed past, lead- 
 ing the well known and popular Burleigh Corps of White- 
 hall, Lieut. Basoom commanding. The Guards and Corps 
 were dressed in the regulation dark and light blue and 
 wore the shako, and made a creditable appearance. This 
 military array was followed by the Knights Templar, their 
 gay trappings, in the bright sunlight of an unclouded sky, 
 being sufficiently gorgeous to have filled the eye of a Per- 
 sian emperor in the height of oriental splendor and mag- 
 nificence. The Knights Templar constituted the second 
 division of the procession which was under the command 
 of very eminent Grand Commander Charles H. Holden, 
 assisted by Sir Knight B. F. Judson. Preceding the 
 Washington Commandery of Saratoga Springs, was the 
 Ballston Cornet band dressed in a showy dark blue uni- 
 form. Then came the Seventy- seventh regiment band of 
 Saratoga Springs, composed of twenty-two pieces and 
 dressed in military uniform, followed by the Apollo Com- 
 mandery of Troy and the Temple Commandery of Albany. 
 These commanderies, together with Washington Com- 
 mandery, sustained well their reputation as among the 
 finest appearing and best drilled organizations of Sir 
 Knights in the state. The Mozart band of Schenectady, 
 uniformed in white, came next in order preceding the 
 commanderies of St. George of Schenectady, De Soto of 
 Plattsburgh, Holy Cross of Glovers ville, Lafayette of Hud- 
 son, Little Falls of Little Falls, Killington of Rutland, 
 Vermont, and the Teflt of Bennington of the same state. 
 The Schuylerville Cornet band was the next to pass, fol- 
 lowed by the Master Masons, who preceded the Grand 
 Lodge of the state of ISTew York. Along the whole ex- 
 
16 Centennial Celebration op 
 
 tensive line of raarcli each of the different organizations 
 was received with continual cheers, a circumstance which 
 added not a little to the animation of the scene. 
 
 The Saratoga Centennial Cavalry, Major T. S. Hassett 
 commanding, brought up the rear. This company num- 
 bered upward of eighty horsemen, and attired in the 
 attractive uniform of Gates's Centennials, they elicited 
 much praise from the bystanders whenever they appeared. 
 This cavalcade formed the escort, or rather the rearguard, 
 to the orators, poets, officers of the day, members of the 
 Saratoga Monument Association and invited guests, who, 
 seated in open carriages, formed the civic portion of the 
 procession. In one of the carriages were Horatio Sey- 
 mour, George William Curtis and Alfred B. Street, each 
 wearing on his breast, not the gorgeous insignia of the 
 courts of kings, but — typical of Republican simplicity — 
 a silk badge, on which was attached a plain rosette made 
 of the dry leaves of the palmetto.' Among the most 
 honored guests were ex-Senator Foster, of Connecticut, 
 whose father was in both battles of Bemis's Heights, and 
 George L. Schuyler, of ISTew York, a grandson of Gen. 
 Philip Schuyler. In another carriage, also, rode Albert 
 Clements, aged^ ninety-six, George Strover, eighty-six, 
 
 ' At the top of tlie badge is printed tlie word " Gates," and at the 
 botti>m, " Saratoga, Oct. 17lli, 1877." The badges were llie gift nf Gen. 
 Stephen D. Kirlf, of Cliarlcston, S. C. Gen. Kirk accompanied the gifts 
 with appropriate patriotic sentiments. 
 
 ^Albert Clements, the most remarkable person in the vicinity of Schuy- 
 Icrville, was ninely-si.x years old on the 24th of October, 1877. Born in 
 Dutchess county, N. Y , he came wiih his father to Saratoga (Scluiyler- 
 ville) when only eight year.^ old, in 1781, and has resided there ever since. 
 His father pnichnsed five hundred acres of land west of the Schuyler 
 tract, which in part he cleared and made very productive in corn, wheat, 
 buckwheat, flax, barley, etc. He also had a distillery on the Fishkill, 
 about a mile south of Victory I\Iills, near the houses of Vilorus Winneyi 
 and of the father of Mr. Giles B. Slocum, now living in Trenton, Mich! 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 17 
 
 and William KI. MeCreedy, eighty-six, the three oldest 
 men in the village, and honored both for their own 
 sakes and from having once been the neighbors of 
 Gen. Schuyler. The presence of these three venerable, 
 but still hale and hearty, village sires, and the distin- 
 guislied ex-Senator Foster, carried back the minds of 
 the beholders so vividly fo those "times that tried 
 men's souls,"' that they no longer seemed to belong 
 to the " dim past," but to the vitality of the actual 
 present. It had been expected that Governor Robinson, 
 of New York, Governor Rice, of Massachusetts, and Van 
 Zandt, of Rhode Island, would be present; but illness 
 kept them all away. The governor of New York was 
 represented by members of his military family ; " but as 
 he had vetoed the state appropriation for the celebration, 
 a word of sympathy from him in the commemoration of 
 the most important of the Revolutionary centennial cele- 
 brations in New York state would have been fitting and 
 welcome.'" 
 
 The procession was more than a mile in length, and 
 
 His father was a most successful disliller, and manufactured an excellent 
 quality of wjiisky from buckwlicat and potatoes. He also made cider 
 brandy. Tbe longevity of the family is remaikable. His father died 
 at ninety, his mother at eiglity. Albert Clements has had eleven 
 children. The youngest living is fifty years old, and he has a son 
 (Dr. Clements, of Saratoga Springs), aged sixty-five. He never belonged 
 to any religious denominaticm, but attends that of the Methodists. He 
 has never used (so they tell me), " as much tobacco as would amount to 
 one cigar;" but has always drank spirits, "when lie felt like it." His 
 earnest sententious speech, without any of the besetting weakness of old 
 age, commands tlie attention and interest of all with whom he converses. 
 His hale, hearty, courteous manner, and his physical activity make him 
 a man to be noted. When I proposed to send a carriage for him on 
 the day of the celebration, he replied that " he could walk as well as 
 not," though he lives two miles from the village. The father, grand- 
 father and great-grandfather of j\lr. McOreedy were all present as soldiers 
 at the surrender, Mr. Clements, Jlr. Slrover, and Mr. MeCreedy, all occu- 
 pied seats on the speakers' stand, the day of the celebration. 
 ■ Harper's Weekly. 
 
18 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 contained nearlj' tliree thousand people. It was, indeed, 
 a pageant of indescribable interest, and, to most, of double 
 attraction ; the occasion being one in which the deepest 
 sympathies were enlisted, and it being also altogether the 
 finest display of pomp and circumstance ever witnessed 
 in northern New York. 
 
 A large part of the population of Saratoga and Wash- 
 ington counties had given themselves up to the enjoyment 
 of the occasion ; and gladness, in all its fullness, was 
 depicted in every countenance, while a noble euthiisiasm 
 swelled every bosom. The bond of union was complete; 
 and every man, carrying himself back one hundred years, 
 felt as though his country had been rescued, in the last 
 hour, from the most imminent peril. 
 
 The head of the procession reached the open square in 
 front of the monument at half past one o'clock. The 
 right of line then opened, and the G-rand Lodge advanced 
 to its position, being surrounded by the subordinate 
 lodges formed in a square. The commanderies made the 
 same formation outside of the lodges, while the military, 
 beyond the commanderies, encircled them, having in their 
 rear a vast concourse of citizens, estimated at twelve 
 thousand. The various bands of music, wiiich had 
 enlivened the march of the f)rocession, were concentrated 
 in the enclosure, but so disposed as not to intercept the 
 prospect. The Grand Lodge occupied a position upon the 
 foundation of the monument, and thus the Masonic cere- 
 monies, which were conducted in the usual form, were in 
 full view of the multitude. 
 
 After the corner-stone had been laid, the procession 
 was reformed ; and, amid the firing of cannons, counter- 
 marched to the speaking grounds on Schuyler square 
 where two stands had been built, on which floated the 
 American and British flags. At the southern stand, where 
 Hon. Charles S. Lester of Saratoga Springs presided, the 
 
THE Surrender of Burqoyne. 19 
 
 orations of Horatio Seymour and George William Curtis, 
 and the addresses of Judge Lester and Lafayette S. Foster 
 were delivered, together witli the poem of Aifred B. Street, 
 read by Col. E. P,. Howe of Saratoga Springs. The short, 
 impromptu speech by Senator Foster, was peculiarly 
 timely and fitting, and of extraordinary interest, owing 
 to the fact that he had often listened to the storj^ of the 
 battle from the lips of his father, \Yho was lieutenant and 
 adjutant of one of the Connecticut regiments on the Ame- 
 rican side. At the northern stand, Hon. George "W". 
 Schuyler, in the absence of Gen. E. F. Bullard, was called 
 upon to preside ; but shortly after delivering his intro- 
 ductory address he was summoned away by a dispatch 
 from Albany. Before leaving Mr. Schuyler called upon 
 Col. David F. Ritchie to take his place ; and the latter 
 acted in this capacity during the remainder of the exer- 
 cises. At this stand were delivered the historical address 
 of William L. Stone, and the speeches of B. W. Throck- 
 morton of New Jersey, Judge Austin A. Yates of Sche- 
 nectady, and H. L. Gladding of Albany. General James 
 Grant Wilson (the biographer of Fitz Green Halleck) read 
 that poet's Field of the Grounded Arms, and the Hev. 
 D. K. Van Doren of Schuylerville a poem by General J. 
 Watts De Peyster prepared expressly for the occasion. 
 A new version of the Star Spangled Banner, by Col. B. C. 
 Butler of Luzerne, 1^. Y., was then read by William L. 
 Stone, and the exercises closed by the reading, by Col. 
 Pitchie, of letters from Benson J. Lossing, Mrs. Ellen H. 
 Walworth, Giles B. Slocum, and General Stephen D. Kirk 
 of Charleston, South Carolina. At the close of the literary 
 exercises. Governor Seymour presented the following re- 
 solution which was unanimously adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of the Saratoga Monument 
 Association be presented to Booth Brothers of JSTew York 
 
20 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 city for their generous donation of the corner stone which 
 has been hiid to-day.^ 
 
 .It had been the intentioti to close the celebration with 
 a brilliant military spectacle representing the surrender 
 of Burgoyne to the Continental troops. It was, however, 
 almost dusk when the speaking was finished; and, ac- 
 cordingly, Judge Lester, in dismissing the audience, stated 
 that the Connecticut boys^ refused to surrender, and that 
 the exercises would therefore be brought to an end by a 
 dress parade. By a curious coincidence both Judge Lester 
 and Col. Ritchie closed the exercises at the two stands by 
 announcing an adjournment until the next centennial in 
 1977. Although these gentlemen seemed to have little 
 faith that many of their auditors would be present at the 
 second centennial of the same great event, it is to be 
 hoped that they will be mistaken in this instance ; and if 
 such should be the case, we trust they may be among the 
 number of those who shall be spared to see that joyous 
 day. 
 
 While the literary exercises at the stands were holding, 
 thousands of people who could not get within hearing dis- 
 tance, amused themselves by strolling about the village 
 and visiting the surrender grounds, the remains of old 
 Fort Hardy, the Marshall House (in the cellar of which 
 Mrs. Reidesel took refuge during the cannonade) and the 
 "Relic Tent" containing a sword said to have belonged 
 to Burgoyne, the "Eddy collection," and many other in- 
 
 ' For this handsome gift, valued at tliree hundred and fifty dollars, the 
 Association, as stated in the text, is indebted to tlie firm of Booth Brothers 
 whose ofBce is at 51 Chamber street New York. The generosity of this 
 firm of Scotchmen is the more worthy of special notice from the fact that 
 in this matter all other American contractors in granite had turned upon 
 the Association the cold shoulder. Booth Brothers are the owners of large 
 quarries, and being, also, contractors and dealers in all kinds of native and 
 Scotch granites, are deserving of a liberal patronage. Their kindness de- 
 serves it. 
 
 ' The Governor's Foot Guards, who were to personate the British troops. 
 
THE Surrender of Burqoyne. 21 
 
 teresting trophies. The Schuyler Mcansion, built by Gene- 
 ral Schuyler near the site of the one burned by Burgoyne 
 and owned and occupied by George Strover, was, also, an 
 object of special attraction during the entire .day.* The 
 continental cavalry from Saratoga Springs, upon its arrival 
 in the village, proceeded thither in a body and saluted the 
 house and its occupants. Among the large number of 
 persons who partook of the hospitalities of the house were 
 ex-Governor Seymour, George William Curtis, H. A. 
 Homes, State Librarian, Hon. George Schuyler, Alfred 
 B. Street, B. W. Throckmorton, Judge A. A. Yates, H. 
 L. Gladding, Charles S. Lester and many other prominent 
 men. Speaking within bounds, at least three thousand 
 people, during the day and evening, visited the house. 
 The large portico with its high columns were adorned 
 with curtains elegantly folded^ and with wreaths and fes- 
 toons of laurels disposed with beautiful and tasteful effect. 
 Over the door- way was suspended the musket, cartridge-box 
 and powder-horn used by Col. Strover in the war of 1812. 
 Immediately after the exercises of the laying of the corner 
 stone, the Governor's Foot Guards of Hartford, escorted by 
 Major J. C. Parson of the veteran corps, and Major "W. 
 H. Talcott, with Colt's Military Band, marched to the 
 house ; and upon its arrival on the lawn , paraded in line and 
 saluted the old mansion and Colonel and Mrs. Strover, 
 the living representatives of the eighteenth century. The 
 Guards then stacked arms, and upon entering the hospi- 
 table mansion were tendered refreshments. They inspected 
 
 ' This is a good opportunity to correct the common error — into which I 
 have myself fallen in my Lifeof OeneralReidesel — that the present Schuy- 
 ler Mansion was built by the American army within ten days after the 
 surrender. The massive foundation of the house is sufficient of itself to 
 refute this idea; but if more evidence is required, we have the testimony 
 of the Marquis de Chastellux, who, visiting Gen. Schuyler at Saratoga in 
 1783 — five years after the surrender — says that "there is nothing to be 
 seen but some barns and the ruins of General Schuyler's house." 
 4 
 
22 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 all the quaint and curious things which till the house from 
 cellar to garret. Upon their departure, a parting salute 
 was given ; and the band, which had executed for the large 
 number of guests assembled on the portico and lawn, a 
 number of brilliant pieces of music, then played "Home, 
 Sweet Home," and' marched across the bridge into the 
 village. Major "W". H. Talcott was heard to remark that 
 this visit of the Guards "was one of the most pleasing 
 which he should remember with the laying of the corner 
 stone of the Saratoga Monument." 
 
 When at length the sun went down behind the heights 
 upon which Burgoyne had pitched his camp, the multitude 
 slowly dispersed and wended its way through the streets of 
 the village. Broad street took the appearance of Broadway, 
 New York City, and was a thoroughfare of closely packed 
 hacks, stages, wagons and horsemen passing and re-pass- 
 ina- toward the several roads leading to their homes. At 
 night, the street with its pendant flags and gayly colored 
 illuminated lanterns; its thronging people; the wild 
 vociferations of the street venders ; the passing of uni- 
 formed soldiers ; and the out going stages filled with de- 
 parting visitors, made it a scene not soon to be forgotten 
 by the citizens of Schuylerville. ^ 
 
 ' The centennial exercises were continued at Scliuylerville throughout 
 the following day. The village presented a beautiful appearance, the 
 artistic decorations and beauties still attracting attention. Though the 
 crowd was not as large as the previous day, yet there were thousands of 
 people present — all happy at being able to assist in prolonging the exer- 
 cises of the preceding day. In the large tents on Schuyler square hun- 
 dreds were banqueted, the supply of provisions furnished being more than 
 amply siitflcient to meet all of the demands made upon it. The grand 
 stands were crowded during most of the day, and the corner stone was 
 visited by thousands of people. The exercises of the day were inter- 
 spersed with local speeches, music, and a military display by companies 
 F of the Tenth regiment, and I of the Twenty-fifth. The occasion was 
 a most joyous one; and to sum up, the citizens of Schuylerville have rea- 
 son to feel proud at the success of the Centennial Celebration of 1877. — 
 Schuylerville Standard. 
 
THE SURRENDETf OF BuRGOYNE. ' 23 
 
 As niglit shut in the air became chilly, and the 
 wind, which had seemingly waited until the celebration 
 was ended, now swept around the massive foundation of 
 the monument and over the high table land with a hoarse, 
 sullen roar. But as midnight approached the breeze was 
 lulled to silence, the lights of the village disappeared ; 
 the different sounds from the haunts of men ceased ; and 
 a gentle silence reigned around. Above hung a broad 
 and sable canopy studded with countless planets ; and 
 around stretched the weird-looking horizon apparently 
 dying away into the gloom of that strange firmament. 
 But as it drew on towards the dawn, the stars, led off by 
 the twin Pleiades, tripped away and disappeared one by 
 one ; and the light of another day rested on the ground 
 where but a little while before, had been gathered a vast 
 multitude, and where, amid the swelling strains of mar- 
 tial music, had beeu collected and displayed, in one grand 
 view, the flags, and emblems, and costly decorations, 
 which, in a continued procession called forth such enthu- 
 siasm of admiration. It was one of those few bright visions 
 whose evanescent glory is allowed to light up the path of 
 human life — which, as they are passing, we feel can never 
 return ; and which, while diff"using a sensation of pleas- 
 ing melancholy, leads up the mind to contemplation. The 
 splendor of beauty and the triumph of art sure to excite, 
 
 Nor, before bringing our narrative to a close should we neglect to spealc 
 of the hospitality displayed, not only of the people of Sclmylerville, but 
 also of those of Victory Mills, of Northumberland, of Easton and of 
 Greenwich. These people gave a hearty and hospitable welcome to all. 
 Eveiy one appreciated the bonuteous refreshments provided by them and 
 departed with loud spoken compliments and thanks for the goodly enter- 
 tainment. Mr. Daniel A. Bullard, also, was not only one of Ihestaunch- 
 est promoters of the Saratoga Monument, but on the day of the celebra- 
 tion, assisted by his lovely wife, entertained at his hospitable mansion, 
 Horatio Seymour, George William Curtis, Henry A. Honi«s, George L. 
 Schuyler, Alfred B. Street, Senator Foster, James M. Mann, Gen. Wilson, 
 B.W.Throckmorton, Governor Robinson's staff and many others. 
 
24 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 to dazzle and often to improve the condition and promote 
 the welfare of mankind ; but " the fashion of this world 
 passeth away;" beauty and art, with all their triumphs 
 and splendors, endure but for a season ; and earth itself, 
 with all its lakes and oceans, its woods and mountains, is 
 only as the small dust of the balance in the sight of Him 
 who dwells beyond the everlasting hills.' 
 
 orncEKS OF the day. 
 
 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER ITth, 1877. 
 
 PRESIDENTS OF THE DAY: 
 Hon. Charles S. Lester, Saratoga Springs, N. Y. 
 Gen. Edward F. Bullard, " " " 
 
 VICE-PRESIDENTS AT LARGE: 
 George L. Schuyler, New York City. 
 Philip Schuyler, " " " 
 
 Hon. Charles O'Connor, New Yoik. 
 William Cullen Bryant, " " 
 
 1 Yesterday will long be remembered in the history of this country ; and 
 from the memories of all who participated in the great celebration, it will 
 never pass away. The blue sky, the gorgeous colors of the autumn foli- 
 age, the smooth flowing, silver Hudson, the delicious air, the grand old 
 mountains standing like sentinels to guard the spot sacred with so many 
 heroic associations, the brilliant pageant, the impressive ceremonies at 
 the monument which commemorates the past, honors the present, and 
 links both to the unboi'n future, the grand orations, the stirring poems, 
 the illustrious citizens who recalled to mind the great deeds which those 
 scenes bad witnessed, the scenes themselves where the scepter of foreign 
 dominion had forever passed away and America awoke from a splendid 
 dream of Liberty and Independence to find the reality more glorious than 
 the imagination had had the strength to picture — what more could be 
 asked from a single day ! As we stood upon the monument, and our eye 
 rested upon the splendid panorama, decorated by tlie hand of nature with 
 a skill and grandeur at which man can only wonder, we thought of the 
 days when the souls of our fatliers bad been tried and not found wanting, 
 and of the scene here upon the liallowed ground at our feet which had 
 been wet with their blood, and where with a joy so intense that it was 
 silent, and a' tender chivalry which restrained all exultation over a van- 
 quished foe, they saw their proLid enemies laj' down their arms, and they 
 knew that their final victory was secure ! — Saratogian, Oct. \itli, 1877. 
 
THE Surrender op Burqoynb. 25 
 
 Hon. Hamilton Fish, New York. 
 
 Ex-Governor Hoffman, " " 
 
 Hon. Frederick DePeyster, Pres. N. Y. Historical Society. 
 
 Hon. George W. Curtis, New York. 
 
 Manton Marble, " " 
 
 Henry B. Dawson, " " 
 
 Hon. -Ellis H. Roberts, Utica. 
 
 Hon. William J. Bacon, " 
 
 E. F. DeLancey, New York City. 
 
 Thomas W. Olcott, Albany. 
 
 Joel Munsell, " 
 
 J. V. L. Pruyn, 
 
 Hon. Robert S. Hale, Elizabethtown, N. Y. 
 
 O. H. Marshall, Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
 Hon. Hiland Hall, Bennington, Vt. 
 
 C. M. Bliss, Sec. Bennington Mon. Ass'n, Bennington, Vt. 
 
 Giles B. Slocum, Trenton, Mich. 
 
 James McFarland, New Jersey. 
 
 Ethan Allen, New York. 
 
 Wm. H. Thomas, Bergen, N. J. 
 
 Hon. John H. Starin, Fultonville. 
 
 Parker Handy, New York. 
 
 John F. Seymour, Utica. 
 
 Hon. B. W. Throckmorton, Bergen, N. J. 
 
 Hon. Henry G. Root, Bennington, Vt. 
 
 Maj. a. B. Valentine, " " 
 
 Hon. M. S. Colburn, Manchester, Vt. 
 
 Ex-Gov. John B. Page, Rutland, " 
 
 Lt. Gov. Redfield S. Proctor, Rutland, Vt. 
 
 Lt. Gov. E. J. Phelps, Burlington, Vt. 
 
 Ex-Gov. John W. Stewart, Middlebury, Vt. 
 
 Hon. Frederick E. Woodbridge, Vergennes, Vt. 
 
 Wm. H. Clement, Morrow, Ohio. 
 
 President Potter, Union College, Schenectady. 
 
 Clarence Bate, Louisville, Ky. 
 
 Col. John Hay, Cleveland, Ohio. 
 
 General Stephen D. Kirk, Charleston, South Carolina. 
 
26 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 Saeatoga County. 
 
 Saratoga — R. English, H. Ceambe, Geoege Strovee, H. 
 SciBMOEE, E. Raymond, P. Dodd, F. K. Mabshall, W. R. 
 Clothier, P. Dennis, G. Wright, Rev. A. F. Bailey, Ret. 
 D. K. Van Doeen, Rev. G. W. Dean, Rev. H. B. Pinnegan, 
 N. Bennett, J. Osbobn. 
 
 Saratoga Springs — Hon. James M. Marvin, Hon. A. Bockbs, 
 Hon. O. L. Barboue, Gbnbeal Joshua T. Blanchaed, 
 Stephen H. Richaeds, President Saratoga Springs, B. P. Jud- 
 SON, J. W. Ceanb, C. S. Lester, G. L. Ames. 
 
 Ballston — G. G. Scott, N. Gilmoue. 
 
 Charlton — W. B. Consalus, P. D. Cuetis. 
 
 Clifton Park — J. Peck, H. Parker. 
 
 Corinth — E. Edwards, N. M. Houghton. 
 
 Day — I. W. Guiles, E. Darling. 
 
 Edinburgh — I. Noyes, je., S. H. Toeeet. 
 
 Galway — De. Preston, I. Brockbtt. 
 
 Hadley — C. Rockwell, A. Palmer. 
 
 Halfmoon — H. S. Sheldon, E. D. Ellsworth, C. Clute. 
 
 Malta — Capt. Rogers, J. Tripp. 
 
 Milton — G. West, C. B. Kilmer, H. Knickerbackee. 
 
 Moreau — J. W. Shuetee, W. A. Sherman. 
 
 Northumberland — A. B. Baucus, A. L. Pinne, W. Tice, D. 
 H. Detoe, H. Thompson. 
 
 Providence — W. B. Claek, P. Mead. 
 
 Stillwater — G. W. ISTeilson, G. A. Ensign, L. Van Demaek. 
 
 Waterford— J. B. Enos, D. T. Lamb. 
 
 Wilton — B. B. Geippen, C. Boyce. 
 
 "Washington Counjy. 
 
 Greenwich — R. W. Lober, S. L. Stillman, E. Andrews. 
 JEaston — J. A. Van Schaick, I. Burton, E. W. Hollistee. 
 Fort Edward— J. E. King, S. McKban, A. D. Waite. 
 Sandy Sill — J. Dwyer, A. L. Allen. 
 Fort Ann — J. Hall. 
 
 Whitehall — W. A. Wilkins, W. H. Tefft. 
 
THE SURRENDEK OF BuRSOYNB. 27 
 
 Granville — R. C. Betts. 
 Argyle — A. Baeklbt, H. Dodd. 
 Hartford — M. J. Ingalsbbb, J. M. Northup. 
 Salem — J. Gibson, je., S. W. Russell. 
 Cambridge — J. S. Smart, H. Gordon. 
 
 Warren County. 
 
 Glen's Falls — T. S. Coolidgb, W. W. Rockwell, I. Mott, 
 H. M. -Harris, N. Cole, M. B. Little, John Keenan, L. G. 
 McDonald, Augustus Sherman, Jbrrt Finch. 
 
 Luzerne — B. C. Butler. 
 
 Rensselaer County. 
 Schaghticohe — J. A. Quackenbush, J. Knickerbacker. 
 Troy — J. M. Francis, A. G. Johnson, J. B. Parmentee, E. 
 
 L. FURSMAN, M. I. TOWNSEND, MaYOR MuRPHY, I. McCoNIHB, 
 J. J. FiLKINS. 
 
 Albany County. 
 Albany — Mayor Banks, J. W. Smith, C. E. Smith, A. A. 
 Keyes, L. Thompson. 
 
 Cohoes — C. H. Adams, D. J. Johnson. 
 
 Schenectady County. 
 C. Sanford, Ex-Mayor Hunter. 
 
 Montgomery County. 
 C. B. Winbgae, a. W. Kline, F. Fish. 
 
 Clinton County. 
 
 S. M. Weed. 
 
 SECRETARIES: 
 
 W. L. Stone, Secretary Monument Association New York. 
 E. W. B. Canning, Cor. Sec. Saratoga Monument Ass'n. 
 D. F. Ritchie, A. S. Pease, E. J. Huling, Saratoga Springs. 
 H. L. Geose, W. S. Wateebuey, Ballston Spa. 
 R. L. Palmateee, Waterford. 
 H. C. MoEHOUSB, Greenwich. 
 
28 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 H. D. MoERis, Salem. 
 H. T. Blanchaed, Fort Edward. 
 J. L. McArthue, Granville. 
 J. H. CusHMAN, Bennington. 
 
 GRAND MARSHAL. 
 Gen. W. B. Feench, Saratoga Springs. 
 
 ASSISTANT MARSHALS: 
 
 Saratoga Springs — Capt. B. F. Judson, Col. F. R. Andes, 
 Maj. W. J. RiGGS, SuEGEON Wm. H. Hall, Col. Hieam 
 RoDGEES, Col. B. C. Butlee, Col. Wm. Q. Baeeett, Capt. 
 A. A. Patteeson, J. W. Lestee, R. A. Hbminway, Capt. W. 
 W. Woeden, Capt. James M. Andeews, je., Hieam Owen, 
 Maj. E. T. Beackett, Capt. E. P. Howe, Ebenezee Holmes, 
 Capt. P. F. Allen, Samuel F. Coeey. 
 
 Ballston Spa — Goj.. C. T. Peck, Capt. W. W. Feench. 
 
 Stillwater — Capt. L. Van Demaek, Capt. Thomas. 
 
 Greenwich — De. Geay. 
 
 Schuylerville — Capt. Geoege Robinson, D-. S. Pottee, A. 
 Welch, J. S. Dillinbeck, C. H. McNaughton, S. McCebedy, 
 P. S. Wheelee, De. N. C. Haeeis, Lieutenants Dillinbeck, 
 Fletchee, Pennock. 
 
 Albany — Gen. Dickeeman. 
 
 Troy — Gen. Caee. 
 
 Sandy Hill — Gen. Ciiaeles Hughes. 
 
 Luzerne — Col. B. C. Butlee. 
 
 COMMITTEES: 
 
 Reception — N. C. Haeeis, N. J. Sbelye, O. Beisbin, F. Gow, 
 H. A. McRea. 
 
 Music — C. M. Dennis, S. R. Laweence, J. T. Smith, J. O. 
 Hannum. 
 
 Finance — S. Sheldon, G. F. Watson, W. H. Smith, A. M. 
 Geeen'e, H. C. Holmes, S. Thokn, S. F. Beott, J. Billings, 
 JE., J. R. Deyoe. 
 
 Entertainment — E. Doolittle, J. H. DeRiddee, R. N. 
 Atwell, C. E. Ingeeson, E. C. Bullaed, M. B. Geippen. 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 29 
 
 Transportation — J. H. DiLLiNGnAM, T. Toohey, G. H. Ben- 
 nett, C. E. Washburn. 
 
 Decoration — G. P. Laing, R. W. Rice, I. Whitman, F. 
 McNatjghton, B. J. Beistol. 
 
 Military — D. S. Poiter, A. Welch, J. S. Dillinbeck, C. 
 H. McNaughton, S. McCreedy, P. S. Wheeler. 
 
 Grounds and battlefield arrangements — W. P. Ostrander, 
 W. P. Finch, H. Marshall, S. Wlnney, D. Craw. 
 
 Auditing — D. Dean, R. Sutfin, T. Sweet. 
 
 Printing — R. Mingay, jr., Chas. F. Paul, C. H. Atwell, 
 E. M. Oabhart. 
 
 ORDER OF THE DAY. 
 
 National salute at sunrise by Battery B, Captain A. H. Green. 
 The procession will be formed on Schuyler Square, 11:30 a. m., 
 in the following order : 
 
 FIRST DIVISION. 
 
 Platoon of Police ; Gen. W. B. French, chief marshal ; chief 
 marshal's staff, Capt. B. F. Judson, Col. F. R Andes, Maj. 
 W. J. Riggs, Surgeon Wm. H. Hall, Col. Hiram Rodgers, 
 Col. B. C. Butler, Col. Wm. Q. Barrett, Capt. A. A. Patter- 
 son, J. W. Lester, R. A. Heminway, Capt. W. W. Worden, 
 Capt. James M. Andrews, Jr., Hiram Owen, Maj. E. T. Brack- 
 ett, Capt. E. P. Howe, Ebenezer Holmes, Capt. P. F. Allen, 
 S. F. Corey, Saratoga Springs ; Col. C. T. Peck, Capt. W. 
 W. French, Ballston Spa. ; Capt. L. Van Demark, Stillwater ; 
 Capt. Geo. Robinson, Capt. Thomas, Dr. Gray, D. S. Potter, 
 A. Welch, J. S. Dillenbeck, C. H. McNaughton, S. McCreedy, 
 P. S. Wheeler, Dr. N. C. Harris, Lieutenants Dillenbeck, 
 Fletcher, Pennock, Schuylerville ; Doring's Band of Troy ; 
 Co. F's Drum Corps ; Co. F, Tenth regiment, Capt. George 
 D. Weidman commanding, of Albany ; Co. I's drum corps ; 
 Co. I, Twenty-fifth regiment, Capt. Walker commanding, of 
 Albany ; First Company Governor's Foot Guards of Hart- 
 ford, Conn., in old English uniform worn in the reign of 
 George HI ; W. H. Talcott, Maj. Com. Battalion ; Colt's 
 5 
 
30 Cenntennial Celebration of 
 
 Band, Hartford, Conn., Thos. G. Adkins, leader ; Capt. A. 
 H. Wiley Com. first company ; Lieut. R. D. Burdick Com. 
 second company ; Lieut. S. E. Hasoall Com. third company ; 
 Lieut. W. E. Eatou Com. fouith company ; Park Guards 
 Band ; Park Guards of Bennington, Vt., Capt. O. N. Wilcox, 
 commander ; Hughes Light Guards of Glen's Falls, Capt. 
 Gleesettle, commanding ; Whitehall Band ; Burleigh Corps, 
 Capt. Tho's Hall, commanding, Whitehall Band. 
 
 SECOND DIVISION. 
 Sir Townsend Fonda, R. E. Grand Commander ; Sir Chas. H. 
 Holden, V. D. Grand Commander : Sir Knight, B. F. Judson ; 
 Ballston Spa Cornet Band ; Washington Commandery of 
 Saratoga Springs ; Seventy-seventh Regiment Band, Saratoga 
 Springs ; Apollo Commandery of Troy ; Temple Command- 
 ery No. 2, of Albany ; Schenectady Band ; St. George's 
 Commandery, No. 3*7, Schenectady, N. Y. ; De Soto Com- 
 mandery No. 49, of Plattsburgh ; Schuylerville Band ; Holy 
 Cross Commandery, Gloversville, N. Y. ; Lafayette Com- 
 mandery, Hudson, N. Y. ; Little Falls Commandery, Little 
 Falls, N. Y.; Killington Commandery, Rutland, Vt.; Tefft 
 Commandery, Bennington, Vt. ; Master Masons ; Ashler Lodge, 
 No. 584, Greenwich, N. Y. ; Montgomery. Lodge, No. 504, 
 Stillwater, N. Y. ; Schuyler Lodge, No. 676, Schuylerville, N. 
 Y. ; Rising Sun Lodge, No. 103, Saratoga Springs, N. Y.; 
 Fort Edward Lodge, No. 267, Fort Edward, N. Y.; Home 
 Lodge, No. 398, Northumberland, N. Y.; Grand Master of 
 Master Masons of the state of New York, M. W. J. J. Couch ; 
 Grand Lodge of the State of New York. 
 
 THIRD DIVISION. 
 
 Capt. W. W. Worden, assistant marshal, commanding ; New 
 York State ofiicials ; Presidents of the day ; orators ; poets ; 
 speakers ; clergy and chaplain in carriages ; Bemis Heights 
 Centennial committee ; the Saratoga Monument Association ; 
 descendants of Revolutionary soldiers ; invited guests ; Con- 
 tinental Cavalry, from Saratoga, Major Fassett, commanding ; 
 his excellency. Governor Robinson, represented in the persons 
 of General J. B. Stonehouse and General A. H. Taylor. 
 
THE Surrender op- Burgoynb. 31 
 
 ROUTE OF MARCH. 
 Gates avenue to Grove street ; Grove to Pearl ; Pearl to Bur- 
 goyne ; Burgoyne to Broad ; Broad to Spring ; Spring to 
 Church ; Church to Burgoyne ; Burgoyne to Pearl ; Pearl 
 to Saratoga ; Saratoga to Green ; Green to Burgoyne ; Bur- 
 goyne to Monument grounds, where a hollow square will be 
 formed by the military outside the Knight Templars, and the 
 corner stone of the Monument laid by M. W. J. J. Couch, 
 Grand Master, and R. W. Edmond L. Judson, Deputy Grand 
 Master Masons of the state of New York. After which 
 ceremony the procession will march down Burgoyne to Pearl ; 
 Pearl to Grove, thence to Schuyler square, where the follow- 
 ing exercises will take place at the 
 
 First Grand Stand. 
 Music, Boring's Band. 
 Prayer, Rev. Rdfus W. Clark, D. D., of Albany, Chaplain. 
 
 Music. 
 
 Introductory address by the President of the Day, 
 
 Hon. Charles S. Lester. 
 
 Music. 
 
 Oration by Ex-Governor Horatio Seymour. 
 
 Oration by George William Curtis. 
 
 Music. 
 
 Poem, by Alfred B. Street, 
 
 Read by Col. E. P. Howe. 
 
 Music. 
 Address by Hon. Lafayette S. Foster. 
 
 Second Grand Stand. 
 
 Music, Colt's Armt Band, Hartford, Conn. 
 
 PT'ayer, Rev. J. E. King, of Fort Edward, N. Y., Chaplain. 
 
 Music. 
 Introductory address, Hon. Geo. W. Schuyler, Pres, of the Day. 
 
32 Centennial Celebration op 
 
 Music, 
 Historical address by William L. Stone. 
 
 Address by Hon. B. W. Theockmobton, of New Jersey, 
 Subject, Arnold, 
 
 Music. 
 
 Fitz Green Halleck's Field of the Grounded Arms, read by 
 
 Halleck's Biographer, Gen. James Grant Wilson. 
 
 Addresses by Hon. A. A. Yates and H. L. Gladding. 
 
 Ode by Gen. J. Watts DePeystbe, 
 
 Read by Rev. D. K. Yan Doren. 
 
 The Star Spangled Banner, arranged for the anniversary of 
 
 Burgoyne's surrender by Col. B. C. Butlee, 
 
 Read by William L. Stone. 
 
 Letters from Benson J. Lossing, Mrs. Ellen H. Walworth, 
 
 Giles B. Slocum and Stephen D. Kirk, of Charleston, S. C, 
 
 Read by Col. D. F. Ritchie. 
 
 Short addresses, by Hon. Algernon S. Sullivan and E. L. 
 
 FUESMAN. 
 
 GRAND BANQUET. 
 
 Brilliant Military spectacle representing the surrender of 
 
 Burgoyne's army. 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 
 
 CEREMONIES AT THE LAYING OF THE CORNER 
 STONE OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT 
 
 BY THB 
 
 Grand Lodge of the State of New York. 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 Wm. L. Stone to J. J. Couch, Grand Master of State op New York. 
 
 New York City, Sept. 7, 1877. 
 J. J. Couch, G. M. State of N. Y. : 
 
 Mt Dear Sir: The citizens of Schuylerville, N. Y., have requested 
 the Saratoga Monument Association to invite the Grand Master and 
 Grand Lodge of the State of New York, to lay the coruer stone of the 
 Saratoga Monument, to commemorate the surrender of General Burgoyne, 
 on the 17th of Oct. next. 
 
 I need not say, sir, in being the instrument of conveying this invitation, 
 how much pleasure it would give the Saratoga Monument Association to 
 have this invitation accepted; and if you could make it convenient, your- 
 self, to attend and perform this august ceremony, it would, doubtless, 
 gratify not only the masons in the immediate vicinity, but the fraternity 
 throughout the United States. , 
 
 Washington, who, through Schuyler, planned the campaign, which won 
 the battle of Saratoga, was a mason ; and, therefore, aside from the respect 
 which we pay to living masons, we pay — and you, sir, pay in this also — 
 homage to the memory of one of its greatest and most revered members. 
 
 No expense, permit me to add, will be suffered to be incurred by the 
 Grand Lodge while our guests. Hoping for a favorable reply, I remain 
 respectfully yours, 
 
 William L. Stone, 
 Sec'y Saratoga Monument Association. 
 
 J. J. Couch to Wm. L. Stone. 
 
 New York, Sept. 14, 1877. 
 Wm. L. Stone, Esq.. Secretary of tlie Saratoga Monument Association : 
 
 My Dear Sir: I have received your letter of invitation, conveying 
 the wish of the good people of Schuylerville and your associates, that the 
 comer stone of the Saratoga Monument should be laid by the Grand 
 
34 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 Master of Masons in the State of New York; and that this service should 
 be performed on the 17th of October prox, in connection with the celebra- 
 tion of the centennial of Burgoyne's Surrender. 
 
 Your cordial invitation is cheerf Lilly accepted; and, in compan}^ with 
 the officers of the Grand Lodge of New York, I will attend at the ap- 
 pointed time and place, prepared to perform the ceremony of laying the 
 corner stone in " ample form " according to the time-houored usage of our 
 fraternity. Right worshipful John C. Boak, Grand Marshal, will take 
 charge of the preliminary arrangements on the part of the Grand Lodge. 
 Address No. 8, Fourth avenue, New York City. 
 
 Very respectfully yours, 
 
 J. J. Couch, 
 
 Grand Master. 
 
 LAYING OF THE CORNER STONE. 
 
 The ceremony of placing the corner stone into its position was con- 
 ducted by M. W. J. J. Couch, Grand Master of Masons of the state of 
 New York. He first recited the invitation to the Grand Lodge to per- 
 form the ceremony, and then called up the Grand Lodge' by saying: 
 
 " Tiie first duty of masons in any undertaking is to invoke the blessing 
 of the Great Architect upon their work. Let us pray." 
 
 Invocation by the Grand Chaplain. 
 
 Thou Supreme Architect. Thou Master builderof the universe. Thou 
 who hast made all things by the word of Thy power. Thou who hast 
 formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting Thou art 
 God. Thou art He whom we worship and aclore, and in whom we are 
 taught to put our trust, and whose blessing we seek in every undertaking 
 in life and in all the work of our hands. Thou, O God, hast blessed the 
 fratei'uity before thee, and prospered them in numbers, in strength and 
 in influence, so that we are here assembled as Tliy servants and as mem- 
 bers of the ancient and honorable craft to tjegin the erection of a monu- 
 ment whinh we devoutly trust shall stand as a monument for future gene- 
 rations to the praise and glory of Thy name. Grant Thy. blessing, O 
 Lord God, upon this enterprise, that It may be carried to successful com- 
 pletion, and may answer t)ie end for which it was designed. That each 
 of us may so adorn our minds and hearts with grace that we may be fitted 
 as living stones for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands ; 
 eternal in the heavens ; and unto Thy holy and ever blessed name will 
 we ascribe honor and praise, through .Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Anien. 
 
 The Grand Master then said : "The Grand Treasurer will now place in 
 
 iThe Grand Lodge was made up of J[. W. Joseph J. Couch, Grand Master, E. W. 
 EdmondL. Judson, Deputy Grand Master ; M. W.James Gibson, Senior Grand Warden ; 
 R. W. Benjamin Fia/ler. Junior Grand Warden ; E. W. Gregory Satterlee, Grand Treas- 
 urer; William T. Woodruff, Grand Secretary; R. W, and Eev. John G. Webster, Grand 
 Chaplain ; R. W. John C. Boat;, Grand .Marshal ; R. W. William E. Fitch, Grand Stand- 
 ard Bearer; R. W. Edwin G.ites, Grand Sword Bearer; R. W. Albert Parker, Grand 
 Steward ; R. W. William Scott, Grand StewarJ, ; E. W. Anthony Yeoman, Grand Steward; 
 R. W. John G. Bar:;er. Grand Steward ; R. W. Sle|)hiMi L. Stillman, Senior Grand Dea- 
 con ; R. W. John M. Riley, Janior Grand Deacon; E, W. John A. De Eemer, Gratd 
 Pursuivant, and R. W. John Hoole, Grand Tiler. 
 
THE SURHENDER OF BuRGOYNB. 35 
 
 the corner stone articles prepared for the purpose," which was done. The 
 Grand Master tlien said : " The Grand Secretary will read a list of the 
 articles so deposited." 
 
 List of Articles Deposited in the Cokiseii Stone op the Saratoga 
 Monument, Oct. 17th, 1877. 
 
 A history of the Saratoga Monument Association by its secretary, Wm. 
 L. Stone. 
 
 A copy of the Bible translated out of the original, presented by the 
 Saratoga county Bible society. 
 
 Burgoyne's Campaign and St. Leger's Expedition by Wm. L. Stone. 
 
 A copy of Mrs. Willard's history, and an American flag, presented by 
 R. N. Atwell. 
 
 Mrs. Ellen Hardin Walworth's Visitors Guide : Saratoga, the Battle and 
 Battle-grounds. 
 
 Gen. Schuyler and the Burgoyne Campaign of 1777 — the annual ad- 
 dress delivered by Gen. John Watts DePeyster, before the New York 
 Historical Society, Jan. 1877. 
 
 Saratoga County, an historicaj address by Geo. G. Scott, and a centen- 
 nial address by J. L. L'Amoreaux. 
 
 Saratoga and Kay-ad-ros-se-ra, a centennial address by N. B. Sylvester. 
 
 The Burgoyne Campaign ; an address delivered on the battle field on 
 the one hundredth anniversary of the battle of Bemis's Heights, Sept. 
 19th, 1877, by John Austin S'.evens. 
 
 History of Saratoga and the Burgoyne Campaign of 1777 ; an address 
 by Gen. Edward F. Bullard. 
 
 An address to the American people in behalf of a monument, to be 
 erected in commemoration of the victory of the American army at Sara- 
 toga, under Gens. Schuyler, Gates and Morgan, Oct. 17th, 1777, by J. C. 
 Markham. 
 
 Leading industrial pursuits of Glen's Falls, Sandy Hill and Fort Ed- 
 ward, by J. S. Buckley. 
 
 A silver half dollar coin of George III, dated 1777, and one of the Uni- 
 ted States, dated 1877, deposited by Alanson Welch, president of the 
 village. •" 
 
 Memorial of the opening of the New York and Canada railway, pre- 
 sented by Edward P. Bullard. 
 
 Song, commemorative of the surrender of Bnrgoyne, arranged by Col. 
 B. C. Butler of Luzerne. 
 
 Annual report of the canal commissioners of the state of New York. 
 
 Records of Schuyler Lodge, No. 176, F. and A. M., and Home Chapter, 
 No. 176, R. A. M. 
 
 A photograph of the monument from the architect's drawing. 
 
 The cards of John and Samuel Mathews, and E. P. Simmons, the 
 operative masons who built the foundation, base and corner stone of the 
 monument. 
 
36 Centennial Celebration op 
 
 The architects' statement of the progress of the work of building the 
 foundalion, base and corner stone. D. A. Bullard in charge. 
 
 Prospectus of the Bennington Battle Monument Association ; forthcom- 
 ing volume on the Bennington centennial of the week of the 16th of 
 August, 1877. 
 
 A pamphlet containing a statement of the Bennington Historical So- 
 ciety, and an account of the battle of Bennington, by ex-Gov. Hiland 
 Hall, published in March, 1877. 
 
 The Standard (daily) of Schuylerville ; The Sakatoga County 
 Standard (weekly), Schuylerville ; copy of the Troy Daily Press, Troy; 
 Daily Times, Troy ; Daily Whig, Troy; Northern Budget, Troy; Troy 
 Observer, Sunday Trojan ; Daily Saratogian, Saratoga Sun ; Argus, Press, 
 Express, Journal, Times, and Post, of Albany; Herald, Times, Tribune, 
 Sun, World and Express, of New York city. 
 
 The grand master then spread the cement upon the stone. 
 
 Music by the band and the stone was lowered to its place. 
 
 The grand master then seating the lodge proceeded as follows : 
 
 6. M. — Brother D. G. M. what is the jewel of your office ? 
 
 D. G. M. — The square. 
 
 G. M. — What does it teach ? 
 
 D. G. M. — To square our action by the square of virtue, and by it we 
 prove our work. 
 
 G. M. — Apply your jewel to this corner stone and make report. 
 
 (Done.) 
 
 D. 6. M. — The stone is sqaare, the craftsmen have done their duty. 
 
 6. M. — Brother S. G. W., what is the jewel of your office? 
 
 S. G. W. — The level. 
 
 G. M. — What does it teach ? 
 
 S. G. W. — The equality of all men, and by it we prove our work. 
 
 G. M. — Apply your jewel to this corner stone and make report. 
 
 (Done.) 
 
 S. G. W. — The stone is level, the craftsmen have done their duty. 
 
 G. M. —Brother J. G. W., what is the jewel of your office ? 
 
 J. G. W. — The plumb. 
 
 G. M. — What does it teach ? 
 
 J. G. W. — To walk upright before God and man, and by it we prove 
 our work. 
 
 G. M. — Apply your jewel to this corner stone and make report. 
 
 (Done.) 
 
 J. G. W. — The stone is plumb, the craftsmen have done their duty. 
 
 The senior and grand deacons advanced to the stone bearing trowel 
 and gavel. The grand master, preceded by the grand marshal, ad- 
 vanced to the stone, took the trowel and spread cement, then took the 
 gavel and struck three blows on the stone, retired to his station and said : 
 
 I, John J. Couch, grand master of the masonsof the state of New York, 
 declare this stone to be plumb, level and square, to be well formed, true 
 and trusty, and duly laid. 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 37 
 
 The grand stewards proceeded to the stone, followed by D. G. M,, S. 
 G. W., bearing the corn, wine and oil. 
 
 The D. G. M. , scattering the corn, said: 
 
 May the blessing of the Great Architect of the universe rest upon the 
 people of this state and the corn of nourishment abound in our land. 
 
 The S. G. W., pouring the wine, said ; 
 
 May the Great Architect of the universe watch over and protect the 
 workmen upon this monument and bless them and our land with the 
 heavenly wine of refreshment and peace. 
 
 The J. G. W., pouring the oil, said : 
 
 May the Great Architect of the universe bless our land with union, har- 
 mony and love, the oil which maketh man be of joyful countenance. 
 
 The grand marshal presented the architect, saying : 
 
 I present the architect of Ibis monument. He is ready with craftsmen 
 for the work and asked the tools for his task. 
 
 The grand master handed him the plumb, level and square, and directed 
 him to proceed wilh his work. 
 
 The grand master then said : 
 
 Men and brethren, we have assembled here to-day as regular masons, 
 bound by solemn engagements to be good citizens, faithful to the breth- 
 ren, and to fear God. We have commenced the erection of a monument 
 which we pray, may be a memorial for ages to come. May wisdom, 
 strength and beauty abound, and the fame and usefulness of our ancient 
 and honorable institution be greatly promoted. 
 
 Benediction. 
 
 The grand marshal then made the following proclamation: 
 
 In the name of the most worshipful grand lodge of free and accepted 
 masons of the state of New York, I proclaim that the coruer stone of this 
 monument has this day been found square, level and plumb, true and 
 trusty, and laid according to the old custom by the grand master of 
 masons. 
 
 The grand master, thereuponturning to the audience, made the follow- 
 ing address : 
 
 Addeess of Geand Mastee, J. J. Couch. 
 
 We are standing upon historic ground ; as citizens we join in commem- 
 orating the events of one hundred years ago. As masons we bring to the 
 present undertaking the symbol and traditions of antiquity far more re- 
 mote. The story of the campaign which gives special interest to the day 
 will be recited by eloquent orators who are present with us. It is my 
 office to say a word witli reference to the masonic work this day per- 
 formed. We hold to this truth, that the controlling and characteristic 
 thoughts of a people crystallize and take permanent form in their archi- 
 tecture. That is alike true of the past and the present ; we know not how 
 long the material may have been iu solution, or for how many generations 
 the process of crystallizalion may have proceeded among the ancient 
 Egyptians. That process, is however, clearly brought down to us in the 
 6 
 
38 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 pyramids, the obelisks, tlie sphinx ; the square massive portals surmounted 
 by winged globes, all speaking the predominant characteristic of mystery, 
 which has come down to us from that people. In Greece the same pro- 
 cess of crystallization is found with its nucleus at the Acropolis at Athens, 
 and the result of that process comes down to us In the single word — 
 classic art. Passing on to Italy, we find the same process again taking the 
 form of empire. The story of the feudal ages is plainly written In the 
 ruins of the castles along the banks of the Rhine. The early architecture 
 of England also tells its own story. lu sacred story we have an account 
 of a pilgrimage, the thread of which commences with the mysteries of 
 Egypt and running through the Red sea and the wilderness, reaches to 
 Jerusalem, where the pilgrims builded the temple. From here we have 
 the story of another movement, commencing with the apostles, taking in 
 its way something fj-om the philosophy of Alexandria, something of the 
 classic art of Greece, arid gathering to itself also the power of the Roman 
 empire. 
 
 This movement received its characteristic architectural illustration in 
 the swelliug dome of St. Peters, and in the magnificent Gothic architecture 
 which spread over Europe. These various forms were the landmarks 
 which permanently fixed the ideas of different peoples and ages. 
 
 Crossing to this country the process of crystallization is still going on. 
 The interest of to-day centres upon the closing events of a campaign 
 memorable in our nation's history. In laying the corner stone we essay 
 to make peruiahent the record of these events. The thousands of people 
 here assembled will separate never to meet again ; the orators of the oc- 
 casion and their orations will after a time pass from the public mind. 
 The one permanent fact which shall remain to recall the tradition asso- 
 ciated with tills spot will be the monument this day commenced.' 
 
 The exercises were then brought to an end by the benediction. 
 
 EXERCISES AT THE SOUTH STAND, HON. CHARLES 
 S. LESTER PRESIDING. 
 
 Pkayeb, by the Rev. Rufus W. Clark, D.D., op Albany, N. Y. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting Father, we adore Thee as the Sovereign of 
 the universe and the fountain of every blessing. "We rejoice in Thee 
 as our Creator, Preserver and bountiful Benefactor; and -that in Thee we 
 live, move and have our being. May we to-day be sensible of Thy pre- 
 sence, feel the influence of Thy divine love, be inspired by Divine wisdom 
 and be led to consecrate our whole being with all we have, to Thy service. 
 
 We render thanks to Thee, that Thon didst guide our fathers to the 
 shores of this continent, and protect them and their families amid the 
 hardships of the wilderness, and the hostility of savage tribes ; and that 
 under Thy providential direction and goodness they were enabled to lay 
 broad and deep the foundations of the American republic. 
 
 'The gavel used by the grand master on this occasion was made from wood of the his- 
 toric charter oak, and is the property of Manhattan Lodge, No. 62, of New Yorli city. 
 
THE Surrender op Burgoyne. 39 
 
 We bless Thee for the unity of spirit and patriotic order that pervaded 
 their councils ; and for the wisdom, bravery and noble enthusiasm that 
 inspired the authors of the Declaration of the Independence of these Uni- 
 ted States. We thank Thee for the self-sacriflcine; devotion, the heroic 
 fortitude and courage of tlie officers and soldiers who were enabled to 
 make this Declaration a living fact, attracting the attention of the world, 
 and the admiration and gratitude of the friends of human rights and civil 
 • liberty. Especially would we acknowledge Thy divine interposition and 
 goodness in the achievements gained for the American cause on this spot 
 where we are permitted on this beautiful day, with these assembled thou- 
 sands, to gather to commemorate the victories of the past, that shed such 
 lustre upon our military forces, inspired our people with fresh hopes, and 
 so largely contributed to the final success of our army. 
 
 To Thee we owe our fervent gratitude, for the establishment of the 
 American republic with its free institutions, its system of popular educa- 
 tion, its just laws, and pure religious faith. Through Thy goodness and 
 watchful care we have enjoyed a century of rapid development, and great 
 prosperity in commerce, agriculture, art ; and in all the means that con- 
 tribute to the happiness of the people, and the stability and growth of the 
 nation. We thank Thee for peace at home, and respect abroad, and we 
 fervently pray that in the future, as in the past, our flag may represent, in 
 all seas, islands and continents the rights of man, and the blessings of 
 freedom. 
 
 Vouchsafe to us the continuance of Thy parental care, and Divine pro- 
 tection, and guidance. Bless all the efforts made to extend the principles 
 of our holy religion, and to educate the people to reverence Thy word, 
 and accept it as a lamp to their feet, and a light to their path. Stay the 
 progress of infidelity, Sabbath breaking, intemperance, licentiousness, 
 fraud, and every evil that weakens the republic, and perils its existence. 
 
 Bless Thy servant, the President of these United States, and all associ- 
 ated with him in authority. Attend with success his eff'orts to promote 
 unity, purify the government, and revive business throughout the whole 
 land. Give wisdom to our senators and representatives, integrity to our 
 judges, ability and discretion to our foreign ministers, and a pure and 
 lofty patriotism to all who occupy positions of pow er, honor or trust. 
 
 Bless Thy servant, the Governor of this State, and the members of the 
 Senate and Assembly. May such laws be enacted, and such measures 
 recommended and adopted as shall be for the best interests of this com- 
 monwealth, and the honor of Thy holy name. 
 
 Graciously preside over the deliberations of this interesting occasion. 
 Aid Thy servants who shall address us. Endue them richly with the 
 spirit of humanity, patriotism, religion ; and may -their words fire the 
 hearts of the vast multitude before them with fresh gratitude and ardent 
 thanksgiving to Thee, and with new resolution and zeal to maintain our 
 national life and prosperity, and to transmit unimpaired to future genera- 
 tions the precious inheritance bequeathed to us by our fathers. 
 
 Bestow upon each individual here the richest of spiritual gifts. Help 
 us to love, honor and serve Thee. May we have strong faith in thy be- 
 
40 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 loved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and grant to us the hope of a glorious 
 immortality. 
 
 And to the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost we will give the praise 
 forever. Amen. 
 
 INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS OF HON. CHARLES S. 
 LESTER, PRESroENT OF THE DAY. 
 
 Citizens of Saratoga, and Fellow Citizens of our great Ameri- 
 can Republic : 
 
 It has been tte custom among allnations which have attained 
 to any degree of civilization to commemorate with appropriate 
 ceremonies the returning anniversaries of those events in their 
 histories which have been productive of great results. It has 
 been the custom too, upon such occasions, to pay a fitting 
 tribute to those whose valor and wisdom have benefitted the peo- 
 ple and brought advantage to the state and to contemplate their 
 achievements with gratitude and hold up their example to 
 succeeding generations as worthy of imitation. 
 
 In pursuance of such a custom and in grateful remembrance 
 of the heroes who successfully resisted the army of the invaders 
 upon the heights of Saratoga, we have come together to cele- 
 brate the centennial anniversary of that great event in our his- 
 tory which made it possible for us to assemble here to-day as 
 free citizens of a free republic. 
 
 It was on the 13th of September, a hundred years ago, in full 
 view of the place where we now stand, near where the beautiful 
 Battenkill joins the majestic Hudson, that a proud army, under 
 the leadership of a brave general who had won distinction on 
 many a European battlefield, crossed the river to carry out the 
 mandate of a cruel and arbitrary king, and to crush, if possible, 
 the infant colonies which were struggling for independence. 
 
 This army, carefully equipped and furnished in abundance 
 with all the munitions of war, was intended to split like a di- 
 viding wedge the patriots of Vermont, New Hampshire and 
 Massachusetts from their brethren in the central and southern 
 colonies. It was intended to deprive them of mutual assistance 
 and advice, and cut off all communication with each other. It 
 was intended to effect a junction with the forces of Sir Henry 
 
THE Surrender of Buhgoyne. 41 
 
 Clinton at Albany, and form an army which might move with 
 irresistible effect upon the New England provinces which had of- 
 fered the first opposition to the British crown and had evinced 
 a stern determination to maintain to the bitter end the bold and 
 noble principles enunciated in the Declaration of Independence. 
 
 This army, full of confidence in its ability to overcome every 
 obstacle, full of contempt for the undisciplined militia that the 
 colonies had sent to the field, felt as it crossed the Hudson, that 
 the important mission with which it had been .intrusted was 
 well nigh accomplished, and vainly deemed its own prowess 
 irresistible. 
 
 "Ah," said the proud Burgoyne, "Britons never retreat," 
 and after the passage of the army, he caused the bridge of 
 boats to be broken up behind him. " Britons never retreat, and 
 I shall eat my Christmas dinner in Albany," said the exultant 
 general, as he reviewed the splendid columns of the Brunswick 
 grenadiers and British light infantry. And as he marched on 
 he dreamed that Albany was already a captured city ; that the 
 rebellious provinces had been subdued, and that he had received 
 from a grateful sovereign the reward he so much coveted. 
 
 But this splendid army, led by ofiicers of conspicuous courage 
 and experience, was destined to meet a foe inspired by a feeling 
 loftier than the mere love of victory and a determination deeper 
 than the mere desire for renown. 
 
 It was in defense of their homes, in defense of their liberties, 
 in defense of their families from the savage allies of Burgoyne 
 and the still more cruel arts of domestic traitors, in defense of 
 those noble principles of human rights and human liberty that 
 animated the signers of that immortal declaration not then two 
 years old, that the Americans from every settlement, from 
 every hillside, from every valley, from the log hut of the pioneer 
 and from beautiful mansions like Schuyler's, flocked to the 
 standard of Gates to aid in repelling the invader. 
 
 It is not my province to detail to you those events which 
 have become doubly familiar to you all in this centennial year. 
 
 You know what happened at Bemis's Heights, and of those 
 victories the glorious fruits were gathered and this spot conse- 
 
42 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 crated to freedom and rendered immortal by the complete sui-- 
 render of the invading army a hundred years ago to-day. 
 
 Our elevated social and political condition is the manifest re- 
 sult of that conquest and I do not think it is mere national 
 pride that induces us to claim that among the many moment- 
 ous contests of the world's history none were productive of 
 grander results or greater changes in nations and empires than 
 the campaign that closed here a hundred years ago. England 
 and France were powerful nations then, and had been hundreds 
 of years. Their histories stretch back through centuries of 
 growth, of progress, of varying prosperity and power, and of 
 all the powerful nations that existed a century ago, they alone 
 have maintained their leading position. 
 
 The deep importance of that event of which this is the anni- 
 versary, will more plainly appear when we remember that the 
 struggling infant which was on that day baptized down by the 
 banks of this our national Jordan, is to-day the acknowledged 
 equal in arts, in power and civilization of those ancient empires. 
 
 My friends, fifty years ago to-day a smaller company than 
 that assembled here was gathered down on the plain by the 
 river where the ruins of Fort Hardy were then plainly discern- 
 ible, and where the army of Burgoyne laid down their arms, to 
 celebrate as we are celebrating here to-day the same glorious 
 event. And among the company which was gathered then, 
 there were white-haired men who had fought under General 
 Gates — men who had, from the heights beyond the river, 
 watche.d the moving columns of Burgoyne — who had seen 
 Morgan at the head of his riflemen, and Lincoln at the head of 
 his brigade — who had known and loved the noble Schuyler, 
 who once owned the broad fields where you now stand — who had 
 lain in the entrenchments which ran along where yonder corner 
 stone has been laid ; and men who had modestly stood in line 
 while the captured British army marched by after the sur- 
 render. 
 
 They were gathered to rejoice in the success of the struggle 
 in which they bore a part ; to rejoice in the splendid sunshine 
 of national prosperity which had followed the termination of 
 
THE SURRENDEK OF BURGOYNB. 43 
 
 that struggle, and to receive the grateful thanks of the genera- 
 tion which had sprung up to enjoy the fruits of their labors. 
 
 Fifty years have gone since then and all of that little band 
 have passed away. Not a soldier is left who stood in the ranks 
 on those memorable days, not a living witness remains of those 
 interesting scenes. 
 
 Time rolls his ceaseless course. The race of yore 
 
 Who danced oiir infancy upon their knee 
 And told our marvelling boyhood legends store 
 
 Of their strange ventures happ'd on land and sea. 
 How are they blotted from the things that be I 
 
 So completely has that generation passed away that I believe 
 there is here to-day but one man who can remember to have 
 seen and conversed with Philip Schuyler. He is with us as a 
 connecting link between the present and the past. 
 
 The services of to-day give promise that soon a monument, 
 too long delayed, shall rise from yonder foundation bearing 
 suitable inscriptions to the worth and valor of those heroes. 
 
 But of those men there remains an unwritten memorial in 
 the heart of every true American. Theirs is the renown that 
 never grows old, but shall be everlastingly recorded with each 
 returning anniversary of this glorious day. 
 
 It will be our privilege to-day to listen to the fascinating 
 story of the events to which I have barely alluded, from the 
 lips of eloquent gentlemen who are here to address you. 
 
 From the enjoyment of their eloquence I will no longer de- 
 tain you, but join with you in listening with never flagging in- 
 terest to the recital of those stirring events. 
 
 ADDRESS OF HON. HORATIO SEYMOUR. 
 
 One hundred years ago, on this spot, American Independence 
 was made a great fact in the history of nations. Until the sur- 
 render of the British army under Burgoyne, the Declaration of 
 Independence was but a declaration. It was a patriotic purpose 
 asserted in bold words by brave men, who pledged for its main- 
 tenance their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. But 
 here it was made a fact, by virtue of armed force. It had been 
 regarded by the world merely as fl,n act of defiance, but it was 
 now seen that it contained the germs of a government, which 
 
44 Centennial Celebration op 
 
 the event we celebrate made one of the powers of the earth. 
 Here rebellion was made revolution. Upon this ground, that 
 which had in the eye of the law been treason, became triumphant 
 patriotism. 
 
 At the break of day one hundred years ago, in the judgment 
 of the world, our fathers were rebels against established autho- 
 rity. When the echoes of the evening gun died away along 
 this valley, they were patriots who had rescued their country 
 from wrong and outrage. Until the surrender of the British 
 army in this valley, no nation would recognize the agents of the 
 continental congress. All intercourse with them was in stealthy 
 ways. Bnt they were met with open congratulations when the 
 monarchs of Europe learned that the royal standards of Britain 
 had been lowered to our flag. We had passed through the bap- 
 tism of blood, and had gained a name among the nations of the 
 earth. 
 
 The value of this surrender was increased by the boastful and 
 dramatic display which had been made of British power. It 
 had arrayed its disciplined armies ; it had sent its fleets ; it had 
 called forth its savage allies, all of which were to move upon 
 grand converging lines, not only to crush out the patriotic 
 forces, but to impress Europe with its strength, and to check 
 any alliances with the American government. It made them 
 witnesses of its defeat when it thought to make them the judges 
 of its triumph. The monarchs of Europe who watched the 
 progress of the doubtful struggle, who were uncertain if it was 
 more than a popular disturbance, now saw the action in its full 
 proportions, and felt that a new power had sprung into exist- 
 ence — a new element had entered into the diplomacy of the 
 world. 
 
 The interests excited in our minds by this occasion, are not 
 limited to a battle fought, or an army captured ; they reach 
 even beyond the fact that it was a turning point of the revolu- 
 tionary struggle. We are led to a consideration of a chain of 
 events and of enduring aspects of nature, which have sliaped 
 our civilization in the past, and which now and throughout the 
 future, will influence the fortunes of our country. Burgoyne 
 did not merely surrender here an army, he surrendered the con- 
 
TUB Surrender of Burqoyne. 45 
 
 trol of a continent. Never in the world's history, was there a 
 transfer of ;; territory so vast, and of influences so far reaching, 
 as that made a contujy ago wliere we now stand. 
 
 We meet to-day to celebrate the surrender of Burgoyne, by 
 appropriate ceremonies, and to lay the corner stone of a monu- 
 ment which will commemorate not only that event, but every 
 fact which led to that result. The reproach rests upon the 
 United States, that while they stand in the front ranks of the 
 powers of the earth, by virtue of their numbers, their vast do- 
 mains and their progress in wealth and in arts, they give no 
 proof to the eyes of the world that they honor their fathers or 
 those whose sacrifices laid the foundations of their prosperity 
 and greatness. We hope that a suitable structure here will tell 
 all who look upon it that this was the scene of an occurrence un- 
 surpassed in importance in military annals. And it will also 
 show that a hundred years have not dimmed its lustre in our 
 eyes, but that the light shed upon its significance by the lapse 
 of time, has made deeper and stronger our gratitude to those 
 who here served their countrj- so well, and by their sacrifices 
 and sufferings, achieved its independence and secured the 
 liberties, the prosperity and greatness of the American people. 
 
 All that throws light upon the -scope and policy of the de- 
 signs of the British government are, on this day, proper topics 
 for consideration. When we trace out the relationships which 
 these designs bore to preceding occurrences ; and when we fol- 
 low down their bearing upon the present and future of our 
 country, we shall see that a suitable monument here will recall 
 to all thoughtful minds the varied history of our country during 
 the past two centuries. It will do more. For the enduring 
 causes which have shaped the past, also throw light upon the 
 future of our government, our civilization and our power. 
 
 The occurrences which led to the surrender of the British 
 army, have been appropriately celebrated. The great gather- 
 ings of our people at Oriskany, at Bennington and at Bemis's 
 Heights, show how this centennial of what has been well termed 
 the year of battles, revives in the minds of the American peo- 
 ple an interest in the history of the Revolution. These celebra- 
 7 
 
46 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 tions have tended to make our people wiser and better. It is 
 to be hoped that they will be held on every battle field in our 
 country. They will not only restore the patriotism of our people 
 but they will teach us the virtues of courage and patient endur- 
 ance. This is a time of financial distress and of business dis- 
 order, and we have lost somewhat of our faith with regard to 
 the future, and we speak in complaining tones of the evils of 
 our day. But when we read again the history of the war for 
 our independence ; when we hear the story of the sufferings of 
 all classes of our citizens ; when we are reminded that our sol- 
 diers endured from want, and nakedness, and hunger, as no 
 pauper, no criminal suffers now ; when we think that the fears 
 which agitated their minds were not those which merely con- 
 cerned the pride of success, the mortification of failure, or 
 the loss of some accustomed comfort, but they were the dread 
 that the march of hostile armies might drive their families from 
 their homes, might apply the torcli to their dwellings, or worse 
 than this, expose their wives and children to the tomahawks 
 and scalping knives of merciless savages, we blush at our com- 
 plaints. In view of their dangers and sufferings, how light 
 appear the evils of our day. ^ 
 
 But there is something more than all this to be gained by 
 these celebrations. Before the Revolution the people of the 
 several colonies held but little intercourse. They were estranged 
 from each other by distance, by sectional prejudices, and by 
 differences of lineage and religious creeds. The British go- 
 vernment relied upon these prejudices and estrangements to 
 prevent a cordial cooperation among the colonists. But when 
 the war began, when the men of Virginia hastened to Massa- 
 chusetts to rescue Boston from the hands of the enemy and to 
 drive them from New England ; when the men of the east and 
 south battled side by side with those from the middle states, 
 apd stood upon this spot as brothers to receive with a common 
 pride and joy the standards of a conquered foe ; when Green 
 and Lincoln went to the relief of the southern colonies all pre- 
 judice not only died away, but more than fraternal love ani- 
 mated every patriot heart from the bleak northernmost forests 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 47 
 
 of New England to the milder airs of Georgia. And now that 
 a luindred years have passed, and our country has become great 
 beyond the wildest dreams of our fathers, will not the story of 
 their sufferings revive in the breast of all the love of our coun- 
 try, of our whole country, and all who live within its boundaries ? 
 Men of the east and men of the south, or you who can trace 
 your lineage back to those who served their country a century 
 ago upon the soil of New York, we do not welcome you here 
 ^s guests ; you stand here of right, by virtue of a heiitage from 
 our fathers, who on this ground were common actors in the 
 crowning event of the war waged for the liberties, the glory, and 
 the prosperity of all sections of our great country. 
 
 At this celebration of the grand conclusion of the campaign 
 of Burgoyne, we have a broader field of discussion than that of 
 a battle, however stirring it may have been. The occasion calls 
 not only for praise of heroic courage, not only for a deep in- 
 terest in every statement showing the influence of its victories 
 over the judgment of the world as to the strength of our cause, 
 but also for its importance as one of the links in the chain of 
 events reaching back more than two centuries, and which will 
 continue to stretch down into the future far beyond the period 
 when human thought or conclusions can be of value. 
 
 INFLUENCE OF THE TOPOGEAPHT OF OUE COUNTRY. 
 
 The speaker and others who have addressed the public with 
 regard to American history, have made frequent references to 
 the extent that it has been shaped by the topography of this 
 part of our country. On this occasion it forces itself upon our 
 attention, and we must again outline its relationship to events. 
 We cannot, if we would, separate the design of the camjiaign 
 of Burgoyne, nor the military aspects of its progress, from the 
 character of the valleys through which its forces were moved, 
 nor from the commanding positions at which it was aimed. Our 
 mountains and rivers have been the causes of so many of the 
 great facts in the history of this continent ; they are so closely 
 identified with its political and social affairs, that they seem to 
 become sentient actors, in its events. We are compelled to 
 
48 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 speak of their bearings upon the course of war, of commerce 
 and of civilization, to make a clear statement of the scope and 
 significance of the events we celebrate. This cannot be given 
 if we speak only of the things which relate to the British inva- 
 sion of 1777, and of its signal defeat. 
 
 Those who would learn the causes which have shaped the 
 course of military and political affairs on this continent, which 
 have given victory in war and prosj)erity in peace, must spread 
 out before them the map of our country. Having traced its 
 grand system of mountains, rivers and lakes, they will be struck 
 with the fact that for a thousand miles the Alleghanies make 
 long ranges of barriers between the Atlantic and the great 
 plains of the interior. About mid-way of their lengths these 
 lofty mountains are cut down to their bases by the gorge of the 
 Hudson, through which the tides of the ocean pour their floods 
 in triumph. Towering cliffs overshadow the deep waters of 
 the river. Had but a single spur of those rocky buttresses 
 which crowd upon either shore been thrown across the narrow 
 chasm, had but one of the beetling cliffs which stand upon its 
 brink been pushed but a few feet across its course, the currents 
 of events would have been changed as completely as the cur- 
 rents of the floods. The nations who controlled the outlets of 
 the Mississippi and the St. Lawrence would have been the mas- 
 ters of this continent. No one who has marked the jjhysical 
 character of our country, and who has studied its history, can 
 pass through the highlands of the Hudson and note how at 
 every turn of its stream the cliffs threaten to close its course, 
 without feeling that the power which made the mountain chains 
 to stop abruptly at its brink, was higher than blind chance — 
 something more than the wild, unreasoning action of convulsed 
 nature. 
 
 The valley of the Hudson does not end when 'it has led the 
 ocean tides through the mountain passes. It stretches its 
 channel northward to the St. Lawrence, and holds within its 
 deep basin not only the Hudson flowing south, but Lake Cham- 
 plain, which empties its waters into the ocean far north through 
 the gulf of St. Lawrence. It thus not only connects the har- 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 49 
 
 boi- of New York with the basins of the great lakes, but by the 
 Mohawk branch of the Hudson it has also channeled out another 
 level passage, stretching westward to the ])lains watei-ed by the 
 confluents of the Mississippi. These valleys of the Hudson and 
 Mohawk have been the pathways of armies in war and the 
 routes of commerce in peace. They have been the highways 
 through which the nations of Europe and the people of the At- 
 lantic coast have povired their host of emigrants into the vast 
 regions which stretch out from the Alleghanies to the base of 
 the Rocky mountains. But nature did not stop in her work 
 when she gave to the legions in which we meet advantages of 
 deep valleys, making the easy communication from the sea coast, 
 to the interior of our country. From the outward slopes of 
 highlands which guard these channels of intercourse, the waters 
 flow by diverging valleys into almost every part of our Union. 
 These highlands make, in many ways, tlie most remarkable 
 watersheds to be found on the face of the earth. There is not 
 elsewhere an instance where interlocking sources of rivers pur- 
 sue courses diverging in so many directions, forming so many 
 extending valleys, and at length find their outlets into the ocean 
 at points so distant from each other, and from the headwaters 
 on the ground where theyhad their common origin. For these 
 reasons the valleys of the Hudson and the Mohawk, and the 
 mountain strongholds which command them, have ever been 
 the great central pivints of control in the wars of both civilized 
 and savage races. Once when in company with General Scott, 
 we overlooked from an elevated point the ground on which we 
 stand and the confluence of these rivers, and the range of high- 
 lands which marked their courses, the old warrior with a kind- 
 ing eye, stretched out his ai-m and said : " Remember this has 
 been the great strategic point in all the wars waged for the con- 
 trol of this continent." 
 
 The mountains and valleys of New York not only make 
 channels for commerce in peace,.but a grand system for defence 
 and attack in war. They are nature's commanding works, 
 which dwarf by comparison all human monuments of engineer- 
 ing skill into insignificance. Their influence is most clearly 
 
50 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 shown by the power they gave to the Indian tribes who held 
 them when Europeans lirst visited our continent. The rivers 
 which flowed in all directions from their vantage ground on the 
 highlands, first taught the Iroquois the advantages of united 
 action, and led to the formation of their confederacy. Pouring 
 their combined forces at different times into the valley of the 
 Delaware, or of the Susqiiehannah, or the Alleghany, they were 
 able to subdue in detail the divided tribes living upon these 
 streams. Thus gaining courage and skill by constant victories, 
 they boldly pushed their conquest into remote sections of our 
 country. The British ordnance maps published during the col- 
 onial period, make the boundaries of their control extend from 
 the coast line of the Atlantic to the Mississippi river and from the 
 great lakes to the centre of the present state of North Carolina. 
 There is no instance in history where a region so vast has been 
 conquered by numbers so small. Their alliance with the British 
 government was one of the grounds on which the latter con- 
 tested the claims of the French to the interior of our continent, 
 by virtue of its discoveries on the St. Lawrence and Mississippi. 
 Thus the victories gained by the Iroquois, through their geo- 
 graphical position, had a great influence in deciding the ques- 
 tion, whether the civilization of North America should be French 
 or English in its aspects, laws and customs. 
 
 It is a remarkable fact, that with a view of overcoming the 
 British power on this continent, nearly a century before the 
 campaign of Burgoyne, its plan was forecast by Frontenac, 
 the ablest of the French colonial commanders. He proposed 
 to move against the colony of New York by the same routes 
 followed by the British forces in 1777. He was to lead his 
 army through the valley of Lake Champlain and Upper Hudson 
 to Albany. At that point he designed to seize vessels to pass 
 down the river, and there to act with the French ships of war, 
 which- were to meet him in the harbor of New York. Nothing 
 can show more clearly the strategic importance of the valley 
 in which we meet, than the fact that he urged this movement 
 for the same reasons which led the' British king to adopt it 
 after the lapse of so many years. Frontenac saw that, by gain- 
 
THE Surrender of Burqoyne. 51 
 
 ing contvol of the course and outlet of the Hudson, the French 
 would command the gateway into the interior, that they would 
 divide the British colonies, and New England thus cut off, 
 would, in the end, fall into the hands of the French. He also 
 urged that in this way the Iroquois would be detached from 
 the English alliance. 
 
 The influence of the valleys of our country has not been lost 
 in the wars of our day. " We should have won our cause," 
 said Governor Wise, a distinguished leader of the Southern con- 
 federacy, "had not God made the rivers which spring from the 
 highlands of New York, to flow from the north to the south, 
 thus making by their valleys, pathways for armies into all parts 
 of our territories. Had their courses been in other directions, 
 their streams would have made barriers against Northern ai'mies 
 instead of giving avenues by which they could assail us." Nor 
 have they been less controlling in peace than in war. They 
 make the great channels of commerce between the east and the 
 west, and enable us to draw to the seaboard the abundant har- 
 vest of the valley of the Mississippi, and to send them to the far 
 off markets of Europe. Numerous and varied as have been the 
 movement of armies along these watercourses, even they sink 
 into insignificance compared with the vast multitudes which 
 have poured through them from Europe and the Atlantic coast 
 to fill the west with civilized states. Through them we draw 
 armies of immigrants, prisoners of peace captured from Europe 
 by the strength of the inducements held out to them by the 
 material and political advantages of our country. 
 
 We are in our day the witnesses of a greater movement of the 
 human race, both as to numbers and influence upon civilization, 
 than is recorded in past history. It can tell of no such con- 
 tinued and great transfer of population from one continent to 
 another. Unlike other invasions, it does not bring war and ra- 
 pine, but it bears peaceful arts and civilization into vast regions 
 heretofore occupied by scanty tribes of warring savages. Fa- 
 miliar with this great movement, we are prone to look upon it 
 with some degree of indifference. But through the centuries 
 to come it will be regarded as one of the greatest events in the 
 history of mankind. 
 
52 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 I have not dwelt upon these hills and valleys merely because 
 the}'' have been the scenes of the most dramatic and important 
 events in American annals, but because they have given birth 
 to these e^'ents. I have spoken of them, not because they have 
 been associated with history, but because they have made his- 
 tory. They gave to the Iroquois their power ; they directed 
 the course and determined the result of the war between France 
 and Britain for domination on this continent. Neither the sur- 
 render of the British army on these grounds, the causes which 
 preceded nor the consequences which flowed from it, can be 
 appreciated until the enduring influences of the great features 
 of our counti'y are clearly brought into view. Elsewhere rivers 
 and mountains mark the lines which make enemies of mankind. 
 Here they form the avenues which bind us together by inter- 
 course. They give not merely to a country, but almost to our 
 whole continent, a common language, customs and civilization. 
 The world has never before seen a social structure with founda- 
 tions so broad. Time may make many changes, but there will 
 ever be a unity in the population of North America, a commu- 
 nity of interests upon a grander scale than has yet been seen 
 among mankind. He who studies the map of our continent and 
 doubts this, does not merely lack political faith, but is guilty of 
 impiety when he closes his eyes to the truths which God has 
 written by streams and valleys, upon the face of this continent. 
 
 It was the design of the British government in the campaign 
 of 1777 to capture the center and stronghold of this command- 
 ing system of mountains and valleys. It aimed at its very 
 heart — the confluence of the Mohawk and PIndson. The 
 fleets, the armies, and the savage allies of Britain were to fol- 
 low their converging lines to Albany. Its position had made 
 that city the place where the governors and agents of the 
 colonies had been used to meet with reference to their com- 
 mon interest. Here the agents of the New England and 
 southern provinces came to consult with the chiefs of the 
 Iroquois, and to gain their alliance in their wars with the 
 savages of the west, wlio threatened the European settle- 
 ments. In the expressive language of the Indians, Albany was 
 
THE Surrender of Bueqoyne. 5S 
 
 called the " Ancient Place of Treaty." It was also the point at 
 which tlie military exj)e(litions aj^ainst the French at the north 
 and west were organized. Even before Benjamin Fi-anklin 
 brought forward his islan at Albany for colonial union, the idea 
 of such alliance was constantly suggested by the necessity of 
 common action in attack or defence against savage or civilized 
 enemies. 
 
 There was much to justify the boastful confidence of the 
 British that they could thus crush out American resistance. 
 To feel the full force of this threatened blow, we must forget 
 for a time our present power ; we must see with the eyes of 
 our fathers, and look at things as they stood a century ago. 
 The care with which the array of Burgoyne was organized, its 
 officers and men selected, and its material for an advance and 
 attack provided, has been made familiar to our people by this 
 year's addresses. The progress of the British navy up the Hud- 
 son to a point west of the Alleghany range, its seizure in its 
 course of Stony Point and Fort Clinton, its success in forcing a 
 passage through the highlands at West Point, the capture and 
 burning of Kingston, where the British admiral awaited commu- 
 nication from Burgoyne, have all been clearly narrated on the 
 pages of history. Had the commander of the expedition gone 
 to Albany he might have saved the army of Burgoyne. Gene- 
 ral Gates saw if this had been done he would have been forced 
 to retreat into Xew England. But it was not known at the 
 time how great a peril was averted by an act of negligence in 
 the British war deiiartment. It appears that orders were pre- 
 pared, but not sent to General Howe, directing him to cooperate 
 with Burgoyne with all his forces. If this had been done, there 
 is reason to fear the result would have been fatal to our cause. 
 This is one of those strange occurrences recognized in the lives 
 of individuals as well as in the affairs of nations, showing that 
 there is an over-ruling Providence that watches ovei- both. 
 
 The importance of the movement from the west by St. 
 Leger and his Indian allies is not generally understood by our 
 people. It was made with confidence of success : and when it,s 
 commander wrote to Burgoyne that he would be able to sweep 
 
54 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 down the valley of the Mohawk and place himself in the rear 
 of the American army, there was much to justify that confi- 
 dence. The address of Mr. Roberts and others, at the Oriskany 
 celebration, are valuable contributions to the history of St. 
 Leger's invasion. The Palatines who inhabited the valley of 
 the Mohawk were, by their position, language and usages, 
 severed from the body of the American colonies. The wise 
 policy of Sir William Johnson had done much to attach them 
 to the British crown. To enable them to worship God in ac- 
 cordance with their own creed and in the faith of that part of 
 Germany from which they came, aid was given to them for 
 the erection of churches for their use. Many of these were 
 strong stone churches, which were afterwards fortified and used 
 as places of refuge and defence during the Revolution by the 
 families of the settlers against the ruthless warfare of savages. 
 Most of these churches still stand, monuments of the past, and 
 are now used for the sacred purposes for which they were built. 
 The heirs and representatives of Sir William were with the 
 army of St. Leger, and assured him that the dwellers upon the 
 Mohawk would respond to their appeals, and rise in arms to 
 uphold the cause of the crown. No stronger proof can be given 
 that the love of liberty and of democratic principles were en- 
 gendered and born upon our soil and not imported in some 
 latent form in the ships which brought over the first colonists, 
 than the fact that these settlers from the Palatinates of Ger- 
 many, who had not known of republican usages in their native 
 land, and who could not, from their position and their language, 
 receive impressions from the other colonists, had yet, amidst the 
 trials and perils of border life and warfare, gained the same 
 political convictions which animated the colonists in all parts 
 of our country. It was the most i-emarkable fact of the revo- 
 lutionary war, and of the formation of state and general go- 
 vernments, that, although the colonists were of different lineages 
 and languages, living under different climates with varied pur- 
 suits and forms of labor, cut off from intercourse by distance, 
 yet, in spite of all these obstacles to accord, they were from the 
 outset animated by common views, feelings and purposes. 
 
THE SUURENDER OF BURGOYNE. 55 
 
 When the independence was gained, they were able, after a few 
 weeks spent in consultation, to form the constitution under 
 which we have lived for nearly one hundred years. There can 
 be no stronger proof of the fact that American constitutions 
 were horn and shaped by American necessities. This fact 
 should give us new faith in the lasting nature of our govern- 
 ment. In the case of the Palatines of the Mohawk this truth 
 shines out more clearly than elsewhere. Isolated by language, 
 lineage and position, the great body of them fought for the 
 American cause, and showed a stui-dy valor from the outset. 
 They endured more of suffering and danger in its most appall- 
 ing form, than were felt elsewhere. With the loss of their 
 language and from the great inflow from other states and coun- 
 tries into Central New York, many of the incidents and tradi- 
 tions of the valley of the Mohawk are lost. It is due to them 
 from the whole country that, as far as possible, its history 
 should be developed and made familiar to our people. The 
 most telling blow to the cause of the crown, and to the hopes 
 of St. Leger, was that the mustering of the men under Her- 
 kimer, their desperate valor in the fight at Oriskany showed 
 that he was to be met with undying hostility where he had 
 looked for friends and allies. From that day the hope which 
 animated him when he promised to aid Burgoyne faded away. 
 The defeat of St. Leger and their allies was given by Bur- 
 goyne as one of the great causes of his failure to reach Albany 
 While the hostile Indians inflicted great evils upon the Ameri 
 can settlements, their prestige was lessened in the eyes of the 
 world. 
 
 INDIAN ALLIES. 
 
 The importance of the Indian alliance with the British during 
 the Revolution, has been undervalued by most of those who 
 have written the histories of the Revolution. We look upon 
 Indian wars as mere savage outbursts, which may cause much 
 misery and suffering, but which threaten no danger to govern- 
 ments. We are apt to think that the savages were merely 
 used to divert and distract the American forces. But such 
 
50 Centenniai, Celebration of 
 
 was not the import of their alliance, in the judgment of the 
 contending parties or of the nations of Europe, who watched 
 with interest the course of military events on this continent. 
 We must bear in mind the estimation in which the Iroquois were 
 held at the close of the French war. They had done much to 
 give the victory to the English. At times, the hostility of 
 these savage confederates would have been fatal to the Biitish 
 cause. Their position made them conquerors of their Isindred 
 races. Victories inspired them with heroism. Extended con- 
 quests had taught them much of the policy of government. In 
 the councils of their confederacy, orators and statesmen had 
 been formed. They extorted from their French enemies expres- 
 sions of admiration and statements of virtues, which we should do 
 well to imitate in our own day and in our own councils. Colden, 
 who was familiar with their polity, states that the authority of 
 their rulers consisted wholly of the estimation in which they 
 were held for integrity and wisdom, and they were generally 
 poorer than the rest of the people. He adds, " there is not a 
 man of the Five Nations who4ias gained his oflice otherwise than 
 b}^ merit." Their enemies, the French, testified in their his- 
 tories, that while they were the fiercest and most formidable 
 people in America, they were politic and judicious in the man- 
 agement of their affairs. For nearly a century the French and 
 English struggled to gain their friendship by every influence of 
 religion, of diplomacy and display of power. Even as late as 
 1'754, George Washington, then a colonial officer, called upon 
 them for assistance in his movements against the French on the 
 Ohio river, and claimed that he went forth to fight for their 
 rights, because the French were occupying territories which 
 belonged to the Iroquois. Only twenty years before the re- 
 volutionary war, the British ministry insisted in its correspond- 
 ence with the French government, that the Iroquois were the 
 owners, by conquest, of the Ohio territory, and that they were 
 the subjects of the British crown. This was the claim set up 
 against the French rights of discovery. It is a remarkable fact, 
 that the Fi-ench did not deny the right of conquest bjr the 
 Iroquois, but denied that they were the subjects of Britain in 
 
THE Surrender of Borqoyne. 57 
 
 these strong words : " Certain it is that no Englisliman durst, 
 without running the risk of being massacred, tell the Iroquois 
 that they are the subjects of England." One of the first acts 
 of the continental congress was designed to secure the alliance 
 of the Six Nations. In this they were unsuccessful, except as to 
 the Oneidas. The cooperation of their savage allies was deemed 
 of the utmost importance by the British. 
 
 I do not speak of the action at Bennington nor of the battle 
 of Beniis's Heights. The late celebration upon the grounds 
 upon which they took place, have made the public familiar with 
 all their aspects and results. 
 
 INFLUENCE OF BUEGOYNe's SURRENDER. 
 
 France saw that upon the very theatre of war where Britain 
 had wrested from it the coiatrol of this 'continent, its ancient 
 enemy had been beaten by the new power which was springing 
 into existence. To the French government this victory had a 
 significance that no like victory could have had upon other fields. 
 It knew better than others the commanding features of this 
 region. Its missionaries were highly educated men, who marked 
 with care the character of our mountains, lakes and streams. 
 Impelled by religious zeal and devotion to the interests of their 
 native land, they boldly pushed into the remote portions of the 
 continent in advance of commercial enterprise or military expe- 
 ditions. Their narratives are to this day of great value and 
 interest. The surrender of Burgoyne had also a marked effect 
 upon the tone and policy of the British cabinet ; it no longer 
 fought for conquest, but for compromise. Its armies were 
 moved with a view of saving a part if it could not hold all of 
 its jurisdiction. It was able to take possession of the principal 
 cities, but it could not find elsewhere positions, like that aimed 
 at by Burgoyne, which would enable it to sunder and paralyze 
 the patriot forces. It exhausted its armies in campaigns which 
 produced no results, even when successful in repulsing our forces 
 or in occupying the points at which they were directed. Its 
 commanders were animated by only one gleam of hope. The 
 proud power which at the outset called upon the world to witness 
 
58 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 its strength in crushing rebellion, stooped to dealings with a 
 traitor, and sought to gain by corruption what it could not gain 
 by force. The treason of Arnold excited the deepest feelings, 
 because the loss of West Point, the key of the Hudson, would 
 have given the British a position from which they could not 
 have been dislodged at the center of the strongholds of defence 
 and the commanding basis for attack of the Iludson and its 
 guardian mountains. The fact that the loss of West Point 
 would have been deemed a fatal blow to the American cause 
 places the strategic importance of this region in the strongest 
 light. 
 
 The surrender of Burgoyne not only gave new hope to the 
 patriots, but it exerted a moral influence upon our soldiers. The 
 colonists up to that time had been trained in the belief that 
 British soldiers were irresistible. To hold them superior to all 
 others in arms had been American patriotism. Through the 
 centiiry of the French wars, precedence had -always been yielded 
 to the officers of the crown ; and the colonists looked mainly to 
 the British army to protect their homes from invasion. Colonial 
 papers showed an extravagance of loyalty which is frequently 
 exhibited in the outlying and exposed settlements of all nations. 
 The Revolution, while it made a revulsion of feeling, did not at 
 the outset destroy this sense of the superior skill and power, of 
 British arms. The early engagements in the open fields had not 
 been fortunate for the patriot cause. The armies of the crown 
 were still buoyed up by that sense of superiority, which, in itself, 
 is an element in martial success. Burgoyne did not doubt his 
 ability to destroy any army he could reach. The battle of 
 Bemis's Heights was a fair and open contest on equal terms. 
 In strategy, in steadiness, in valor, the continental troops proved 
 themselves in all ways equal to the picked and trained men 
 against whom they fought. 
 
 From the day that vicLory was won, the American soldier 
 felt himself to be the equal of all who could be brought against 
 him, and he knew that he was animated by higher and nobler 
 purposes than those which moved the ranks of his enemies. The 
 whole spirit of the contest was changed. Our armies reaped a 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 59 
 
 double triumph on this field. There was much in the contempt 
 which had been shown by their enemies of their qualities as 
 soldiers, much in the taunts and sneers of the British cabinet, 
 much in the pillage and destruction which ever attend the march 
 of invading armies, to excite the victors to exhibitions of triumph 
 over fallen foes. But they bore themselves, not as men intoxi- 
 cated by successful fortunes in war, but as men who felt it was 
 in them to win victories there or elsewhere. There was a calm- 
 ness in the hour of triumph, which more than even courage upon 
 the battlefield, impressed the defeated ai-my with the character 
 of those of whom they had spoken so contemptuously. The 
 enemy were twice conquered, and in many ways the last victory 
 over them was most keenly felt. The moral and the military 
 advantages of the surrender of the British army was marred by 
 no act which lessened the dignity of the conquerors. And he 
 who reads the story of the contest, finds himself most triumphant 
 in his feelings over the moral rather than the martial victory. 
 
 GENERAL SCHUYLEE. 
 
 When we read the story of the event which we now celebrate, 
 whether it is told by friend or foe, there is one figure which 
 rises above all others upon whose conduct and bearing we love 
 to dwell. There is one who won a triumph which never grows 
 dim. One who gave an example of patient patriotism unsur- 
 passed on the pages of history. One who did not, even under 
 cutting wrongs and cruel suspicions, wear an air of martyrdom, 
 but with cheerful alacrity served where he should have com- 
 manded. It was iu a glorious spirit of chivalrous courtesy with 
 which Schuyler met and ministered to those who had not only 
 been enemies in arms, but who had inflicted upon him unusual 
 injuries unwarranted by the laws of war. But there was some- 
 thing more grand in his service to his country than even this 
 honor which he did to the American cause, by his bearing upon 
 this occasion. The spirit of sectional prejudice which the British 
 cabinet relied upon to prevent cordial cooperation among the 
 colonies, had been exhibited against him in a way most galling 
 to a pure patriot and a brave soldier. But, filled with devotion 
 
60 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 to his countrjf's cause, lie uttered no murmur of complaint, nor 
 did he for a moment cease in his labors to gain its liberties. 
 This grand rebuke to selfish intriguers and to honest prejudices 
 did much to discomfit the one and to teach the other the injustice 
 of their suspicions and the unworthiness of sectional prejudices. 
 The strength of this rebuke sometimes irritates writers who 
 cannot rise above local prejudices, and they try to lessen the 
 public sense of his virtue by reviving the attacks, proved to be 
 unjust upon investigation, and which, by the verdict of men 
 honored by their country, were proved to be unfounded. The 
 judgment of George Washington and of the patriots who sur- 
 rounded him, with regard to men of their own day and affairs 
 with which they were familiar, cannot be shaken by those who 
 seek to revive exploded scandals and unfounded suspicions. 
 The character of Gen. Schuyler grows brighter in public regard. 
 The injustice done him by his removal from his command, at a 
 time when his zeal and ability had placed victory almost within 
 his reach, is not perhaps to be regretted. We could not well 
 lose from our history his example of patriotism and of personal 
 honor and chivalry. We could not spare the proof which his 
 case furnishes, that virtue triumphs in the end. We would not 
 change, if we could, the history of his trials. For we feel that 
 they gave luster to his character, and we are forced to say of 
 Gen. Schuyler tliat, while he had been greatly wronged, he had 
 never been injured. 
 
 SARATOGA MONUMENT. 
 
 The association formed under the laws of this state to erect a 
 suitable monument to commemorate the defeat of the Bi-itish 
 army under Burgoyne, has selected this spot upon which to 
 place it, because here it will recall to the mind not only the final 
 act, but every event which led to the surrender. It will carry 
 the thoughts of him who looks upon it back to the first and fierce 
 fight at Oriskaiiy. It will remind him of the disaster to the 
 British forces at the battle of Bennington. It will excite the 
 deepest intei'est in the contest on the hills at Bemis's Heights. 
 It will do more. It will bring before the public mind that grand 
 
THE Surrender of Bubgoyne. 61 
 
 procession of events, which for two centuries have passed through 
 the valleys of the Hudson and the Mohawk. When it shall 
 excite the interests which attach to the occasion which we cele- 
 brate linked history will lead the public mind back, step by step, 
 to the earliest period of the French and English settlements on 
 this continent. W^shall be taught what made the savage tribes 
 of this region superior in war and polity to their kindred races. 
 We shall be reminded of the forays of savages, the march of 
 disciplined armies, the procession of Christian missionaries, which 
 exceed in dramatic interest and in far reaching consequences, 
 all other incidents of war, of diplomacy, and of religious zeal 
 exhibited on this continent. The events which have occurred 
 in these valleys have also been closely connected with the most 
 important facts of European history. The ambition of Louis 
 the fourteenth of France aimed at supremacy on two continents. 
 The prolonged war over the balance of power in Europe, con- 
 cerned the civilization of America. The genius of Marlborough, 
 and the victory of Blenheim, were of more enduring consequence 
 to us than to the parties engaged in the contest. They did not 
 foresee that they were shaping the civilization of a continent, or 
 the destinies of a people at this day exceeding in numbers the 
 united populations of the countries engaged in the war. Where 
 else in our country can a monument be placed, from which will 
 radiate so much that is instructive ? Where else can a struct- 
 ure be erected which will teach such varied history ? Elsewhere, 
 great achievements in peace or war, make certain spots instinct 
 with interest. Elsewhere, the great features of nature have 
 influenced the fate of nations. But it is not true that elsewhere 
 mountains and rivers have been such marked and conspicuous 
 agents in shaping events. Here they have directed the affairs 
 of this continent. In selecting a place where a monument should 
 stand, this association has not been embarrassed by any questions 
 as to the compai-ative importance of the act of surrender of the 
 British army, or of the battles which made that surrender in- 
 evitable. Each has its peculiar interest, and each should be 
 marked by suitable monuments. But the last scene in the drama 
 unfolds to the mind the plot and incidents which reach their 
 9 
 
62 Centennial Celebration op 
 
 conclusions at the close. A monument on this ground not only 
 commemorates what occurred here, but it recalls to the mind all 
 the incidents and battles which preceded it, and gives to each a 
 deeper interest, than when they are considered separately. Each 
 is viewed not only in the light of the wisdom, valor or patriotism 
 displayed, but of its bearing upon the grand result. He who 
 visits the scene of the bloody fight at Oriskany, or looks over 
 the hills where the men of Vermont drove back the troops of 
 Burgoyne, or studies the movements of the armies at the battle 
 of Bemis's Heights, finds that his thoughts do not rest until they 
 dwell upon the grand conclusion reached upon this spot. "When 
 his mind is kindled with patriotic pride updn either of the battle- 
 fields to which I have alluded, he will turn to the ground upon 
 which we now meet, and thank God for the event we now cele- 
 brate. 
 
 The surrender of Burgoyne marks the dividing line between 
 two conditions of our country : the one the colonial period of 
 dei^endence, and the other the day from which it stood full 
 armed and victorious here, endowed with a boldness to assert 
 its independence, and endowed with a wisdom to frame its 
 own system of government. From this review of the past we 
 instinctively turn our minds and try to scan the years that 
 are to come. It is not given to us to forecast the future. But 
 when we study the great natural features of our country, and 
 see how they have directed the past, we learn from the silver 
 links of rivers and the i-ocky chains of- mountains that God has 
 written and stamped on the face of this continent, that it shall 
 ever be held by those speaking a common language, with a 
 common civilization, and living together with that freedom of 
 intercourse which shall forever, under some forms, make them 
 one people. 
 
 A monument upon this spot will not merely minister to local 
 pride ; it will not foster sectional prejudices ; every citizen of 
 every state of this union will feel as he looks upon it that he 
 has a right to stand upon this ground. It will tell of the com- 
 mon sacrifices and common trials of the fathers of the republic. 
 Men from all parts of our union will here be reminded that our 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 63 
 
 independence as a people was wrought out by the sufferings and 
 sacrifices of those who came from every quarter of our country 
 to share in this valley in the perils of battle and in the triumphs 
 of victory. Here sectional passions will fade away ; and the 
 glorious memories and the fraternal feelings of the past will be 
 revived. 
 
 We are told that during more than twenty centuries of war 
 and bloodshed, only fifteen battles have been decisive of lasting 
 results. The contest of Saratoga is one of these. Fi-om the 
 battle of Marathon to the field of Waterloo, a period of more 
 than two thousand years, there was no martial event which had 
 a greater influence upon human affairs than that which took 
 place on these grounds. Shall not some suitable structure recall 
 this fact to the public mind ? Monuments make as well as mark 
 the civilization of a people. Neither France, nor Britain, nor 
 Germany, could spare the statues or works of art which keep 
 alive the memories of patriotic sacrifices or of personal virtues. 
 Such silent teachers of all that ennobles men, have taught their 
 lessons through the darkest ages, and have done much to save 
 society from sinking into utter decay and degradation. If 
 Greece or Rome had left no memorials of private virtues or 
 public greatness, the progress of civilization would have been 
 slow and feeble. If their crumbling remains should be swept 
 away, the world would mourn the loss, not only to learning and 
 arts, but to virtue and patriotism. It concerns the honor and 
 ■welfare of the American people, that this spot should be marked 
 by some structure which shall recall its history, and animate all 
 who look upon it by its grand teachings. No people ever held 
 lasting power or greatness, who did not reverence the virtues 
 of their fathers, or who did not show forth this reverence by 
 material and striking testimonials Let us, then, build here a 
 lasting monument, which shall tell of our gratitude to those 
 who, through suffering and sacrifice, wrought out the independ- 
 ence of our country. 
 
 GEORGE WILLIAM CURTIS'S ORATION. 
 
 Within the territory of New York, broad, fertile and fair, 
 from Montauk to Niagara, from the Adirondacks to the bay, 
 there is no more memorable spot than thoit on which we stand. 
 
64 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 Elsewhere, indeed, the great outlines of the landscape are more 
 imposing, and on this autumnal day the parting benediction of 
 the year rests with the same glory on other hills and other 
 waters' of the imperial state. Far above, these gentle heights 
 rise into towering mountains ; far below, this placid stream 
 broadens and deepens around the metropolis of the conti- 
 nent into a spacious highway for the commerce of the world. 
 Other valleys with teeming intervale and fruitful upland, rich 
 with romantic tradition and patriotic story, filled like this with 
 happy homes and humming workshops, wind through the vast 
 commonwealth, ample channels of its various life ; and town 
 and city, village and hamlet, church and scliool, everywhere 
 illustrate and promote the prosperous repose of a community 
 great, intelligent and free. But this spot alone within our 
 borders is consecrated as the scene of one of the decisive events 
 that affect the course of history. There are deeds on which 
 the welfare of the world seems to be staked ; conflicts in which 
 liberty is lost or won ; victories by which the standard of 
 human progress is full high advanced. Between sunrise and 
 sunset, on some chance field the deed is done, but from that 
 day it is a field enchanted. Imagination invests it with 
 
 " The light that never was on sea or land. " 
 
 The grateful heart of mankind repeats its name ; Heroism feeds 
 upon its story ; Patriotism kindles with its perennial fire. 
 Such is the field on which we stand. It is not ours. It does 
 not belong to New York ; nor to America. It is an indefeasi- 
 ble estate of the world, like the field of Arbela, of Tours, of 
 Hastings, of Waterloo ; and the same lofty charm that draws 
 the pilgrim to the plain of Marathon resistlessly leads him to 
 the field of Saratoga. 
 
 The drama of the Revolution opened in New England, cul- 
 minated in New York, and closed in Virginia. It was a happy 
 fortune that the three colonies which represented the various 
 territorial sections of the settled continent were each in turn 
 the chief seat of war. The common sacrifice, the common 
 struggle, the common triumph, tended to weld them locally, 
 politically and morally together. Doubtless there were con- 
 
THE Surrender of Burqoyne. 65 
 
 flicta of provincial pride and jealousy and suspicion. The 
 Virginia officers smiled loftily at the raw Yankee militia ; the 
 Green mountain boys distrusted the polished discipline of New 
 York ; and the New York Schuyler thought those boys brave 
 but dangerously independent. In every great crisis of the war, 
 however, there was a common impulse and devotion, and the 
 welfare of the continent obliterated provincial lines. It is by 
 the few heaven-piercing peaks, not by the confused mass of 
 upland, that we measure the height of the Andes, of the Alps, 
 of the Himalaya. It is by Joseph Warren not by Benjamin 
 Church, by John Jay not by Sir John Johnson, by George 
 Washington not by Benedict Arnold, that we test the quality 
 of the revolutionary character. The voice of Patrick Henry, 
 from the mountains answered that of James Otis by the sea. 
 Paul Revere's lantern shone through the valley of the Hudson, 
 and flashed along the cliffs of the Blue Ridge. The scattering 
 volley of Lexington green swelled to the triumphant thunder 
 of Saratoga, and the reverberation of Burgoyne's falling arms 
 in New York shook those of Cornwallis in Virginia from his 
 hands. Doubts, jealousies, prejudices, were merged in one 
 common devotion. The union of the colonies to secure liberty, 
 foretold the union of the states to maintain it, and wherever 
 we stand on revolutionary fields, or inhale the sweetness of 
 revolutionary memories, we tread the ground and breathe the 
 air of invincible national union. 
 
 Our especial interest and pride, to-day, are in the most im- 
 portant event of the Revolution upon the soil of New York. 
 Concord and Lexington, Bunker Hill and Bennington, the 
 Brandywine and Germantown, have had their fitting centennial 
 commemorations, and already at Kingston and Oriskany, New 
 York has taken up) the wondrous tale of her civil and military 
 achievements. In proud continuation of her story we stand 
 here. Sons of sires vs^ho bled with Sterling on the Long Island 
 shore ; who fought with Herkimer in the deadly Oneida defile ; 
 who defended the Highland forts with George Clinton ; v^ho, 
 with Robert Livingston and Gouverneur Morris, were driven 
 from town to town by stress of war, yet framed a civil consti- 
 
66 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 tutiou, all untouched by the asperity of the conflict and a noble 
 model for all free states ; sons of sires who, leaving the plough 
 and the bench, gathered on this historic war-path — the key of 
 the then civilized continent ; the western battle ground of Eu- 
 rope ; the trail by which Frontenac's Indians prowled to Sche- 
 nectady, and crept to the Connecticut and beyond ; the way 
 by which Sir William Johnson and his army passed in the old 
 French war, and humbled Dieskau at Lake George ; the road 
 along which Abercrombie and his-briglit array marched to dis- 
 aster in the summer morning, and Amherst marshaled his men 
 to cooperate with Wolf in the humbling of Quebec ; sons of 
 sires, who, mustering here on ground still trembling with the 
 .tread of armies, where the air forever echoes with the savage 
 war whoop, or mui-murs with the pathetic music of the march 
 and the camp — 
 
 " Why, soldiers, why 
 Should we be mehincholy, boys ? 
 Whose business 'tis to die 1" 
 
 even here withstood the deadly British blow and enveloping 
 the haughty Burgoyne, compelled not only him to yield his 
 sword, but England to surrender an empire ; sons of such sires, 
 who should not proudly recall such deeds of theirs and grate- 
 fully revere their memory, would be forever scorned as faith- 
 less depositaries of the great English and American tradition, 
 and the great human benediction, of patient, orderly, self-re- 
 strained liberty. 
 
 When King George heard of the battle of Bunker Hill, he 
 consoled himself with the thought that New York was still un- 
 swervingly loyal ; and it was the hope and the faith of his 
 ministry that the rebellion might at last be baffled in that great 
 colony. It was a region of vast extent, but thinly peojjled, for 
 the population was but httle more than one hundred and sixty 
 thousand. It had been settled by men of various races, who, 
 upon the sea shore, and through the remote valleys, and in the 
 primeval wilderness, cherished the freedom that they brought 
 and transmitted to their children. But the colony lacked that 
 homogeneity of population which produces general sympathy 
 of conviction and concert of action ; which gives a community 
 
THE Surrender op Burgoyne. 67 
 
 one soul, one heart, one hand, interjorets every man's thought 
 to his neighbor, and explains so much of the great deeds of the 
 Grecian commonwealths, of Switzerland, and of Old and New 
 England. In New York, also, were the hereditary manors — 
 vast domains of a few families, private principalities, with feudal 
 relations and traditions — and the spirit of a splendid proprie- 
 tary life was essentially hostile to doctrines of popular right 
 and power. In the magnificent territory of the Mohawk and 
 its tributaries. Sir William Johnson, amid his family and de- 
 pendants, lived in baronial state among the Indians, with whom 
 he was allied by marriage, and to whom he was the vicar of 
 their royal father over the sea. The Johnsons were virtually 
 supreme in the country of the Mohawk, and as they were in- 
 tensely loyal, the region west of Albany became a dark and 
 bloody ground of civil strife. In the city of New York, and in 
 the neighboring counties of Westchester upon the river and 
 sound, of Richmond upon the bay, and Queens and Suffolk on 
 the sea, the fear that sprang from conscious exposure to the 
 naval power of Great Britain, the timidity of commercial trade, 
 the natural loyalty of numerous officers of the crown, all com- 
 bined to foster antipathy to any disturbance of that established 
 authority which secured order and peace. 
 
 But deeper and stronger than all other causes was the tender 
 reluctance of Englishmen in America to believe that reconcilia- 
 tion with the mother country was impossible. Even after the 
 great day on Bunker Hill, when, in full sight of his country 
 and of all future America, Joseph Warren, the well-beloved 
 disciple of American liberty, fell, congress, while justifying 
 war, recoiled from declaring independence. Doubtless the 
 voice of John Adams, of Massachusetts, counseling immediate 
 and entire separation, spoke truly for the unanimous and fer- 
 vent patriotism of New England ; but doubtless, also, the voice 
 of John Jay, of New York, who knew the mingled sentiment 
 of the great province whose position in the struggle must be 
 decisive, in advising one more appeal to the king, was a voice 
 of patriotism as pure, and of courage as unquailing. 
 
 The appeal was made, and made in vain. The year that 
 
68 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 opened with Concord and Lexington, ended with the gloomy 
 tragedy of the Canada campaign. On the last day of the year, 
 in a tempest of sleet and snow, the combined forces of New 
 England and New York made a desperate, futile onset ; and 
 the expedition from which Washington and the country had 
 anticipated results so inspiring was dashed in pieces against the 
 walls of Quebec, The country mourned, but New York had a 
 peculiar sorrow. Leaving his tranquil and beautiful home up- 
 on this river, one of her noblest soldiers — brave, honorable, 
 gentle — the son-in-law of Livingston, the friend of Schuyler, 
 after a brief career of glory, died the death of a liero. " You 
 shall not blush for your Montgomery," he said to his bride as 
 he left her. For fifty years a widow, his bride saw him no 
 more. But while this stately river flows through the mountains 
 to the sea, its waves will still proudly murmur the name, and 
 recall the romantic and heroic story of Richard Montgomery. 
 
 The year 1776 was not less gloomy for the American cause. 
 Late in November Washington was hurriedly retreating across 
 New Jersey, pursued by Cornwallis, his army crumbling with 
 every step, the state paralyzed with terror, congress flying 
 affrighted from Philadelphia to Baltimore, and the apparent 
 sole remaining hope of American independence, the rigor of 
 winter, snow, and impassable roads. Ah, no ! It was not in 
 winter but in summer that that hope lay, not in the relentless 
 frost of the elements, but in the heavenly fire of hearts beating 
 high with patriotic resolve, and turning the snow flakes of that 
 terrible retreat into immortal roses of victory and joy. While 
 Howe and his officers, in the warm luxury and wild debauchery 
 of the city they had captured, believed the war ended, gaily 
 sang and madly caroused, Washington, in the dreary Christ- 
 mas evening, turned on the ice of the Delaware, and struck the 
 Hessians fatally at Trenton ; then in the cold January sunrise, 
 defeating the British at Princetown, his army filed with bleed- 
 ing feet into the highlands of New Jersey, and half starved and 
 scantily clothed, encamped upon the frozen hills of Morristown. 
 " The Americans have done much, " said despairingly one of 
 their truest friends in England, Edmund Burke, " but it is now 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 69 
 
 evident that they cannot look standing armies in the face." 
 That, however, was to be determined by the campaign of 1777. 
 
 For that campaign England was already preparing. Seven 
 years before. General Carleton, who still commanded in Canada, 
 had proposed to hold the water line between the gulf of St. 
 Lawrence and the bay of New York, to prevent a separation of 
 the colonies. It was now proposed to hold it to compel a sepa- 
 ration. The ocean months of the great waterway were both in 
 complete possession of the crown. It was a historic war path. 
 Here had raged the prolonged conflict between France and 
 England for the control of the continent, and in fierce war upon 
 the waters of New York, no less than on the plains of Abraham, 
 the power of France in America finally fell. Here, also, where it 
 had humbled its proud rival, the strong hand of England grasp- 
 ing for unjust dominion was to be triumphantly shaken off. 
 This region was still a wilderness. Seventy years before, the 
 first legal land title in it was granted. In 1745, thirty years 
 before the Revolution, it was the extreme English outpost. In 
 1777, the settlers were few, and they feared the bear and the 
 catamount less than the tory and the Indian. They still built 
 block houses for retreat and defence like the first New Eng- 
 land settlers a hundred and fifty years before. Nowhere during 
 the Revolution were the horrors of civil war so constant and so 
 dire as here. The tories seized and harassed, shot and hung 
 the whigs, stole their stock and store, burned their barns and 
 ruined their crops, and the whigs remorselessly retaliated. 
 The stealthy Indian struck, shrieked and vanished. The wolf 
 and the wild cat lurked in the thicket. Man and beast were 
 equally cruel. Terror overhung the fated region, and as the 
 great invasion approached, the universal flight and devastation 
 recalled the grim desolation in Germany during the thirty 
 years' war. 
 
 Of that invasion, and of the campaign of 1777, the central 
 figure is John Burgoyne. No name among the British generals 
 of the Revolution is more familiar, yet he was neither a great 
 soldier nor a great man. He was willing to bribe his old com- 
 rade in arms, Charles Lee, to betray the American cause, and 
 10 
 
70 Centennial Celebration, of 
 
 he threatened to loose savages upon the Americans for defending 
 it. Burgoyne was an admirable type of the English fashionable 
 gentleman of his day. The grandson of a baronet, a West- 
 minster boy, and trained to arms, he eloped with a daughter of 
 the great whig house of Derby, left the army and lived gaily 
 on the continent. Restored to a military career by political 
 influence, he served as a captain in France, and returning to 
 England was elected to parliament. He went a brigadier to 
 Portugal, and led a brilliant charge at Valentia d' Alcantara, 
 was complimented by the great Count Lippe, and flattered by 
 the British prime minister. For his gallantry the king of 
 Spain gave him a diamond ring, and with that blazing on his 
 finger he returned once more to England, flushed with brief 
 glory. There for some years he was a man of pleasure. He 
 wrote slight verses and little plays that are forgotten. Rey- 
 nolds painted his portrait in London, as Ramsay had painted it 
 in Rome. Horace Walpole sneered at him for his plays, but 
 Lord Chatham praised him for his military notes. Tall and 
 handsome, graceful and winning in manner, allied to a noble 
 house, a favorite at court and on parade, he was a gay com- 
 panion at the table, the club and the theatre. The king ad- 
 mired his dragoons, and conferred upon him profitable honors, 
 which secured to him a refined and luxurious life. In parlia- 
 ment, when the American war began, Burgoyne took the 
 high British ground, but with the urbanity of a soldier, and he 
 gladly obeyed the summons to service in America, and sailed 
 with Howe and Clinton on the great day that the British troops 
 marched to Concord. He saw the battle of Bunker Hill, and 
 praised the American courage and military ability, but was very 
 sure that trained troops would always overcome militia. The 
 one American whom he extolled was Samuel Adams. He 
 thoiight that he combined the ability of Csesar with the astute- 
 ness of Cromwell ; that he led Franklin and all the other 
 leaders, and that if his counsels continued to control the conti- 
 nent, America must be subdued or relinquished. 
 
 Burgoyne saw little actual service in this country until he 
 arrived at Quebec on the 6th of May, 1777, as commander of 
 
THE Surrender op Burgoyne. 71 
 
 the great enterprise of the year. The plan of campaign was 
 large and si?nplo. One expedition led by Bui-goync, was to 
 force its way from Quebec to Albany, through the valley of the 
 Hudson, and another, under St. Leger, was to push through the 
 valley of the Mohawk, to the same point. At Albany they 
 were to join General Howe, who would advance up the river 
 from the bay. By the success of these combined operations, 
 the British would command New York, and New England 
 would be absolutely cut off. This last result alone would be a 
 signal triumph. New England was the nest of rebellion. 
 There were the fields where British power was first defied in 
 arms. There were the Green mountains from which Ethan 
 Allen and his boys had streamed upon Ticonderoga. There 
 was Boston bay where the tea had been scattered, and Narra- 
 gansett bay where the Gaspe had been burned, and the harbors 
 of Machias and of Newport, from which the British ships had 
 been chased to sea. There were Fanueil Hall and the town 
 meeting. There was Boston, whose ports had been closed — 
 Boston with the street of the massacre — Boston, of which 
 King George had bitterly said that he would " as lief fight the 
 Bostonians as the French. " There were the pulpits which 
 preached what Samuel Adams called liberty, and Samuel 
 Johnson sedition. The very air of New England was full of de- 
 fiance. The woods rustled it, the waters murmured it, the 
 stern heart of its rugged nature seemed to beat in unison with 
 the stout heart of man, and all throbbed together with the in- 
 vincible Anglo-Saxon instinct of liberty. To cut off New Eng- 
 land from her sisters — to seize and hold the great New York 
 valleys of Champlain and the Hudson — was to pierce the heart 
 of the rebellion, and to paralyze America. Here, then, was to 
 be the crucial struggle. Here in New York once more the 
 contest for the western continent was to be decided. Burgoyne 
 had airily said in London, that with an army of ten thousand 
 men he could promenade through America, and now the bril- 
 liant gentleman was to make good his boast. 
 
 While he was crossing the ocean to begin his task, and when 
 every possible effort should have been made by congress to 
 
72 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 meet the ample and splendid preparations for the British inva- 
 sion, wi'etched intrigues displaced General Schuyler in the north- 
 ern department, and it was not until late in May that he was 
 restored to the command. The peril was at hand, but it was 
 impossible to collect men. By the end of June, the entire gar- 
 rison of Ticonderoga and Fort Independence, the first great 
 barrier against the advance of Burgoyne, consisted of twenty- 
 five hundred continentals and nine hundred militia, barefooted 
 and ragged, without proper arms or sufficient blankets, and 
 lacking every adequate preparation for defense. But more 
 threatening than all, was Sugar-loaf hill, rising above Ticonde- 
 roga, and completely commanding the fort. General Schuyler 
 saw it, but even while he pointed out the danger, and while 
 General St. Clair, the commandant of the post, declared tliat 
 from the want of troops nothing could be done, the drums of 
 Burgoyne's army were joyfully beating in the summer dawn ; 
 the bugles rang, the cannon thundered, the rising June sun 
 shone on the scarlet coats of Brittish gj-enadiers, on the bright 
 helmets of German dragoons, and on burnished artillery and 
 polished arms. There were more than seven thousand trained 
 and veteran troops, besides Canadians and Indians. They were 
 admirably commanded and equipped, although the means of 
 land transport were fatally insufficient. But all was hope and 
 confidence. The battle flags were unfurled, the word was given, 
 and with every happy augury, the royal standard of England 
 proudly set forward for conquest. On the 1st of July, the 
 brilliant pageant swept up Lake Champlain, and the echoes of 
 the mighty wilderness which had answered the guns of Amherst 
 and the drum-beat of Montcalm, saluted the frigates and the 
 gunboats that, led by a dusky swarm of Indians in bark canoes, 
 stretched between the eastern shore, along which Riedesel and 
 the Germans marched, and the main body advancing with 
 Phillips upon the west. The historic waters of Champlain have 
 never seen a spectacle more splendid than the advancing army 
 of Burgoyne. But so with his glittering Asian hordes, two 
 thousand yeai-s before, the Persian king advanced to Salamis. 
 At evening the British army was before Ticonderoga. The 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 73 
 
 trained eye of the English engineers instantly saw the advan- 
 tage of Sugar-loaf, the higher hill, and the I'ising sun of the 
 5th of July glared in the amazed eyes of the Ticonderoga gar- 
 rison, on the red coats entrenched upon Sugar-loaf, with their 
 batteries commanding every point within the fort, and their 
 glasses every movement. Sugar-loaf had become Mount De- 
 fiance. St. Clair had no choice. All day he assumed indiffer- 
 ence, but quietly made every preparation, and before dawn the 
 next day he stole away. The moon shone, but his flight was 
 undetected, until the flames of a fire foolishly set to a house 
 suddenly flashed over the landscape and revealed his retreat. 
 He was instantly pursued. His rear guard was overtaken, and 
 by the valor of its fierce but hopeless fight gave an undying 
 name to the wooded hills of Hubbardton. 
 
 Ticonderoga fell, and the morning of its fall was the high 
 hour of Burgoyne's career. Without a blow, by the mere 
 power of his presence, he had undone the electric deed of Ethan 
 Allen ; he had captured the historic prize of famous campaigns. 
 The chief obstruction to his triumphal American promenade 
 had fallen. The bright promise of the invasion would be ful- 
 filled, and Burgoyne would be the lauded hero of the war. 
 Doubtless his handsome lip curled in amused disdain at the 
 flying and frightened militia, plough boys that might infest but 
 could not impede his further advance. His eager fancy could 
 picture the delight of London, the joy of the clubs, of parlia- 
 ment, of the king. He could almost hear the royal George 
 bursting into the queen's room and shouting, " I have beat all 
 the Americans." He could almost read the assurance of the 
 minister to the proud earl, his father-in-law, that the king de- 
 signed for him the vacant Red Ribbon. But his aspiring am- 
 bition surely anticipated a loftier reward — a garter, a coronet, 
 and at last, Westminster Abbey and undying glory. 
 
 Ticonderoga fell, and with it, apparently, fell in Europe all 
 hope of the patriot cause ; and in America, all confidence and 
 happy expectation. The tories were jubilant. The wavering 
 Indians were instantly open enemies. The militia sullenly went 
 home. The solitary settlers fled southward through the forests 
 
74 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 and over the eastern hills. Even Albany was appalled, and its 
 pale citizens sent their families away. Yet this panic stricken 
 valley of the upper Hudson was now the field on which, if any- 
 where, the cause was to be saved. Five counties of the state 
 were in the hands of the enemy ; three were in anarchy. Schuy- 
 ler was at Fort Edward with scarcely a thousand men. The 
 weary army of St. Clair, shrunken to fifteen hundred continen- 
 tals, all the militia having dropped away, struggled for a week 
 through the forest, and emerged forlorn and exhausted at the 
 fort. Other troops arrived, but the peril was imminent. New 
 York was threatened at every point, and with less than five 
 thousand ill-equipped regulars and militia to oppose the victori- 
 ous Burgoyne, who was but a single long day's march away, 
 with only the forts and the boom and chain in the Highlands 
 to stay Clinton's ascent from the bay, and only the little gar- 
 rison at Fort Stanwix to withstand St. Leger, General Schuyler 
 and the council of state implored aid from every quarter. A 
 loud clamor, bred of old jealousy and fresh disappointment, 
 arose against Schuyler, the commander of the department, and 
 St. Clair, the commander of the post. The excitement and dis- 
 may were universal, and the just apprehension was most grave. 
 But when the storm was loudest it was pierced by the calm 
 voice of Washington, whose soul quailed before no disaster : 
 " We should never despair ; our situation has before been un- 
 promising and has changed for the better ; so I trust it will be 
 again." He sent Arnold to Schuyler, as an accomplished officer, 
 familiar with the country. He urged the eastern states to 
 move to his succor. He ordered all available boats from Al- 
 bany to New Windsor and Fishkill, upon the Hudson, to be 
 ready for any part of his own army that he might wish to de- 
 tach. While thus the commander-in-chief cared for all, each 
 cared for itself. The stout-hearted George Clinton, and the 
 council of New York were thoroughly aroused and alert. 
 Vermont called upon New Hampshire, and the White mount- 
 ains answered to the Green by summoning Stark and Whipple, 
 who, gathering their men, hastened to the Hudson. 
 
 While this wild panic and alarm swept through the country, 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 75 
 
 Burgoyne remiiined for a fortnight at the head of Lake Cham- 
 plain. He, also, had his troubles. He was forced to garrison 
 Ticonderoga from his serviceable troops. His Indian allies be- 
 gan to annoy him. Provisions came in slowly, and the first 
 fatal weakness of the expedition was already betrayed in the 
 inadequate supply of wagons and horses. But the neighbor- 
 ing tories joined him, and counting upon the terror that his 
 triumphant progress had inspired, he moved at the end of July 
 from Lake Champlain toward the Hudson. His march was 
 through the wilderness which Schuyler had desolated to the 
 utmost, breaking up the roads, choking with trees the navigable 
 streams, destroying forage, and driving away cattle. But 
 Burgoyne forced his way through, building forty bridges and 
 laying a log-wood road for two miles across a morass. The 
 confidence of triumph cheered the way. So sure was victory, 
 that as if it had been a huge pleasure party, the wives of of- 
 ficers accompanied the camp, and the Baroness Riedesel came 
 in a calash from Fort George to join her husband with Bur- 
 goyne. But before that slowly toiling army, the startled fron- 
 tier country fled. Almost every patriot house west of the 
 Green mountains and north of Manchester was deserted. The 
 tories, proud of British protection, yjlaced signs in their hats 
 and before their doors, and upon the horns of their cattle, 
 wearing the tory badge, as Gurth wore the collar of Cedric 
 the Saxon. To us the scene is a romantic picture. The scarlet 
 host of Burgoyne flashes through the forest with pealing music ; 
 the soldiers smooth the rough way with roystering songs ; the 
 trains and artillery toil slowly on ; the red cloud of savages 
 glimmers on his skirts, driving before him farmers with wives 
 and children, faint and sick with cruel apprehension, flying 
 through a land of terror. To us, it is a picture. But to know 
 what it truly was, let the happy farmer on these green slopes 
 and placid meadows, imagine a sudden flight to-night with all 
 he loves from all he owns, struggling up steep hills, lost in 
 tangled woods, ci-owding along difficult roads, at every step 
 expecting the glistening tomahawk, the bullet, and the mercies 
 of a foreign soldiery. Not many miles from this spot, the 
 
76 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 hapless Jane Mao Crea was killed as Burgoyne's savages hurried 
 her away. Her story rang through the land like a woman's 
 cry of agony. This, then, was British chivalry ! Burgoyne, 
 indeed, had not meant murder, but he had threatened it. The 
 name of the innocent girl became the rallying cry for armies, 
 and to a thousand indignant hearts, her blood cried from the 
 ground for vengeance. We come with song and speech and 
 proud commemoration to celebrate the triumph of this day. 
 Let us not forget the cost of that triumph, the infinite suffering 
 that this unchanging sky beheld ; the torture of men ; the heart- 
 break of women ; the terror of little children, that paid for the 
 happiness which, we enjoy. 
 
 Bui-goyne reached the Hudson unattacked. As he arrived, 
 although he had no tidings from below, he heard of the suc- 
 cessful advance in the valley of the Mohawk. St. Leger had 
 reached Fort Stanwix without the loss of a man. It was neces- 
 sary, therefore, for Burgoyne to hasten to make his junction 
 at Albany with Howe and St. Legcr, and on the 6th of August 
 he sent word to Howe that he hoped to be in Albany by the 
 22d. But, even as he wrote, the blow fatal to his hopes was 
 struck. On that very day the patriots of Tryon county, men of 
 German blood, led by Nicholas Herkimer, were hastening to 
 the relief of Fort Stanwix, which St. Leger had beleaguered. 
 The tale has just been eloquently told to fifty thousand children 
 of the Mohawk valley gathered on the field of Oriskany, and it 
 will be told to their children's children so long as the grass of that 
 field shall grow, and the waters of the Mohawk flow. In the 
 hot summer morning, Herkimer and his men marched under 
 the peaceful trees into the deadly ambush, and in the 
 depth of the defile were suddenly enveloped in a storm of fire 
 and death. Ah ! blood-red field of Oriskany ! For five doubt- 
 ful desperate hours, without lines, or fort, or artillery, hand to 
 hand, with knife and rifle, with tomahawk and spear, swaying 
 and struggling, slipping in blood and stumbling over dead 
 bodies, raged the most deadly battle of the war. Full of heroic 
 deeds, full of precious memories ; a sacrifice that was not lost. 
 The stars that shone at evening over the field, saw the Indian 
 
Me SORRfiNDER OFBuMoYfrE. 77 
 
 and the white man stark anct stiff, still locked in the death 
 grapple, still clenching the hair of the foe, still holding the 
 dripping knife in his breast. The brave Herkimer, fatally- 
 wounded, called for his Bible and tranquilly died. He did not 
 relieve the fort, but it held out until Benedict Arnold, sent by 
 Schuyler, coming up the valley, craftily persuaded St. Leger's 
 Indians that his men were as the leaves of the forest for 
 number. The savages fled ; St. Leger's force melted away ;' 
 the Mohawk expedition had wholly failed, and the right hand of 
 Burgoyne was shattered. 
 
 Every day lost to the English general was now a disaster. 
 But his fatal improvidence forced him to inaction. He could 
 not move without supplies of food and horses, and an expedi- 
 tion to secure them would also serve as a diversion to favor 
 St. Leger. Three days after Oriskany, and before he had 
 heard of that battle, Burgoyne detached the expedition to 
 Bennington. New England was ready for him there as New 
 York had been at Stanwix. Parson Allen from Pittsfield came 
 in his chaise. Everybody else came as he could, and when the 
 British advance was announced, John Stark marched his 
 militia just over the line of New York, where the enemy was 
 entrenched on the uplands of the Walloomsic, and skillfully 
 surrounding them, the Yankee farmers who had hurried away 
 from their summer work, swept up the hill with fiery and re- 
 sistless fury, seized the blazing guns, drove the veteran troops 
 as if they were wolves and wild cats threatening their farms, 
 and after a lull renewing the onset against fresh foes, the New 
 England militia won the famous battle of Bennington, and the 
 left hand of Burgoyne was shattered. 
 
 So soon was the splendid promise of Ticonderoga darkened. 
 The high and haughty tone was changed. "I yet do not de- 
 spond, " wrote Burgoyne on the 20th of August, and he had 
 not yet heard of St. Leger's fate. But he had reason to 
 fear. The glad light of Bennington and Oriskany had pierced 
 the gloom that weighed upon the country. It was everywhere 
 jubilant and everywhere rising. The savages deserted the 
 British camp. The harvest was gathered, and while New 
 11 
 
78 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 England and New York had fallen fatally upon the flanks of 
 Burgoyne, Washington now sent Virginia to join New York 
 and New England in his front, detacliing from his own army 
 Morgan and his men, the most famous rifle corps of the Revolu- 
 tion. But while the prospect brightened, General Schuyler, by 
 order of congress, was superseded by General Gates. Schuyler, 
 a most sagacious and diligent officer whom Washington wholly 
 trusted, was removed for the alleged want of his most obvious 
 quality, the faculty of compi'ehensive organization. But the 
 New England militia disliked him, and even Samuel Adams 
 was impatient of him ; but Samuel Adams was also impatient 
 of Washington. Public irritation with the situation, and jeal- 
 ous intrigue in camp and in congress procured Schuyler's re- 
 moval. He was wounded to the heart, but his patriotism did not 
 waver. He remained in camp to be of what service he could, 
 and he entreated congress to order a speedy and searching in- 
 quiry into his conduct. It was at last made, and left him 
 absolutely unstained. He was unanimously acquitted with the 
 highest honor, and congress approved the verdict. General 
 Schuyler did not again enter upon active military service, but 
 he and Rufus King were the first senators that New York sent 
 to the senate of the United States. Time has restored his 
 fame, and the history of his state records no more patriotic 
 name among her illustrious sons than that which is commemo- 
 rated by this village, the name of Philip Schuyler. 
 
 Largely re-enforced. Gates, on the 12th of September, ad- 
 vanced to Bemis's Heights, which the young Kosciuszko had 
 fortified, and there he awaited Burgoyne's approach. Bur- 
 goyne's orders had left him no discretion. He must force his 
 way to Albany. With soldierly loyalty, therefore, he must 
 assume that Howe was pushing up the Hudson, and that his 
 own delay might imperil Howe by permitting the Americans to 
 turn suddenly upon him. On the 11th of September he an- 
 nounced to his camp that he had sent the lake fleet to Canada, 
 that he had virtually abandoned his communications, and that 
 his army must fight its way or perish. On the 13th he crossed 
 the Hudson, and then received his first tidings from Howe, in 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 79 
 
 a letter from him written long before, and which did not even 
 mention a junction. Burgoyne had already felt himself de-. 
 serted if not betrayed, and he comprehended his critical situa- 
 tion. Howe was on the Delaware and Carleton would give 
 him no aid from Canada. The country behind him was already 
 swarming with militia. He was encamped in a dense forest, 
 with an enemy hidden in the. same forest before him, whose 
 drum-beat and morning gun he could hear, but whose numbers 
 and position he did not know. Yet while he could see nothing, 
 every movement of his own was noted by an eagle eye in a tree 
 top on the eastern side of the Hudson, and reported to Gates. 
 And when at last Burgoyne marched out in full arra}', with all 
 the glittering pomp of war, to find the foe in the forest. Gates in- 
 stantly knew it. Burgoyne boldly advanced, his communica- 
 tion with Canada gone, the glory of Ticonderoga dimmed, the 
 union with Howe uncertain, disaster on the right hand and on 
 the left, the peerage and Westminster Abbey both fading from 
 hope, and he suddenly confronted breastworks, artillery and an 
 eager army. He must fight or fly, nor did he hesitate. At 
 eleven o'clock on the morning of the 19th of September, he ad- 
 vanced in three columns towards Gates's line on Bemis's 
 Heights. At one o'clock the action began ; at four it was 
 general and desperate ; at five, Burgoyne's army was in mortal 
 peril ; at nightfall the Germans had stayed the fatal blow, and 
 the battle ended. Both sides claimed the victory, and the 
 British bivouacked on the field. As on Bunker Hill, the first 
 battle in America which, Burgoyne had seen, if this were a 
 Biitish victory another would destroy the British army. 
 
 Burgoyne huddled his dead into the ground, hastily entrenched 
 and fortified a new position, soothed his discouraged army and 
 meditated a fresh assault. But receiving the good news of 
 Howe's success at the Brandywine, and of the immediate ad- 
 vance of Clinton to break through the highlands of the Hudson 
 and fall upon the rear of Gates, he decided to wait. He was 
 encamped in the wilderness without communications, but he 
 sent word to Clinton that he could hold out until the 12th of 
 October. Again through the forest he heard the morning and 
 
80 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 evening gun and the shouting of the American camp, and once 
 the joyful firing of cannon that he could not understand, but 
 which announced American victories in his rear. The alarm 
 of the British camp was constant. The picket firing was in- 
 cessant. Officers and men slept in their clothes. Rations were 
 reduced, and the hungry army heard every night the howling 
 of the wolves that hunted the outskirts of the camp as if mak- 
 ing ready for their prey. At last, with provisions for sixteen 
 days only, and no news from Clinton, Burgoyne summoned his 
 generals for a final council. It was the evening of the 5th of 
 October, and, could he but have known it, Howe at German- 
 town, had again succeeded aad Sir Henry Clinton was just 
 breaking his way through the Highlands, victorious and deso- 
 lating. On the very morning that Burgoyne fought his fatal 
 battle, the river forts had fallen, the boom and chain were 
 cleared away, the marauding British fleet sailed into Newburgh 
 bay, Clinton sent word gaily to Burgoyne, "Here we are ! 
 nothing between us and Albany," while Putnam was hastening 
 up along the eastern bank and Geor^^e Clinton along the west- 
 ern, rousing the country and rallying the flying citizens from 
 their alarm. Of all this Burgoyne knew nothing. In his ex- 
 tremity, his own plan was to leave boats, provisions and maga- 
 zines, for three or four days, and falling upon the left of the 
 Americans, to attempt to gain the rear. The German General 
 Riedesel advised falling back toward the lake. The English 
 Fraser was willing to fight. The English Phillips was silent. 
 Compelled to decide, Burgoyne at last determined to reconnoi- 
 tre the Americans in force, and if he thought that an attack 
 would be unwise, then to retreat toward the lake. 
 
 On the morning of the 7th of October, at ten o'clock, fifteen 
 hundred of the best troops in the world, led by four of the most 
 experienced and accomplished generals, with a skirmishing van 
 of Canadian rangers and Indians moved in three columns to- 
 ward the left of the American position into a field of wheat. 
 They began to cut forage. Startled by the rattling picket fire, 
 the American drums beat to arms, and the British approach 
 was announced at headquarters. Morgan and the Virginia sharp- 
 
THE SURKENDER OF BuRGOYNE. 81 
 
 shooters were thrown out beyond the British right. Poor, with 
 the New York and Now Hampshire men, moved steadily through 
 the woods toward the British left, which began the battle with 
 a vip;orous cannonade. The Americans dashed forward, opened 
 to the ritxht and left, flanked the enemy, struck him with a 
 blasting fire, then closed and grappling hand to hand, the mad 
 mass of combatants swayed and staggered for half an hour, five 
 times taking and re-taking a single gun. At the first the fire 
 upon the left, the Virginia sharp-shooters, shouting, and blaz- 
 ing with deadly aim, rushed forward with such fury that the 
 appalled British right wavered and recoiled. Whileit yet stag- 
 gered under the blow of Virginia, New England swept up, and 
 with its flaming muskets broke the English line, which wildly 
 fled. It reformed and again advanced, while the whole Ameri- 
 can force dashed against the British center, held by the Ger- 
 mans, whose right and left had been uncovered. The Germans 
 bravely stood, and the British General Eraser hurried to their 
 aid. He seemed upon the British side the inspiring genius of 
 the day. With fatal aim an American sharp-shooter fired and 
 Eraser fell. With him sank the British heart. Three thousand 
 New Yorkers, led by Ten Broeck, came freshly up, and the 
 whole American line, jubilant with certain victory, advancing, 
 Burgoyne abandoned his guns and ordered a retreat to his 
 camp. It was but fifty-two minutes since the action began. 
 The British dismayed, bewildered, overwhelmed, were scarcely 
 within their redoubts, when Benedict Arnold, to whom the 
 jealous Gates, who did not come upon the field during the day, 
 had refused a command, outriding an aid whom Gates had sent 
 to recall him, came spurring up ; Benedict Arnold, whose name 
 America does not love, whose ruthless will had dragged the 
 doomed Canadian expedition through the starving wilderness 
 of Maine, who volunteering to relieve Fort Stanwix had, by the 
 mere terror of his coming, blown St. Leger away, and who, on 
 the 19th of September, had saved the American left, — Bene 
 diet Arnold, whom battle stung to fury, now whirled from end 
 to end of the American line, hurled it against the Great Re- 
 doubt, driving the enemy at the point of the bayonet ; then 
 
82 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 flinging himself to the extreme right, and finding there the Mas- 
 sachusetts brigade, swept it with him to the assault, and stream- 
 ing over the breastworks, scattered the Brunswiokers who de- 
 fended them, killed their colonel, gained and held the point 
 which commanded the entire British position, while at the same 
 moment his horse was shot under him, and he sank to the ground 
 wounded in the leg that had been wounded at Quebec. Here, 
 upon the Hudson, where he tried to betray his country, here 
 upon the spot where, in the crucial hour of the Revolution, he 
 illustrated and led the American valor that made us free and 
 great, knowing well that no earlier service can atone for a later 
 crime, let us recall for one brief instant of infinite pity, the 
 name that has been justly execrated for a century. 
 
 Night fell, and the weary fighters slept. Before day dawned, 
 Burgoyne, exhausted and overwhelmed, drew off the remainder 
 of his army, and the Americans occupied his camp. . All day 
 the lines exchanged a sharp fire. At evening, in a desolate au- 
 tumn rain, having buried solemnly, amid the flash and rattle of 
 bombs and artillery, his gallant friend, Fraser ; leaving his sick 
 and wounded to the mercies of the foe, Burgoyne who, in the 
 splendid hour of his first advance had so proudly proclaimed 
 " this army must not retreat, " turned to fly. He moved until 
 nearly day-break, then rested from the slow and toilsome march 
 until toward sunset, and on the evening of the 9th he crossed 
 Fish creek and bivouacked in the open air. A more vigorous 
 march — but it was impracticable — would have given him the 
 heights of Saratoga, and secured the passage of the river. But 
 everywhere he was too late. The American sharpshooters 
 hovered around him, cutting off supplies, and preventing him 
 from laying roads. There was, indeed, one short hour of hope 
 that Gates, mistaking the whole British army for its flying rear- 
 guard, would expose himself to a destructive ambush and as- 
 sault. When the snare was discovered, the last hope of Bur- 
 goyne vanished, and unable to stir, he sat down grimly north 
 of the creek, where his army, wasted to thirty-four hundred 
 effective men, was swiftly and completely encircled by the 
 Americans, who commanded it at every point, and harassed it 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 83 
 
 with shot and shell. Gates, with the confidence of overpower- 
 ing numbers, purposely avoided battle. Burgoyne, deserted by 
 his allies, his army hall' gone, with less than five days' food, with 
 no word from Clinton, with no chance of escape, prepared 
 honorably to surrender. 
 
 On the 14th of October, he proposed a cessation of arms to 
 arrange terms of capitulation. His agent, Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Kingston, was received at the crossing of the creek by Adju- 
 tant-General Wilkinson, and was conducted by him, blindfold, 
 to General Gates. Gates's terms, required an unconditional 
 surrender of the army as prisoners of war. Burgoyue, anxious 
 to save his army to the king for service elsewhere, insisted that 
 it should be returned to England, under engagement not to 
 serve again in North America during the war. Gates had no wish 
 to prolong the negotiations. He had heard from Putnam that 
 the English army and fleet were triumphantly sweeping up the 
 river, and that he must expect " the worst, " and he therefore 
 hastened to accept the proposition of Burgoyne. But Wash- 
 ington, with his Fabian policy, scorned even by Samuel and 
 John Adams, had made " the worst " impossible. Hanging 
 upon the army of Howe, engaging it, although unsuccessfully, 
 at the Brandywine and at Germantown, he had perplexed, de- 
 layed and disconcerted the British general, gaining the time 
 which was the supreme necessity for success against Burgoyne. 
 By reason of Washington's operations,Howe could not strengthen 
 Clinton as they both expected, and Clinton could not move until 
 his slow re-enforcements from over the sea arrived. Wlien 
 they came, he burst through the Highlands indeed, with fire 
 and pillage, and hastened to fall upon the rear of Gates. But 
 before he could reach him, while still forty miles away, he 
 heard the astounding news of Burgoyne's surrender, and he 
 dropped down the river sullenly, back to New York, he, too, 
 baffled by the vigilance, the wariness, the supreme self-couimand 
 of Washington. 
 
 For a moment, when Burgoyne heard of Clinton's success, he 
 thought to avoid surrender. But it was too late. He could 
 not, honorably, recall his word. At nine o'clock on the 
 
84 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 morning of tliis day, a hundred years ago, he signed the coli- 
 vention. At eleven o'clock his troops marched to this meadow, 
 the site of old Fort Hardy, and with tears coursing down 
 bearded cheeks, with passionate sobs and oaths of rage and de- 
 fiance, the soldiers kissing their guns with the tenderness of 
 lovers, or with sudden frenzy knocking oflE the butts of their 
 muskets, and the drummers stam])ing oil their drums, the 
 king's army laid down their arms. No American eyes, except 
 those of Morgan Lewis and James Wilkinson, aids of General 
 Gates, beheld the surrender. As the British troops filed after- 
 wards between the American lines, they saw no sign of exulta- 
 tion, but they heard the drums and fifes playing "Yankee 
 Doodle." A few minutes later, Burgoyne and his suite rode to 
 the headquarters of Gates. The English genei al, as if for a 
 court holiday, glittered in scarlet and gold ; Gates plainly clad 
 in a blue overcoat, attended by General Schuyler in citizen's 
 dress, who had come to congratulate him, and by his proud and' 
 happy staff, received his guest with urbane courtesy. They 
 exchanged the compliments of soldiers. " The fortune of war, 
 Geneial Gates, has made me your prisoner. " Gates gracefully 
 replied, " I shall always be ready to testify that it has not been 
 through any fault of your Excellency. " The generals entered 
 the tent of Gates and dined together. With the same courtly 
 compliment the English general toasted General Washington, 
 the American general toasted the ki'ig. Then, as tlie English 
 army, without artillery or arms, approached on their march to 
 the sea, the two generals stepped out in front of the tent, and 
 standing together conspicuous upon this spot, in full view of the 
 Americans and of the British array. General Burgoyne drew his 
 sword, bowed, and presented it to General Gates. General 
 Gales bowed, received the sword, and returned it to General 
 Burgoyne. 
 
 Such was the simple ceremony that marked the turning point 
 of the Revolution. All the defeats, indeed, all the struggles, 
 the battles, the sacrifices, the sufferings, at all times and in 
 every colony, were indispensible to the great result. Concord, 
 Lexington, Bunker Hill, Moultrie, Long Island, Trenton, Oris- 
 
THE Surrender op Burgoyne. 85 
 
 kany, Bennington, the Brandywine, Germantown, Saratoga, 
 Monmouth, Camden, Cowpen, Guilford, Eutaw Springs, York- 
 town, — what American does not kindle as he calls the glorious 
 hattle roll of the Revolution! — whether victories or defeats, 
 are all essential lights and shades in the immortal picture. But, 
 as gratefully acknowledging the service of all Ijhe patriots, .we 
 yet call Washington father, so mindful of the value of every 
 event, we may agree that the defeat of Burgoyne determined 
 American independence. Thenceforth it was but a question of 
 time. The great doubt was solved. Out of a rural militia an 
 army could be trained to cope at every point successfully with 
 the most experienced and disciplined troops in the world. In 
 the first bitter moment of his defeat, Burgoyne generously 
 wrote to a military friend, " A better armed, a better bodied, a 
 more alert or better prepared army in all essential points of 
 military institution, I am afraid is not to be found on our side 
 of the question." The campaign in New York also, where the 
 loyalists were strongest, had shown, what was afterwards con- 
 stantly proved, that the British crown, despite the horrors of 
 Cherry Valley and Wyoming, could not count upon general or 
 effective aid from the tories nor from the Indians. At last it 
 was plain that if Britain would conquer, she must overrun and 
 crush the continent, and that was impossible. The shrewdest 
 men in England and in Europe saw it. Lord North himself. 
 King George's chief minister, owned it, and grieved in his blind 
 old age that he had not followed his conviction. Edmund 
 Burke would have made peace on any terms. Charles Fox ex- 
 claimed that the ministers knew as little how to make peace as 
 war. The Duke of Richmond urged the impossibility of con- 
 quest, and the historian Gibbon, who in parliament had voted 
 throughout the war as Dr. Johnson would have done, agreed 
 that America was lost. The king of France ordered Franklin 
 to be told that he should support the cause of the United States. 
 In April he sent a fleet to America, and from that time to the 
 end of the war, the French and the Americans battled together 
 on sea and land, until on this very day, the 17th of October, 
 1781, four years after the disaster of Burgoyne, Cornwallis, on 
 12 
 
86 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 the plains of Yorktown, proposed a surrender to the combined 
 armies of France and the United States. The terms were set- 
 tled upon our part jointly by an American and a French officer, 
 while Washington and La Fayette stood side by side as the British 
 laid down their arms. It was the surrender of Burgoyne that 
 determined the French alliance and the French alliance secured 
 the final triumph. 
 
 It is the story of a hundred years ago. It has been ceaselessly 
 told by sire to son, along this valley and through this land. 
 The later attempt of the same foe and the bright day of victory 
 at Plattsburgh on the lake, renewed and confirmed the old hos- 
 tility. Alienation of feeling between the parent country and 
 the child became traditional, and on both sides of the sea a 
 narrow prejudice survives, and still sometimes seeks to kindle 
 the embers of that wasted fire. But here and now we stand 
 upon the grave of old enmities. Hostile breastwork and re- 
 doubt are softly hidden under grass and grain ; shot and shell 
 and every deadly missile are long since buried deep beneath 
 our feet, and from the mouldering dust of mingled foemen 
 springs all the varied verdure that makes this scene so fair. 
 While nature tenderly and swiftly repairs the ravages of war, 
 we suffer no hostility to linger in our hearts. Two months ago 
 the British governor-general of Canada was invited to meet 
 the president of the United States, at Bennington, in happy 
 commemoration not of a British defeat but of a triumph of 
 English liberty. So, upon this famous and decisive field, let 
 every unworthy feeling perish ! Here, to the England that we 
 fought, let us now, grown great and strong with a hundred 
 years, hold out the hand of fellowship and peace ! 'Here, where 
 the English Burgoyne, in the very moment of his bitter humil- 
 iation, generously pledged George Washington, let us, in our 
 high hpur of triumph, of power, and of hope, pledge the queen ! 
 Here, in the grave of brave and unknown foemen, may mutual 
 jealousies and doubts and animosities lie buried forever ! 
 Henceforth, revering their common glorious traditions, may 
 England and America press always forward side by side, in 
 noble and inspiring rivalry to promote the welfare of man ! 
 
THK Surrender of Burgoyne. 87 
 
 Fellow-citizens, with the story of Burgoyne's surrender — 
 the revolutionary glory of the state of New York — • still fresh 
 in our memories, amid these thousands of her sons and daugh- 
 ters, whose hearts glow with lofty pride, I am glad that the 
 hallowed spot on which we stand compels us to remember not 
 only the imperial state, but the national commonwealth whose 
 young hands here together struck the blow, and on whose older 
 head descends the ample benediction of the victory. On yonder 
 height, a hundred years ago, Virginia and Pennsylvania lay 
 encamped. Beyond, and further to the north, watched New 
 Hampshire and Vei'mont. Here, in the wooded uplands at the 
 south, stood New Jersey and New York, while across the river 
 to the east, Connecticut and Massachusetts closed the trium- 
 phant line. Here was the symbol of the Revolution, a common 
 cause, a common strife, a common triumph ; the cause not of a 
 class, but of human nature — the triumph not of a colony, but 
 of United America. And we who stand here proudly remem- 
 bering — we who have seen Virginia and New York — the 
 North and the South — more bitterly hostile than the armies 
 whose battles shook this ground — we who mutually proved in 
 deadlier conflict the constancy and the courage of all the 
 states, which, proud to be peers, yet own no master but their 
 united selves — we renew our heart's imperishable devotion to 
 the common American faith, the common American pride, the 
 common American glory ! Here Americans stood and tri- 
 umphed. Here Americans stand and bless their memory. 
 And here, for a thousand years, may grateful generations of 
 Americans come to rehearse the glorious story, and to rejoice 
 in a supreme and benignant American Nationality. 
 
Centennial Celebration of 
 ALFRED B. STREET'S POEM.' 
 
 EBAD BY COL. E. P. HOWE. 
 
 When fell Rome's fabric in the chasm it wrought 
 
 Dense darkness rushed without one star of thought : 
 
 Scowled the whole midnight heaven, one general tomb. 
 
 Where formless monsteis moved in Gothic gloom. 
 
 What though breathed Music in Provengal bowers. 
 
 And architecture wreathed its fadeless flowers : 
 
 The loftiest virtues of the soul lay dead 
 
 Right, swordless, crouched to Wrong's crowned conquering head, 
 
 And though gi'and Freedom's essence never dies. 
 
 It drooped, despairing, under despot skies. 
 
 If aught it asked, Darius-like the throne 
 
 At its awed look, in wrathful lightnings shone. 
 
 Its food the acorn and its home the cell, 
 
 Its only light but showed its manacle : 
 
 Until its eye, at throned Oppression's foot. 
 
 Saw slavery's towering tree, its heart the root, 
 
 Cast Upas shadow o'er one common grave. 
 
 With naught but its own soul its life to save. 
 
 And then it rose ; up with one bound it sprang ; 
 
 Thunder from a clear sky its war-shout rang; — 
 
 Out like a sunburst, flashed its falchion wide. 
 
 And gladdened thousands sought its warrior side ; 
 
 As the mist streaming from some towering crag, 
 
 It spread the blazon of its glittering flag. 
 
 In savage gorges which the vulture swept. 
 In lonely caverns where the serpent crept, 
 Close where the tumbling torrent hurled its spray, 
 And shadowy cedars twined a twilight day : 
 Clutching its sword and battling on its knee, 
 Still Freedom fought; and though the swelling sea 
 Of cruel Wrong still drove.it struggling higher 
 It could not quench its pure celestial fire; 
 From peak to peak it rose until the height 
 Showed it but heaven wherein to take its flight. 
 
 1 The text gives only such portions of the poem as, owing to the lateness of the hour, 
 were read on the occasion. 
 
THE Surrender of BuRaoYNE. 89 
 
 Round flew its glance, it saw its myriad foes 
 Following, still following, rising as it rose ; 
 Following, still following 1 was no refuge nigh? 
 Naught on the earth, and only in the sky ? 
 Round flew its glance, it pierced beyond the wave! 
 Ha ! the New World emerges ! — shall it save ? 
 Hark, a wild cry ! It is the eagle's scream ! 
 See, a broad light, the far league-conquering stream 
 Linking all climates, where it reaching flows ; 
 Its head the snow-drift and its foot the rose. 
 Monntaius rise there that know no tread of kings; 
 Blasts that waft liberty on chainless wings : 
 Lakes that hold skies, the swallow tires to cross ; 
 Prairies, earth-oceans ; woods a whirlwind's toss 
 Would seem a puny streak : and with one tongue 
 All thundered "Come!" the welkin, echoing, rung 
 " Come ! " and it went ; it took its Mayflower flight ; 
 Fierce raged the blast, cold billows hurled their might : 
 Winter frowned stern, it pierced to Freedom's heart ; 
 White spread the strand and hunger reared its dart ; 
 Round the frail hut the panther prowled, the gloat 
 Of the wolf's eyeball starred the chimney's throat; 
 Though winter eutered in its heart, it braced 
 With strength its frame ; its feet the forest traced 
 Despising hardship ; by the torrent rocked 
 Its bark canoe ; the wild tornado shocked 
 Way through prostrate woods, it grazing, sent 
 No dread, as by its roof it whirling went : 
 From choice it climbed the dizzy cliff to glance 
 O'er its realm's magnificent expanse. 
 
 Oh, glorious Freedom ! grandest, brightest gift 
 Kind heaven has given our souls to heavenward lift ! 
 Oh, glorious Freedom ! are there hearts so low 
 That its live flame finds there no answering glow ? 
 It soars sublime beyond the patriot's love 
 Stateliest that sways save thought that dwells above. 
 Slaves love their homes, a patriot glad will die 
 For native land, though she in chains may lie ; 
 Noblest of all the soul that loves to fall 
 In the red front at Freedom's sacred call ; 
 His heart right's shield, he braves the despot's ban. 
 Not for himself to perish but for man. 
 
90 Centennial Celebeation of 
 
 So wben crowned Wrong made here, his first advance, 
 Plashed from our fathers wratli's immediate glance; 
 Freedom their life, the sceptre but essayed 
 Attempt, to send their swift hand to their blade. 
 Their serried front said " stay ! " their eyes " beware ! 
 Rouse not the still prone panther from his lair ! " 
 But vain the mandate, vain the warning spoke, 
 The king strode onward and the land awoke. 
 
 Stately the sight recording History shows 
 
 When the red walls of our Republic rose. 
 
 Reared in deep woods, beneath a scarce-known sky 
 
 In puny strifes that hardly claimed the eye ; 
 
 Of lands still trembling with the thundering track 
 
 Of Saxe and Marlborough ; where startling back 
 
 Russia's black Eagle had the Crescent hurled 
 
 Threatening so late to dominate the world. 
 
 * * -X- * « 
 
 Three threatening strands were woven by the Crown — 
 One stretching up Champlain ; one reaching down 
 The Mohawk valley, whose green depths retained 
 Its Tory heart. Fort Stanwix, scarce restrained. 
 And one up Hudson's flood — the three to link 
 Where stood Albania's gables by its brink. 
 
 Glance at the picture, ere we spread our wing. 
 
 Of the grand battle whose famed deeds we sing. 
 
 Here spreads Champlain with mountain-skirted shore — 
 
 Caniadere Ouareniie — open door 
 
 Of the fierce Iroquois to seek their foes 
 
 In regions stretching from Canadian snows. 
 
 West, in a purple dream of misty crag. 
 
 The Adirondacks wavy outlines drag : 
 
 East the Gfreen mountains, home of meadowy brooks. 
 
 Of cross-road hamlets, sylvan school-house nooks, 
 
 Church-covered hills and lion-hearted men. 
 
 Taught by the torrent tumbling down the glen. 
 
 By the grand tempests sweeping round the clilf, 
 
 By the wild waters, tossing by their skiff. 
 
 Freedom, till Freedom grew their very life, 
 
 And slavery with all earthly curses rife. 
 
 Next the dark Horican, that mountain-vein, 
 
 Brightjslet-spangled tassel to Champlain ; 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoynb. 91 
 
 The Highlands, souled with Washington and grand 
 "With his high presence watcliing o'er the land ; 
 Thy heights, oh Bemis! green with woods, yet white 
 Willi flakes of tents, zigzag with works and bright 
 With flags ; while in perspective, we discern 
 Grouped round grand Washington, with features stern 
 In patriot care and doubt, the forms of Wayne, 
 Putnam and Greene and all the shadowy train 
 Of congress, wrapt spectators from afar 
 Of where fierce Battle drove his flashing, thundering car. 
 
 As when some dream tumultuous fills the night 
 
 With changeful scenes and plunges past the sight 
 
 In hazy shapes looks frowning, till at last 
 
 With all its weird, wild phantasm it is past, 
 
 So the broad picture as it melts away, 
 
 And once more in our heart peals out our trumpet-lay. 
 
 A deep, stern sound ! the starthng signal-war ! 
 
 And up Champlain Burgoyne's great squadron bore. 
 
 In front his savage ally's bark canoes 
 
 Flasliing in all their bravery wild of hues ; 
 
 Their war songs sounding and their paddles timed ; 
 
 Next the bateaux, their rude, square shapes sublimed 
 
 With pennon, sword and bayonet, casting glow 
 
 In pencilled pictures on the plain below ; 
 
 Last the grand ships, by queenly Mary led. 
 
 Where shines Burgoyne in pomp of gold and red. 
 
 And then in line St. George, Inflexible, 
 
 And Radeau, Thunderer, dancing on the swell 
 
 The glad wind made ; how stately shone the scene I 
 
 June in the forests, each side smiling green ! 
 
 O'er her dark dome the chestnut's tassels stretched 
 
 Like golden fingers ; pearl that seemed as fetched 
 
 From Winter's heart the locust mantled o'er. 
 
 While its rich, creamy mass the dogwood bore, 
 
 Like a white helmet with its plumes atop. 
 
 And the sweet basswood higher appeared adrop 
 
 With ivory gems : the hemlock showed its edge 
 
 Fringed with fresh emerald ; even the sword-like sedge 
 
 Sharp mid the snowy lily-goblets set 
 
 In the nook shallows, like a spangled net 
 
 Was jewelled with brown bloom. By curving point 
 
92 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 Where glittering ripples ataber sands auoint 
 
 With foamy silver ; by deep, crescent bays 
 
 Sleeping beneath their veil of drowsy haze, 
 
 By watery coverts shimmering faint in film, 
 
 Broad, rounded knolls, one white and rosy realm 
 
 Of laurel blossom, with the Kalmia-urns 
 
 Dotted with red, the fleet, as sentient, turns 
 
 The winding channel ; in tall towers of white 
 
 The stately ships absorb the emerald light 
 
 Glossing the lake ; like huge, dark claw-urged crabs 
 
 Ply the bateaux their poles ; the paddle-stabs 
 
 Of the canoes make music as they move. 
 
 Gliding along unjarred, as in its groove 
 
 The car-wheel glides ; the panther views tlie scene 
 
 And bears her cubs within the thicket's screen ; 
 
 The wolf lifts sharpened ear and forward foot ; 
 
 Waddles the bear away with startled hoot, 
 
 As some sail sends a sudden flash of white 
 
 In the cove's greenery, slow essaying flight 
 
 The loon rears, flapping, its checked, grazing wings, 
 
 Till up it struggling flies and downward flings 
 
 Its Indian whoop; the blue-bird's sapphire spark 
 
 Kindles the shade ; the swarming pigeon's dark 
 
 Deep blue breaks out ; the robin's warble swells 
 
 In cruniply cadence from the skirting dells: 
 
 And restless rings the bobolink's bubbly note 
 
 From the clear bell that tinkles in his throat. 
 
 Thus stately, cheerily move the thronging fleet! 
 
 O'er the lake's steel the blazing sunbeams beat; 
 
 But now a blast comes blustering from a gorge. 
 
 The whitecaps dance ; it bends the tall St. George 
 
 And even the Thunderer tosses : the array 
 
 Breaks up ; canoe, bateau grope doubtful way 
 
 Through the dim air ; in spectral white each sail 
 
 Glances and shivers in the whistling gale ; 
 
 All the green paintings of point, bank and tree 
 
 Vanish in black and white, and all but see 
 
 A close horizon where near islands lose 
 
 Their shapes and distant ranks of forest fuse 
 
 Into a mass ; at last the blast flies off. 
 
 Shallows stop rattling, and the hollow cough 
 
 Of surges into caves makes gradual cease 
 
 Till on the squadron glides, once more in sunny peace. 
 
THE Surrender or Burgoyne. 98 
 
 So in some blue-gold day -white clouds up-float 
 In shining throng, and then are dashed remote 
 By a fierce wind, next join in peace again 
 And smoothly winnow o'er the heavenly plain, 
 Or some fleet of wild fowl on the lake 
 Dipping and preening quiet journey take, 
 Till the sky drops an eagle circling low 
 For the straight plunge, wild scattering to and fro. 
 * « * * * 
 
 When lay Champlain in eve's gold-plated glass. 
 And rich, black pictures etched the glowing grass, 
 The crews debarked, their camp-fires round would rear. 
 And hang their kettles for their nightly cheer ; 
 Then rose the tents, like mushrooms to the moon, 
 Swords would be edged and muskets polished ; soon 
 Slumber would fan its wings, and in the bright. 
 Soft, delicate peace would croon the summer night. 
 
 Then the graj' day-dawn through the leaves would look. 
 Red coats would gleam in every emerald nook 
 And weapons glitter; as the mist would crawl 
 From the smooth lake and up the forest-wall. 
 Sails would shine out and spottings of canoe 
 Moored with bateau wonld thicken on the view ; 
 Rings of dead ashes, fallen trees half burned, 
 Trunks into black Egyptian marble turned. 
 Where curling fires had scorched the streaky moss, 
 Roofs of dead leaves where branches stooped across. 
 And soil burned black and smoking still would show 
 Where through the night had shone the camp-fire glow ; 
 Limbs drooping down and logs with gaping cuts 
 Where the brigade had reared their bushy huts ; 
 A deer's head on a stump, a bear skin cast 
 On trampled ferns — the red man's late repast; 
 The damp drum's beat would sound, and shrilly fife. 
 Dingle and aisle would flash with martial life; 
 Once more the fleet would start and.up their way 
 Take as the whole scene brightened into day. 
 
 On Lady Mary's deck Burgoyne would stand. 
 Drinking the sights and sounds at either hand, 
 Replete with beauty to his poet-heart, 
 Laughing to scorn man's paltry works of art, 
 13 
 
94 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 The grassy vista with its grazing deer, 
 The lone loon soaring on its shy career, 
 The withered pine tree with its fish-hawk nest, 
 The eagle eyrie on some craggy crest. 
 The rich white lilies that wild shallow told. 
 Their yellow sisters with their globes of gold 
 At the stream's mouth ; the ever chanceful lake. 
 Here a green gleaming, there a shadowy rake 
 Of scudding air-breath ; here a dazzling flash 
 Searing the eyeball ; there a sudden dash 
 Of white from some swift cloud ; a streak of white 
 The wake of some scared duck avoiding sight. 
 « * * * * 
 
 Changing the scene, Burgoyne his camp would trace 
 
 Round the Red House at the Great Carrying Place ; 
 
 There when the sun is bright the sentry sees 
 
 Madame Riedesel dining under trees. 
 
 As the chasseur beholds her gliding round 
 
 Oif flies his bear-skin helmet to the ground. 
 
 * * * * * 
 
 Meanwhile the tidings of Oriskany 
 
 And Bennington careered, and glad and free 
 
 Hope spread white pinions ; throngs to Schuyler pour 
 
 Swelling his ranks, all abject terror o'er. 
 
 Poor Jennie's mournful doom has roused an ire 
 
 Wrapping the region with consuming fire. 
 
 The boy strode downward in his rustic sleeves, 
 
 His coarse frock fragrant with the wheaten sheaves ; 
 
 The old blue swallow-tailed artillery coat 
 
 Trod by the hunting shirt from wilds remote. 
 
 ***** 
 
 But on ! the piorning dawns : still on ! the height 
 
 Of Saratoga hails the pallid light 
 
 Of closing eve, and here at last the weighed 
 
 And weary step of poor Burgoyne is stayed. 
 
 Gates follows after from the jewelled isles 
 
 Of Horican, the stately rocky piles 
 
 Of blue Luzerne, where the majestic crags 
 
 Of " Potash Kettles " change the clouds to flags. 
 
 Within a ball-swept tent Burgoyne sits now 
 
 In council with despair upon his brow; 
 
 Curtains of scowling blackness fold him round, 
 
 Closed is the net and he is firmly bound. 
 
TDK Surrender of Burgoyne. 95 
 
 Turns he toward Horican ? the foe is there ! 
 East, Fellows' cannon-lightnings scorch the air. 
 West, the live forest but his coming waits. 
 And in his rear the frowning front of Gates. 
 
 » * # « » 
 
 On the Fort Hardy green, this dainty day, 
 
 The conquered hosts of England march, to lay 
 
 Their weapons down. The hour has struck, and now 
 
 With heavy footstep and with sullen brow 
 
 They come, but with no patriot eye to see. 
 
 For nobly Gates in generous sympathy 
 
 Has banished all within their tents. They come 
 
 Yet with no banner spread, no beating drum. 
 
 Tramp, tramp, they come ! tramp, tramping rank on rank! 
 
 Tramp, tramp, they come! tramp, tramping; hark, that clank! 
 
 Those piling arms ! clank, clank 1 that tolling knell 
 
 To bowed Burgoyne ! what bitter, bitter swell 
 
 Of his proud heart ! ah, sad Burgoyne ! what death 
 
 To thy high hopes, all vanished like a breath ! 
 
 * * * * * 
 
 Loudly may laureled Saratoga claim 
 
 A marble tribute to her splendid fame ! 
 
 lu the grand chariot which her war-steeds drew 
 
 Slie first placed Freedom, pointed to her view 
 
 The glorious goal. Shall pagan Egypt bid 
 
 The heavens be cloven with her pyramid ? 
 
 Shall Greece shrine Phidias in her Parthenon 
 
 To live till fade the stars and dies the sun ? 
 
 Rome with her mighty Coliseum whelm 
 
 The earth with awe ? — a peerless, wondrous realm — 
 
 And our free nation meanly shrink to write 
 
 With marble finger in the whole world's sight 
 
 Grand Saratoga's gloiy ? Sound aloud 
 
 Song thy wide trumpet ! let the heavens be bowed 
 
 With love of country's wrathful thunders, till 
 
 A reverent people with united will 
 
 Shall bid the monument arise and stand 
 
 Freedom's embodied form forever in the land. 
 
96 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 EX-SENATOR FOSTER'S ADDRESS. 
 
 In introducing tlie spealier to tlie audience, Judge Lester said : 
 Fellow Citizens : I tal^e pleasure in informing you tliat tliere is on 
 tlie platform with me the son of a soldier who fought at Bemis's Heights 
 one hundred years ago. (Cheers) But that is not his only title to our 
 esteem. He lias served his own state with distinction in the United 
 States senate, and has been vice-president of these United "States. I have 
 the honor to introduce to you Senator Foster from Connecticut. 
 
 Ex-Senator Foster then stepping to the front of the platform spoke as 
 follows : 
 
 Will you pardon me, fellow citizens, if I say that I am quite 
 in sympathy with the whole of this vast crowd which surrounds 
 this stand? The thought that is uppermost in all your minds 
 at this moment I am sure is that he must be a bold man, bold 
 even to rashness, who should dare at this hour of this day to 
 stand before you with the design of making a speech. The 
 eloquence of two most distinguished citizens of the Empire 
 state is yet ringing in your ears. They have discussed the 
 great event which we are assembled to commemorate and per- 
 petuate, in such a manner as to leave nothing to be added ; 
 at least I have not the courage to attempt it, and I trust I have 
 no cowardly blood in my veins, for my father stood on this 
 field one hundred years ago to-day. In the battles which pre- 
 ceded the surrender he bore an active part, and I think that I 
 am warranted in saying that he performed his duty faithfully 
 and well. My mother had two brothers here. My state had 
 two regiments hei-e, and several troops of Light Horse. So I 
 don't feel myself a stranger or intruder here. Your worthy ex- 
 governor has courteously said, that though this celebration was 
 in the state of New York, for a victory won on the soil of New 
 York, it was not alone a New York celebration. The descend- 
 ants of those from other states, who aided in winning the 
 victory, were here, not as guests, but because they had a right 
 to be here. One of the Connecticut regiments was made up 
 from the eastern part of the state, from New London and 
 Windham counties. To that my father belonged. He was a 
 lieutenant in the line and adjutant of the regiment. Colonel 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 97 
 
 Latimer was the commander. My father's warrant as adjutant 
 is dated the 17th of October, 1777, and was given on the field. 
 He has been dead fifty-three years, and the earliest recollec- 
 tions of my boyhood are sitting on his knee and listening to the 
 stories of the march, the camp and the battle field, with all the 
 eagerness belonging to that period of life. Those tales made 
 an impression on my mind too deep and too vivid ever to be 
 erased. May I quote to you a stanza of a song, which he was 
 in the habit of singing, especially on the return of this day, a 
 day he never failed to celebrate, as he celebrated the 4th of 
 July. It ran thus : 
 
 " The 17th of October, 
 
 The morning being clear, 
 Brave Gates unto his men did say 
 
 ' My boys be of good cheer, 
 For Burgoyne he is advancing, 
 
 And we will never fly. 
 But to maintain onr chartered rights. 
 
 We'll fight until we die.' " 
 
 The eloquent orator who has preceded me has alluded to the 
 manner in which General Arnold bore himself on the field at 
 the final battle before the surrender. I well recollect hearing my 
 father say that Arnold came dashing along the line, the speed at 
 which he rode leaving his aid far behind, and as he came up to 
 my father's regiment he called out, " Whose regiment is this ?" 
 My father replied, " Col. Latimer's, sir. " " Ah, " said he, " my 
 old Norwich and New London friends. God bless you ; I am 
 glad to see you. Now come on, boys ; if the day is long 
 enough, we'll have them all in hell before night. " General 
 Arnold was a native of Norwich, and was born within fifty rods 
 of my house in that town. Until after this surrender, we felt 
 proud of him as a son of Connecticut. Subsequently, he be- 
 came a son of perdition, and so we let him pass. 
 
 Among the numerous incidents that my father used to relate, 
 which occurred a short time prior to the suri-ender of Burgoyne, 
 I call to mind one that I will repeat. His regiment was or- 
 dered at a certain time to take up a new position. In marching 
 through the woods to the post assigned them, they encountered 
 a body of Hessians who were lying in ambush in their way, and 
 who rose up suddenly and fired upon them. My father was 
 
98 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 marching by the side of Colonel Latimer. On receiving the 
 enemy's fire, the colonel slapped his hand on his thigh, as my 
 father thought in a rather excited manner, and called out, fire ! 
 The order was very promptly obeyed, and the order to form in 
 line was almost simultaneously given. My fatlier was march- 
 ing with a musket, which he snapped when the order to fire was 
 given, but from some defect in the musket-lock, it stopped at 
 half-cock, and did not go off. Most of the men by this time 
 had changed their positions, and my father was left standing 
 almost alone. He made up his mind, however, not to leave till 
 he had fired his gun. He re-cooked it, took aim again, pulled 
 the trigger and fired. He then took his place in the regiment, 
 and aftej- one or two more volleys, the Hessians retreated in 
 disorder. On reaching their position, the regiment pitched 
 their tents and encamped. My father occupied a tent with 
 Colonel Latimer, and at night, when the colonel pulled off his 
 boots to turn in, a bullet dropped from one of them on the 
 ground. This led to an examination, and they soon found that 
 his coat which had long pocket-flaps, reaching down on his legs, 
 had a bullet hole through one of the pockets. In that pocket, 
 the colonel had a large pocket-book quite filled with papers, 
 and among them his colonel's commission. The bullet had 
 passed through this pocket-book, and was thus so deadened in 
 its force, that on reaching the colonel's person it made only a 
 slight indentation in the skin and dropped down into his boot. 
 This served to explain the hurried manner of slapping his thigh 
 with his hand when the first fire of the Hessians was received. 
 The slight twinge which the bullet gave him was immediately 
 forgotten in the excitement of the occasion. The commission 
 was folded as it lay in the pocket-book, and when opened, it 
 showed seven bullet holes through it. My father always al- 
 luded to that commission as one that a soldier would prize. 
 
 I would like also to say something of the march of my father's 
 regiment towards Albany the day after the surrender, and the 
 crossing of " the Sj^routs " of the Mohawk — the lateness of the 
 hour forbids. 
 
 Allusion has been made to some of the battle-fields famous in 
 
THK Surrender of Burgoyne. 99 
 
 the world's history, and this is surely worthy of mention in that 
 connection. Dr. Johnson said that man was little to be envied 
 whose patriotism did not grow warmer on the plain of Mara- 
 thon. There certainly can be no man with an American heart 
 in his bosom, whose patriotism is, not warmed into a fervid glow 
 on this plain of Saratoga. 
 
 After the reading of the poem the president of the day closed 
 the exercises as follows : 
 
 Ladies and Gentlemen : The commemorative exercises of 
 to-day are over. Our first centennial celebration has been 
 made a magnificent success by the eloquence of our speakers 
 and the golden sunshine with which we have been favored. It 
 becomes my duty now to adjourn this meeting for one hundred 
 years. 
 
100 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 EXERCISES AT THE NORTH STAND. HON. GEORGE 
 W. SCHUYLER {in the absence o/E. H. BULLARD) PRE- 
 SIDING. 
 
 Prater by Hev. Joseph E. King, D.D., op Fort Edward, N. Y. 
 Lord God of nations, our father's God, and ouis, we reverently and 
 humbly worship Thee, and gratefully acknowledge Thee as the giver of 
 all good. We bless Thee devoutly, that Thou hast been benignly present 
 in all the history of our country. We bless Thee for the heroic race of 
 wise and patriotic men, whose self-sacrificing and successful exertions to 
 found an independent nation, we are met to commemorate, on this au- 
 spicious day. We bless Thee, also, for the discreet and godly and pa- 
 triotic women of that time, worthy to be the mothers and wives and 
 daughters of the men who vindicated by their counsels and their arms, the 
 right of our infant republic, to take its place among the nations of the 
 earth. Bless us, with thy presence, who unite in these memorial services, 
 inspire the people of this historic valley, with noble purposes and make 
 us worthy of our ancestors. Vouchsafe thy blessing to this common- 
 wealth and its chief, under whose protection we are met. Bless the 
 president of the United Stales and all the states which are clustered 
 under that banner which was unfurled in victory here one hundred years 
 ago. Let this nation live ! O, let it not be, that the people whom the 
 mightiest monarchy could not subjugate, whom the most appalling civil 
 war could not divide, should, after all, fall a victim to political corruption 
 and to the weakness and wickedness of intemperance. O impart to us 
 that righteousness which alone exalteth a nation. Grant us, this our 
 prayer, O God, with the pardon of our sins, we humbly beseech Thee 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS OF HON. GEORGE W. 
 SCHUYLER, PRESIDENT OP THE DAY. 
 
 One hundred years ago General Burgoyne, at the head of a 
 large and well api^ointed army, on these grounds, surrendered 
 to the undisciplined forces of a few millions of people just 
 struggling into national existence. It is only natural that we 
 should forget the event for a moment, and enquire as to the 
 actors in the drama. Standing upon the ground where the 
 surrender was made we look into the past. We see the English 
 general with well disciplined legions and savage allies sweeping 
 through the northern lakes and down through the valley of the 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 101 
 
 Hudson, driving the little army of the republic from post to 
 post. In their front we see the army of citizen soldiers, few in 
 number ; without uniform, without supplies, almost without 
 arms, disputing the way step by step, until recruited from the 
 farms and workshops of New England and New York, with a 
 Spartan band from the sunny South, they take position on 
 the heights of Saratoga, and stay the onward progress of the 
 enemy. 
 
 We see the armies preparing for the contest — there the 
 English regiments, and their German mercenaries, with Canadians 
 and Indians on their flanks — here the patriot army unused to 
 arms, but self reliant and hopeful. 
 
 We see tBe form of General Gates at the door of his tent, at 
 a safe distance from the scene of conflict, sending by messengers 
 his orders to his oflicers in the field. We see the fiery Arnold 
 at the head of his command charging furiously — the brave and 
 prudent Lincoln leading his men into the deadly strife — the 
 lion-hearted Morgan with his southern riflemen raining deadly 
 fire on the enemy's wavering ranks — we see thousands of noble 
 heroes intent upon victory or death. 
 
 Still gazing back ofE to the left, up the valley of the Mohawk, 
 we behold the dying Herkimer with his patriot band within the 
 toils of Butler's tories and Indian allies at Oriskany — we see 
 the gallant Gansevoort at Fort Schuyler sending word to St. 
 Leger and his beleaguering hosts, " we will hold the fort or 
 die," — and near by we see Hons Yost (termed the half-witted) 
 and one Indian companion, warily threading their way through 
 the forest alone to raise the seige, and relieve the half starved 
 garrison. 
 
 Still backward, off to the right, among the green hills of Ver- 
 mont, our gaze rests upon the manly form of the modest and 
 determined Stark. Surrounded with his hardy neighbors they 
 are rejoicing in victory over the cohorts of General Baum. 
 
 But among the hosts of brave and gallant men there is one 
 that fixes our gazing eyes. In citizen's dress, quiet, dignified, 
 earnest, he looks, as he is, the hero. Pardon me, fellow citizens, 
 while we take a longer look at this one than at the others. 
 14 
 
102 Centennial Celebration oe 
 
 Fatherless, in his boyhood he assumed the jAace of a father 
 in his dead father's family. Reserved and silent, in early youth 
 he began the battle of life. In early manhood his business pur- 
 suits associate him with an English officer with whom against 
 the French of Canada he acquires some knowledge of war. In 
 later years we see him as a legislator contending lor the rights 
 of the people against the abuses of arbitrary power. We see 
 him sacrificing social position and the friendships of years, and 
 voting for the right, sometimes alone. 
 
 Later the congress place him in command of the northern 
 department with the rank of major-general. He knows the 
 difficulties of the position with no army, no arms, no supplies, 
 no money, no credit. But his patriotism will not allow him to 
 decline, and he accepts the trust with all its responsibilities. In 
 the department of the north were included the upper valley of 
 the Hudson, the Lakes George and Champlain with the con- 
 tiguous territory stretching through the wilderness to Canada ; 
 and the valley of the Mohawk with the almost unknown country 
 beyond to the great lakes. These had been the great highway 
 through which the French for more than a century had led their 
 armies to devastate the outlying settlements, and, if possible, to 
 capture Albany, thus giving them control of the territory west 
 of the Hudson. Through these valleys it was .believed the En- 
 glish would now seek to lead their armies, gain possession of 
 Albany and the lower LIudson, thus sundering the colonies and 
 making it easy to subdue the patriots in detail. In anticipation 
 of these designs the northern general organized a force for the 
 invasion of Canada, and by conquering that province securely 
 close the gates through which our state might be attacked. 
 He successfully opposed the influence of Sir William Johnson 
 and his numerous tory adherents, organized the patriots, and 
 placed the valley of the Mohawk in a position of defence. He 
 procured arms and supplies for the troops, pledging therefor his 
 personal responsibility and his private fortune. His small army 
 under the command of an able general penetrates the enemy's 
 country, capturing their forts and strong positions until before 
 the walls of Quebec the gallant Montgomery fell, when the tide 
 of success is turned. 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 103 
 
 In the following year he is confronted by a large and well 
 nppointed army, before whom his handfull of men is forced to 
 retreat out of Canada through the lakes, down to the Hudson. 
 Another army composed of regulars, Canadians, tories and 
 Indians, marches from Oswego to the upper valley of the Mo- 
 hawk, and lay siege to Fort Schuyler, the only obstacle between 
 them and Albany. 
 
 Our general has not yet an army sufficiently strong to meet 
 and resist this double invasion. He is without supplies or 
 money. Congress fails to render efficient support. There is 
 disaffection in the ranks, and coldness among the people. But 
 he is not dismayed. He is still hopeful and pleads for assistance. 
 Forced to retreat, step by step he obstructs and delays the ad- 
 vance of the enemy, gaining the needed time for reinforcements 
 to join him. At last reaching a strong defensible position, with 
 an army reunited in numbers and courage, he prepared for bat- 
 tle. He saw his enemy far from his base of supplies, his num- 
 bers depleted by battles and desertions, his line of retreat cut 
 off, and he knew that with a well delivered blow he must sub- 
 mit to capture. But when about to strike, his arm was aiTested. 
 His domestic foes had proved more powerful than hostile armies, 
 and had prevailed on congress to remove him from command. 
 Another takes his place, who, almost against his will, delivers 
 the battle already prepared, and is crowned with the glory be- 
 longing to another. 
 
 Although wronged and insulted, his love of country did not 
 grow cold. His advice and services still sought were rendered 
 cheerfully. He encouraged his friends in the army, and when 
 the victory was won, he rejoiced with perfect satisfaction. 
 Standing on the neighboring heights, he witnessed the destruc- 
 tion of his mills and manufactories, of his houses and barns, of 
 his crops and orchards, by the defeated and fleeing enemy, and 
 called it "the fortune of war." In his tent he received the wid- 
 ows and orphans of enemies slain in battle, soothing their sorrows 
 and supplying their wants. In his own house in the city he 
 gave asylum to the captive general and his officers, winning 
 their sympathies for his oppressed and struggling people, 
 
104 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 He saw the rewards of his own personal labor and sacrifices 
 bestowed upon another. He saw the crown prepared for him- 
 self placed upon the brow of an alien. He endured detraction 
 and reproach. But his love for the cause never failed. Free- 
 dom from the yoke of England became a passion which no flat- 
 tery could soothe, no wrong extinguish. 
 
 The memory of General Philip Schuyler needs no eulogy from 
 one who bears his name, and in whose veins there is only a trace 
 of collateral blood. History will yet do him justice. Posterity 
 will crown him the Hero of Saratoga. The nation will recog- 
 nize him as the general whoprej)ared the battle which won our 
 freedom. 
 
 WILLIAM L. STONE'S HISTOPJCAL ADDRESS. 
 
 The battles of the 19th of September and the 7th of October, 
 were so fully described at the Bemis's Heights celebration, that 
 I pass at once to the occurrences succeeding that event and im- 
 mediately preceding the surrender. 
 
 On the morning of the day succeeding the action of the 7th 
 of October, Burgoyne, before daybreak, left his position, now 
 utterly untenable, and defiled on to the meadows by the river 
 (Wilbur's basin) where were his supply trains : but was obliged 
 to delay Ms retreat until the evening, because his hospital could 
 not be sooner^removed. He wished also to avail himself of the 
 darkness. The Americans immediately moved forward, and 
 took i:iossession of the abandoned camp. Burgoyne having 
 concentrated his force upon some heights, which were strong 
 by nature, and covered by a ravine running parallel with the 
 intrenchments of his late camp, a random fire of artillery and 
 small-arms was kept up through the day, particularly on the part 
 of the German chasseurs and the provincials. These, stationed 
 in coverts of the ravine, kept up an annoying fire upon every 
 one crossing their line of vision, and it was by a shot from one 
 of these lurking parties that General Lincoln received a severe 
 wound in the leg while riding near the line. It was evident from 
 the movements of the British that they were preparing to re- 
 treat ; but the American troops, having, in the delirium of joy 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 105 
 
 consequent upon their victory, neglected to draw and eat their 
 rations — being withal not a little fatigued with the two days' 
 exertions, fell back to their camp, which had been left standing 
 in the morning. Retreat was, indeed, the only alternative left 
 to the British comniamler, since it was not quite certain that he 
 could not cut his way through the American army, and his sup- 
 plies were reduced to a short allowance for five days. 
 
 Meanwhile, in addition to the chagrin of defeat, a deep gloom 
 pervaded the British camp. The gallant and beloved Fraser — 
 the life and soul of the army — lay dying in the little house on 
 the river bank occupied by Baroness Riedesel. That lady has 
 described this scene with such unaffected pathos that we give it 
 in her own words, simply premising that on the previous day 
 she had expected Burgoyne, Phillips, and Fraser to dine with 
 her after their return from the reconnaissance. She says : 
 
 " About four o'clock in the afternoon, instead of the guests 
 who were to have dined with us, they brought into me upon a 
 litter poor General Fraser, mortally wounded. Our dining 
 table, which was already spread, was taken away, and in its 
 place they fixed up a bed for the general. I sat in a corner of 
 the room, trembling and quaking. The noises grew continually 
 louder. The thought that they might bring in my husband in 
 the same manner was to me dreadful, and tormented me inces- 
 santly. The general said to the surgeon, ' Do not conceal any 
 thing from me. Must I die ?' The ball had gone through his 
 bowels precisely as in the case of Major Harnage. Unfoi-tunately, 
 however, the general had eaten a hearty breakfast, by reason 
 of which the intestines were distended, and the ball had gone 
 through them. I heard him often, amidst his groans, exclaim, 
 ' O fatal ambition ! Poor General Burgoyne! My poor wife!' 
 Prayers were read to him. He then sent a message to General 
 Burgoyne, begging that he would have him buried the follow- 
 ing day at six o'clock in the evening, on the top of a hill which 
 was a sort of a redoubt. I knew no longer which way to turn. 
 The whole entry was filled with the sick, who were suffering 
 with the camp sickness — a kind of dysentery. I spent the night 
 in this manner : at one time comforting Lady Ackland, whose 
 
106 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 husband was wounded and a prisoner, and at another looking 
 after my children, whom I had i)ut to bed. As for myself, I 
 could not go to sleep, as I had General Fraser and all the other 
 gentlemen in my room, and was constantly afraid that my 
 children would wake up and cry, and thus disturb the poor 
 dying man, who often seait to beg my pardon for making me 
 so much trouble. About three o'clock in the morning they told 
 me that he could not last much longer. I had desired to be 
 apprised of the approach of this moment. I accordingly wrapped 
 up the children in the coverings, and went with them into the 
 entry. Early in the morning, at eight o'clock, he died. ' 
 
 " After they had washed the corpse, they wrapped it in a 
 sheet and laid it on a bedstead. We then again came into the 
 room, and had this sad sight before us the whole day. At 
 every instant, also, wounded ofiicers of my acquaintance ar- 
 rived, and the cannonade again began. A retreat was spoken 
 of, .but there was not the least movement made toward it. 
 About four o'clock in the afternoon I saw the new house which 
 had been built for me, in flames ; the enemy, therefore, were 
 not far from us. We learned that General Burgoyne intended 
 to fulfill the last wish of General Fraser, and to have him buried 
 at six o'clock in the place designated by him. This occasioned 
 an unnecessary delay, to which a part of the misfortunes of the 
 army was owing. 
 
 " Precisely at six o'clock the corpse was brought out, and we 
 saw the entire body of generals with their retinues assisting at 
 the obsequies. The English chaplain, Mr. Brudenell, performed 
 the funeral services. The cannon-balls flew continually around 
 
 ^ General Fraser belonged to the house of Lovatt, whose family name was Fraeer. 
 The Earl of Lovatt was one of the noblemen who were compromised by the rebellion of 
 the last Stuart pretender, and whose fortunes were ruined at the battle of Culloden, in 
 1745. General Fraser, a scion of the house, of a sanguine temperament, ardent and 
 ambitious, entered the army, and became so distinguished for his military ability as to 
 be advanced to the rank of brigadier-general, and was selected for a command in Bur- 
 goyne's expedition. He had received intimations that, if the enterprise were successful, 
 the government would revoke the act of attainder, and restore to him the family title 
 and estates. With a knowledge of these facts, it is easy to understand the meaning of 
 the wounded general's exclamations as he lay waiting for death in the little "Taylor 
 Farm-house" — the first alluding to the sad extinction of his own cherished hopes of 
 well earned position and renown, the second betraying his anxiety for his commander, 
 whose impending disgrace he clearly foresaw. 
 
THE Surrender op Burgoyne. 107 
 
 and over the party. The American general, Gates, afterwards 
 said that if he had known that it was a burial, he would not 
 have allowed any firing in that direction. Many cannon-balls 
 also flew not far from me, but I had my eyes fixed upon the 
 hill, where I distinctly saw my husband in the midst of the 
 enemy's fire, and therefore I could not think of my own dan- 
 ger." " Certainly," says General Riedesel, in his journal, " it 
 was a real military funeral — one that was unique of its kind." 
 
 General Burgoyne has himself described this funeral with his 
 usual eloquence and felicity of expression : " The incessant 
 cannonade during the solemnity ; the steady attitude and unal- 
 tered voice with which the chaplain officiated, though frequently 
 covered with dust, which the shot threw up on all sides of him ; 
 the mute but expressive mixture of sensibility and indignation 
 upon every countenance — these objects will remain to the last 
 of life upon the mind of every man who was present. The 
 growing duskiness added to the scenery, and the whole marked 
 a character of that juncture that would make one of the finest 
 subjects for the pencil of a master that the field ever exhibited. 
 To the canvas, and to the faithful page of a more important 
 historian, gallant friend ! I consign thy memory. There may 
 thy talents, thy manly virtues, their progress and their period, 
 find due distinction ; and long may they survive, long after the 
 frail record of my pen shall be forgotten !" 
 
 As soon as the funeral services were finished and the grave 
 closed, an order was issued that the army should retreat as soon 
 as darkness had set in ; and the commander who, in the begin- 
 ning of the campaign, had vauntingly uttered in general orders 
 that memorable sentiment, " Britons never go back," was now 
 compelled to steal away in the night, leaving his hospital, con- 
 taining upward of four hundred sick and wounded, to the mercy 
 of a victorious and hitherto despised enemy. Gates in this, as 
 in all other instances, extended to his adversary the greatest 
 humanity. 
 
 The army began its retrograde movement at nine o'clock on 
 the evening of the 8th, in the midst of a pouring rain, Riedesel 
 leading the van, and Phillips bringing up the rear with the ad- 
 vanced corps. 
 
108 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 In this retreat the same lack of judgment on the part of Bur- 
 goyne is apparent. Had that general, as Riedesel and Phillips 
 advised, fallen immediately back across the Hudson, and taken 
 up his former position behind the Batten kil, not only would his 
 communications with Lake George and Canada have been re- 
 stored, but he could at his leisure have awaited the movements 
 of Clinton. Burgoyne, however, having arrived at Dovogat 
 two hours before daybreak on the morning of the 9th, gave the 
 order to halt, greatly to the surprise of his whole army. "Every 
 one," says the journal of Reidesel, " was, notwithstanding, even 
 then of the opinion that the army would make but a short stand, 
 merely for its better concentration, as all saw that haste was of 
 the utmost necessity, if they would get out of a dangerous 
 trap." At this time the heights of Saratoga, commanding the 
 ford across Fish creek, were not yet occupied by the Americans 
 in force, and up to seven o'clock in the morning the retreating 
 army might easily have reached that place and thrown a bridge 
 across the Hudson. General Fellows, who by the orders of 
 Gates, occupied the heights at Saratoga opposite the ford, was 
 in an extremely critical situation. On the night of the 8th, 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Southerland, who had been sent forward to 
 reconnoitre, crossed Fish creek, and, guided by General Fel- 
 lows'sfire,found his camp so entirely unguarded that he marched 
 around it without being hailed. He then returned, and report- 
 ing to Burgoyne, entreated jDermission to attack Fellows with 
 his regiment, but was refused. " Had not Burgoyne halted at 
 Dovogat," says Wilkinson, " he must have reached Saratoga 
 before day, in which case Fellows would have been cut up and 
 cai^tured or dispersed, and Burgoyne's retreat to Fort George 
 would have been unobstructed. As it was, however, Burgoyne's 
 army reached Saratoga just as the rear of our militia were as- 
 cending the opposite bank of the Hudson, where they took post 
 and prevented its passage." Burgoyne, however, although 
 within half an hour's march of Saratoga, gave the surprising 
 order that " the army should bivouac in two lines and await 
 the day." 
 
 Mr. Bancroft ascribes this delay to the fact that Burgoyne 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 109 
 
 was still clogged with bis artillery and baggage, and that the 
 night was dark, and the road weakened by rain." But according 
 to the universal testimony of all the manuscript journals extant, 
 the road, which uj) to this time was sufficiently strong for the 
 passage of the baggage and artillery ti-ains, became, during the 
 halt, so bad by the continued rain that when the army again 
 moved, at four o'clock in the afternoon, it was obliged to leave 
 behind the tents and camp equipage, which fell most oppor- 
 tunely into the hands of the Americans. Aside, however, from 
 this, it is a matter of record that the men, through their officers, 
 pleaded with Burgoyne to be allowed to proceed notwithstand- 
 ing the storm and darkness, while the officers themselves pro- 
 nounced the delay "madness." But whatever were the motives 
 of the English general, this delay lost him his army, and, per- 
 haps, the Britisli crown her American colonies. 
 
 During the halt at Dovogat's there occurred one of those 
 incidents which relieve with fairer lights and softer tints the 
 gloomy picture of war. Lady Harriet Ackland had, like the 
 Baroness Riedesel, accompanied her husband to America, and 
 gladly shared with him the vicissitudes of campaign life. 
 Major Ackland was a rough, blunt man, but a gallant soldier 
 and devoted husband, and she loved him dearly. Ever since 
 he had been wounded and taken prisoner his wife had been 
 greatly distressed, and it had required all the comforting atten- 
 tions of the baroness to reassure her. As soon as the army 
 halted, by the advice of the latter she determined to visit the 
 American camp and implore the permission of its commander 
 to join her husband, and by her presence alleviate his sufferings. 
 Accordingly, on the 9th, she requested permission of Burgoyne 
 to depart. " Though I was ready to believe," says that general, 
 " that patience and fortitude in a supreme degree were to be 
 found, as well as every other virtue, under the most tender 
 forms, I was astonished at this proposal. After so long an 
 agitation of spirits, exhausted not only for want of rest, but 
 absolutely want of food, drenched in rains for twelve hours 
 together, that a woman should be capable of such an undertak- 
 ing and delivering herself to an enemy, probably in the night, 
 15 
 
no Centennial Celebration of 
 
 and uncertain of what hands she might fall into, appeared an 
 effort above human nature. The assistance I was enabled to 
 give was small indeed. All I could furnish to her was an open 
 boat, and a few lines, written upon dirty wet paper, to General 
 Gates, recommending her to his protection." 
 
 In the midst of a driving autumnal storm, Lady Aokland set 
 out at dusk, in an open boat, for the American camp, accom- 
 panied by Mr. Brudenell the chaplain, her waiting-maid, and 
 her husband's valet. At ten o'clock they reached the American 
 advanced guard, under the command of Major Henry Dearborn. 
 Lady Ackland herself hailed the sentinel, and as soon as the 
 bateau struck the shore, the party were immediately conveyed 
 into the log-cabin of the major, who had been ordered to detain 
 the flag until the morning, the night being exceedingly dark, 
 and the quality of the lady unknown. Major Dearborn gal- 
 lantly gave up his room to his guest, a fire was kindled, and a 
 cup of tea provided, and as soon as Lady Ackland made herself 
 known, her mind was relieved from its anxiety by the assurance 
 of her husband's safety. " I visited," says Adjutant-General 
 Wilkinson, " the guard before sunrise. Lady Ackland's boat 
 had put off, and was floating down the stream to our camp, 
 where General Gates, whose gallantry will not be denied, stood 
 ready to receive her with all the tenderness and respect to which 
 her rank and condition gave her a claim. Indeed, the feminine 
 flgure, the benign asj>ect, and polished manners of this charming 
 woman were alone sufiicient to attract the sympathy of the most 
 obdurate ; but if another motive could have been wanting to 
 inspire respect, it was furnished by the peculiar circumstances 
 of Lady Harriet, then in that most delicate situation which can 
 not fail to interest the solicitudes of every being possessing the 
 form and feelings of a man." ' 
 
 On the evening of the 9th the main portion of the drenched 
 and weary army forded Fish creek, waist deep, and bivouacked 
 
 1 The kindness which had been shown to his wife Major Ackland reciprocated, while 
 on a parole in New York, by doinp:all in his power to mitigate the sufferings of the Ame- 
 rican prisoners. His end was particularly sad. On his return to England he was killed 
 in a duel to which he had been challenged for having warmly defended American courage 
 against the aspersions of a brother officer. 
 
THE Surrender of Burqoynb. Ill 
 
 in a wretched position in the open air on the opposite banlc. 
 Burgoyue remained on the south side of the creek, with Hamil- 
 ton's brigade as a guard, and passed the night in the mansion 
 of General Schuyler. The officers slept on the ground, with no 
 other covering tlian oil-cloth. Nor did their wives fare better. 
 "I was wet," says the Baroness Eiedesel, "through and through 
 by the frequent rains, and was obliged to remain in this con- 
 dition the entire night, as I had no place whatever where I could 
 <'hange my linen. I therefore seated myself before a good fire 
 and undressed my children, after wliich we laid down together 
 upon some straw. I asked General Phillips, who came up to 
 where we were, why we did not continue our retreat while there 
 was yet time, as my husband had pledged himself to cover it 
 and bring the army through. 'Poor woman,' answered he, ' I 
 am amazed at you. Completely wet through, have you still the 
 courage to wish to go further in this weather ? Would that you 
 were our commanding general ! He halts because he is tired, 
 and intends to spend the night here, and give us a supper." ' 
 Burgoyne, however, would not think of a further advance that 
 night ; and while his army were suffering from cold and hunger, 
 and every one was looking forward to the immediate future with 
 apprehension, "the illuminated mansion of General Schuyler," 
 says the Brunswick Journal, " rang with singing, laughter, and 
 the jingling of glasses. There Burgoyne was sitting with some 
 merry companions at a dainty supper, while the champagne was 
 flowing. Near liim sat the beautiful wife of an English com- 
 missary, his mistress.' Great as the calamity was, the frivolous 
 general still kept up his orgies. Some were even of opinion that 
 he had merely made that inexcusable stand for the sake of 
 passing a merry night. Riedesel thought it his duty to remind 
 his general of the danger of the halt, but the lattei- returned all 
 
 I Were this statement made by the Baroness Riedesel alone, and not by the Brunswick 
 Journal, it would be necessary to receive it with caution, since her prejudices often 
 carried her unintentionally into extremes. Mr. Fonblanque, however, in his admirable 
 Life and Correspondence of General Burgoyne^ admits this by implication, but seeks to 
 leave the impression that the champagne and the ^'flirtation," as he calls it, were in- 
 dulged in to relieve the mental agony consequent upon his defeat. Mr. Fonblanque's 
 book is characterized by great fairness and liberality of tone — a circumstance which must 
 CO mmend it to the imerican reader. 
 
112 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 sorts of evasive answers." This statement is corroborated by 
 the Baroness Riedesel, who also adds : " The .following day 
 General Burgoyne repaid the hospitable shelter of the Schuyler 
 mansion by burning it, with its valuable barns and mills, to the 
 ground, under pretense that he might be better able to cover 
 his retreat, but others say out of mean revenge on the American 
 general." 
 
 But the golden moment had fled. On the following morning, 
 the 10th, it was discovered that the Americans, under Fellows, 
 were in possession of the Batten kil, on the opposite side of the 
 Hudson ; and Burgoyne, considering it too hazardous to attempt 
 the i)assage of the river, ordered the army to occupy the same 
 quarters on the heights of Saratoga which they had used on 
 first crossing the river on the 13th of September. At the same 
 time he sent ahead a working party to open a road to Fort 
 Edward, his intention being to continue his retreat along the 
 west bank of the Hudson to the front of that fort, force a passage 
 across, and take possession of the post. Colonel Cochran, 
 however, had already garrisoned it with two hundred men, and 
 the detachment hastily fell back upon the camp. 
 
 Meanwhile General Gates, who had begun the pursuit at noon 
 of the 10th with his main army, reached the high ground south 
 of Fish creek at four the same afternoon. The departure of 
 Burgoyne's working party for Fort Edward led him to believe 
 that the entire British army were in full retreat, having left only 
 a small guard to protect their baggage. Acting upon this im- 
 pression, he ordered Nixon and Glover, with their brigades, to 
 cross the creek early the next morning under cover of the fog, 
 which at this time of year usually prevails till after sunrise, and 
 attack the British camp. The English general had notice of this 
 plan, and j)lacing a battery in position, he posted his troops in 
 ambush behind the thickets along the banks of the creek, and, 
 concealed also by the fog, awaited the attack, confident of vic- 
 tory. At early daylight Morgan, who had again been selected 
 to begin the action, crossed the creek with his men on a raft of 
 floating logs, and falling in with a British picket, was fired upon, 
 losing a lieutenant and two privates. This led him to believe 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 113 
 
 that the main body of the enemy had not moved ; in which case, 
 with the creek in his rear, enveloped by a dense fog, and unac- 
 quainted with the ground, he felt his position to be most critical. 
 
 Mea'iwhile the whole army advanced as far as the south bank 
 of the creek, and halted. Nixon, however, who was in advance, 
 had already crossed the stream near its confluence with the 
 Hudson, and captui-ed a picket of sixty men and a number of 
 bateaux, and Glover was preparing to follow him, when a de- 
 serter from the enemy confirmed the suspicions of Morgan. 
 This was corroborated, a few moments afterward, by the capture 
 of a reconnoitering party of thirty-fi ve men by the advanced guard, 
 under Captain Goodale, of Putnam's regiment, who, discovering 
 them through the fog just as he iieared the opposite bank, 
 charged, and took them without firing a gun. Gates was at 
 this time at his head-quarters, a mile and a half in the rear ; 
 and before intelligence could be sent to him, the fog cleared up, 
 and exposed the entire British army under arms. A heavy fire 
 of artillery and musketry was immediately opened upon Nixon's 
 brigade, and they retreated in considerable disorder across the 
 creek. 
 
 General Learned had in the mean time reached Morgan's corps 
 with his own and Patterson's brigades, and was advancing ra- 
 pidly to the attack in obedience to a standing order issued the 
 day before, that, " in case of au attack against any point, whether 
 in front, flank, or rear, the troops are to fall upon the enemy at 
 all quarters." He had arrived within two hundred yards of 
 Burgoyne's battery, and in a few moments more would have 
 been engaged at great disadvantage, when Wilkinson reached 
 him with the news that the right wing, under Nixon, had given 
 way, and that it would be prudent to retreat. The brave old 
 general hesitated to comply. " Our brethren," said he, " are 
 engaged on the right, and the standing order is to attach.'''' In 
 this dilemma Wilkinson exclaimed to one of Gates's aids, stand- 
 ing near, "Tell the general that his own fame and the interests 
 of the cause are at hazard — that his presence is necessary with 
 the troops." Then, turning to Learned, he continued, " Our 
 troops on the right have retired, and the fire you hear is from 
 
114 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 the enemy. Although I have no orders for your retreat, I pledge 
 my life for the general's approbation." By this time several 
 field officers had joined the group, and a consultation being held, 
 the proposition to retreat was approved. Scarcely had they 
 faced about, when the enemy, who, expecting their advance, 
 had been watching their movements with shouldered arms, fired, 
 and killed an ofiioer and several men before they made good 
 their retreat. 
 
 The ground occupied by the two armies after this engagement 
 resembled a vast amphitheatre, the British occupying the arena, 
 and the Americans the elevated surroundings. Burgoyne's 
 camp, upon the meadows and the heights of Saratoga north of 
 Fish creek, was fortified, and extended half a mile parallel with 
 the river, most of its heavy artillery being on an elevated plateau 
 northeast of the village of Schuylerville. On the American side 
 Morgan and his sharp-shooters were posted on still higher ground 
 west of the British, extending along their entire rear. On the 
 east or opposite bank of the Hudson, Fellows, with three thou- 
 sand men, was strongly intrenched behind heavy batteries, while 
 Gates, with the main body of Continentals, lay on the high 
 ground south of Fish creek and parallel with it. On the north. 
 Fort Edward was held by Stark with two thousand men, and 
 between that post and Fort George,, in the vicinity of Glen's 
 Falls, the Americans had a fortified camp ; while from the sur- 
 rounding country large bodies of yeomanry flocked in and vol- 
 untarily posted themselves up and down the river. The " trap " 
 which Riedesel had foreseen was already sprung. 
 
 The Americans, impatient of delay, urged Gates to attack 
 the British camp ; but that general, now assured that the sur- 
 render of Burgoyne was only a question of time, and unwilling 
 needlessly to sacrifice his men, refused to accede to their wishes, 
 and quietly awaited the course of events. 
 
 The beleaguered army was now constantly under fire both on 
 its fianks and rear and in front. The outposts were continually 
 engaged with those of the Americans, and many of the patrols, 
 detached to keep up communication between the centre and 
 right wing, were taken prisoners. The captured bateaux were 
 
THE SURKENDER OF BuRGOYNB. 115 
 
 of great use to the Americans, who were now enabled to trans- 
 port troops across the river at pleasure, and re-enforce the posts 
 on the road to Fort Edward. Evuiy hour the position of the 
 British grew moi'e desperate, and the prospect of escape less. 
 There was no place of safety for the baggage, and the ground 
 was covered with dead horses that had either been killed by the 
 enemy's bullets or by exhaustion, as there. had been no forage 
 for four days. Even for the wounded there was no spot that 
 could afford a safe shelter while the surgeon was binding up 
 their wounds. The whole camp became a scene of constant 
 fighting. The soldier dared not lay aside his arms night or day, 
 except to exchange his gun for the spade when new entrench- 
 ments were to be thrown up. He was also debarred of water, 
 although close to Fish creek and the river, it being at the haz- 
 ard of life in the daytime to procure any, from the number of 
 sharp-shooters ^Morgan had posted in trees, and at night he was 
 sure to be taken prisoner if he attempted it. The sick and 
 wounded would drag themselves along into a quiet corner of the 
 woods, and lie down and die upon the damp ground. Nor were 
 they safe even here, since every little while a ball would come 
 crashing down among the trees. The few houses that were at 
 the foot of the heights were nearest to the fire from Fellows's 
 batteries, notwithstanding which the wounded oflicers and men 
 crawled thither, seeking protection in the cellars. 
 
 In one of these cellars the Baroness Riedesel ministered to 
 the sufferers like an angel of help and comfort. She made them 
 broth, dressed their wounds, purified the atmosphere by sprink- 
 ling vinegar on hot coals, and was ever ready to perform any 
 friendly service, even those from which the sensitive nature of 
 a woman will recoil. Once, while thus engaged, a furious can- 
 nonade was opened upon the house, under the impression that 
 it was the head-quarters of the English commander. " Alas !" 
 says Baroness Riedesel, "it harbored none but wounded sol- 
 diers or women !" Eleven cannon balls went through the house, 
 and those in the cellar could plainly hear them crashing through 
 the walls overhead. One poor fellow, whose leg they were 
 about to amputate in the room above, had his other leg taken 
 
116 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 ofp by one of these caimon balls in the very midst of the opera- 
 tion. The greatest suffering was experienced by the wounded 
 from thirst, which was not relieved until a soldier's wife volun- 
 teered to bring water from the river. This she continued to do 
 with safety, the Americans gallantly withholding their fire 
 whenever she appeared. 
 
 Meanwhile order grew more and more lax, and the greatest 
 misery prevailed throughout the entire army. The commissa- 
 ries neglected to distribute provisions among the troops, and al- 
 though there were cattle still left, no animal had been killed. 
 More than thirty officers came to the baroness for food, forced 
 to this step from sheer starvation, one of them, a Canadian, be- 
 ing so weak as to be unable to stand. She divided among them 
 all the jDrovisious at hand, and having exhausted her store with- 
 out satisfying them, in an agony of despair she called to Adju- 
 tant-General Petersham, one of Burgoyne's aids, who chanced 
 to be passing at the time, and said to him, passionately, " Come 
 and see for yourself these officers who have been wounded in 
 the common cause, and are now in want of every thing that is 
 due them ! It is your duty to make a representation of this to 
 the general." Soon afterward Burgoyne himself came to the 
 Baroness Riedesel and thanked her for reminding him of his 
 duty. In reply she apologized for meddling with things she 
 well knew were out' of a woman's province ; still, it was impos- 
 sible, she said, for her to keep silence when she saw so many 
 brave men in want of food, and had nothing more to give them. 
 
 On the afternoon of the 12th Burgoyne held a oonsultatiou 
 with Riedesel, Phillips, and the two brigadiers, Hamilton and 
 Gall. Riedesel suggested that the baggage should be left, and 
 a retreat begun on the west side of the Hudson ; and as Fort 
 Edward had been recinforced by a strong detachment of the 
 Americans, he further proposed to cross the river four miles 
 above that fort, and continue the march to Ticonderoga through 
 the woods, leaving Lake George on the right — ■ a plan which 
 was then feasible, as the road on the w^est bank of the river had 
 not yet been occupied by the enemy. This proposition was ap- 
 proved, and an order was issued that the retreat should be be- 
 
THE SUKRENDER OF BuRGOYNE. 117 
 
 gun by ten o'clock that night. But when every thing was in 
 readiness for the march, Burgoyne suddenly changed his mind, 
 and postponed the movement until the next day, when an unex- 
 pected maneuver of the Americans, made it impossible. Dur- 
 ing the night the latter, crossing the river on rafts near the 
 Batten kil, erected a heavy battery on an eminence opposite the 
 mouth of that stream, and on the left flank of the army, thus 
 making the investment complete. 
 
 Burgoyne was now entirely surrounded ; the desertions of 
 his Indian and Canadian allies,' and the losses ia killed and 
 wounded, had reduced his army one-half ; there was not food 
 suflicient for five days ; and not a word from Clinton. Accord- 
 ingly, on the 13th, he again called a general council of all his 
 officers, including the captains of companies. The council were 
 not long in deciding unanimously that a treaty should be at 
 once opened with General Gates for an honorable surrender, 
 their deliberations being doubtless hastened by several rifle- 
 balls perforating the tent in which they were assembled, and 
 an 18-pound cannon-ball sweeping across the table at which 
 Burgoyne and his generals were seated. 
 
 The following morning, the 14th, Burgoyne proposed a ces- 
 sation of hostilities until terms of capitulation could be arranged. 
 Gates demanded an unconditional surrender, which was refused ; 
 but he finally agreed, on the 15th, to more moderate terms, in- 
 fluenced by the possibility of Clinton's arrival at Albany. 
 During the night of the 16th a provincial officer arrived unex- 
 pectedly in the British camp and stated that he had heard, 
 through a third party, that Clinton had captured the forts on 
 the Hudson highlands, and arrived at Esopus eight days pre- 
 viously, and further, that by this time he was very likely at 
 Albany. Burgoyne was so encouraged by this news, that, as 
 the articles of capitulation were not yet signed, he resolved to 
 
 1 In Justice to Burgoyne it slionld he stated that the chief cause of the desertion of hia 
 Indian allies was tlie fact that they were checked hy him in their scalping and plunder- 
 ing of the nnarmed. Indeed, the conduct of the English general was, in this respect, 
 most humane ; and yet, with strange inconsistency, he was among the first strenuously 
 to urge upon Lord North the employment of the Indians against the colonists. See 
 Fonblanque's work, p. 178, 
 
 16 
 
118 Centennial Celebration ov 
 
 repudiate the informal arrangement with Gates. The latter, 
 however, was in no mood for temporizing, and being informed 
 of this new phase of affairs, he drew up his troops in order of 
 battle at early dawn of the next day, the 17th, and informed 
 him in plain terms that he must either sign the treaty or pre- 
 pare for immediate battle. Riedesel and Phillips added their 
 persuasions, representing to him that the news just received 
 was mere hearsay, but even if it were true, to recede now would 
 be in the highest degree dishonorable. Burgoyne thereupon 
 yielded a reluctant consent, and the articles of capitulation were 
 signed at nine o'clock the same morning. 
 
 They provided that the British were to march out with the 
 honors of war, and to be furnished a free passage to England 
 under promise of not again serving against the Americans. 
 These terms were not carried out by congress, which acted in 
 the matter very dishonorably, and most of the captured army, 
 with the exceptions of Burgoyne, Riedesel, Phillips, and Hamil- 
 ton, were retained as prisoners while the war lasted. The 
 Americans obtained by this victory, at a very critical period, an 
 excellent train of brass artillery, consisting of forty-two guns 
 of various calibre, 4,647 muskets, 400 sets of harness, and a 
 large supply of ammunition. The prisoners numbered 5,804, 
 and the entire American force at the time of the surrender, in- 
 cluding regulars (Continentals) and militia, was 17,091 effective 
 men. 
 
 At eleven o'clock on the morning of the 17th the royal army 
 left their fortified camp, and formed in line on the meadow just 
 north of the Fish creek, at its junction with the Hudson. 
 Here they left their cannon and small-arms. With a longing 
 eye the artillery-man looked for the last time upon his faithful 
 gun, parting with it as from his bride, and that forever. With 
 tears trickling down his bronzed cheeks, the bearded grenadier 
 stacked his musket to resume it no more. Others, in their 
 rage, knocked off the butts of their arms, and the drummers 
 stamped their drums to pieces. 
 
 Immediately after the surrender, the British took up their 
 march for Boston, whence they expected to embark, and bivou- 
 
THE Surrender of Burqoynb. 119 
 
 acked the first niglit at tlieir old eucanipment at the foot of the 
 hill where Fraser was buried. As they debouched from the 
 meadow, having deposited their arms, they [lassed between the 
 Continentals, who were drawn up in parallel lines. But on no 
 face did they see exultation. " As we passed the American 
 army, " writes Lieutenant Anbury, one of the captured officers, 
 and bitterly prejudiced against his conquerors, " I did not ob- 
 serve the least disrespect, or even a taunting look, but all was 
 mute astonishment and pity ; and it gave us no little comfort 
 to notice this civil deportment to a captui-ed enemy, unsullied 
 with the exulting air of victors. " 
 
 The English general having expressed a desire to be form- 
 ally introduced to Gates, Wilkinson arranged an interview a 
 few moments after the capitulation. In anticipation of this 
 meeting, Burgoyne had bestowed the greatest care upon his 
 whole toilet. He had attired himself in full court dress, and 
 wore costly regimentals and a richly decorated hat with stream- 
 ing plumes. Gates, on the contrary, was dressed merely in a 
 plain blue overcoat, which had upon it scarcely any thing indi- 
 cative of his rank. Upon the two generals first catching a 
 glimpse of each other, they stepped forward simultaneously, 
 and advanced until they were only a few stejDS apart, when 
 they halted. The English general took off his hat, and making 
 a polite bow, said, " The fortune of war. General Gates, has 
 made me your prisoner. " The American general, in reply, 
 simply returned his greeting, and said, " I shall always be ready 
 to testify that it has not been through any fault of your excel- 
 lency. " As soon as the introduction was over, the other cap- 
 tive generals repaired to the tent of Gates, where they were 
 received with the utmost courtesy, and with the consideration 
 due to brave but unfortunate men. 
 
 After Riedesel had been presented to Gen. Gates, he sent for 
 his wife and children. It is to this circumstance that we owe 
 the portraiture of a lovely trait in General Schuyler's character. 
 "In the passage through the American camp," the baroness 
 writes, " I observed, with great satisfaction, that no one cast at 
 us scornful glances ; on the contrary, they all greeted me, even 
 
120 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 showing compassion on their countenances at seeing a mother 
 with her little children in such a situation. I confess I feared 
 to come into the enemy's camp, as the thing was so entirely new 
 to me, When I approached the tents, a noble looking man 
 came toward me, took the children out of the wagon, embraced 
 and kissed them, and then, with tears in his eyes, helped me 
 also to alight. He then led me to the tent of General Gates, 
 with whom I found Generals Burgoyne and Phillips, who were 
 upon an extremely friendly footing with him. Presently the 
 man, who had received me so kindly, came up and said to me, 
 ' It may be embarrrassing to you to dine with all these gentle- 
 men ; come now with your children into my tent, where I will 
 give you, it is true, a frugal meal, but one that will be accom- 
 panied by the best of wishes.' ' You are certainly,' answered I, 
 ' a husband and a father, since you show me so much kindness.' 
 I then learned that he was the American General Schuyler." 
 
 The English and German generals dined with the American 
 commander in his tent on boards laid across barrels. The din- 
 ner, which was served up in four dishes, consisted only of ordi- 
 nary viands, the Americans at this period being accustomed to 
 plain and frugal meals. The drink on this occasion was cider, 
 and rum mixed with water. Burgoyne appeared in excellent 
 humor. He talked a great deal, and spoke very flatteringly of 
 the Americans, remai-king, among other things, that he admired 
 the number, dress, and discipline of their ai-my, and, above all, 
 the decorum and regularity that were observed. " Your fund 
 of men," he said to Gates, "is inexhaustible ; like the Hydra's 
 head, when cut off, seven more spring up in its stead." He also 
 proposed a toast to General Washington ■ — an attention that 
 Gates returned by drinking the health of the king of England. 
 The conversation on both sides was unrestrained, affable, and 
 free. Indeed, the conduct of Gates throughout, after the terms 
 of the surrender had been adjusted, was marked with equal deli- 
 cacy and magnanimity, as Burgoyne himself admitted in a letter 
 to the Earl of Derby. In that letter the captive general particu- 
 larly mentioned one circumstance, which, he said, exceeded all 
 be had ever seen or read of on a like occasion. It was that 
 
THE SUKRENDER OS BufiGOYNE. 121 
 
 when the British soldiers had marched out of their cami) to the 
 place where they were to pile their arms, not a man of the 
 American troops was to be seen, General Gates having ordered 
 his whole army out of sight, that no one of them should be a 
 spectator of the humiliation of the British troops. This was a 
 refinement of delicacy and of military generosity and polite- 
 ness, reflecting the highest credit upon the conqueror. 
 
 As the company rose from table, the royal army tiled past on 
 their march to the sea board. Thereupon, by preconcerted 
 arrangement, the two generals stepped out, and Burgoyne, 
 drawing his sword, presented it, in the presence of the two 
 armies, to General Gates. The latter received it with a court- 
 eous bow, and immediately returned it to the vanquished general. 
 
 General Burgoyne added to a prepossessing exterior the 
 polished manners and keen sagacity of a courtier. He was also 
 witty and brave. But personal courage alone does not con- 
 stitute a commander; for of a commander other qualities are 
 expected, especially experience and presence of mind. Bur- 
 goyne lacked both. In his undertakings he was hasty and 
 self-willed. Desiring to do everything alone, he hardly ever 
 consulted with others ; and yet he never knew how to keep a 
 plan secret. While in a subordinate position, continually carp- 
 ing at his military superiors and complaining of the inferiority 
 of his position, yet when given a separate command he was 
 guilty of the same faults which he had reprehended in others. 
 Being a great Sybarite, he often neglected the duties of a gene- 
 ral, as well toward his king as his subordinates ; and while he 
 was enjoying choice food and wines, his army suffered the keen- 
 est want. Soon after the surrender he returned to England, 
 and justly threw the failure of the expedition upon the adminis- 
 tration. ' He was received veiy coolly at first by the court and 
 
 1 There can be no doubt tbat had Burgoyne been properly supported by Howe, he 
 would, despite his mistJikes, have reached Albany, since in that case Gates would not 
 have been at Stillwater with an army of men to oppose him. Mr. Ponblanqne makes 
 public, for the first time, a fact throwing entire new light on the apparent failure of Howe 
 and clears up all that has hitherto seemed mysterious and contnidictory. Orders fully 
 as imperative as those to Burgoyne were to have been sent to Howe, but, owing to the 
 carelessness of Germaine, they were pigeon-holed, and never forwarded. Hence 
 Howe acted on the discretionary orders sent him previously, and concluded to go to 
 
122 Centennial Celebration op 
 
 people, the king refusing to see him ; but, upon a change of 
 the ministry, he regained somewhat of his popularity. 
 
 In regard to General Gates, the same incapacity which after- 
 wards characterized his unfortunate southern campaign was 
 manifested from the time of his assuming the leadership of the 
 northern army until the surrender, It was, perhaps, no fault 
 of his that he had been placed in command at the North just at 
 the auspicious moment when the discomfiture of Burgoyne was 
 no longer problematical. But it is no less true that the laurels 
 won by him ought to have been worn by Schuyler. Wilkinson, 
 who was a member of Gates's own military family, has placed 
 this question in its true aspect. He maintains that not only had 
 the army of Burgoyne been essentially disabled by the defeat 
 of the Germans at Bennington, before the arrival of Gates, but 
 that the repulse of St. Leger, at Fort Stanwix, had deranged 
 his plans, while safety had been restored to the western frontier, 
 and the panic thereby caused had subsided. He likewise main- 
 tains that after the reverses at the North, nowise attributable 
 to him, and before the arrival of Gates, the zeal, patriotism^ 
 and salutary arrangements of General Schuyler had vanquished 
 the priijudices excited against him ; that by the. defeat of Baum 
 and St. Leger, Schuyler had been enabled to concentrate and 
 oppose his whole Continental force against the main body of 
 the enemy ; and that by him, also before the arrival of Gates, 
 the friends of the Revolution had been reanimated and excited 
 to manly resistance, while the adherents of the royal cause were 
 intimidated, and had shrunk into silence and inactivity. From 
 these premises, which are indisputable, it is no more than a fair 
 deduction to say that " the same force which enabled Gates to 
 subdue the British army would have produced a similar effect 
 under the orders of General Schuyler, since the operations of 
 
 Philadelphia, instead of to Albany, merely telling Clinton, if other reinforcements came 
 meanwhile from England, he might mal^e a diversion in favor of Burgoyne. Primarily^ 
 then, the failure of Burgoyne's expedition was due to the negligence of the war minister. 
 Even, however, with the failure of Howe's support, Burgoyne. but for his errors, might 
 have joined Clinton. Neither does this failure of Howe palliate the blunders by which 
 he lost his array during the retreat. It should also be stated that Burgoyne, in arr.inging 
 with the king for the campaign, insisted most strongly that his success depended on 
 Howe's cooperation. 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoynb. 123 
 
 the campaign did not involve a single instance of professional 
 skill, and the triumph of the American arms was accomplished 
 by the physical force and valor of the troops, under the pro- 
 tection and direction of the God of battles." 
 
 THE FIELD OF THE GROUNDED ARMS, SARATOGA. 
 
 WRITTEN IN 1831 BY FITZ GEEENE HALLECK. 
 
 Read by General James Grant Wilson, Halleck's Biographer. 
 
 Strangers ! your eyes are on that valley fixed 
 Intently, as we gaze on vacancy. 
 
 When the mind's wings o'erspread 
 
 The spirit world of dreams" 
 
 True, 'tis a scene of loveliness — the bright 
 Green dwelling of the summer's first-born hours, 
 
 Whose wakened leaf and bud 
 
 Are welcoming the morn. 
 
 And morn returns the welcome, sun and cloud 
 Smile on the green earth from their home in heaven. 
 
 Even as a mother smiles 
 
 Above her cradled boy. 
 
 And wreathe their light and shade o'er plain and mountain. 
 O'er sleepless seas of grass, whose waves are flowers. 
 
 The river's golden shores. 
 
 The forest of dark pines. 
 
 The song of the wild bird is on the wind. 
 The hum of the wild bee, the music wild, 
 
 Of waves upon the bank, 
 
 Of leaves upon the bough. 
 
 But all is song and beauty in the land, 
 Beneath her skies of June ; then journey on, 
 
 A thousand scenes like this 
 
 Will greet you ere the eve. 
 
 Te linger yet — ye see not, hear not now. 
 The sunny smile, the music of to-day, 
 
 Your thoughts are wandering up. 
 
 Far up the stream of time. 
 
 And boyhood's lore and fireside-listened tales. 
 Are rushing on your memories, as j'e breathe 
 
124 Centennial Celebration op 
 
 That valley's storied name, 
 Field op the Grounded Arms. 
 
 Strangers no more, a kindred " pride of place," 
 Pride in the gift of country, and of name, 
 
 Speaks in your eye and step — 
 
 Ye tread your native land. 
 
 And your high thoughts are on her glory's day, 
 The solemn sahbath of the week of battle. 
 
 Whose tempest bowed to earth 
 
 Her foeman's banner here. 
 
 The forest leaves lay scattered cold and dead. 
 Upon the withered grass that autumn morn, 
 
 When, with as widowed hearts 
 
 And hopes as dead and cold, 
 
 A gallant army formed their last array 
 Upon that field, in silence and deep gl6om. 
 And at their conqueror's feet 
 Laid their war-weapons down. 
 
 Sullen and stern, disarmed but not dishonored; 
 ■ Brave men, but brave in vain, they yielded there : 
 The soldier's trial-task 
 Is not alone " to die." 
 
 Honor to chivalry ! the conqueror's breath 
 Stains not the ermine of his foeman's fame. 
 
 Nor mocks his captive doom — 
 
 The bitterest cup of war. 
 
 But be that bitterest cup the doom of all 
 Whose swords are lightning-flashes in the cloud 
 
 Of the invader's wrath. 
 
 Threatening a gallant land ! 
 
 His armies' trumpet-tones wake not alone 
 Her slumbering echoes ; from a thousand hills 
 
 Her answering voices shout, 
 
 And her bells ring to arms ! 
 
 The danger hovers o'er the invader's march. 
 On raven wings hushing the song of fame. 
 
 And glory's hues of beauty 
 
 Fade from the cheek of death. 
 
THE Surrender of Bdrgoyne. 12,] 
 
 A foe is heard in every rustling leaf, 
 A fortress seen in ever}' rock and tree, 
 
 The eagle eye of art 
 
 Is dim and powerless then. 
 
 And war becomes the people's joy, the drum 
 Man's merriest music, and tlie field of death 
 
 His couch of happy dreams, 
 
 After life's harvest-home. 
 
 He battles heart and arm, his own blue sky 
 Above him, and his own green land around, 
 
 Land of his father's grave. 
 
 His blessing and his prayers ; 
 
 Land where he learned to lisp a mother's name, 
 The first beloved in life, the last forgot. 
 
 Laud of his frolic youth. 
 
 Land of his bridal eve — 
 
 Land of his children — vain your columned strength. 
 Invaders I vain your battles' steel and fire ! 
 
 Choose ye the morrow's doom — 
 
 A prison or a grave. 
 
 And suot were Saratoga's victors — -such 
 
 The Yeoman-Brave, whose deeds and death have given 
 
 A glory to her skies, 
 
 A music to her name. 
 
 In honorable life her fields they trod, 
 In honorable death they sleep below ; 
 
 Their souls' proud feelings here 
 
 Their noblest monuments. 
 
 B. W. THROCKMORTON'S ADDRESS. 
 
 SUBJECT, ARNOLD. 
 
 Who among us has ever gazed upon scenes more magnificent 
 
 and inspiring than those by which we are this day surrounded. 
 
 In Milton's phrase they might " create S soul under the ribs of 
 
 death." We stand upon holy haunted ground. We gaze upon 
 
 a vast sea of humanity. Now surging and restless, now lulled 
 
 to quiet, even as the ocean swells and slumbers. A quickened 
 
 mass ; awakened to an intensity of patriotism. Above, a clear 
 
 17 
 
126 Centennial Celebration op 
 
 October sky, from which the sunlight falls like a benediction. 
 Around us hills rising into mountains, illuminated by heroic 
 deeds and events, with no less brightness than that which now 
 glorifies them, shining resplendent as they do in their rich au- 
 tumijal colors, by " nature's own sweet and cunning hand laid 
 on." Almost at our feet the historic Hudson, the ''still-water" 
 of the olden time, glides onward with murmurs harmonious as 
 music heard in dreams. While beyond from the hilltops, 
 wreathed masses of smoke curl upward from batteries, planted 
 where one hundred' years ago other cannons belched forth their 
 fires, signals to the commanders in the field. Participating in 
 the ceremonies of an occasion such as this, surely one may say, 
 life has not been lived altogether in vain, such a celebration has 
 no mere sectional import. It is national in its interest. The 
 pride felt by New York to-day provokes no jealousy in other 
 states. A representative, so to speak, of New Jersey, let me 
 say a word for her. Her sacrifice in blood and treasure, in pro- 
 portion to her wealth and pojDulation, was as great, during the 
 revolutionary struggle, as that of any other colony; indeed 
 some historians assert they were greater, ^he is immortal in 
 the memories of Princeton, Trenton and Monmouth. 
 
 Some of her troops formed a part of the right wing of Gates's 
 army during the battle of Bemis's Heights, September 19th ; 
 and more would have shared with those of New York 
 and other of the colonies the glories of Saratoga, had 
 they not, with Washington at their head, been engaged in 
 defending their own firesides. New Jersey is jealous of the 
 glorious work she did in securing for this nation its independ- 
 ence. Yet to-day, she congratulates New York that, upon its 
 soil were fought the battles that, being crowned with victory, 
 secured the French alliance, and dissipated the gloom that had 
 hitherto hung like a pall over the hearts of those who hoped 
 and struggled for the ultimate of American liberty. 
 
 Orators and poets have this day, already painted the scenes 
 of the past, so glowingly, that they stand out before the imagi- 
 nation even as the colors of the master upon the canvas. 
 
 There seems to be but little left for me, save the work of 
 
THE SURKENDER OF BuRGOYNE. 127 
 
 needless reiteration. And 3'et, I cannot refrain from adding my 
 contribution of spoken words to this occasion. In one respect, 
 it almost seems a melancholy one. 
 
 Who shall say otherwise, when contemplation dwells upon 
 the subsequent career of him, who was perha])S the most con- 
 spicuous actor in the drama, the end of which was announced, 
 when the curtain fell upon the surrender of Burgoyne. 
 
 Millions have li\-ed upon the earth, and given expression to 
 thoughts that should never die. Heroism has been displayed 
 and sacrifice endured on land and sea, deserving of deathless 
 memory. Deeds have been performed in every walk in life 
 that might put to blush many that are recoi'ded as the noblest ; 
 yet, as to these, history is silent. Poetry tunes not her lyre, 
 and not even a name is graven upon churchyard stone. Lives 
 that have benefited the world, seem to have been but as drops 
 that fell into the ocean of time and were lost. 
 
 A great virtue may never be remembered, but how deathless 
 is a great crime ! 
 
 But for the valor of Benedict Arnold, there had been no 
 reason, perchance, for the assembling of this vast concourse, and 
 this corner stone might never have been laid, of a monument, 
 which, when completed according to design, will recall with 
 startling and awful emphasis, a deed that blackened a soul, and 
 had for its purpose the ruin of a nation ! 
 
 Remembering the services Arnold rendered his country upon 
 the battle field of Saratoga, one can almost wish that oblivion 
 might blot his name from the future jjages of history. But this 
 could not be. 
 
 To every virtue, doubtless its reward ! To every evil, its 
 avenging sequel ! And, it would almost seem that the avenging 
 sequel to the evil Benedict Arnold wrought, would affright the 
 world against the crime of treason ! 
 
 Wounded before Quebec, Arnold wrote : " I am in the way 
 of duty, and I know no fear." 
 
 " Conscience does make cowards of us all." 
 
 He knew what "fear" was, when he skulked from the presence 
 of Washington and made his traitor flight from West Point, 
 
128 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 It was at Saratoga, a centuiy ago, October ^th, that a shot 
 struck the leg tliat had been wounded at Quebec. Better a 
 thousand times, it had pierced theheait or cleft the brain of him 
 whose own treachery taught him cowardice. 
 A very old couplet runs thus : 
 
 "Burgoyne, alas, unknowing future fates. 
 Could force his way through woods, but not 
 Through gates." 
 
 Unmerited honor is even in this quaint rhyme, bestowed upon 
 one, who, in Schuyler's place, should have stood in citizen's 
 dress beside the commander who received the sword of Bur- 
 goyne. 
 
 The blows that crippled the English general were struck 
 September 19th, and October 7th, 17 "7 7. On the morning of 
 the 19th, both armies were ready for battle. Gates, of whom 
 Bancroft says, " he had no fitness for command, and wanted 
 personal courage," had determined to act upon the defensive 
 within his own lines, and scarcely left his tent throughout the 
 whole of the conflict. Towards noon of the day, a hoarse gun 
 booms its echoes through the surrounding country. It is the 
 signal for the advanced guard of the enemy to move forward. 
 At length a large force push toward the left, right and centre, 
 of the American arn\y. Yielding at last to Arnold's repeated 
 pursuasions and entreaties. Gates permits him to send out 
 Morgan and Dearborn to begin the offensive. American pickets 
 drive back a party of Canadians, tories and savages. Burgoyne 
 prepares to fall upon the American right and centre. Fraser 
 seeks to turn the American left. Arnold makes a rapid and 
 brilliant movement to turn the British right, but fails, because 
 Gates refuses to furnish him with reinforcements. 
 
 Each army now pressed forward with little knowledge of the 
 other's movements, because of the density of the forest. Unex- 
 pectedly-they meet, and a desperate conflict ensues upon the 
 banks of Mill creek, the waters of which run red with blood. 
 Arnold, forced back by Fraser, rallies his men and hurls them 
 upon the foe with an impetuosity that compels the enemy to 
 waver, but with the aid of fresh troops they stand firm. There 
 
THE SUERENDER OF BuRGOYNB. 129 
 
 now comes a lull — like the sudden quiet that precedes the giant 
 storm. ; the pause in which nature seems to steady herself for 
 resistance to the blow that must fall — and the terrible tem- 
 pest of battle is renewed. An intervening wood shelters the 
 Americans. The British are in an open pine forest. Burgoyne 
 recommences his hostilities with a fierce cannonade, orders a 
 bayonet charge, and pushes columns of infantry across the 
 cleared space toward the American troops. The latter, silent 
 and motionless, wait, until the fire of the foe has been drawn, 
 and then hurl themselves with such fury upon them that they 
 are forced back half way. Arnold is at head quarters, plead- 
 ing for reinforcements, in vain. He is told that the battle is 
 again raging. That victory for either side hangs in the balance. 
 Impatiently exclaiming, " I'll soon put an end to it," he mounts 
 his horse and sets off at full speed. His presence infuses new 
 ardor into the troops, and for three hours the conflict rages, 
 closing only when darkness enwraps the scene. "But for Ar- 
 nold on that eventful day," says Lossing, " Burgoyne would 
 doubtless have marched into Albany, at the autumnal equinox, 
 a victor." 
 
 And again during the fearful and decisive battle of October 
 7th, where was General Gates? Directing his orders from the 
 camp, and part of the time engaged in wordy discussions with 
 his prisoner. Sir Francis Clarke, upon the merits of the Revolu- 
 tion. Where was Arnold ? Refused a command through the 
 jealousy of his superior officer, hurt to the core by the indignity 
 thus heaped upon him, he watches with eager eyes the progress 
 of the battle. He sees Morgan hurl himself with resistless 
 fury upon the British right flank and throw it into confusion ; 
 sees Dearborn with fresh troops attack the shattered masses of 
 the foe upon their front ; sees their terrified flight, but marks 
 their rally under the inspiration of Lord Balcarras ; unable 
 longer to keep down the impetuous ardor that forces him to the 
 front, he puts spurs to his horse and rushes headlong into the 
 conflict. Gates instantly sends Major Armstrong to call him 
 back. Arnold beholds him coming, guesses his purpose, and 
 before it can be carried out, is at the head of three regiments, 
 
130 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 and in the very thickest of the contest. From this moment, 
 mid flame and smoke and the terrible heat of battle, he is the 
 master power. With sword in hand, the incarnation of valor, 
 he encourages by voice and action those who follow him even 
 to a point within the enemy's entrenchments. Here, at the 
 head of the troops he has led to victory, the foe in full retreat, 
 wounded and disabled himself and his horse killed beneath him, 
 he is overtaken by Major Armstrong with Gates's order that he 
 return to camp, lest he " might do something rash." The " rash 
 something '' he had already done — made Burgoyne's surrender 
 a foregone conclusion. The student of history, pausing here, 
 might well think a grateful people would erect upon this scene 
 of conspicuous triumph, amonuraent dedicated to Arnold alone. 
 But the corner stone of such a monument will never be laid. 
 And when the monument, of which the corner stone is this day 
 laid, shall lift its granite shaft one hundred and fifty feet to- 
 ward the heavens, there will be niches in the four large gables 
 — three filled with groups of sculptured bronze, representing 
 the three generals, Schuyler, Gates and Morgan, the fourth va- 
 cant, with the word "Arnold " underneath. 
 
 The glory earned by Arnold at Saratoga, is obliterated by 
 his subsequent treason, the reward for which was fifty thousand 
 dollars and the brevet rank of brigadier in the British army. 
 Who shall estimate his punishment ? His countrymen exe- 
 crated him. Even one of his own kin could write the scorching 
 acrostic, pronounced by Lossing to be " bad poetry, and worse 
 sentiment. " 
 
 " Born for a curee to virtue and mankind, 
 Earth's broadest realms ne'er knew so black a mind ; 
 Night's sable veil your crimes can never hide, 
 Each one so great 'twould glut historic tide; 
 Defunct, your cursed memory shall live, 
 In all the glare that infamy can give. 
 Curses of ages will attend your name. 
 Traitors alone will glory in your shame. 
 
 Almighty's vengeance sternly waits to roll 
 Elvers of sulphur on your treacherous son! ; 
 Nature looks slmddering back with conscious dread, 
 On such a tarnished blot as she has made. 
 Let hell receive you, rivetted in chains, 
 Doom'd to the hottest focus of its flames. " 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 131 
 
 And though he received British gold and rank he was de- 
 spised by the nation that bought liira. 
 
 English statesmen refused to speak in the House of Commons, 
 observing Arnold in the gallery. And upon one occasion when 
 George HI was addressing parliament, Benedict Arnold stood 
 at his right hand. Lord Lauderdale, on returning to the 
 Commons, could not restrain an expression of his indignation 
 that his majesty should have been supported by a traitor ! 
 Lord Balcarras, with whom he almost crossed swords at Sara- 
 toga, and who there recognized him as a brave and honorable 
 foe, spurned an introduction, even at the hands of his sovereign, 
 remarking, as he turned upon his heel, " I know General 
 Arnold, and I despise traitors. " A challenge followed from 
 Arnold. The two met. They were to fire simultaneously. 
 The signal being given, Arnold discharged his weapon. Lord 
 Balcarras turned contemptuously away without even deigning 
 to aim. " My lord, " exclaimed Arnold, " why do you not 
 fire ?" " Sir, " said Lord Balcarras, " I leave you to the 
 executioner. " The prejudice of English officers was so great 
 that when he made application to serve in the war between 
 England and France, it was denied because they refused to as- 
 sociate with him. 
 
 Something of an insight into Arnold's own feelings may be 
 obtained from his reply to. Talleyrand, who, knowipg him 
 simply as an American, requested some letters to some friends 
 in his own country. His answer was : " I was born in 
 America, and have lived there ; and I am the only man in the 
 wide world who can raise his hand to heaven and say, ' I have 
 not one friend in America ; no, not one ! My name is Bene- 
 dict Arnold.' " 
 
 The consciousness of crime, the knowledge of the loss of men's 
 regard, the certainty of being an object of loathing, the stings 
 and smitings of conscience are terrible enough, but an immortal,, 
 tainted memory, is more terrible still. Throughout ages to 
 come, thousands in each succeeding generation will visit this 
 spot to view the monument that commemorates the surrender 
 
132 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 of Burgoyne. The niche left vacant, will prompt, forever, the 
 question " wli}^ ?'^ But one answer can be made. 
 
 That niche can never really be vacant — empty to the sight • — 
 Benedict Arnold will fill it. There he will stand, pilloried 
 before the gaze of centuries, ten thousand times more than if a 
 figure of bronze met the eye with the word " traitor " stamped 
 upon it. The designers of the monument leave that vacant 
 niche from no fondness in contemplating the dark crime of 
 the traitor, but because of the lesson it must forever teach. 
 By its warning may it help to enkindle throughout the length 
 and breadth of our land a love of country so fervent, that from 
 henceforth there will be no need for empty niches in any 
 monuments erected upon our soil, to commemorate American 
 achievements.^ 
 
 1 In striking contrast to the sentiments of the acrostic in the text is the following letter, 
 which, itself a model of tenderness and simplicity, was written by Hannah Arnold to 
 Benedict Arnold, and has lately been furnished me through the kindness of Hon. Horatio 
 Seymour. The original is in the possession of Misa A. Varick, New York City.— 
 
 [B. W. T.] 
 
 N. Haten, June, 1875. 
 
 "Dear Brother: 
 
 Take this opportunity pr. Capt. Oswald to congratulate you on your late success in re- 
 ducing Ticonderoga and making yourself master of the vessels on the lakes. Sincerely 
 wish all your future endeavors to serve your country may be crowned with equal success. 
 Pity the fatigue you must unavoidably suffer in the wilderness. But as the cause is un- 
 doubtedly a just one hope you may have health, strength, fortitude and valor for what- 
 ever you may be called to. May the broad hand of the Almighty overshadow you; and 
 if called to battle may the God of armies cover your head in the day of it. Tis to Him 
 and Him only my dear brother that we can look for safety or success. His power is ever 
 able to shield us from the pestilence that walks in darkness and the arrows that fly by 
 noonday. May a Christian resignation to His will strengthen your hands and fortify 
 your heart. May you seek His aid and rest your wbole confidence in Him; and then 
 you will have no fear but t. J at of offending Him ; and if we are to meet no more in time 
 may a wise preparatiou lor eternity secure to us a happy meeting in the realms of bliss, 
 where painful t^eparations are for ever excluded. Tlie mt-n who w^nt under your care to 
 Boston give you the praises of a very humane, tender officer. Hope those now with you 
 may meet with an equal degree of tenderness and humanity. 
 
 Your little family are all well. Benedict is eagt-r to hear everything relative lo his 
 papi. Mr. Mani-field, contrary to all expectation, is again able to ridi! out; and his 
 physicians rhink he is in a fa:r way of recovering a comfortable state of health. Mr. Har- 
 . rison, you have undoubtedly heard, is dead by a fit of the apoplexy. We have^umbers 
 of ]»eople daily coming here from N, York and Boston. Capt. Sears, and Mrs. Brown, 
 and Piatt with several other families from York are now here. The world seems a uni- 
 versal flutter and hurry. What the event will he God only knows. But in all its changes 
 of this I am certain; that your health and prosperity are dear to me as my own. 
 
 Your affectionate sister, 
 
 Hannah Arnold." 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 138 
 
 H. L. GLADDING'S ADDRESS. 
 
 In listening to the eloquent sentences of the gentlemen who 
 have preceded me on this Centennial occasion, I have been re- 
 minded of the words which the great dramatist puts into the 
 mouth of the Archbishop of Canterbury in reference to King 
 Henry V — 
 
 ''When he speaks, 
 The air, a chartered libertine, is still. 
 And the mute wonder hirlteth in men's ears 
 To steal liis sweet and honeyed sentences." 
 
 For the scenes of the decisive events which we to-day celebrate 
 and the deeds of the brave men who were actors in them, have 
 been so graphically portrayed that nothing is needed to be 
 added to the noble tribute which has been here paid to the 
 heroes of October, 1777. 
 
 It is said that on entering the apartment that contains the 
 matchless statue of the Apollo Belvidere, and standing before 
 that most wonderful creation of human genius, there is on the 
 part of the visitor an involuntary straightening up of the figure 
 a standing erect, and a feeling that his own form dilates, be- 
 coming taller and nobler. 
 
 And so to-day, coming among these scenes, and standing upon 
 this consecrated ground made forever memorable by an event 
 which gave form and shape to the future destiny of the young 
 republic, there is an instinctive lifting up of the soul ; and as 
 upon this one hundredth anniversary we gather to reverence 
 the memory of its heroes and to call the roll of those gallant 
 men — Morgan, Dearborne, Learned, Ten Broeck, Lincoln, 
 Glover, Poor, Cilley, Kosciusko and Schuyler, and their no less 
 gallant associates in the ranks — ■ the men who took part in or who 
 were instrumental in bringing about this glorious consummation, 
 among whom were some of the noblest figures that ever stood 
 in the forefront of a nation's life — we to-day cannot fail to be 
 imbued with something of the spirit which animated them and 
 a desire to emulate their noble patriotism and their self-sacrific- 
 ing efforts. 
 
 The declaration of freedom made on the 4th of July, 1776, 
 18 
 
134 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 did not immediately bring forth the fruits of freedom. Years 
 of struggle were necessary. A new-born nation, accustomed 
 only to peaceful pursuits, without a standing army, without a 
 navy, was to confront on many fields of bloody strife an old 
 and powerful government ; a government which through hun- 
 dreds of years had been trained in martial arts, which had 
 amassed great wealth and secured vast material resources, a 
 nation whose armies were the acknowledged conquerors of the 
 earth, and whose flag everywhere proclaimed her the mistress 
 of the seas. 
 
 The year which followed the declaration of independence 
 witnessed little else than a series of disasters to the cause of the 
 colonists. With the exception of Trenton, Princeton and Ben- 
 nington the long list of reverses to our arms was almost un- 
 broken. It was indeed the most gloomy period of the Revolution ; 
 it was the crisis of the struggle of these colonies for independ- 
 ence. Look at the sad record of the year. First the defeat of 
 Putnam on Long Island, of MoDougall at White Plains, of the 
 brave Col. Magaw at Fort Washington, with the loss of two 
 thousand of the best troops in the American army. Then came 
 the abandonment of Ticonderoga, a fortress deemed impregna- 
 ble — the loss of Fort Ann and Fort Edward — the defeat at 
 Hubbardton — the terrible reverse at Brandywine — the defeat 
 of the impetuous Wayne at Paoli — of Washington himself at 
 Germantown — and the loss of Forts Clinton and Montgomery. 
 The mere mention of these names brings to our minds continued 
 scenes of gloom and suffering. For the greater part of the time 
 during these sad months, from August, 1776, to October, 1777, 
 our army, reduced in numbers, depressed by defeat, exhausted 
 by fatigue, naked, barefoot, destitute of tents, and with scanty 
 provisions, was fleeing before a triumphant enemy, who was 
 well appointed and abundantly supplied. And, worse than all, 
 the continued triumphs of the British had produced a common 
 apprehension (in the minds of the people of the middle states at 
 least, if not generally), that any further struggle would be use- 
 less and that this country must eventually return to her allegi- 
 ance to Great Britain. 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 135 
 
 But this long and gloomy night of defeat and disaster was 
 about to pass away, and joy and a new hope was to spring 
 up in the heart of tliis people in the bright morning of victory. 
 
 The conflict of October 7th, 1111, was to demonstrate the 
 fact that the Continental armies were able to meet the martial 
 hosts of Britain and her mercenaries in the open field, and to 
 scatter them as the dead leaves of the forest before a mighty 
 wind. As the armies of ancient Israel, under divine guidance, 
 were to overcome their enemies, however great in numbers or 
 skilled in war, so under the direction of the God of battles were 
 our fathers upon these fields to overcome the proud and power- 
 ful hosts of Great Britain. 
 
 We have heard to-day in glowing words the story of Saratoga. 
 Masters of the art have pictured to us the scenes and incidents 
 of the campaign, which its projectors believed would end 
 in the complete subjection of the colonies to the mother country. 
 We have seen the British general on his triumphant march from 
 Canada, fortress after fortress falling an easy prey into his 
 hands. We have seen the hosts of England crossing the Hud- 
 son and for the first time planting their feet upon the soil of 
 old Saratoga. We have seen Burgoyne's army in holiday attire, 
 with drums beating and colors flying, with furbished arms 
 glistening in the sunlight, marching to what they believed 
 would be an assured victory. We have seen that on the 19th 
 of September, this proud army for the first time learned that 
 their march to Albany was not to be a holiday pastime. We 
 have seen the conflict that day waged on both sides with des- 
 perate valor, a conflict that was only closed by the mantle of 
 night falling over the scene. 
 
 Then we have been brought face to face with the second act 
 in this terrible drama. We have seen the British army, brought 
 to bay on the memorable 7th of October, making a last desperate 
 effort to cut its way through the ranks of the opposing forces, 
 in the hope to join Sir Henry Clinton upon the lower Hudson. 
 
 But it was not so to be. General Burgoyne, who on the 6th 
 of August, wrote so confidently to General Howe, " I shall be 
 in possession of Albany on the 22d or 23d," was indeed to be 
 
136 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 there only a little more than two months later, not however as 
 he had anticipated, in the royal robes of a conqueror, but in the 
 sackcloth of a prisoner of war. Alas ! the sanguine general 
 forgot the proverb — 
 
 " The man who once did sell the lion's skin 
 While the beast lived, was killed with hunting him." 
 
 And so on the 7th of October, 1711, the sun went down upon 
 the leagued hosts of Britain and Germany discomfitted, scattered, 
 overthrown ; and these hosts, with seeming judicial blindness, 
 not availing themselves of their last hope, a speedy retreat,were 
 compelled only ten days later, upon this immediate spot, under 
 the starry flag, then first thrown to the breeze of heaven, to 
 surrender to the hitherto despised army of the colonies. 
 
 " To the sages who epoke, to the heroes who hied, 
 
 To ihe day and the deed strike the harp-etrings of glory; 
 Let the songs of the ransomed remember the dead. 
 
 And the tongue of the eloquent hallow the story ; 
 O'er the hones of the bold be the story long told. 
 
 And on fame's golden tablets their triumphs enrolled. 
 Who on freedom's green hills freedom's banner unfurled, 
 
 And the beacon fire raised that gave light to the world." 
 
 As the great law giver of ancient Israel was permitted from 
 the top of Pisgah to look over into the promised land which 
 was soon to become the possession of the Jewish people, so 
 from these green heights one hundred years ago were our fathers 
 enabled to see in the near future the Canaan of freedom spread- 
 ing out in all its radiant beauty before them, and as the leader 
 of the chosen people rejoiced over the prospect of the promised 
 inheritance of his followers, so did our revolutionary sires in 
 that glad hour rejoice that the reward of all their toils was be- 
 fore them. And all over the colonies the full hearts of strong 
 men overflowed with gratitude and went up to heaven on wings 
 of praise to that God who had given them the victory. 
 
 And there was to be rejoicing elsewhere over this great event, 
 our friends abroad must speedily learn of this glorious success. 
 So the good news goes forth, and the manner in which this news 
 is received in Europe clearly shows that there, as well as here, the 
 event of the surrender of Burgoyne's army was regarded as deci- 
 sive of the final result. "A fast sailing vessel is prepared and a 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoynb. 137 
 
 special messenger goes to carry the tidings to France, the natural 
 ally of the young republic. Tlie messenger crosses the ocean, 
 arrives at Paris, and pushes on rapidly to Dr. Franklin's residence 
 at Passay; but swiftly as he goes a rumor of the arrival of im- 
 portant news precedes him, and on his arrival at Passay he finds 
 the whole circle of official Americans there, who, as the noise 
 of his carriage is heard, hurry out to meet him. Before he has 
 time to alight Dr. Franklin cries out : ' Sir, is Philadelphia 
 taken ?' ' Yes,' replies the messenger, ' but I have greater 
 news than that, Gen. Burgoyne and his whole army are prisoners 
 of war?' The effect was thrilling, electrical, overwhelming, 
 indescribable." In a few days all Europe rang with the news, 
 and except the tory party and the holders of English stocks all 
 Europe rejoiced at it. France immediately threw off the veil 
 with which she had endeavored to conceal her intentions and 
 notified the British government that she had concluded a treaty 
 of alliance, friendship and commerce wi'h the American states. 
 On the 18th of December, only sixty days after the surrender 
 of Burgoyne, M. Gerard informed the American commissioners 
 that, after mature deliberation, his majesty Louis XVI, had 
 determined to recognize the independence of the United 
 States, and that he would not only recognize it, but would 
 support it with all the means in his power. And the deeds 
 of this great nation proved the honesty of her words ; her 
 material aid was prompt and effective. The French govern- 
 ment-- which had at that time a navy that equalled if it did 
 not exceed Great Britain's — at once fitted out a squadron under 
 Count D'Estaing, which in the spring of 1778 sailed for the 
 United States. 
 
 In England the alarm created by the tidings of Burgoyne's 
 surrender was increased by the still more fatal news that the 
 disaster had roused the Bourbon courts to avenge the humilia- 
 tion of the seven years' war. The most brilliant success had 
 been expected in the campaign, the most ignominious result had 
 occurred ; the pride of the British nation was humbled, and 
 those who had disapproved of the war poured upon the ministry 
 a torrent of invective. The Duke of Richmond and a large 
 
138 Centennial Celebkation of 
 
 number of whigs openly advocated the acknowledgment of Ame- 
 rican independence. That noble man and true friend of the 
 colonies, Lord Chatham, in the British parliament pressed for 
 peace, saying with prophetic ken, " You can never conquer Ame- 
 rica, never, never, never!" When we remember that six months 
 after this that great man breathed his last, we may conclude that 
 
 " The sunset of life gave him mystical lore, 
 And coming events cast their shadows before." 
 
 Even in the minds of the British ministry all hope of con- 
 quering America had disappeared. Under these circumstances 
 the cabinet determined to grant to the colonies all that they had 
 demanded at the beginning of the contest. Two bills of a 
 pacific character were passed by parliament, one of which pro- 
 hibited any further imposition of taxes upon the colonies, and 
 commissioners were sent to America to effect a reconciliation. 
 But it was too late, the Rubicon had been passed. Congress 
 refused to treat with the commissioners until Great Britain 
 should withdraw her fleets and armies or acknowledge the in- 
 dependence of these states. 
 
 Had it not been for the insane obstinacy of one man, the close 
 of the year I'rVV would have witnessed the acknowledgment on 
 the part of Great Britain of American independence. But King 
 George III was not ready to acknowledge the inevitable. The 
 monarch who in 1774 had vauntingly said, "Four regiments 
 will be sufficient to bring the Americans to their senses," was 
 not quite prepared to acknowledge his mistake. The obstinacy 
 of the king, which was only equalled by his ignorance and 
 vulgarity, was clearly shown -in the terms which he proposed 
 to Germaine (Lord Shelburne) upon his accession to office as 
 state secretary. The king said to Germaine, I will be plain 
 with you ; the point next my heart, and which I am determined 
 never to relinquish but with my crown and life, is to prevent a 
 total unequivocal recognition of the independence of America," 
 and he added, "pi-omise to support me in this matter and I will 
 leave you unmolested in every other and with full power as the 
 prime minister oC this kingdom." 
 
 Upon this one hundredth anniversary of the great event which 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 139 
 
 more than any other event of the Revolution led the way to the 
 practical realization of American independence, we take the 
 first steps to commemorate the decisive deed. It is proposed 
 upon this corner stone to erect a shaft which in its colossal pro- 
 portions and stately grandeur shall fitly tell to coming ages the 
 story of the glorious deeds of October, 1777. 
 
 The noblest obelisk now upon the soil of America is that one 
 which rears its top heavenward from the crest of Bunker Hill. 
 It is indeed a grand structure, worthy of the gallant deeds it 
 commemorates and of the noble state upon whose bosom it rests. 
 
 But if there is a spot in all this broad land, from the waves 
 of the stormy Atlantic to the shores of the mild Pacific, upon 
 which should be erected an enduring monument with a broader 
 base and more lofty proportions than all others it is here upon 
 these consecrated heights of old Saratoga, where our fathers 
 taught the chivalry of England and the pride of Britain's 
 soldiery that in a righteous cause they were invincible, and 
 where the world learned the lesson that these united colonies 
 were destined to be, as they of right ought to be, free and in- 
 dependent states. 
 
 Let the people of the Empire state see to it that the stain 
 wldch has hitherto rested upon her proud escutcheon, in failing 
 to recognize and honor these great events, is speedily eilaced. 
 Let them see to it that neither the tardiness of legislation nor 
 the opposition of the executive is allowed longer to hinder this 
 laudable work. The great state of New York owes it to her- 
 self in this matter to at once refute the libel which asserts the 
 ingratitude of republics. " It is time to arise and build !" and 
 the good work commenced let it go steadily on to full comple- 
 tion. Let this monument ascend in its simple grandeur until 
 the top stone shall be brought forth with shoutings of grace, 
 grace unto it. The men of Massachusetts commenced the shaft 
 on Bunker Hill, but they left the work for the women of Massa- 
 chusetts to complete. All honor to the noble women of the 
 old Bay state for their high purpose, their indomitable resolu- 
 tion, their unwavering faith. But whether it shall be the men 
 of New York who shall do this work, or whether by their failure 
 
140 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 it shall become necessary for the noble, patriotic women of this 
 great state to assume the responsibility, the work will go on, 
 this monument will surely be built. 
 
 And, as was said by Mr. Webster in regard to Bunker Hill 
 monument so let the people say in regard to the Saratoga 
 monument, " let it rise until it meets the sun in his coming ; let 
 the first rays of the morning gild it and the last beams of ex- 
 piring day linger and play upon its summit." 
 
 A. A. YATES'S ADDRESS. 
 
 This is a strange as well as memorable place. Though here a 
 mighty republican empire was born, and here kingly rule met 
 its death-blow, the precise spot where a ceremony occurred that 
 was the pageantry of a nation's birth, is yet the subject of de- 
 bate and discussion. Men have wandered over meadow and 
 through ravine, by brookside and river, to seek in some strag- 
 gling patch of earthwork, some excavation that looks like a 
 rifle pit, for the convincing proof of the place where John Bur- 
 goyne made his last parade. The memories of those gone be- 
 fore us have been called up, that the testimony of the dead 
 might set at rest the doubts of the living — the aid of nature 
 invoked, that her speaking face should show us the way or give 
 some landmark that should stand like a way-side shriae beside 
 the place where a heroic deed was done, or gleam like a star 
 over the spot where a hundred years ago the young child of 
 liberty lay. 
 
 Marvelous indeed is it that, though the splendid achievement 
 which this monument shall commemorate, is so young that its 
 record has but just become impartial history — so far from old 
 in the world's story that it has no right to put on the silver 
 crown of tradition — yet the visible signs of it are as indistinct 
 as the dust and ashes in the Englishman's coflfin — as untrace- 
 able as the Hessian's level grave. Embankment and fortress, 
 earthwork and embrasure have been flattened by the hundred 
 heavy hands of the century, or ploughed and riven and harrowed 
 out of all resemblance to war by the hvisbandman of peace. 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 141 
 
 We believe we uve standing now where we should be, on the 
 sacred spot where our fathers stood in the happy hour of their 
 triumph ■ — that the white spire shall glisten in the morning like 
 a finger pointing upward from the very place where they raised 
 their country from despair to faith, that it shall lay its shadow 
 at evening along the pathway where the brave man walked to 
 give up his sword to braver men. 
 
 We have in times gone by cared but little to know of the 
 earlier days. In our splendid progress the eyes of a people, the 
 youngest on earth, have been earnestly gazing into the future. 
 The centennial has come upon us with a bound. Startled — 
 surprised, in our young manhood, this magnificent young giant 
 of a Republic halts, astonished at its strength, marveling at its 
 own progress. With all our conscious power — our free, young 
 .healthy life, there comes over us a sense of deep and lasting 
 gratitude, a feeling of unutterable and thankful reverence for 
 the grand and sturdy ancestors, whose stubborn, stalwart hero- 
 ism on fields like this made free the land we love. And we 
 pause in unspeakable sorrow to reflect, that while England 
 knows just where King John stood six centuries ago when he 
 surrendered to a favored few the rights of freemen, that while 
 the Irishman knows just where his countryman won imperish- 
 able renown at Fontenoy, and Prussia can show just where the 
 great Frederic won his most splendid victory, we are arguing 
 as to which side of the stream it was where the Lord of Eng- 
 land discovered in sorrow and defeat that he could not be mas- 
 ter of America. We shall take better care of history in the 
 future 1 
 
 We are gathered to-day, some of us children's children of the 
 very men who stood here a hundred years ago, all representing 
 different shades of political belief and social life — every one of 
 us just like the men conquered here — brethren of the same loyal 
 faith in our beloved land — fellow citizens united in one com- 
 mon sentiment that overshadows all others. 
 
 And we are looking back with intense interest upon the pan- 
 orama that passed in review before the world's eye just a cen- 
 tury ago. Thanks to one historic artist who has hunted up the 
 19 
 
142 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 old picture from the national garret, given over in our thought- 
 lessness to rust and decay, as useless incumbrance and by the 
 touch of restoring genius has given it to us in all its brilliant 
 hues we can see it distinctly. 
 
 Who are we that look upon it : democrats and republicans? 
 No ; a thousand times. No ! Old revolutionary whigs ! Not 
 a tory or the son of a tory among us ! 
 
 Are we conjecturing who shall be governor next year, presi- 
 dent two years after ; who shall be postmaster of Saratoga or 
 town clerk of Stillwater ? Are we longfaced or chuckling over 
 the election returns from Ohio ? 
 
 Thank heaven ! No. We are all with one accord doing 
 homage to those who made presidents and governors possible, 
 and filled honored graves before little Ohio was born. 
 
 What a grand spectacle it is and what a strange picture it, 
 presents ! 
 
 On either side, drawn up in parallel lines stand the conquer- 
 ors, in every style of garment, with every hue of dress known 
 to the man of a hundred years ago. Not decked for a holiday 
 parade — this is the first they have had for many a weary 
 month and the smell of the fire of Bemis's Heights is yet upon 
 their garments, the stain of Stillwater powder on their bronzed 
 faces. Hej'e and there perhaps a uniform of blue and buff, 
 powdered hair, shining boots and showy laces on neck and wrist, 
 mark the stylish officer whose pride is as mighty as his bravery. 
 On the left the faded green and yellow of Morgan's riflemen. 
 Let us recognize them with applause. They came from under 
 a southern sky to rush beside their northern brethren against 
 their common enemy. We trust in a good providence that is 
 making their descendants our brethren once more, that their 
 children will never again be found anywhere else. 
 
 And who are these who march between the lines ? 
 
 Lords and gentlemen, the pet and flower of the English army 
 glittering in epauleted splendor, flaring in scarlet and gold, 
 downcast, sullen, disappointed brave men, put down by the iron 
 will and resolute valor of men who with home behind them and 
 home in their hearts no army could subdue. 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoynb. 143 
 
 And who are these who wear neither English dress, nor Eng- 
 lish faces, at the sight of whom the colonist grows stern and 
 hard in face and at whom he mutters a smothered curse. These 
 are they left of those whom John Stark hunted up hill and down 
 dale, who, driven through ravine and underbrush and hounded 
 like beasts of prey, thank the Lord for their rest at last, the 
 hireling Hessians learning the lesson yet taught to-day that he 
 who serves the cause of wrong for place or money will sooner 
 or later in this broad land of ours find not rest for the crown of 
 his head or the sole of his foot. 
 
 Within sight of the strange scene, the commanders of either 
 army — the one massive and haughty, the very type of his pow- 
 erful nation beyond the sea, the other shorter, plainly dressed, 
 rugged of face — look upon the scene. 
 
 Within sound of the rejoicing is the displaced commander 
 whose patient courage and brave soul was but illy rewarded 
 when the laurel of victory was snatched from his grasp. 
 Within sight of the lovely village that bears his honored name 
 posterity in this hour of commemoration does full and ample 
 justice to the courage and valor and magnanimity of Philip 
 Schuyler. 
 
 Another was absent from the place where the fruits of his 
 rash mad braveiy were to be gathered. Smarting from the 
 wound that gave him more mental suffering than bodily pain, 
 when it took him from the sight of his humiliated enemy, the 
 then gallant soldier was fretting and fuming, his impetuous, 
 fiery and turbulent nature chained down upon a couch of 
 agony. 
 
 Would to heaven that after the. 19th of September the histor- 
 ian had no more to record of Benedict Arnold. A hundred 
 years ago this day this land of ours rang with his praises and 
 gloried in his splendid name. To-day the sculptor, in obedience 
 to a merciful command, permits the blank unchiseled tablet to 
 be expressionless in the story of his shame, — to be faceless and 
 formless, that his face and form may be hidden from the peo- 
 ple he betrayed, that the sculptured silence above his name shall 
 mutely tell of the undeserved forbearance, the unfeigned sor- 
 row of posterity. 
 
144 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 There were mellow lights and gloomy shadows in the days 
 that followed — the land was chequered with the brightness 
 and gloom of victory and disaster, but now in the broad light 
 of history that streams upon this place in this, the meridian of 
 our national greatness, we know that the morning of our de- 
 liverance broke upon us here — and there is no place on earth 
 where the monumental tribute of a nation's pride could more 
 fitly be placed, to stamp the soil with a people's unforgetting 
 gratitude and crown it with the mausoleum of its heroic deeds. 
 
 What a splendid lesson was handed down by the men of that 
 stern day to the men of this, written all over the long miles 
 that were trodden down by the feet of contending armies then, 
 that are brilliant with the victories of peace to-day ! 
 
 Nations, so runs the story of the world, must be born like 
 man in pain and travail. But to march on in progressive great- 
 ness there must be years of peace on earth, good will to men. 
 This vast battle field has been restored to the farmer, not by 
 the hand of science nor by the level of the engineer. Military 
 genius has not flattened the earthwork which military genius 
 reared. Long years of patient labor has made the battle wil- 
 derness to bloom, the seamed and scarred ravine to blossom 
 with the fruits of the better days of peace. In the fate of him 
 whose splendid courage and restless genius was the life and 
 soul of yonder battle for the rights of the people, let the sel- 
 fishness that prostitutes the country's good to gratify the pas- 
 sion of personal resentment, or subserve personal ambition, 
 take a solemn warning. No glitter of splendid achievement 
 on field or forum will reconcile the people of this land to the 
 betrayal of the people's lasting good for the price of money, for 
 office or for sectional hatred and the president, senator or sol- 
 dier who forgets this lesson may remember it in horror in a 
 fall like Arnold's. 
 
 It was shoulder to shoulder, with the touch of elbow that 
 brought the conquerors through many red days of carnage to 
 this place of triumph. It was the northern and the southern 
 soldier who fought the fight for the good of the whole people. 
 It is in the Union created Oct. llih, 1777, it is in the Union re- 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 145 
 
 stored October 17, 1877, that by the blessing of God this go- 
 vernment of the people, by the people and for the peoi)le, shall 
 not perish from the earth. 
 
 Let then this monument rise till it meets the sun iu its com- 
 ing, whose first rays lingering on Mount Willard to gild the 
 spot where the faithful sentry stood, shall glitter and play upon 
 its summit. Grand and everlasting, its solid firmness shall com- 
 memorate the faith of those who stood as proudly here one hun- 
 dred years ago and perpetuate the memory of those whose dust 
 has been traceless for a century within sight of its spire. Let 
 the last rays of the evening fasten its shade on the pathway our 
 fathers walked amid the ringing praises of their grateful coun- 
 trymen. 
 
 Let us all come closer together beneath its base. We too 
 have had our sorrows We have had our killed in battle. We 
 have the mourners who go about our streets — we have the 
 widow and the fatherless — we have our poor in heart. 
 
 The evening of our first century has been red as theirs with 
 the scarlet tinge of blood. Webster's awful foreboding has 
 been realized. The land has been rent with civil discord and 
 drenched with fraternal blood, but we, like the men who 
 gathered here, have had our triumph and heart-elating victory, 
 and we can thank the God of our fathers that the statesman's as- 
 piration has been realized, that the new flag first unfolded here, 
 waves over a land happy, free and prosperous, that there is in- 
 scribed upon it no such motto as " what is all this worth" or that 
 other miserable inscription, " Liberty now and Union after- 
 wards," but written all over its bright folds as it floats over 
 the land and over the sea those other memorable words, 
 "Liberty and Union now and forever, one and inseparable." 
 
146 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 GENERAL J. WATTS De PEYSTER'S ODE, 
 
 Read by Rev. D. K. Van Dokbn. 
 
 THE SURRENDER OP -BURGOYNE, " SARATOG," 17th 
 OCTOBER, 1777. 
 
 Brothers, this spot is holy ! — Look around ! — 
 
 Before us flows our mem'ry's sacred river. 
 Whose banks are Freedom's Shrines. This grassy mound, 
 
 The altar, on whose height the Mighty Giver 
 Gave Independence to our country ; when. 
 Thanks to its brave, enduring, patient men. 
 The invading host was brouglit to bay, and laid 
 Beneath "Old Glory's" new born folds, the blade. 
 The brazen thunder-throats, the pomp of war, 
 And England's yoke, broken forever more. 
 
 Like a destroying angel, Burgoyne's host 
 
 Burst through Ticonderoga's bulwarks, hoary ; 
 
 And flaming wrecks, wide ruin 'long its coast, 
 Renew'd past awful scenes of Champlain's story, 
 
 "When France's Lilies dy'd themselves in blood. 
 
 Floated to triumph on Algonquin flood — 
 
 Made William Henry's siege a tale of horror — 
 
 Made Abercrombie's failure land-wide sorrow. 
 
 Like many conflicts though right bravely fought — 
 
 The only comfort was by Schuyler brought. 
 
 Our frontier people shrunk before the scai'e ; ' 
 
 The load was left for Schuyler 'lone to bear. 
 
 And how he bore it, now, at length, we know ; 
 How steadfastly he damm'd the crimson tide ; 
 Baffled and stopp'd the five-fold stronger foe ; ^ 
 
 1 The scare or panic which succeeded the first appearance of Bnrgoyne was of the 
 same character with that which shook the whole country after Bull Run First, 2l8t of 
 July, 1861, and was equally causeless , The people recovered from it much quicker in 
 1777 than In 1861, for Oriskanyandits rich harvest, due to Schuyler, which hroke the spell, 
 was fought exactly one month to a day after the fall of Ticonderoga, whereas the victory 
 won by General Thomas, the Schuyler of the Slaveholders' Rebellion, at Mill Spring 
 which taught the North that, under an honest and able leader, theirs were the best men, 
 was not achieved until the 19th of January, 1862, six months after the first battle of Bull 
 Run. 
 
 2 Allen says Schuyler did not have over 1,000 men at Fort Edward, and even after he 
 got down to Half-Moon, it would appear that the majority of his troops were boys, old 
 men, negroes and parti-colored, If the real truth conld be reached, there is very little 
 question but that proof exists that Burgoyne had over 10,000 men, regulars, provincials 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 147 
 
 To timid couusela hero strength supplied. 
 Burgoyne victorious, ere lie lelt Champlain, 
 Startled precciv'd his brilliant prospects -wane; 
 Saw in the Lion's path a Nimrod stand; 
 Saw all his mighty projects counterplann'd ; 
 Ere Burgoyne reached the Hudson, fast empoign'd 
 In Schuyler's grasp, he felt he was " Burgoyn'd." 
 
 O mighty soul ! — by envious souls decried, 
 
 New York's great son in giant height now stands ; 
 Argus to watch, Ulysses to decide, 
 
 Gath'ring resources with Briarean bands, 
 His the victorious field Harkheimer made 
 St. Leger's foil, stopp'd Johnson's tiger raid ; 
 Fort Stanwix sav'd, the Mohawk valley sav'd — 
 Was all his work, who coward counsels brav'd ; 
 Stak'd honor, fortune, all, upon the throw. 
 So by the cast he beat his country's foe ; 
 Oriskany is due to New York's son ; 
 Likewise to Schuyler's brain is Bennington, 
 Fought on our own state soil, on Hoosic's hill, 
 Vict'ries that yet the nation's pulses thrill. 
 At length Burgoyne, the haughty, brought to bay 
 
 At Saratoga knew our country's might ; 
 At Freeman's Farm saw triumph fade away ; 
 
 Saw Hope itself take wings on Bemis Height. 
 Barr'd, baffled, beaten, crippled, short of food. 
 In vain his ciaft, his vel'ran multitude. 
 Caught in the toils through which he could not break, 
 (Jhain'd like a victim to the fatal stake 
 Just where we stand — thanks to Sabbaoth's Lord 
 Boasting Burgoyne gave up his vet'ran sword. 
 
 Here Albion's battle flag, which, round the world. 
 Following the sun at morning-gun 's uufurl'd. 
 Here, where we stand, the crucial flag of Mars 
 Stoop'd, in surrender, to our Stripes and Stars 
 Where at an army's head, was first display'd 
 Our Starry Flag with triumph's halo ray'd. 
 
 or loyalists, Cauadians and Indians, when he started on this expedition, He himself 
 admits 7,86S men. Schuyler at Fort Edward, when Burgoyne was within twenty-one 
 miles of him, had only 1,500 miserably furnished troops. Burgoyne surrendered, valida 
 and invalids, 5,'763 men to Gates; who had, besides staff, bateau-men, artificers, etc., a 
 force numbering 18,624, according to otBcial returns. Gov, and Gen. Clinton of New 
 York estimated the forces of Gen. Gates at between 28,000 and 24,000 armed men. 
 
148 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 A century since Burgoyne surrender'd here ! ' 
 British dominion its Centennial year 
 Had just completed — which its Lion tore 
 Prom Holland's zone, the richest gem it bore, — 
 And now assembled thus, we celebrate 
 The triumph sure which seal'd th' invader's fate ; 
 Without this deed. Freedom had not been ours; 
 Without this fact, unbroken Britain's powers ; 
 Burgoyne defeated, France became our friend, 
 A source of strength on which we could depend. 
 For all that War's strong sinews constitute — 
 To foster Freedom's tree — 'neatli us the root. 
 
 All was decided here, and at this hour 
 
 Our sun leap'd up, though clouds still veil'd its power. 
 
 From Saratoga's hills we date the birth, — 
 
 Our Nation's birth among the powers of earth. 
 
 Not back to '76 New Yorker's date : 
 
 The mighty impulse launched our " Ship of State" 
 
 'Twas given here — where shines our rising sun 
 
 Excelsior! These hills saw victory won. 
 
 This vale the cradle where the colonies 
 
 Grew into states — despite all enemies, 
 
 Yes, on this spot — Thanks to our Gracious God 
 
 Where last in conscious arrogance it trod, 
 
 Defil'd as captives Burgoyne's conquer'd horde; 
 
 Below ° their general yielded up his sword 
 
 There' to our flag bow'd England's, battle-torn. 
 
 Where now we stand * th' United States was born ! 
 
 ' The New Netherlands were not definitely ceded to Great Britain, and did not become 
 permanently New York until the 9th February, 1674, by the peace signed at Westmins- 
 ter. The city of New Amsterdam or New York, was not finally yielded up, however, 
 until the 10th November, 1674. 
 
 '' " Below.^' On the alluvial flat, a few feet distant from the foundation of the contem- 
 plated Saratoga Monument (according to W. L. Stone), Burgoyne went through the 
 ceremony of resigning his sword to Gates. The Duke de Rochefoucauld-Liancourt (il, 
 302) who visited "Saratog'' in 1795, siiys that the ceremony took place in the courtyard 
 of Schuyler's ruined homestead. 
 
 2 " There.^' About a hundred rods to the front and eastward, near the site of old Fort 
 Hardy and present village of Schuylerville, the British forces laid down their arms. 
 
 * " Here inhere we stand." The Convention of Snratocra traversed all the British plans, 
 lost to ihe Crown an army which could not be replaced, won by the colonies the French 
 alliance, without whose men, material and money, independence was siill an impossi- 
 bility. Anil afterwards no great general battle was fought, nor did the English achieve 
 a single success which led, even comparatively speaking', to import-mt results. The sun 
 of the 17th of October, 1777, witnessed the safe delivery of the infant United S tates . 
 
THE Surrender of Burqoyne. 149 
 
 Note by the Editor to the Preceding Poem. 
 
 The writer of these verses lias endeavored to convey in a few lines facts 
 worthy of reuiembnuico, which thus concisely put could be recalled with- 
 out excu'tion, and read or listened to without fatigue. Tlie facts thus 
 grouped together in rhyme, and so briefly presented, were the result, how- 
 ever, of years of tlie closest study. Tlie autlior's researches had already 
 borne fruit in a series of publications. The most prominent of these was 
 an " Annual .\ddress," delivered on the 33d of January, 1877, before the 
 New York Historical Society, and entitled " Major General Schuyler and 
 the Burgoyne CainDaiu:n, in the summer of 1777:" June, October, 1777; 
 "Justice to Schuyler," published in the New York Citizen, Gitisen and 
 Round Table, in or about January, 1808; also "Schuyler and Practical 
 Strategy," published in the Army and Nanj Journal, 27th January, 1865, 
 vol. lit, page 336. The last two were published in 1876, as a Monograph, 
 with notes. In addition to these, the author. Major General J. Watts de 
 Peyster, prepared a series of nineteen articles, bearing the general title 
 " The Revolutionary Year, 1777," which came out in the New York 
 Evening Mail and New York Mail. The first appeared on the 5th of 
 April, and tlie nineteenth on the 13th December, 1877. The series treated 
 of all the prominent events of " the real beyond contradiction. Centennial 
 year." Thejr filled nearly thirty columns of this Ecening Daily. Overand 
 above this immense labor, the same exponent of the truth of American 
 history, wrote twelve voluminous articles on "the Burgoyne Campaign" 
 for the New York Dully Times, treating in detail, not only the Burgoyne 
 Campaign, proper, but all the military operations bearing upon or con- 
 nected with the same. These occupied at least thirty-six columns brevier 
 and agate type in this prominent daily journal. Some of them were pro- 
 nounced by experts to be exhaustive of facts and authorities. Nor was 
 this the entirety of his labors. He furnished a monograph and poem on 
 the Battle of Oriskany, with notes to Stone's New York Military Oasette, 
 of the loth November, 1860, and a detailed article on the same subject to 
 the New York Historical Magazine (new series, vol. v, No. 1), for January 
 1869. The poem which first appeared in the Military Gazette, was con- 
 sidered of sufficient merit to be translated into German and lepublishedin 
 Hon. Priedrich Kapp's " Qerchichte der deutchen Anwanderung in Ame- 
 rika," vol. 1, " Oeschichte der Deutselien in 8taate New York bis zum 
 anfange des neunzehnten Jahrhundert," New York, 1867, pages 389-90. It 
 was again reproduced in the Staats Zeitung, of the 6th of August, 1877. 
 His second poem on Oriskany, written for the occasion, was read at the 
 Centennial Anniversary of this decisive battle, noteworthy in connection 
 with the battles and capitulation of Saratoga, because it did decide the fate 
 of the Burgoyne Campaign. This received the most flattering notice from 
 the press throughout the state as well as elsewhere. 
 
 The motive for all this work was patriotism in the sense in which it was 
 applied in olden times when a man's sympathies were not expected to 
 embrace a continent: Love of New York, the Empire state in the truest 
 sense of such an appellation, imperial even in its errors. With gradually 
 developing thought, even New England has attained the majesty of justice 
 to Schuyler (see Stevens's Burgoyne Campaign, page 37). 
 20 
 
150 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 Alas ! this justice conies just one century too late. New England's envy 
 and injustice, in 1777, deprived Schuyler of his glory ia the very hour of 
 triumph. New England, for which Washington had so little good and so 
 much bitter both to say and to write. 
 
 All the conflicts of the Burgoyue campaign were fought on New York 
 soil, and all the great factors in the triumph, except the mere nominal chief 
 actor, were born within the limits of the original colony, of the New 
 Netherlands, afterwards New York. Children of its soil fought out the 
 question, on the Upper Hudson (underlying Fort Anne), at Oriskany, and 
 in the passes of the Highlands. Namesake and kinsman, blood relation and 
 conuectiou, neighbor and dependant, met breast to breast, to solve the 
 great problem whether their country should be happier, under a consti- 
 tutional monarchy, or a constitution aud congress. 
 
 They did not decide it then, and it is an enigma which still remains un- 
 solved. Events are tending fast to its solution, but the tangled skein is 
 certainly not yet entirely unravelled. 
 
 What scathing words Washington hurls around him, at various mem- 
 bers of the old original Thirteen. He is unsparing. New England does 
 not escape, nor Pennsylvania, nor even his own native Virginia. 
 
 "In 1777 (says Theodore Parker in his Historic Americans) v/han the 
 British held Philadelphia, and Washington went into winter-quarters at 
 Valley Forge, only a day's march off, at a time of the greatest peril, the 
 * * slate of Pennsylvania had but twelve hundred militia in the field to 
 defend their own firesides." " Pennsylvania * * did little for independ- 
 ence." 
 
 These are quotations. If the charges are unfounded let the author 
 justify thijm. One fact is patent, just as in 1868 and 1863 Pennsylvania 
 had to call, in 1777, upon her sister slates to protect her homesteads. 
 
 Meanwhile what is the record of the Rev. William Gordon (111, 399), 
 in regard to New York, which, " though consuming at both ends, and . 
 bleeding at every pore, had her complement of Continental troops (con- 
 gress soldiers, regulars), in the field ; beside having raised in the month 
 of May [1780], eight hundred new levies to guard the frontiers." 
 
 In 1780, when New York wiis devastated (at its heart) by her owh off- 
 spring, while thus sufl'ering and still exerting itself, several of her sister 
 states were in full and peaceable possession of tlieir territories, seemingly 
 slept in security, and had not a third of their quota in the field." "Yet 
 (at this very peiiod) in 1779-80, General Arnold, the traitor, with less 
 than two thousand men (British, regulars and loyalists) ravaged the whole 
 state of Virginia for two years. Jefferson did nothing against him." 
 [Purleer's IKstoric Americans, Washington, 144.) Nor was the Father of 
 his Country less severe on the original Colonial Virginia Militia or Pro- 
 vincial troops. (1 hid, 86-88.) 
 
 This theme might be pursued with healthful instructiveness through 
 pages for the edification not merely of the men of the day, but of posterity, 
 to show that not only werethe sliores of the noble river (which bears 
 his name), "the loveliest country (according to Hudson) on which the foot 
 of man was ever set," but the men who were bred and born along this 
 majestic stream audits aflluents, were worthy of such a partial soil. 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 151 
 
 The pen labors to reproduce all the honors that cluster around New 
 York. 
 
 " The curtains of yesterday drop down, the curtains of to-morrow roll up, 
 but yesterday and to-morrow, both are!" 
 
 Tlie first North American Colonial Congress met at New York, on the 
 call of Leister in 1690 (Lamb, 1, 379). The second (by many styled the 
 first), celebrated Congress, consisting of delegates from all the colonies, 
 convened by order of the Lords of Trade, at Albany in 1754 (Lamb, 1, 
 640). 
 
 The fate of the thirteen colonies was decided in the state of New 
 York, one hundred years ago ; and the first president of the Uniled States 
 was inaugurated in the cily of New York, eighty-eight yeais ago, in a 
 building, Federal Hall, whose site was a gifl to his native city, one hundred 
 and eighty-five years ago, by the then mayor, the lineal ancestor of the 
 writer of the poem which precedes this note. 
 
 So much space has been devoted to this illustration, because if General 
 de Peyster's part in the exercises on the 17lh Oct., 1877, at Schuylerville 
 was comparatively small, his " chivalric" labors to place the state of New 
 York upon the grand elevation its majesty deserves, have not been ex- 
 ceeded by any " son of the soil," since first it had a literature and records. 
 
 THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER, PREPARED FOR 
 THE OCCASION BY COL. B. C. BUTLER. 
 
 Read by William L. Stone. 
 
 say, can you see, by the dawn's early light. 
 
 On Saratoga's broad plains what so proudly is streaming, 
 
 Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight. 
 O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. 
 
 For our fathers this day, to this field made their way 
 
 To glory, in the conquest of the foes prond array.. 
 
 And the- star spangled banner in triumph shall wave, 
 
 O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave. 
 
 In its field stood the plow, the axe ceased in the wood, 
 
 From his log cabin gladly, the wild hunter sallied. 
 From city and glen, they came like a flood 
 
 To the ranks where the brave and the valiant were rallied. 
 O let Stillwater's Heights, and Saratoga's dread fight 
 Tell how nobly our sires, fought and bled for the right, 
 While the star spangled banner in triumph doth wave. 
 O'er the land of the free, and the hoine of the brave. 
 
 This day, when our sires trod on scepter and chain, 
 And the foes of proud Britain were scattered before us, 
 
 Then went up to heaven with loudest acclaim 
 From the hearts of true freemen, that victory is o'er us. 
 
 'Twas Huzzah ! Huzzah ! from the lake to the shore, 
 
152 Centennial Celebration oe 
 
 Our cause it has triumphed, we are subjects no more — 
 The star spangled banner in triumpli doth wave, 
 O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave. 
 
 0, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand 
 
 Between their loved home and the foes' desolation, 
 Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-blest laud, 
 
 Praise the power that hath blest, and preserved it a nation. 
 Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just, 
 And this be our motto, "In God is our trust," 
 And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave. 
 O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave. 
 
 LETTERS FROM BENSON J. LOSSING, MRS. ELLEN 
 HARDIN WALWORTH, GILES B. SLOGUM, AND 
 STEPHEN D. KIRK OF CHARLESTON, S. C. 
 
 Read by Col. D. F. Ritchie. 
 
 BENSON J. LOSSING'S LETTER. 
 
 The Ridge, Dover Plains P. O., ) 
 
 Dutchess Co., N. Y., Oct. 15, 1875. \ 
 
 William L. Stone, Esq. : 
 
 My Dear Sir — I find, at the last moment, that circumstances 
 will deny me the enjoyment of participating in the ceremonies 
 at Saratoga on Wednesday. 
 
 I have anticipated much gratification in revisiting the region 
 of Burgoyne's disaster, over which I traveled twenty -nine years 
 ago, with pencil and note-book in hand, guided in my researches 
 on Bemis's Heights, by Mr. Nelson, Avho, I believe, still lives in 
 Arnold's headquarters. 
 
 The mention of Arnold's name opens to view the unpleasant 
 scene in the career of the " conqueror of Burgoyne," which 
 Americans are willing to conceal by a curtain drawn by the 
 hand of charity in behalf of human weakness. I mean the cul- 
 mination of the intrigues of Gen! Gates to obtain the honorable 
 position held by Gen. Schuyler as commander of the Northern 
 Department, whose judicious management with feeble means 
 had seeured the victory to Saratoga before the battle was fought. 
 
THE SUKRENDER OE BURSOTNE. 163 
 
 The unselfish patriotism of Schuyler, seconcl to that of no 
 man engaged in the grand struggle for liberty in America a 
 hundred years ago, was manifested in various ways. He never 
 let personal feeling or interest stand in the way of the public 
 good. When Gates came as his successor in command of the 
 army and treated him with marked supercilliousness, Schuyler 
 endured the cruel sting with calmness, and not only offered but 
 promptly and generously gave to Gates his services and his 
 influence which secured a triumph for the haughty commander 
 and the patriot cause. He saw with deep concern the danger 
 with which the cause was menaced by Gates's Jealousy of Arnold ; 
 and he expressed that concern orally and in letters to his friends; 
 but he never uttered a word in derogation of Gates who, with 
 the aid of his friends in congress, had cruelly wronged Schuyler. 
 
 The lofty character of that patriot is displayed in some private 
 letters which Schuyler addressed, at the time, to Colonel Richard 
 Varick, who had been his military secretary and aide-de-camp, 
 and was his much loved friend. These letters, in unpublished 
 manuscript, are before me. They have a peculiar interest in 
 connection with this centennial celebration. I make the two or 
 three subjoined extracts from them. Two days after the first 
 battle on Bemis's Heights (Sept. 21, 1777), Schuyler wrote to 
 Col. Varick, who was in the field in front of Burgoyne : 
 
 "I am exceedingly happy that the affair of the 19th has 
 turned out so much to our advantage. I hope the same good 
 fortune will attend us in every subsequent one. A report pre- 
 vails that a second fracas has happened between Gates and 
 General Arnold, but the occasion is not mentioned. I hope it 
 is not of such a nature as to oblige that gallant ofiicer to leave 
 the army. If he does, I shall be far, very far indeed from being 
 so easy as I feel myself in the reflection that he is with you. 
 Advise me what has happened." 
 
 On the 25th, Schuyler again wrote to Colonel Varick, saying : 
 
 " I am jjleased to hear that my gallant friend, General Arnold, 
 has determined to remain until a battle shall have happened or 
 Burgoyne retreats. Everybody that I have yet conversed with 
 on the subject of the dispute between Gates and him thinks 
 
154 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 Arnold lias been extremely ill-treated. I wonder at Gates's 
 joolicy. He will prohably he indebted to him for the glory he 
 may acquire hy a victory ; but perhaps he is so very sure of 
 success that he does not wish the other to come in for a share 
 of it." 
 
 The destruction of his property to the amount of $50,000, 
 his mansion and mills at Saratoga, did not draw from Schuyler 
 a word of complaint. When Burgoyne, wlio had caused that 
 destruction, was entertained at Schuyler's table, in Albany, 
 after the surrender, and spoke feelingly of the event, the patriot 
 replied : " Don't speak of it ; it was the fortune of war." And 
 two days before the surrender, when tidings of negotiations to 
 that effect had reached Schuyler, he wrote to Colonel Variok 
 (Oct. 15, 1877): "The event that has taken place makes the 
 heavy loss I have sustained set quite easy upon me. Britain will 
 probably see how fruitless her attemj)ts to enslave us will be. 
 I set out to-day." 
 
 Schuyler's suggestion that Gates might be indebted to Arnold 
 for the glory he might acquire by a victory, was prophetic. It 
 was even so ; and he showed, in omitting Arnold's name in his 
 despatch to congress, that he was unwilling that another should 
 " come in for a share of the glory." 
 
 I have written this letter with an earnest desire to impress 
 upon the minds of my countrymen the truth which undeniable 
 facts certify, that to the unselfish patriotism, sleepless vigilance, 
 untiring industry, marvelous fortitude, rare judgment and skill, 
 unflinching courage, lofty faith and wide social influence of 
 General Schuyler, more than to the exertions of any other man, 
 is due the honor and the praise of any turning back a most for- 
 midable invasion of northern and western New York, in 1777, 
 and the ruin of the armies of the invaders. That event was the 
 pivotal point upon which the fortunes of the war turned in favor 
 of the Americans, and led directly to circumstances which 
 secured our independence. 
 
 Tours, with sentiments of high esteem, 
 
 Benson J. Lossing. 
 
THE SURKENDER OF BuRGOYNE. 155 
 
 MRS. WALWORTH'S LETTER. 
 
 Saratoga Speings, Sept. 4th, 1877. 
 Mr. Win. L. Stone, Sec'i/, 
 
 Dear Sir — Accept my tlianks for your polite invitation, to 
 attend the Centennial celebration of the surrender of Burgoyne. 
 I will endeavor to be present. It is an occasion in which I 
 naturally take a very lively interest, having been over the 
 ground many times both practically and theoretically in the 
 preparation of my map of the battles. I have also a traditionary 
 interest in the event since my great grandfather was in both 
 battles and present at the surrender. As you have requested 
 me to furnish you with a short sketcli of his life to be used at 
 the celebration, I enclose a few items and regret that pressing 
 engagements prevent me from referring to interesting family 
 papers. 
 
 Colonel John Hardin was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, 
 Oct. 1st, 1853. Martin Hardin, his father, moved from Fauquier 
 county, to George's Creek, on the ilonongahela river, when 
 John was about twelve years old. This was a new settlement 
 on the frontier, and Martin Hardin thought it was in Virginia, 
 but when the state line was drawn, it was found to be in Penn- 
 sylvania. In their new situation, hunting was an occupation of 
 necessity. Young Hardin, with his rifle, traversed the vales, 
 crossed the hills and clambered the mountains in search of game 
 until he became one of the most perfect hunters of his time. 
 The rapidity and exactness with which he used his rifle (a 
 weapon still preserved in the family), made him what is called 
 a " dead shot." 
 
 In the expedition conducted by Governor Dunmore against 
 the Indians in 1774, John Hardin served as ensign in a militia 
 company. The following year he volunteered with Captain 
 Jack Morgan, and was wounded during an engagement with 
 the savages. A rifle ball struck his thigh and lodged near the 
 groin whence it was never abstracted. Before he had recovered 
 from his wound or could dispense with his crutches, he joined 
 Dunmore in his march against the Indian towns. 
 
156 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 Soon after the peace that ensued, Hardin prepared for a 
 journey to Kentucky, as the scene of new adventures, but 
 rumors of approaching war with Great Britain led him to 
 abandon this project. 
 
 When the American congress called for a military force 
 Hardin offered himself to the business of recruiting and soon 
 joined the continental army with the commission of second 
 lieutenant. He was attached to Morgan's rifle corps, and was 
 held in high esteem by Gen. Daniel Morgan, and was often 
 selected by him for enterprises of peril which required discre- 
 tion and intrepidity to ensure success. While with the army 
 of Gen. Gates he was sent on a reconnoitering expedition with 
 orders to capture a prisoner for the purpose of obtaining inform- 
 ation. Marching silently in advance of his party, he found 
 himself, on reaching the abrupt summit of a hill, in the presence 
 of three British soldiers and a Mohawk Indian. The moment 
 was critical, but without the slightest hesitation he presented 
 his rifle and ordered them to surrender. The British immediately 
 threw down their arms, the Indian clubbed his gun. Hardin 
 continued to advance on them, but none of his men having 
 come up to his assistance he turned his head a little to one side 
 and called them. The Indian warrior observing Hardin's eye 
 withdrawn from him reversed his gun with a rapid motion for 
 the purpose of firing. Hardin caught the gleam of light that 
 was reflected from the polished barrel of the gun, and readily 
 divining its meaning, brought his own rifle to a level, and with- 
 out raising his gun to his face gained the first fire and gave the 
 Indian a mortal wound. The ball from the warrior's rifle passed 
 through Hardin's hair. The British prisoners were marched 
 into camp and Hardin received the thanks of General Gates. 
 Soon after this he was offered a major's commission in a new 
 regiment, but he declined, alleging that he could be of more use 
 where he was. 
 
 In 1786, he removed with his wife and family to Kentucky, 
 and was in every expedition into the Indian country from that 
 state, that occurred during his life. In 1*792, he was sent by 
 General Wilkinson with overtures of peace to the Indians. He 
 
THE Surrender of Bukgoyne. 157 
 
 was on his route to the Miami villages, attended by his in- 
 terpreter and a }iarty of Indians who professed to be friendly. 
 They pi'uved to be treacherous and cruel and shot him to death. 
 The Indian chiefs assembled in council expressed much regret 
 upon hearing of Hardin's death though they were suspected of 
 having instigated the tragedy, the victim being held in dread 
 as one of the " mighty men " of the " dark and bloody ground." 
 With cordial wishes for the success of the celebration, I 
 
 remain. 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 Ellen Hardin Walworth. 
 
 GILES B. SLOCUM'S LETTER. 
 
 Trenton, Wayne Co., Mioii., 
 
 Oct. 10th, 1877. 
 William L. Stone, Esq., 
 
 My Dear Sir — I take great pleasure in responding to your 
 request that I should write you some of my early recollections of 
 Schuylerville, and of the celebration which occurred in that vil- 
 lage in 1822. Brief, as they must necessarily be, they may, 
 perhaps, possess some degree of interest. 
 
 It may not be out of place to say that my grandfather, Giles 
 Slocum, was well acquainted with Major-General Schuyler (whom 
 he greatly admired) as he first rented a farm and afterwards 
 bought it of that general. The farm is now owned by one Lockro 
 on the west bank of Fish creek about a mile below Stafford's 
 bridge. On this spot I was born in 1 808, but my father and grand- 
 father moved over to old Saratoga, in 1814, and bought the place 
 now owned by Hiram Cramer, situated about two miles south-west 
 of Schuylerville. This was the same farm, in fact, on which 
 resided Major Dunham — the captor of the noted tory Lovelace 
 who was hung as a spy on the hill just in front of the old 
 Schuyler mansion.' The remarkable and aged Albert Clements 
 at that time lived on the adjoining farm to ours, and he is still 
 living, adjoining, but about a mile east of his former residence. 
 
 When a school boy, we used to find leaden bullets on Bur- 
 
 1 The Bkull of Lovelace is now in tlie possession of George Strover Esq. — W.L. S: 
 
158 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 goyne's battle-grounds of which we made plummets to rule our 
 writing paper, as they were the softest and best lead to be had. 
 I well remember the " entrenchments or breastworks" on the 
 west slope of the heights of Saratoga of which Mr. Clements 
 speaks in his affidavit ;' and I also well recollect the embank- 
 ment enclosing Fort Hardy, at the north side of Fish creek, just 
 at its junction with the Hudson — the point where Burgoyne's 
 army piled their arms. 
 
 About fifty-five years ago there was a big celebration on the 
 4th of July, of which Philip Schuyler, the grandson of General 
 Schuyler, was the leading actor. The extensive tables on the 
 occasion were set on the grounds of old Fort Hardy, with a 
 canopy of evergreens to protect the guests from the sun although 
 the oration was delivered in a shady grove on the eastern slope 
 of the heights, near where the Dutch Reformed church now 
 stands, by the " eloquent but unfortunate" Rev. Hooper Cum- 
 mings of Albany, at that time a brilliant light in the American 
 pulpit, but destined, " like a glowing meteor, to go suddenly 
 down in darkness and gloom. "-^ I well remember, also, that 
 there were about a dozen old revolutionary soldiers present, 
 seated in a row on a bench close under the voice and eye of the 
 orator (so that they could the better hear and see) ; and that 
 when the speaker, in the course of his remarks, addressed them 
 personally, it was in such glowing terms of thankfulness and 
 honor for their invaluable services, few dry eyes could have been 
 found within hearing of his voice. John Ward, one of the 
 body guard of General Schuyler, and who was carried off by 
 the -tory Waltermeyer, into Canada, when the latter attempted 
 the abduction of the general from Albany, was among those 
 seated on the bench. 
 
 The gathering was a very large one, the people of the whole 
 county being nearly all there. Brigadier General De Ridder 
 from across the river, a substantial property holder and a gene- 
 
 ' See Mrs. Walworth's Guide Book, and Stone's Burgoyne. 
 
 2 This noted orator seems to have been a favorite speaker on such occasions. ' In the 
 summer of 182(1, when the remains of Jane McCrea were talcen up and rehuried, he de- 
 livered the discourse. See Lossing's Field Book of Ihe Revolution. — W. L. S. 
 
TiiK Surrender op Burgoyne. 159 
 
 ral in the war of 1812, was mounted on a fine horse at the head 
 of a hii-ge troop of light horse (as they were then called) and 
 other military companies. The " soul stirring drum and ear 
 piercing fife" were the materials in that day in the way of music. 
 I recall the fact, also, that the breastworks surrounding the fort 
 were nearly perfect at that time, as General De Ridder, at the 
 head of the military, marched around on the top of the entrench- 
 ments. 
 
 Philip Schuyler, and General De Ridder were the great per- 
 sonages of that day, and were the only ones who came to the 
 old Dutch Reformed church in their coaches. 
 
 Two years ago, I visited Schuylerville with my son. I then 
 looked in vain for the first vestige of the old fort, or of the en- 
 trenchments on the heights. I recollect the old Dutch Reformed 
 church situated about half a mile south of Schuylerville, as 
 mentioned by Mr. Clements; and in my childhood was edified 
 by hearing each Sunday two sermons by the Rev. Mr. Duryea. 
 The building was enclosed, but not plastered, and was used by 
 the British in the campaign. I was well acquainted with Philip 
 Schuyler, the grandson above mentioned, who left that section 
 of the country in 1 S3 7. I, also, left the same year for this place, 
 where I have resided ever since. I came here for the first time, 
 however, in 1831. 
 
 You will see, therefore, that I cannot but have a great desire 
 to see the monument completed in my time, as I have always 
 had a strong attachment for the place of my birth. 
 
 I regret very much that I cannot attend the celebration at 
 Schuylerville on the 17th. 
 
 I hope it will be a grand, success and insure the erection of a 
 monument on the far famed " heights of Saratoga" worthy to 
 commemorate the great event of American history. 
 With much esteem, 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 Giles B. Slocum. 
 
160 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 STEPHEN D. KIRK'S LETTER. 
 
 Chaeleston, S. C, Oct. 10, 187Y. 
 William L. Stone, Esq., 
 
 My Dear Sir — I am in receipt of your favor. It will give 
 me great pleasure to have my name added to the list of the 
 honorable gentlemen who are to be vice presidents on the great 
 occasion alluded to ; and, at the same time, thank you sincerely 
 for assigning one of the descendants of the fathers of one of 
 the " old thirteen" a place in the programme. 
 
 I feel, as all Americans should, that what concerns your great 
 state, certainly belongs to me also ; and as citizens of one great 
 nation, we can only maintain our sovereignty by such feeling. 
 
 The year previous to the annihilation of Burgoyne in New 
 York, Sir Peter Parker was expelled in disgrace from South 
 Carolina ; and when France and Holland recognized our great 
 country as free and independent, New York and the Palmetto 
 state mutually rejoiced at the welcome event. Then why should 
 not the children and grandchildren, from generation to genera- 
 tion, love and cherish each other ; and at all times make these 
 anniversaries national, if not in fact at least in feeling ? My 
 maternal grandfather (Wm. Roberts) was a soldier of the Re- 
 volution. My paternal grand uncle (Gideon Kirk) was almost 
 continually fighting the tories, and, on one occasion, a'brother 
 of his was killed by them through mistake for Gideon. After 
 the war he was a member of our state legislature at the time of 
 its adoption of the federal constitution May 23d, 1788. 
 With much respect. 
 
 Yours most cordially, 
 
 S. D. KiEK. 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 161 
 
 LETTERS RECEIVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMIT- 
 TEE FROM THOSE WHO WERE UNABLE TO JJE 
 PRESENT IN RESPONSE TO THE FOLLOWING INVL 
 TATION. 
 
 Box 3374, New York City, August 32, 1877. 
 
 Dear Sir:— One hundred years ago — the 17th of October, 1877 — 
 Burgoyne surrendered on the pUiiTis of Saratoga; and with that event 
 closed the most important chapter of the Ameiican Revolution. This 
 secured for us the French alliance — and lifted the cloud of moral and 
 financial gloom that had settled upon the hearts of the people, dampening 
 the hopes of the leaders ol thel?evolution, and wringing despairing words 
 even from the hopeful Washington. From that auspicious day, belief in 
 the ultimate triumph of American liberty never abandoned the nation till 
 it was realized and sealed, four years later, almost to a day, in the final 
 surrender at Yorktown. 
 
 Arrangements have accordingly been made, under the auspices of the 
 Saratoga Monument Association, to celebrate the one hundredth anni- 
 versary of the surrender, upon the field of that event, at Schuylerville, 
 N. Y., on the seventeenth day of October next, in a manner every way 
 worthy ot the occasion. Hon. Horatio Seyiuour of Utica, and Hon. 
 George William Curtis of New York city, will deliver the orations, and 
 Alfred B. Street of Albany, the poem. You are cordially invited to at- 
 tend this celebration. 
 
 Yours very respectfully, William L. Stone, 
 
 Chairman Invitation Gommitiee. 
 
 William L. Stone, P. C. Ford, E. F. Bdllard, Invitation Committee 
 representing the Saratoga Monument Association. An early answer is 
 requested 
 
 THE LETTERS. ■ 
 
 GLENCLrFPB, Garrison, Putnam Co. N. Y., Sept. 4, 1877. William 
 L. Stone, Esq., New York. Jly Dear Sir: I am in the receipt of the in- 
 vitation which you have kindly sent me under date of the 15th of August, 
 to attend the celebration on 17th October next, of the one hundredtli an- 
 niversary of the surrender of Burgoyne on the plains of Saratoga. I 
 regret that it will not be in my power to be present on the very interest- 
 ing occasion. The importance of the great event which you propose to 
 celebrate cannot be too highly appreciated by those who are now enjoy- 
 ing the benefits of the government whose infant life was secured by the 
 results of the Battle of Saratoga. Very respectfully yours, 
 
 Hamilton Fish. 
 
 CtTMMiNGTON, Mass., Aug. 35, 1877. My Dear Sir: For various 
 reasons I cannot attend the commemoration of the surrender of Burgoyne, 
 on the 17th of October. Few events in the history of our revolutionary 
 war are of such importance or so well deserve to be recalled to our grate- 
 ful recollection. I should be glad to hear the oration of Mr. Seymour 
 set off by the advantages of his voice and manner, and to be present at 
 
 * In readirif: these letters of the distln^ished men, the most casual reader cannot 
 fail to notice the universal reco<j;nition of the supreme importance of the erreat event 
 ■which was eo nppropriarely and successfn ]y commemorated. . H-id not confrress been 
 in session many of the writers would doubtless have been present. The editor conld 
 easily have filled many paires with the letters that were received had space permitted. He 
 has thought it best, therefore, to select a few only from the different professione and 
 walks in life to show the general and kindly response to the invitation of the com- 
 mittee. 
 
162 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 the reading of Mr. Street's poem, which, I am sure, will worthily cele- 
 brate the occasion. But I must content myself with seeing them in 
 print, and thanking your committee for your obliging invitation, 
 
 I am, sir, faithfully yours, W. 0. Bryant. 
 
 New York, Oct. 2d 1877. W. L. Stone, Esq., Dear Sir : I accept with 
 pleasure the honor of being one of the vice-presidents of your associa- 
 tion. If my health permits I will be present at the celebration on the 
 17th iust. Respectfully yours, George L. Schuyler. 
 
 Waldstetn, Fairfield, Ct., Oct. U, 1877. William L. Stone, Esq., 
 Dear Sir. The invitation to me from your committee to attend the Sara- 
 toga celebration does me honor, and I trust that all success will attend the 
 occasion which cannot but be full of wholescmte lessons and incentives, as 
 well as rich iu patriotic remembrances. I regret that I must be content 
 to join with you and your associates in spirit only and that I caYinot leave 
 home next week. Yours respectfullj', Sam'l Osgood. 
 
 New York City. 'My dear Mr. Stone: I am exceedingly pleased with 
 j'our remembering me in so patriotic a connection, as well as because I 
 am one of Dr. W'ayland's boys. Your letter would have been answered 
 before, but it would have involved an answer to the question, " Why I go 
 fishing," and neglect correspondence quietly lying at home. lam just 
 " otf Nantucket," and that is my excuse for tardiness. Congress meets 
 15th Oct. , and your " Event" is 17tli Oct. It will be impossible, therefore, 
 forme to be with you. If Con<;ress is postponed, I will be on hand. My 
 revohitionary centennial is at IMonmoiith, where my grandfather fought, 
 and that is next year. So my turn will come. With thanks for yonr in- 
 vitation, I am Yours truly, S. S. Cox. 
 
 Potsdam, Oct. 10, 1877. Dear Sir : Yours of the 8th inst., extending 
 to me an invitation to participate in the ceremonies c(mnected with the 
 laying of the corner stone of the monument to be erected commemorative 
 of Burgoyne's surrender is received. I sincerely regret that previous 
 engagements prevent me from accepting your invitation, as it would 
 aft'ord me very great pleasure to be present on that patriotic and instruct- 
 ive occasioQ, and listen to the orations of the distinguished gentlemen 
 referred to. Hoping that tlie association will have all the success which 
 the cause and occasion should command, and thanking you for the com- 
 pliment which the invitaticui conveys, I am very respecltuUj' yours, 
 
 E. A. Mbrritt. 
 
 New York, Aug. 24,1877. My Dear Sir: I thank you for your polite 
 invitation to attend the Centennial of Burgoyne's surj-ender as one of the 
 vice presidents of the day. * * * My giandlather bore arms in the critical 
 and decisive fight which you celebrate (as well as afterwards in the 
 Jerseys and at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown), so that it is for 
 filial as well as for patriotic reasons that I wish you very cordially a com- 
 plete success. Faithfully yours, Mamton Marble. 
 
 FuLTONViLLB, N. Y., Aug. 17, 1877. Wm. L. Stone, Esq., Dear Sir : 
 It will afford me much pleasure to accept your invitation, to be present 
 on the occasion of the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the 
 surrender of Burgoyne, at Schuylerville. An event which contributed 
 so notably, to the aclrievement of the liberties of our country, deserves 
 suitable recognition. I am assured that the interest displayed in the pro- 
 posed celebration, as well as well as the spirit with which it may be con- 
 ducted, will not prove unworthy of either the times, or the men, which 
 our country hold in snch grateful remembrance. I remain with regard, 
 Yours very respectfully, John H. Starin. 
 
THE Surrender of Bdrgoyne. 163 
 
 New York, Sept. 8d, 1877. Hon. Wm. L. Stone, Dear Sir: I regret 
 that I cannot accept your kindinutalion tii attencUlie Centennial celeBl-a- 
 tipn ot tlic battle of Siiratosa, as one of the vice presidents of llie ceremo- 
 nies, on the ntli of Oclober, next. This has been called one of the decisive 
 battles of history. Wlio can say tlial it was not ? When Burgoyne sur- 
 rendered to the victors, the flower of the Britisli forces in America, tlien, 
 but not till then, did independence seem possible. It has always seemed 
 to me that General Frasei- was the controlling spirit of the enei'ny in this 
 engagement, and the bullet that laid him low, was the chief instrument 
 of a victory that opened the way to our national existence. If at Lexington, 
 was fired the " sliot heard round the woi Id," with equal truth that shot, 
 at Saratoga, that took the galhuit Fraser from the field, is echoing thiough 
 the centuries It is commendable that tliese heroic deeds of our ancestors 
 should be niafle the object of our lioniajre. These deeds make us to-day 
 the freest people on the earth. We are reaping in ease the harvest sown 
 in tears. 'We shall be wasteful of our inheriiance of liberty and careless 
 to guard it unless lis cost be kept constantly before us Thanking you 
 and the gentlemen of your committee for your invitation. I have the 
 honor to remain, Yours very truly, Ethan Allen. 
 
 Office of the .JounNAL of Commerce, New York, Sept 3, 1877, 
 Wm. L. Stone, Ksq., Dear Sir: I thank you veiy cordially for the courte- 
 ous invitation to uttiMid the celebration at Schuylerville uf the one liun- 
 dredth anniversary of Burgoyne's surreniler. That event was the turning 
 point in the American Revolution, and the campaign which led to it is 
 one of the brightest pages in American history. I regret that my pressing 
 duties will prevent me from joining in the anniversary fesiivities. 
 
 Yours truly, David M. Stone. 
 
 New York, Sept. 3, 1877, Dear Sir: Accept my best thanks for the 
 nonor you have done me in asking me to join in the commemoration of 
 so glorious and important an anniTersary. If I could stand upon the 
 Field of Grounded Arms, on the 17th of October, I should be the richer for 
 life by another imperishable memory; but engagements made months 
 ago, compel me to be in Boston on that day. Very respectfully yours. 
 
 Bayard Taylor. 
 
 Brooklyn, N. Y., Oct. G, 1877. My Dear Sir: I am very sorry to be 
 constrained to decline your kind invitation for the 17th inst., but I have 
 a positive engagement at home for that day at one o'clock, p.m., and of 
 course cannot be at Schuylerville. I wish very sincerely that it were in 
 my power to go, and to perform the service which you request- Most 
 truly yours, R. S. Storrs. 
 
 New York, Sept. 19th, 1877. William L. Stone Esq. Dear sir. lam 
 in receipt of an invitation to attend the celebration of the one hundredth 
 anniversary of the surrender of Burgoyne. I take great pleasure in accept- 
 ing the same, and should circumstances permit I shall be present at the 
 interesting ceremonies. With much respect, Henry Kiddle, City Supt. 
 
 New York City, Oct.lO, 1877. Wm. L. Stone, My Dear sir : Your very 
 polite invitation to be presentat the centennial celebration of Burgoyne's 
 surrender and act as one of the vice presidents of the day is duly received. 
 While appreciating highly the compliment'thus conveyed, I greatly re- 
 gret that an imperative engagement at Washington for that day will pre- 
 vent my being with you in person on that occasion. I am. Respectfully 
 yours, Parker Handy. 
 
 ExECUTiVB Mansion, Washington, Aug 26, 1877. Dear Sir : I am di- 
 rected by the president to acknowledge the receipt of your valued favor 
 
164 Centennial Celebration op 
 
 of the 18th inst. extending to him an invitation to attend tlie celebration 
 of the one hnndredtli anniversary of the surrender of Burgoyne, at Scliuy- 
 lerville, N. Y., on the 17th of October next, and to say, in reijly, that 
 while he thanks you for your courtesy, he regrets his inability to accept, 
 owing to previous engagements. Very truly yours, 
 
 O. L. Pruden, Asi^t Secretary. 
 
 Windsor, Vt, Aug. 27, 1877. My Dear Sir • I should be very glad to at- 
 tend Ihe celebrntion at Saratoga, and am much obliged to you for your 
 personal invitation which enforces that of the committee. I should expect 
 great pleasure from hearing ex-Gov. Seymour's oration, and would wil- 
 lingly take pai't in the homage of our generation to the great deeds of our 
 ancestors on the famous battle-fields of Saratoga. But I cannot at 
 present count upon being able to leave Washington even for a short ab- 
 sence, in the middle of October. Please convey my thanks to the com- 
 mittee for their attention, and accept, for yourself, niy acknowledgments 
 for your personal courtesy. Wishing all prosperity to the celebration, 
 I am, yours very truly, Wm. M. Evarts. 
 
 War Department, Washington, Aug. 23, 1877. Wm. L. Stone, Esq., 
 My Dear Sir: I regret exceedingly my inability to accept your very Idnd 
 invitation to attend the centennial anniversary of the surrender of Bur- 
 goyne, for which please accept my sincere thanks. Sincerely yours, 
 
 Geo. W. McCrart, Secretary of War. 
 
 Post Office Department, Washington, D. C, Aug. 26th, 1877. Wm. 
 L. Stone, Esq., Dear Sir: I have received your favor of Aug. 15th in- 
 viting me to attend the centennial celebration of the surrender of Burgoyne 
 on Oct. 17th at Schuylerville, N. Y. I thank you, and through you the 
 committee, for the honor of the invitation, and legret that other engage- 
 ments prevent me from accepting. Wishing you success in your under- 
 takiug, I remain very truly, D. M. Key. 
 
 Department of Justice, Washington, Aug. 28, 1877. My Dear Sir : 
 I extremely regret that my engagements are such as to compel me to de- 
 cline the polite invitation of the committee to join in the celebration of 
 the important event of the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne, on the 17th of 
 October. Your obedient servant, 
 
 Charles Devens, Attorney General. 
 
 Department op the Interior, Washington, Aug. 23, 1877. Dear 
 Sir: I liave received your kind invitation to attend the one hundredth an- 
 niversary of the surrender of Burgoyne and in reply regret to say that in 
 all probability my official duties will prevent my attendance, much as I 
 might wish to be witliyou. I have the honor to be, Your obedient servant, 
 
 C. SCHURZ. 
 
 Augusta, Maine, Oct. 5, 1877. Dear Sir: In reply to your favor of 
 Sept. 10, accompanying the formal invitation to the celebration at Schuy- 
 lerville on tne 17tli inst., Mr. Blaine directs me to say that imperative en- 
 gagements in Washington render it impossible to accept, otherwise he 
 would be very happy to attend. Very respectfully, 
 
 T. H. Sherman, Secretary. 
 
 Stowe, Vt., Aug. 21, 1877 William L. Stone, Esq , Dear Sir: As the 
 Supreme Court meets early in October, I shall be unable to accept the 
 kind invitation of the committee to be present at the Centennial anniver- 
 sary of the surrender of Burgoyne. Yours very truly, 
 
 Jos. P. Bradlet. 
 
TUE Surrender of Burgoyne. 165 
 
 Lyme, Conn., Ann-. 30, 1877. Dear Sir: I am just in the receipt at tliis 
 place, of your iuvilutioii to ntteuil l lie celebration of tlieone liundredlli an- 
 niversary of the surrender of Burgoyne under the auspices of the Saratoga 
 Monument Association, and regiei to say tliat my official engagements at 
 AVasliiugton will prevent my acceptance. Yours very respectlully, 
 
 M. K. Waite. 
 
 Paris, September 14, 1877. Wm. L. Stone, Esq., Dear Sir: The invi- 
 tation of your committee only found me the other day in Scotland. It 
 will not be in my power to reach home in time to be at Saratoga on the 
 17th of October. I hasten to thank you, however, and those associated 
 with you in your efforts to testify the national appreciation of a battle 
 which — if any one link in the chain of God's Providences is of more im- 
 portance than another — was beyond question the most important battle 
 of the Revolution. It was at Saratoga that our militia first.became aware 
 of their ability to cope successfully with English regulars. It was in that 
 battle the British government learned the lolly, if not the wickedness of 
 its unholy alliance with savages. It was the defeat of Burgoyne which 
 practicalh' decided France to lend us her sword, thereby insuring, if not 
 actually accomplishing, our deliverance. Such a landmark in our history 
 can hardly be made too conspicuous. It is only less meritorious to assist 
 in perpetuating the memory of important public services than to have 
 conferred them. The monuments of a naticm's gratitude are perhaps the 
 truest measure of its patriotism and the most eloquent propagators of 
 those distinctive virtues by Avbicli great states are founded, aggrandized 
 and perpetuated. Should it be proposed at your uatbering in October to 
 erect some memorial of the Saratoga victory, more durable — if such a 
 thing be possible — than the discourse and poem to be pronounced on that 
 occasion, I venture to solicit the privilege of associating myself with the 
 advocates of such a proposal and, according to my means, with any effort 
 looking to its realization. I am, dear sir, very respectfully yours, 
 
 John Bigelow. 
 
 Albany Aug. 23, 1877. William L. Stone Esq., My dear Sir: I thank 
 you for your kindness in sending me an invitation from the Saratoga 
 Monument Association to attend their celebration at Schuylerville of the 
 100th anniversary of the fifteenth decisive battle of the world. Unless 
 detained by some unforeseen circumstance, I shall not fail to be present, 
 that I may enjoy the Inxuiy of sharing simultaneously in the patriotic 
 emotions of the tens of thousands who will be assembled there on the 
 occasion. Very respectfully yours, Hbnry A. Homes. 
 
 Albany, Sept. 1, 1877. My dear Mr. Stone. I thank you for the kind 
 invitali(m to be present at the anniversary of the 17tli of October. From 
 your intimate knowledge of my sentiments e.xpressed to you in our many 
 conversations upim this subject, you must feel assured tbat nothing would 
 give me greater pleasure than to be present on that occasion. 
 
 In times like these, however, business must receive the first and the 
 undivided attention; and an imperative engagement on the day of the 
 celebration, far away from home, will oblige me to decline. Very cor- 
 dially yours. John S. Pekry. 
 
 Albany, Sept. 1, 1877. Sir* I have the honor of acknowledging the re- 
 ceipt of your very polite invitation to attend the celebration of the one 
 hundredth anniversary of the surrender of Burgoyne, and I shall be most 
 happy to avail myself of the same if my official duties here do not prevent. 
 Thanking you for very courteous attention, I remain, Yours very truly, 
 
 Feanklln Tov/n&BN'D, Adjutant General. 
 
 22 
 
166 Centennial Celebration op 
 
 New York, October 3, 1877 ; My Dear Sir > Your cordial invitation to 
 attend tlie anniversary at Saratoga on the 17th inst., has been received. 
 The many centennial commemorations in which the people now so heartily 
 participate have awakened intense interest in the early history of our 
 country ; and, as a teacher, I rejoice in every such celebration. The anni- 
 versary of an event so important in the Revolution, as the surrender of 
 Burgoyne cannot fail to arouse every true patriot. Congratulating you 
 upon the great success of your undertaking, and thanking you for your 
 kind remembrance. I am most faithfully yours, John G. McNakt. 
 
 Utica, Oct. 8, 1877. W. L. Stone, Esq., My dear Sir: yon will re- 
 member that in acknowleding the reception of vour invitation to be pre- 
 sent at the interesting ceremonies on the 17th at Saratoga, I intimated the 
 improbability of my being able to attend. It is now rendered quite cer- 
 tain that I cannot from tlie fact that congress will be in session at that 
 date, and my public duty will require me to be there. I need not say how 
 much I regret tlie necessity that constrains my absence. It would be my 
 duty, as it certainly would be my pleasure, as one of the associates in the 
 board of direction, to countenance the enterprise by my presence, at least, 
 even if I were able to give to (be occasion no other aid, were it possible 
 for me to attend. These celebrations are great educators of the people. 
 The one at Orisknny, in which 1 was so happy as to be abletg participate, 
 was such an outpouring of the people as central New York had never 
 seen, and a most lively historical interest was imparted to the important 
 events, which that day commemorated. I say" important" because, as I 
 have had occasion to remark without Oriskany, it is quite doubtful whether 
 we should have had any Saratoga to celebrate. Saratoga was the grand 
 culmination of which Oiiskany and Bennington were most essential com- 
 plements. 
 
 Let me add too that the work you have recently given to the public as 
 the fruit of much labor and extensive research, while it may tena to cor- 
 rect some popular errors, .ind should be carefully studied in connection 
 with the whole stcu'y of Burgoyne's marches, engagements, and tinal sur- 
 render. It may call out some discussions and even controversy, but it 
 will be wholesome, if wisely and decorously conducted, and, as to the 
 result, I venture the prediction that yours will be iiccepted as the most 
 veritable narrative of the events of which it treats, and the best sus- 
 tained by contemporary and reliable authority. 
 
 Renewing my regret, that events I am unable to control, will prevent 
 my inesence and participation in the ceremonies of the 17lh — and trusting 
 it will be, as I cannot doubt it must be, in all respects, a most successful 
 demonstration, I remain, with much regard. Your obedient servant, 
 
 Wm. J. Bacon. 
 
 Utica, N. Y., October 15, 1877. Plon. William L. Stone : Contrary to 
 my expectations I shall be prevented from attending your celebration of 
 the surrender of Burgoyne. The campaign of which that was the con- 
 summation, had such importance in securing our independence, and 
 especially is so brilliant and momentous a cha|iter in the history of New 
 York, that our people cannot recall it too often, nor mark it with monu- 
 ments too grand and resplendent. Your celebration will summon so many 
 and such distinguished men, that my absence will not be observed, but to 
 myself it is a source of regret and disappointment. Yours very truly, 
 
 Ellis H. Robbbts. 
 
 Fire Island, N. Y., Sept. 4th, 1877. Wm. L. Stone, Esq., My Dear 
 Sir: Your kind invitation of the 28th ult. , directed to me at Utica has 
 been forwarded to me at this place. Your kind invitation to be present 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 167 
 
 witli you as one of the vice presidents in your exercises of tlie 17th of 
 Oct., has not been received by me. I am here as a victim of hay fever 
 wliich will not permit any escape until the lOlh of Sept. On my return 
 to Utica, and by the 24th of Sept, I shall be able to ascertain whether it 
 will be in my power to accept your kind invitation and I will then write 
 to you again. 
 
 If, in any way, I can aid j'ou in your good work do not hesitate to call 
 on me by letter or otherwise. Sincerely yours, John F. Seymour. 
 
 CAiyrBRiDGB, Sept. 13,1877. My Dear Sir: I regret extremely that I 
 cannot comply with your request. But I have not a moment's leisure for 
 anything beyond the imperative demands upon my time, and must beg to 
 be excused. Yours truly, Henry W. Longpellow. 
 
 Beverly Farms, Mass., Aug. 35th, 1877. Gentlemen : I regret that my 
 engagements will not periuit me to have the privilege and pleasure of 
 attending the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of Burgoyne's 
 surrender, at Schuylerville, to which you have kindly invited me. Very 
 truly yours, O. W. Holmes. 
 
 Worcester, Sept. 4, 1877. My Dear Sir : My public duties will deprive 
 me of the great pleasure of accepting your invitation for Oct. 17. I am, 
 yours very respectfully, Geo. F. Hoar. 
 
 Burlington, Vt., Aug. 25th, 1877. Dear Sir: Have you's of the 15th 
 inst., inviting me to attend the celebration of the Centennial anniversary 
 of the surrender of Burgoyne. I regret that the session of congress called 
 for the 15th of October will prevent my attendance I rejoice that you 
 are to celebrate that most important event. It was a gl-eat white stone, 
 set up in the long and dreary patliway of the Revolution. As distance 
 from a mountain is neccssarv to enable us to see correctly its greatness 
 and proportions, so the distance of time from which we now observe it, 
 the grandeur of the Revolution that has now given to us as its happy fruit, 
 not only the memoriesof great soldiers and wisestatesmen.but one country 
 of freemen justlv rejoicing in universal liberty under a government at once 
 separate and united and with peace and order everywhere. The century 
 now past should be an inspiration to our republic of citizens and of states 
 for the development in the next and all succeeding ones of that happiness 
 and prosperity that should grow more and more from universal liberty and 
 the reign of equal law. Thanking you for your courteous invitation, I am, 
 Very truly yours, Geo. F. Edmunds. 
 
 Burlington, Vt. Aug., 21, 1877. My Dear Sir : I have to thank your 
 committee for the invitation received this morning, to attend the celebra- 
 tion at Schuylerville, on the 17th of October. I very much regret that 
 professional engagements at that time, will deprive me of the pleasure of 
 accepting it. No event in the Revolution is more eminently worthy of 
 special commemoration, than the surrender of Burgoyne. I trust your 
 celebration will be in every respect a success, worthy of the occasion, and 
 bf the gentlemen who have it in charge. With much respect. 
 
 Very sincerely yours, B. J. Phelps. 
 
 Burlington, Vt. , Oct 9, 1877. My Dear Sir : I have delayed, until 
 now a reply to your invitation to attend the celebration of Burgoyne's 
 surrender set for the 17th of October, hoping that I should be able to be 
 present I regret to say, that I find it impossible. The 16th of August at 
 Bennington, and the 17th of October on tlie plains of Saratoga, are bound 
 togetherasfactsof a series — the beginning and the endmg— associated 
 in the memories of either day, and well deserving the recognition wnicli 
 
168 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 tlie first received at tlie centennial observance at Bennington, and the 
 latter the crnwnino; vi^ork, sliall receive, upon the field of that everit, 
 after its hundred years of memory and influence. " The Green Mountain 
 Boy," and the " Yorker " must be at one as they look upon either monu- 
 ment, and so, I trust, they shall ever be in all patriotic actions. 
 
 With great respect, t am your obedient servant, Damiel Roberts. 
 
 Boston, Mass. , Aug. 30, 1877. My Dear Mr. Stone. Returning last 
 night from a journey, I find your kind invitation to the Saratoga festival 
 in October, and regret that I shall be prevented by engagements from 
 being present on so interesting an occasion. Yours very truly, 
 
 F. Parkman. 
 
 Newpokt, Oct. 8, 1877. Dear Sir: Your very kind note of the 6th, 
 accompanying the formal invitation to be present at yavatogaon the 17tli 
 and act as one of the vice presidents, at the celebration, is at hand. 
 Be assured that I appreciate your kindness and hope to be able to be 
 present. 
 
 I regret to say that the late severe illness of Gov. Van Zandt will prevent 
 his making the journey. Il would be unsafe for him to do so. I saw him 
 yesterday, and to-day he rode out a short way in a close carriage for the 
 first time since his return from the West. I shall try to arrange to leave 
 here on Monday night and hope to meet you on the old battle ground. 
 
 Very truly yours, S. G. Ahhold. 
 
 Stockbridgb, Mass., Oct. 11, '77. My patriotic co-worker, Mr. Stone: 
 No man who will stand on the " Field of Grounded Arms " on the cen- 
 tennial anniversary will carry in his bosom a heart more full of rejoicing 
 than mine, which must necessarily keep time at home to the glad pulsa- 
 tions of the thousands who will shout over the corner stone. To think 
 that, after years of labor, discouragement and vexation over disappoint- 
 ment on every hand, we have begun to witness the fulfillment of our long 
 deferred hopes, is a glory as well as a joy. 
 
 1 feel that, when the foundation stone of our long desired memorial is 
 duly and deftly laid, the people of the Empire state, if not of other states, 
 will generously rally for the superstructure, nor feel content till its proud 
 summit has received its cap-stone and stands in its grandeur, " heir of the 
 sunset and herald of the morning." Under the stimulus of oratory and 
 patriotism, our enterprise must receive its title-deed to complete success. 
 Glorious will be the day when the captured cannon of Burgoyne shall tell 
 the land in thunder tones, that the work has been accomplished. I can 
 almost fancy the bones of both my grandsires stirring in their graves at 
 the peals of joy on the field where they witnessed the great surrender. 
 
 Very truly yours, E. W. B. Cakning. 
 
 Nareagansbtt Pier, Aug. 24, 1877. My Dear Stone: I have just re- 
 ceived your invitation to be present at the celebration of the centennial 
 anniversary of the surrender of Burgoyne. I must congratulate you on 
 the success, which has crowned your aiduous labors in preparing the pub- 
 lic for a fitting commemoration of this great event. It would give me 
 the greatest pleasure to participate in the celebration, but my official en- 
 gagements render it impossible for me to do so. Thanking you for your 
 courteous invitation, I am as ever, Yours most truly, 
 
 James B. Angbll. 
 
 BurPALO, Oct. 10, 1877. Gent. : Thanks for your invitation to attend 
 the centennial anniversary of the surrender of Burgoyne. I wish it were 
 so that I could go. I am reluctantly compelled to decline. My best 
 wishes attend you at the gathering. Very respectfully yours, 
 
 O. H. Marshall. 
 
THE Surrender op Burgoyne. 169 
 
 Salt Lake City, Utah, Oct. 8, 1877. William L. Stone, Esq., My Dear 
 Sir; I received your kind invilalion to be present on tlie 17tli inst., on the 
 ground where Buryoyne surrendered, and join in the celebration of llie one 
 hundredth anniversary of that great event. If it were only to visit again 
 the scenes amid which I spent the earliest years of my childhood, and 
 near which I spent my early manhood ; if it were only once more to pass 
 over the historic field Ihat gave its name to the regiment, "The Bemis 
 Heights Regiment," which I had the honor to command in the late war 
 for the Union ; if it were only for these reasons, 1 should desire to he with 
 you. But your invitation has even greater inducements for me than these. 
 Perhaps the greatest achievements of the revolutionary period were the 
 Declaration of Independence, the victory of Saratof^a, and the Federal 
 Constitution, and the first and the last of these turned upon the second as 
 upon a pivot. Without that victory the Declaration would have gone 
 for naught, and the Constitution would never have existed. The battle 
 of Saratoga, the most important in our Revolution, has been pronounced 
 one of the "fifteen decisive battles of the world." How strange that 
 success in such a battle should seem to have depended upon an accident! 
 The British war minister wrote peremptory orders to Howe to support 
 Burgoyne, then put the order in a pigeon-hole and forgot to send it. 
 Howe marched to Philadelphia and not to Saratoga. Was it an accident ? 
 In God's government, whether of matter or of mind, there are no acci- 
 dents. Who can doubt that it was and is in the order of Providence, 
 that this republic should be founded, and should survive all assaults from 
 without and all dissensions from within? 
 
 "The riglit is witti us, God is witli the right. 
 And victory is with God 1" 
 
 The distance is so great, and my engagements are such, that I cannot 
 be present, on the 17th inst., on the ground where Burgoyne surrendered. 
 I must, therefore, content myself with thanking you tor inviting me to 
 participate in so interesting an occasion. I am, very respectfully. Your 
 obedient servant, James B. M Kean. 
 
 Peoria, III., Aug. 7th, 1877. Gen. E. F. Bullard, Dear Sir: I do not 
 believe it will be possible for me to be with you on the immortal 17th of 
 Oct. I thank you heartily and sincerely for the invitation. Yours truly, 
 
 R. G. Ingeksoll. 
 
 WooDSiDE, Ky., Sept. 1st, 1877. Wm. L. Stone, Esq., My Dear Sir : I 
 have the pleasure of acknowledging your courteous invitation to visit 
 Schuylerville and participate in the celebration of the one hundredth an- 
 niversary of the surrender of Burgoyne, " as one of the vice presidents of 
 the day." This compliment I highly appreciate ; and unless prevented by 
 circumstances on which I have no control, I will be with you on that 
 occasion. Again returning you my thanks for the honor conferred. 
 I remain. Yours most respectfully. CoL. Clarence S. Bate. 
 
 Elizabbthtown, N. Y., Sept. 24, 1877. My Dear Sir: I thank you 
 for your kind invitation to attend the Burgoyne centennial. If possible 
 you may be sure I will not fail to attend, but my engagements for the 
 month are very pressing and I fear I may fail. Y()U know how great an 
 interest I have always taken in the history of Burgoyne's campaign, the 
 turning point of our Revolution and so ot American history. I trust and 
 indeed am sure it will be worthily celebrated. Very truly yours, 
 
 Rob. S. Hale. 
 
 Executive Department, State of Connecticut, Hartford, Oct. 5, 1877. 
 Sir : I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your very courteous invitation to 
 
170 Centennial Celebration oe 
 
 attend the celebration of the one hnndredth anniversary of the surrender 
 of Bnrgoyne. Regretting that I am obliged to deny myself the pleasure, 
 and thanking you for your courtesy, I have the honor to be, Your ob't 
 serv't, R. D, Hubbard. 
 
 Boston, Oct. 1, 1877. William L. Stone, Esq., Dear Sir: I am di- 
 rected by his excellency, the governor, to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 very courteous invitation to attend the one liundredth anniversary of the 
 surrender at Saratoga, on the 17th inst. , and to communicate to you his 
 regret that public and official duties will compel hjs presence within the 
 commonwealth at that time. I am Sir, with high respect, etc. 
 
 G. H. Campbell, Private Secretary. 
 
 State op Kentucky, Executive Department, Frankfort, Sept. 4, 1877. 
 William L. Stone, Esq., Dear Sir: Yours of recent dale in behalf of the 
 Saratoga Monument Association, inviting me to attend the celebration of 
 the one hundredth anniversary of the surrender of Burgoyne, is at hand 
 and I regret that official engagements will prevent my attendance. Very 
 respectfully. Jambs B. McCeeakt. 
 
 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Executive Chamber, Harrisburg, 
 Aug. 33, 1877. Gentlemen : I beg leave to acknowledge your cordial 
 invitation to attend the celebration of the aimivesary of tlie surrender of 
 Burgoyne on the seventeenth of next October, and regret that my proba- 
 ble engagements and the uncertainty of affairs in Pennsylvnnia for the 
 next few months, will not permit me to accept the same. The occasion 
 is one of so much interest, that I should like extremely to participate. 
 Under the circumstances 1 can only return to the Saratoga Monument 
 Association my thanks for their kind remembrance and wish them and 
 the occasion the greatest success and enjoyment. I am, gentlemen, with 
 high regards. Yours very truly, J. F. Hartranft. 
 
 State of Arkansas, Executive Office Little Rock, Sept. 3, 1877. 
 William L. Stone, Esq., Dear Sir: Your invitation to attend the one 
 hundredth anniversary of the surrender at Saratoga, is received. I wish 
 that it might be possible for me to attend, but have to regret that pressure 
 of official duties, at home, will probably prevent. Centennial commemo- 
 tions are frequent enough, just now ; but that of Burgoyne's surrender is 
 one of exceptional interest. The event, as recorded in history, is one of 
 those which linger in the recollection of every patriotic American, and go 
 to assist tlie fund of feeling which makes us one people. A common an- 
 cestry, a common glory, a common pride, are the strongest links to" bind a 
 nation together, and the best guarantee of stability for our political institu- 
 tions. Very respectfully, yom- ob'dt serv't, W. R. Miller, 
 
 Oomrnor of Arkansas. 
 
 State of Mississippi, Executive Department, Jackson, Miss., Aug. 33, 
 1877. William L. Stone, Esq. , Dear Sir : I have the honor to acknow- 
 ledge receipt of your courteous invitation, to attend the celebration of the 
 one hundredth anniversary of the surrender of Burgoyne, on the 17lh of 
 October. Fully sympathizing with the objects and purposes of the occa- 
 sion, I should esteem it a great pleasure to attend, but my engagements 
 will be such at that time as to compel me to deny myself that pleasure, 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. Stone. 
 
 State of Colorado, Executive Department, Denver, Aug. 33, 1877. 
 Wm. Jj. Stone, Esq., Dear Sir: In the absence of Governor Routt, I reply 
 to your invitation of the 15th inst. by saying that he will not probably be 
 able to accept, by reason of certain official duties in the selection of public 
 
THE Surrender of Burqoynb. 171 
 
 lands, etc., -whioh will roquiro liis presence in the state at the time of your 
 celebration. He will advise you definitely upon his return, wliich will be 
 wilhin a fortnight. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 John M. Reigakt, Private Secretary. 
 
 Providence, Aug. 23, 1877. William L. Stone, Esq., Dear Sir : Your 
 polite invitation to attend the celebration of the one hundredth anniver- 
 sary of the surrender at S .ratoga came duly to liand. It was addressed 
 to myself individually, but of course, was intended for the present gover- 
 nor. Van Zandt. I have forwarded the invitation and he will undoubt- 
 edly cordially respond to it. Very truly yours, Hbney Lippitt, 
 
 JEx-Oovernor of Bliode Island. 
 
 State op Rhode Island, Executive Department, Newport, Sept. 7, 
 1877. Dear Sir. Your favor is received, and I sliall be gratified to be 
 present witU my adjutant general and the six members of my personal 
 staff at your celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the surrender 
 of Burgoyne on the 17th of October next. With great respect, most truly 
 yours, Chas. C. Van Zandt, 
 
 OovernoT. 
 
 State op New Jersey, Executive Department, Trenton, Oct. 8, 1877. 
 Wm. L. Stone, Esq., My Dear Sir : Permit me to thanlc you and the com- 
 mittee for the honor of an invitation to be present on the 17lh inat., at the 
 centennial of the surrender of liurgoyne. 
 
 I find that it is impossible to acctpt, owing to otHcial duties here. This 
 I really regret, as the occasion will not only be pleasurable but will com- 
 memorate one of the brightest and most important eveuis of the Kevohuion. 
 
 Again thankiug you, and wishing that the day njay be a success as it 
 caunot be (Jlherwise. I am yours, very respectfully, J. D. Bedle. 
 
 Martha's Vineyard, Aug. 23. My Dear Sir: Your very polite invita- 
 tion to participate in the celebiation of the one hundredth a'nuiversaiy of 
 the surrender of Burgoyne reached me yesterday. I regret that it will 
 not be in my power to witness the interesting ceremonies of the occasiim, 
 and beg that you will convey to the gentlemen of the committee my thanks 
 for their courtesy, and my regret that I cannot avail myself of it. With 
 my best wishes for the complete success of the celebration, 
 
 I am very respectfully yours, Geo. B. McClellan. 
 
 Oregon, Executive Office, Salem, Sept. 12, 1877. Hon. Wm.L. Stone, 
 Sir: 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your courteous in- 
 vitation to attend the celebraticm of the one hundredth anniversary of the 
 battle of Saratoga. I fully appreciate the impoitauce ol the event that this 
 celebration is designed to commemorate. The least observing student of 
 American history must see that the surrender of Burgoyne was the turn- 
 ing point of the Revolution. It gave the colonists a cimfldence in the 
 stability and ultimate triumph of the infant republic which never after- 
 wards deserted them, and U unquestionably brought to their aid the French 
 alliance. I have no doubt that your proposed celebration will be an oc- 
 casion of much interest, and 1 therefore so much the more regret the fact 
 that my official duties will not permit me to attend. Very respectfully, 
 your obedient servant, S- F- Chadwick, 
 
 Qoteriior of Oregon. 
 
 Wisconsin, Executive Department, Madison, Sept. 25, 1877. Wm. L. 
 Stone, Esq. Dear Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
 your valued invitation to attend the celebration of the one hundredth 
 anniversary of the surrender of Burgoyne, and to convey to you my 
 
172 Centennial Celebration. 
 
 sincere regret, that urgent duties will prevent my acceptance of the same. 
 Were it possible for me to be present on so interesting and historic an oc- 
 casion, I -would most gladly have availed myself of your distinguished 
 courtesy. Yours with respect, H. Ludington. 
 
 Qomrnor of Winconsin. 
 
 New Orleans, August 27, 1877. Dear Sir : Your kind invitation to 
 attend the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of Burgoyne's 
 surrender at Schuylerville, N. Y., Oct. 17, 1877, is accepted. Thanks. 
 Truly yours, S. B. Packard. 
 
 Commonwealth op Vikginia, Governor's office, Richmond, Sept. 5, 
 1877. William L. Slone, Esq., Dear Sir: Your letter inviting me to 
 attend the celebration of the 17th proximo, at Schuylerville, New York, 
 is received as a highly appreciated honor; and I regret that my other en- 
 gagements forbid nie the privilege of uniting with you on an occasion so 
 interesting. Yours very respectfully, James L. Kemper. 
 
 Maine, Executive Department, Augusta, Aug. 28, 1877. Mr. Wil- 
 liam L. Stone, Dear Sir : I beg you will receive my sincere acknow- 
 ledgments of your courtesy in inviting me to attend the celebration of the 
 one liundredth anniversary of the surrender at Saratoga, on the seventeenth 
 day of October next, and my regrets that I cannot be present on that in- 
 teresting occasion. Yours very respectfully. Selden Connor, 
 
 Governor of Maine. 
 
 St. Johnsburt, Oct. 10, 1877. William L. Stone, Esq., My Dear Sir : 
 I duly received your very courteous invitation to attend the Centennial 
 celebration of Burgoyne's surrender at Schuylerville on the 17th instant, 
 and I have hoped to avail myself of that plasure, but at this late day I find 
 that unavoidable business, official and private, will prevent my attendance, 
 which I much regret. Thanking you for your very kind invitation, I re- 
 main. Yours very respectfully, Horace Fairbanks, 
 
 Governor of Vermont. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 ARCHITECT'S STATEMENT. 
 
 To tlie Building Committee of the Saratoga Monument : 
 
 Gentlemen : The foundation of the mounment is built. It is of con- 
 crete, thirty -eight feet square and eight feet thicli. One quarter of the 
 granite plinth or base is also built. D. A. Bullard, of the executive com- 
 mittee, has been an efficient auxiliary in soliciting aid, purchase of material 
 and employing of labor, to carry to asuccessful completion the work re- 
 quired preparatory to laying the corner stone. Much of the labor and 
 material has been donated by the inhabitants of the vicinity ; the granite 
 corner stone was given by Booth Brothers, of New York, at a cost of 
 $300. It is of Cape Ann granite They also furnished, under contract, 
 the granite used in building the quarter of the plinth ; the blue stone was 
 given by Monta, of Sandy Hill. The master mason employed was John 
 Matthews. The detail drawings for the granite were made by William T. 
 Markham in New York, the stone being cut partly in New York, and 
 partly at the quarry, shipped to New York, and then transferred to a 
 canal boat and taken to Schuylerville and set without fitting or cutting- 
 The work has progressed rapidly and without accident ; and to-day the 
 corner stone is to be laid by the ancient and honorable Order of Free 
 Masons, the Grand Lodge of the state of New York performing the 
 
 ceremony. 
 
 J. C. Makkham, Architect. 
 ■e,N. r., Oct. 17,1877. 
 
 23 
 
174 
 
 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 LIVING DESCENDANTS OF THOSE WHO FOUGHT IN 
 THE BATTLES OF SARATOGA 1 '7 7 7, AS FAR AS AS- 
 CERTAINED. 
 
 Collected by Sajiuel Wells oe Schuylekville, N. Y. 
 
 NAME. 
 
 Layfayette S. Foster, 
 Lemuel H. Hardin, 
 Martin D. Hardin, 
 Austin A. Yates, 
 John Brisbin, 
 Josiah St. John, 
 Herman St. John, 
 R. D. Palmatier, 
 Stephen T. Burt, 
 Killian D. Wiuney, 
 Hurland Baker, 
 Manton Marble, 
 John Austin Stevens, 
 John A. Bryan, 
 J. D. Billings, 
 Jeremiah MoCreedy, 
 Robert Bryan, 
 Stephen S. Dunn, 
 Lewis Ostrander, 
 James S. Ostrander, 
 Frank Walworth, 
 Nathan A. Wells, - 
 John Dunham, 
 John H. Dunham, 
 George McCreedy, 
 Henry McCreedy, 
 William A. Dunn, 
 Judson Ostrander, 
 David Brisbin, 
 Charles Neilson, 
 E. R. Mann, 
 George Dunn, 
 
 KE3IDENCE. 
 
 Norwich, Conn., 
 Louisville, J£y. 
 
 Schenectady, JV. Y. 
 jSt. Paul, Minn. 
 Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 Luzerne, N. Y. 
 Waterford, N. Y. 
 JVorthumberland, JV. Y. 
 
 Meehanicsville, JV. Y. 
 JVew York City, JV. Y. 
 
 Saratoga Springs, JV. Y. 
 
 Pittsfield, III. 
 
 Cohoes, JV. Y 
 
 Stillwater, JV. T. 
 
 JFort Edward, JV. Y. 
 KetchurrCs Corners, JV. Y. 
 Ballston, Spa. 
 
THE Surrender of Burgoyne. 175 
 
 Samuel Wells, SchuylerviUe, JST. Y. 
 
 Oliver Brisbin, " " 
 
 George Strover, " " 
 
 James II. Dillingham, " " 
 
 Samuel St. John, " « 
 
 Gordon Van Valkenburgh, " " 
 
 Charles Van Valkenburgh, " " 
 
 David Crane, " " 
 
 William H. McCreedy, " " 
 
 Peter G. Gillett, " " 
 
 Marcus Carey, " " 
 
 Alanson Welch, " " 
 
 Lorenzo D. Welch, " " 
 
 Nathan Welch, - « » 
 
 Dudley Welch, " " 
 
 P. Curtis, - - u u 
 
 C. Curtis, - " " 
 
 George McCreedy, " " 
 
 William McCreedy, " " 
 
 John McCreedy, - " " 
 
 Samuel McCreedy, " " 
 
 V. W. Ostrander, - " " 
 
 W. S. Ostrander, - " " 
 
 Cornelius B. Winne, " " 
 
 Valorus Winne, " " 
 
 S. H. Winne, " " 
 
 Douw F. Winne, " " 
 
 Seward Winne, " " 
 
 ROSTER OF THOSE OF THE GOVERNOR'S FOOT 
 GUARD OF HARTFORD, CONN., WHO WERE PRE- 
 SENT AT THE BURGOYNE CENTENNIAL CELE- 
 BRATION. 
 
 Wm. H. Talcott, - Major Commandant. 
 
 A. H. Wiley, Gapt. and 1st JLieut. 
 
 W. E. Eaton, - 2d Lieut. 
 
 R. D. Burdick, Zd Lieut. 
 
 S. E. Hascall, ^th Lieut, 
 
176 
 
 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 \st John D. Tucker. 
 2d James C. Pratt. 
 3d C. C. Strong. 
 Uh T. J. Lewis. 
 
 C B. Lenourd. 
 W. W. Bronson. 
 Samuel Allen. 
 W. D. Main. 
 
 John H. Allen. 
 W. S. Andrews. 
 Samuel J. Bidwell. 
 Frank C. Burr. 
 J. M. Boyle. 
 Robert Boyce. 
 P. T. Bolton. 
 E. T. Bowers. 
 W. G. Cowles. 
 J. P. Collord. 
 D. D. Donovan. 
 R. J. Dwyer. 
 W. S. Dwyer. 
 H. E. Easterly. 
 A. H. Embler. 
 Thos. Fox. 
 Chas. U. Frazier. 
 A. W. Gleason. 
 T. H Goodrich. 
 C. E. Gilbert. 
 J. J. Goodacre. 
 C. G. Goodell. 
 Jas. Hull. 
 J, P. Hafe, Jr. 
 
 Sergeants. 
 
 5th L. N. Hillman. 
 7th T. C. Naedele. 
 Sth Thomas Hewitt. 
 
 Corporals. 
 
 E. M. Quigley. 
 J. A. Downing. 
 J. Robt. Dwyer. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 John H. Hale. 
 L. A. Hitchcock. 
 Frank Halloner, Jr. 
 Thos. H. Hewitt. 
 Augustus Loomis. 
 Horace G. Lord. 
 Thos. Moran. 
 J. H. Mannix. 
 R. D. McMannus. 
 G. A. J. Naedele. 
 F. D. Newell. 
 Jas. Officer. 
 Thos. Oakes. 
 John Propson. 
 Edwin Smith. 
 E. D. Sessions. 
 Jacob Stern. 
 Frank Stone. 
 William B. Wells. 
 Alfred Williams. 
 Geo. H. Williams. 
 H. O. Whitney. 
 Frank G. Wells, 
 
THE Surrender of Burqoynb. 177 
 
 VETERAN CORPS. 
 
 George B. Fisher, Captain. 
 
 Wm. B. Ely, e.v major. P. S. Riley. 
 
 J. C. Parsons, ex major. F. H. Boyle. 
 
 A. M. Gordon. T. H. Laughton, Hartford 
 
 J. B. Russell, Jr. Times. 
 
 Geo. W. Newton. F. C. Clark. 
 
 A. M. Hurlburt. Edward Wadsworth. 
 
 D. C. Pond. Geo. W. WooUey. 
 
 E. W. Parsons. William P. Woolley. 
 J. M. Grant. H. C. Havens. 
 
 F. E. Bliss. ' J. D. Burnham. 
 N. G. Hinckley. A. B. Work. 
 Cyrenus Green. C. C. Goodman. 
 M. R. West, Judge Advocate. T. W. Russell. 
 H. J. Case. John Olmsted. 
 
 SUBSCRIBERS TO THE MEMOIR. 
 
 NAME. RESIDENCE. 
 
 George L. Schtjtlbe, JSfew York City. 
 
 Philip Schuyler, " " " 
 
 Montgomery Schuyler, " " " 
 
 J. Watts DePeyster, " " " 
 
 B. W. Throckmorton, " " " 
 John H. Starin, 
 
 Charles O'Connor, " " " 
 
 Booth Brothers, - " " " 
 
 James Grant Wilson, " " " 
 
 Webster Wagner,, " " " 
 
 Parker Handy, " 
 
 JohnBigelow, " " 
 
 Algernon S. Sullivan, " " " 
 
 Manton Marble, " " " 
 
 J. J. Couch, - " 
 
 Edward F. DeLancey, " " 
 David M. Stone, 
 
 C. C. Church, 
 
178 
 
 Centennial Celebration of 
 
 J. C. Maekham, 
 
 HeNET KlDDLB, 
 
 John G. McNaet, 
 
 Samuel Osgood, 
 S. S. Cox, 
 Ethan Allen, 
 Feank Buedge, 
 J. D. Billings, 
 Thomas Williams, 
 
 HOEATIO SeYMOUE, 
 
 William J. Bacon, 
 
 John F. Seymoue, 
 
 Gboege William Cuetis, 
 
 Lafayette S. Fostee, - 
 
 Mrs. Maey S. Millee, 
 
 A. 'Austin Yates, 
 
 Co. I, Goveenoe's Foot Guaed, 
 
 Giles B. Slocum, 
 
 Stephen D. Kiek, 
 
 Robeet S. Hale, 
 
 Asa C. Teeft, 
 
 Joseph E. King, 
 
 b. c. butlee, - 
 
 William H. Clement, 
 
 Geatz Van Rensselaee, 
 
 S. G. Aenold, 
 
 J. R. Baetlett, 
 
 L. B. Paokaed, 
 
 0. H. Maeshall, 
 
 James B. McKean, 
 
 John Woodbeidge, 
 
 John Hat, 
 
 Thomas W. Olcott, 
 
 Heney a. Homes, 
 
 Joel Munsell, 
 
 Geoege W. Schuylee, 
 
 RuFus W. Claek, 
 
 New York City. 
 
 Utica, JSr. T. 
 
 West New Brighton, N. Y. 
 Norwich, Conn. 
 Rhinebeck, N Y. 
 Schenectady, N Y. 
 Hartford, Conn. 
 
 Trenton, Mich. 
 
 Charleston, S. C. 
 Elizahethtown, N. Y. 
 
 Fort Miller, N Y. 
 
 Fort Edward, N. Y. 
 
 Luzerne, N Y. 
 
 Morrow, Ohio. 
 
 Ithaca, N Y. 
 
 Provide7ice, R. I. 
 
 New Orleans, La. 
 Buffalo, N Y. 
 Salt Lake, Utah. 
 New Brunswick, N. J. 
 Cleveland, Ohio. 
 Albany, N. Y. 
 
THE SUERENDER OF BuRGOYNE. 
 
 Albany, JST. T. 
 
 179 
 
 H. L. Gladding, 
 Lemon Thomson, 
 Abraham Lansing, - 
 John S. Perry, 
 Charles S. Lester, 
 
 E. F. BuLLAED, 
 
 James M. Martin, 
 
 WiNSOR B. French, 
 
 Joseph G. Cooke, 
 
 Philip Menjes, 
 
 W. H. Hall, 
 
 H. W. Merrill, 
 
 Miss Watland, 
 
 Mrs. Ellen Hardin Walavoeth 
 
 Mrs. C. H. Browx, 
 
 O. L. Barbour, 
 
 P. C. Ford, 
 
 A. Welch, 
 
 G. F. Watson, 
 
 C. W. Mathew, 
 
 Mrs. Jane M. Marshall, 
 
 Charles M. Bliss, 
 
 F. H. Sands, 
 
 L W. Richards, 
 George West, 
 George G. Scott, 
 Apollo Commandert, 
 Francis W. Stone, 
 Charles D. Stone, 
 William H. Stone, 
 R. S. Storrs, 
 Col. Clarence S. Bate, - 
 
 Saratoga Springs, JV. Y. 
 
 Schuylerville, N. Y. 
 
 Bennington, Vi. 
 
 White Creeic, N. Y. 
 Hallston Spa, JV. Y. 
 
 iC It (( 
 
 Troy, JV. Y 
 Brooklyn, JV. Y. 
 
 Louisville, Ky. 
 
180 Centennial Celebration. 
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 Page 5. 8th line from bottom, for slioaling, read shooting. 
 
 " 13. 4th line from top, for Alomo, read Alanson. 
 
 " 13. 7th line from top, for Terry, read Ferry. 
 
 •' 16. ■ 4th line from top, for Hasseit, read Fassett. 
 
 " 16. 7th line from top, for Gates's Centennial's, read Gates's Conti- 
 nentals. 
 
 " 23. TSTote, 2d line from bottom, for Mann, read Marvin. 
 
 " 28. Last line of text for sure, read serve. 
 
 " 25. 3d line from bottom for Clarence S. Bate, read Col. Clarence S. 
 Bate. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Abercrombie, 66, 146. 
 
 Ackland, Lady, 105, 109, 110. 
 
 Ackland, Major, 109. 
 
 Adams, C. H., 27. 
 
 Adams, John, 67, 83. 
 
 Adams, Samuel, 10, 18, 83. 
 
 Adkins, Thos. G., 30. 
 
 Albany Evening Jounia], 10. 
 
 Allen, A. L., 26. 
 
 Allen, Capt. P. F., 28, 29. 
 
 Allen, Ethan, 25, 71, 73 ; letter from, 
 163. 
 
 Allen, Parson, 77. 
 
 Ames, G. L., 36. 
 
 Amherst, 66, 73. 
 
 Amsden, Benj. W., 7. 
 
 Andes, Col. F. R,, 38, 39. 
 
 Andrews, E., 36. 
 
 Andrews, jr., Capt. James M., 38 
 29. 
 
 Angell, James B., letter ft'om, 168. 
 
 Anbury, Lieut, 119. 
 
 Apollo Commandery, 15. 
 
 Archbishop of Canterbury, 133. 
 
 Armstrong, Maj,, 139, 130. 
 
 Arnold, Benedict, 58, 65, 74, 77, 81, 
 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 133, 143, 
 144, 150, 153, 154. 
 
 Arnold, Gen., 97, 101. 
 
 Arnold, Hannah, her letter, 132. 
 
 Arnold, S. G., letter from, 168. 
 
 Arnold, subiect of B. W. Throck- 
 morton's Address, 125. 
 
 Atwell, C. H., 29. 
 
 Atwell, R.N., 38, 39. 
 
 •34 
 
 Bacon, Wm. J., letter from 166. 
 
 Bailey, Rev. A. F., 26. 
 
 Balcarras, Lord, 129, 131. 
 
 Ballaton Cornet band, 15. 
 
 Bancroft, 108, 128. 
 
 Banks, Mayor, 27. 
 
 Barbour, Hon. O. L.,26. 
 
 Barker, John G., 34. 
 
 Barkley. A., 37. 
 
 Barrett, Col. Wm. Q., 38, 29. 
 
 Bartram, Mrs. Charles, 12. 
 
 Bascom, Lieut., 15. 
 
 Bate, Col. Clarence S., 35 ; letter 
 
 from, 169. 
 Baucus, A. B., 26. 
 Baum, 132. 
 
 Bedle, J. D., letter from, 171. 
 Bemis's Heights celebration, 8. 
 Bemis's Heights, gathering at, 45. 
 Bennett, G. H., 29. 
 Bennett, N.,26. 
 Bennington celebration, 8, 14. 
 Bennington, gatliering at 45. 
 Bennington Park Guards, 14. 
 Betts, R. C.,27. 
 
 Bigelow, John, letter from, 165. 
 Billings, J., Jr., 38. 
 Blaine, 164. 
 
 Blanchard, Gen. Joshua S., 26. 
 Blanchard, H. T., 28. 
 Bliss, CM., 25. 
 Boak, John C, 34. 
 Bockes, Hon. A., 36. 
 Booth Brothers, donate corner 
 
 stone, 19, 30. 
 
182 
 
 Index. 
 
 Boyce, C, 26. 
 
 Bracken, Maj . E. T., 28, 29. 
 
 Bradley, Joseph P., letter from, 164. 
 
 Brisben, O., 28. 
 
 Brockett, I., 26. 
 
 Brott, S. F., 28. 
 
 Brown, Mrs., 132. 
 
 Brudenell, Mr., 106, 110. 
 
 Bryant, William Cullen, 24; letter 
 
 ■ from, 162. 
 Buck, Mrs. Weslsy, 12. 
 Buckley, J. S., 35. 
 Bull, Capt. Jonatbau, 14. 
 Bull, James, 14. 
 Bull, Isaac D., 14. 
 Bullard, D. A. , 23, 35. 
 Bullard, E. C, 28. 
 Bullard, Gen. Edward F., 19, 24, 
 
 35,161. 
 Bullard, E. H., 100. 
 Burdick, R. D., 30. 
 Burgoyne, John, 69. 
 Burgoyne's surrender, influence of, 
 
 57. 
 Burke, Edmund, 68, 85. 
 Burleigh Corps, 15. 
 Burton, I., 26. 
 Butler, Coir B. C, 19, 27, 28, 29, 
 
 31, 35, 101; his Star Spangled 
 
 Banner, 151. 
 
 Campbell, G. H., letter from, 170. 
 Canadian allies, desertion of, 117. 
 Canning,E. W. B.,27; letter from, 
 
 168. 
 Carhart, E. M., 29. 
 Carleton, General, 69, 79. 
 Carr, Gen., 28. 
 Catskills, 5. 
 
 Chadwick, S. F., letter from, 171. 
 Chastellux, Marquis de, 12, 21. 
 Chatham, Lord, 70, 137. 
 Church, Benjamin, 65. 
 Cilley, 133. 
 Civic procession, 16. 
 
 Clark, Rev. Rufus W., D.D., 31; 
 prayer of, 38. 
 
 Clark, W. B., 26. 
 
 Clarke, Sir Francis, 129. 
 
 Clement, Wm. H., 25. 
 
 Clements, Albert, 16, 17, 157, 158, 
 159. 
 
 Clinton, 108, 117, 122. 
 
 Clinton, George, 65, 74, 80. 
 
 Clinton, Sir Henry, 41, 70, 79, 80, 
 83, 135. 
 
 Clothier, W. R, 26. 
 
 Clute, C, 26. 
 
 Cochran, Col., 112. 
 
 Colburn, Hon. M. S., 25. 
 
 Cole, N., 27. 
 
 Colt's military band, 21. 
 
 Connor, Selden, letter from, 172. 
 
 Consalus, W. B., 26. 
 
 Continental cavalry, 21. 
 
 Coolidge, T. S., 27. 
 
 Corey, Samuel F. , 28, 29. 
 
 Corner stone laid, 18, 33, 34; arti- 
 cles deposited in, 35. 
 
 Cornwallis, Lord, 68, 85. 
 
 Couch, J. J., 30, 81, 33, 34, 36. 
 
 Couch, J. J. Grand Master, address 
 of, 37. 
 
 Cox, S. S. , letter from, 162. 
 
 Cramer, Hiram, 26, 157. 
 
 Crane, J. W., 26. 
 
 Craw, D., 29. 
 
 Cummiugs, Rev. Hooper, 158. 
 
 Curtis, F. D.,26. 
 
 Curtis, Geo. Wm., 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 
 31, 161 ; oration of, 63. 
 
 Cushman, J. H., 28. 
 
 Darling, E., 26. 
 
 Dawson, Henry B., 25. 
 
 Dean, D., 29. 
 
 Dean, Rev. G. W., 26. 
 
 Dearborn, 133. 
 
 Dearborn, Maj. Henry, 110, 128, 129. 
 
 DeLancey, E. F., 25. 
 
Index. 
 
 183 
 
 Dennis, C. JI., 38. 
 Dennis, P., 36. 
 DePeyster, Fredericlc, 7. 
 DePcyster, Gen. J. W., 7, 19, 31, 
 
 35 ; ode by, 140, 151. 
 DePeysler, Hon. Frederick, 35. 
 Derby, Earl of, 130. 
 De Remcr, John A., 34. 
 De Ridder, Brig.-Geu. , 158, 159. 
 De Bidder, J. H., 38. 
 De Soto Commandery, 15. 
 D'Estaing, Count, 137. 
 Devens, Charles, letter from, 164. 
 Deyoe, D. H.,36. 
 Deyoe, J. R, 38. 
 Dickerman, Gen., 38. 
 Dieskau, 66. 
 
 Dillenbeck, J. S.,38, 39. 
 Dillenbeck, Lieut., 38, 39. 
 Dillingham, J. H. , 39. 
 Dodd, F., 36. 
 Dodd, H., 37. 
 Doolittle, E., 38. 
 Dunham, Maj. 157. 
 Dunmore, Gov., 155. 
 Duryea, Rev. Mr., 159. 
 Dwyer, J., 36. 
 
 Easton, hospitality of, 33. 
 
 Eaton, Lieut. VV. E., 30. 
 
 Eddy, collection, 30. 
 
 Editor's note on Gen. De Peyster's 
 
 ode, 149. 
 Edmonds, Geo. F., letter from, 167. 
 Edwards, E., 36. 
 Ellsworth, E. D., 36. 
 English, R., 36. 
 Enos, J. B., 36. 
 Ensign, G. A., 36. 
 Evarta, Wm. M. , letter from, 164. 
 
 Fairbanks, Horace, letter from, 173. 
 Fassett, Major, 30. 
 Fellows, Colonel, 7. 
 Fellows, Gen., 108, 113, 114. 
 
 Field of the Grounded Arms, 19, 
 
 133. 
 Filkins, J. J., 37. 
 Finch, Jerry, 37. 
 Finch, W. P., 39. 
 Finne, A. L., 36. 
 Finnegan, Rev. H. B., 36. 
 Fish, Hon. Hamilton, 35, 161. 
 Fish, F., 37. 
 Fitch, Wm. E., 34. 
 Flag-pole, great height of, 9. 
 Flagler, Beoj., 34. 
 Fletcher, Lieut, 38, 39. 
 Fonblanque, 111, 131. 
 Fonda, Sir Townsend, 30. 
 Ford, P. C, 161. 
 Fort Hardy, 43 ; remains of, 80. 
 Fort Saratoga, 7. 
 Foster, Hon. Lafayette S., 31. 
 Foster, ex-Senator, 16, 17, 19, 33 ; 
 
 his address, 96. 
 Pox, Charles, 85. 
 Francis, J. M. , 37. 
 Franklin, Benjamin, 53, 70. 
 Franklin, Dr., 137. 
 Eraser, Gen., 80, 81, 83, 105,106, 
 
 116, 138, 163. 
 French, Capt. W. W., 38, 39. 
 French, Gen. W. B., 38, 39 ; grand 
 
 marshal, 10. 
 Frontenac, 66. 
 Pursman, E. L., 37, 33. 
 
 Gall, 116. 
 
 Gansevoort, 101. 
 
 Gates, Edwin, 34. 
 
 Gates, Gen., 53, 78, 79, 81, 83, 83, 
 84, 101, 107, 108, 110, 113, 113, 
 114, 117, 118, 119, 130, 131, 133, 
 136, 139, 130, 147. 
 
 Gates, 148, 153, 153, 154, 156. 
 
 Gates's Continentals, 16. 
 
 George III, style of, 14. 
 
 Gerard, M., 137. 
 
 Germaine, 131. 
 
 Gibbon, 85. 
 
184 
 
 Index. 
 
 Gibson, James, 34. 
 
 Gibson, J. Jr., 27. 
 
 Gilmour, N., 26. 
 
 Gladding, H. L., 19, 31, 31 ; address 
 
 of, 133. 
 Gleesettle, Capt., 15, 80. 
 Glover, 112, 133. 
 Goodale, Capt., 113. 
 Gordon, H., 27. 
 Gordon, Rev. Wm., 150. 
 Governor's foot guard, 30. 
 Gow, F.,28. 
 
 Grand Lodge of New York, 15, 18. 
 Gray, Dr., 28, 39. 
 Green, Capt. A. H., 6,28, 29. 
 Green mountain, 5. 
 Greene, A. M., 28. 
 Greenwich delegation, 10. 
 Grippeu, B. B., 26. 
 Grippen, M. B.,38. 
 Grose, H. L., 27. 
 Guiles, I. W.,36. 
 
 Hale, Hon. Robert S., 25 ■; letter 
 
 from, 169. 
 Hall, Capt. Thos., 30. 
 Hall, ex-Gov. Hiland, 35, 35. 
 Hall, J., 36. 
 
 Hall, Surgeon Wm. H., 38, 29. 
 Halleck, Fitz Greene, 19; his poem, 
 
 133. 
 Hamilton, 116, 118. 
 Handy, Parker, 25 ; letter from, 
 
 163. 
 Hannum, J. O. , 28. 
 Hardin, Col. John, 155, 156. 
 Hardin, Martin, 155. 
 Harnage, Major, 105. 
 Harris, Dr. N. C.,28, 39. 
 Harris, H. M., 27. 
 Hartford Governor's Foot Guards, 
 
 14. 
 Hartranft, J. F., letter from, 170. 
 Hascall, Lieut. S. E. , 30. 
 Hassett, Maj. T. S., 16. 
 
 Hay, Col. John, 35. 
 
 Heminway, R. A., 38, 29. 
 
 Henry, Patrick, 65. 
 
 Herkimer, 37, 65, 76, 101. 
 
 Hills of our country, influence of, 
 53. 
 
 Hoar, Geo. F., letter from, 167. 
 
 Hoffman, ex-Gov., 35. 
 
 Holden, Sir Charles H., 15, 30. 
 
 Hollister, E. W., 26. 
 
 Holmes, Ebenezer, 28, 39. 
 Holmes, H. C.,28. 
 Holmes, O. W., letter from, 167. 
 Holy Cross Commandery, 15. 
 Homes, H. A., 31, 33; letter from, 
 
 165. 
 Hoole, John, 84. 
 Houghton, N. M., 26. 
 Howe, 131, 133. 
 
 Howe, Col. E. P., 19, 28, 39,81, 88. 
 Howe, Gen., 53, 68, 70, 71, 76, 78 
 
 79, 83, 135. 
 Hudson, Mrs. Joseph, 13. 
 Hughes, Gen. Chas., 28. 
 Hughes Light Guards, 15. 
 Hubbard, R. D., letter from, 170. 
 Huling, B. J., 37. 
 Hunter, ex-Mayor, 37. 
 
 Indian allies, importance of, 55. 
 Indians, deserted, 117. 
 Ingalsbee, M. J., 37. 
 IngersoU, R. G., letter from, 169. 
 Ingerson, C. E., 38. 
 
 ■Jay, John, 65, 67. 
 Jefferson, 150. 
 Johnson, 147. 
 Johnson, A. G., 37. 
 Johnson, D. J., 27. 
 Johnson, Dr., 85, 99. 
 Johnson, Sir John, 65. 
 Johnson, Sir William, 54, 66, 67, 
 103. 
 
Index. 
 
 185 
 
 Judson, B. F., 15, 36, 38, 39, 30. 
 Judson, Edmoud L., 31, 3-t. 
 
 Kapp, Hon. Frederick, 149. 
 
 Kayaderosseras, 5. 
 
 Keenan, John, 37. 
 
 Kemper, James, L., letter from, 173 
 
 Key, D. M., letter from, 164. 
 
 Keyes, A. A., 37. 
 
 Kiddle, Henry, letter from, 163. 
 
 Killiugton Commander\', 15. 
 
 Kilmer, G. B., 36. 
 
 King George, 66, 71, 85, 137. 
 
 King Henry V, 133. 
 
 King John, 141. 
 
 King, Rev. J. E., 36, 31 ; prayer by, 
 
 100. 
 King, Rufus, 78. 
 Kingston, Lieut. Col., 83. 
 Kirk, Gideon, 160. 
 Kirk, Stephen D., 19, 3.5, 33, 153; 
 
 gift of badges, 16 ; letter of, 160. 
 Kline, A. ■W.,37. 
 Knickerbacker, H., 26. 
 Knickerbacker, J. , 37. 
 Knights Templar, 15. 
 Kosciusko, 78, 133. 
 
 La Fayette, 86. 
 
 Lafayette Commandery, 15. 
 
 Laing, G. P., 9, 39. 
 
 Lamb, D. T., 36. 
 
 L'Amoreaux, J. L.,35. 
 
 Latiiner, Col., 97, 98. 
 
 Lauderdale, Lord, 131. 
 
 Lawrence, S. R. , 28. 
 
 Learned, Gen.,' 113, 133. 
 
 Lee, Charles, 69. 
 
 Leister, 151. 
 
 Lester, Hon. Charles S., 18, 19, 20, 
 
 21, 24, 26, 31, 38 ; introductory 
 
 address of, 40. 
 Lester, Judge, 20, 96. 
 Lester, J. W., 28, 39. 
 
 Lewis, Morgan, 84, 101. 
 
 Lincoln, Abraham, 101, 104, 188. 
 
 Lippc, Count, 70. 
 
 Lippitt, Henry, letter from, 171. 
 
 Little, i\[. B,, 37. 
 
 Little Falls Commandery, 15. 
 
 Lober, K. W. , 36. 
 
 Livingston, Robert, 65. 
 
 Longfellow, Henry W., letter from, 
 
 167. 
 Lossing, Benson J., 19, 1^3, 139, 130, 
 
 154; his letter, 153. 
 Louis XVI, 137. 
 Lovatt, Earl of, 106. 
 Lovelace, 157, 
 Ludington, H., letter from, 172. 
 
 JIuc Crea, Jane, 76. 
 
 ilagaw. Col., 134. 
 
 Mansfield, Mr., 132. 
 
 Marble, Manton, 35 ; letter from, 163. 
 
 Markham, J. C, 35. 
 
 Marvin, James M. , 23. 
 
 Marvin, Hon. James M. , 26. 
 
 Marshall, F. K., 26. 
 
 Marshall, H., 29. 
 
 Marshall, Mrs. Jane M., 13. 
 
 Marshall, Miss Jennie, 12. 
 
 Marshall house, 20. 
 
 Marshall, O. H., 35 ; letter from, 168. 
 
 Masonic division, 30; ceremonies, 
 
 36, 37. 
 Master Masons, 15. 
 Matthews, John, 35. 
 Matthews, Samuel, 35. 
 Mayhew, C. W., 11. 
 McArthur, J. L., 28. 
 McClellan, Geo. B., letter from, 171. 
 McConihe, S., 37. 
 
 McCrary, Geo. W., letter from, 164. 
 McCreary, James B., letter from, 
 
 170. 
 McCreedy, S., 28, 29. 
 McCreedy, Wm. H. , 17. 
 McDonald, L. G., 27. 
 
186 
 
 Index. 
 
 McDougall, 134. 
 
 McElroy, Mr., 10. 
 
 McFarland, James, 25. 
 
 McKean, James B., letter from, 169. 
 
 McKean, S., 26. 
 
 McNary, John G. , letter from, 166. 
 
 NcNaughtoii, C. H., 38,39. 
 
 McNaughton, F., 39. 
 
 McRea, H. A.,28. 
 
 Mead, P., 36. 
 
 Merritt, E. 4., letter from, 162. 
 
 Middle Falls delegation, 10. 
 
 Miller, W. R., letter from, 170. 
 
 Mingay, R., Jr., 29. 
 
 Military companies, 39. 
 
 Montcalm, 73. 
 
 Montgomery, 68, 103. 
 
 Morgan, 78, 80, 113, 113, 114, 115, 
 
 128, 129, 180, 183, 143. 
 Morgan, Capt. Jack, 155. 
 Morgan, Capt. Daniel, 156. 
 Morehouse, H. C, 37. 
 Morris, Gouverneur, 65. 
 Morris, H. D., 38. 
 Mott, J., 37. 
 Mozart band, 15. 
 Munsell, Joel, 35. 
 Murphy, Mayor, 27, 
 
 Neilson, G. W., 36, 153. 
 Nixon, 113, 113. 
 North, Lord, 85, 117. 
 Northrop, J. M., 37. 
 Northumberland, hospitality of, 33. 
 Noyes, 8. Jr., 36. 
 
 O'Conner, Hon. Chas., 34. 
 Olcott, Thomas W., 35. 
 Oriskany celebration, 8. 
 Oriskany, gathering at, 45. 
 Osboru, J., 36. 
 
 Osgood, Samuel, letter from, 163. 
 Ostrander, W. P., 39. 
 Oswald, Capt., 133. 
 Otis, James, 65. 
 Owen, Hiram, 38, 29. 
 
 Packard, S. B., letter from, 173. 
 
 Page, ex-Gov. John B., 35. 
 
 Palmateer, R. L., 27. 
 
 Palmer, A., 26. 
 
 Park Guard band, 14. 
 
 Parker, Albert, 34. 
 
 Parker, H., 26. 
 
 Parker, Sir Peter, 160. 
 
 Parker, Theodore, 150. 
 
 Parkman, F. , letter from, 168. 
 
 Parmenter, J. B., 27. 
 
 Parson, Maj. J. C.,21. 
 
 Patterson, 118.* 
 
 Patterson, Capt. A. A., 28, 29. 
 
 Paul, Chas. F., 39. 
 
 Pease, A, S., 27. 
 
 Peck, Col. C. T.,28, 29. 
 
 Peck, J., 26. 
 
 Pennock, Lieut., 28, 39. 
 
 Perry, John S., letter from, 165. 
 
 Petersham, Adj. Gen., 116. 
 
 Phelps, Lt. Gov. E. J., 35; letter 
 
 from, 167. 
 Phillips, 80, 105, 107, 108, 111, 115, 
 
 118, 130. 
 Piatt, 183. 
 Poor, 138. 
 
 Potter, D. L., 13,38,39. 
 Potter, President, 35. 
 Preston, Dr., 36. 
 Pruden, O. L., letter from, 164. 
 Procession, route of, 11. 
 Proctor, Lt. Gov. Redfield S., 35. 
 Pruyn, J. V. L.,35. 
 Putnam, 83, 134. 
 
 Quackenbush, J. A., 37. 
 
 Raymond, E., 36. 
 
 Red coats of Burgoyne, 14. 
 
 Reigart, John M., letter from, 171. 
 
 Relic tent, 30. 
 
 Revere, Paul, 65. 
 
 Revolutionary barrack, 13. 
 
 Rice, R. W., 39. 
 
Index. 
 
 187 
 
 Richards, Stephen H., 36. 
 Richmond, Duke of, 85, 137. 
 Riggs, Maj. W. J., 38, 39. 
 Riedesel, Baroness, 75, 109, 111, 
 
 113, 115, 116, 119. 
 Riedesel, Gen., 73, 80, 107, 108, 114, 
 
 115, 116, 119, 118. 
 Riedesel, Mrs., refuge house of, 30. 
 Riley, John M. , 34. 
 Ritchie, Col., 19, 30, 37, 83, 153. 
 Roberts, Daniel, letter from, 168. 
 Roberts, Ellis H., 35 ; letter from, 
 
 166. 
 Roberts, William, 160. 
 Robinson, Capt. George, 38, 39. 
 Robinson Gov., 30. 
 Robinson's, Gov. , staff, 33. 
 Eochefoucauld-Liancourt, Duke de, 
 
 148. 
 Rockwell, C, 36. 
 Rockwell, W. W., 37. 
 Rodgers, Col. Hiram, 28, 29. 
 Rogers, Capt. , 36. 
 Root, Hon. Henry G., 25. 
 Route of march, 31. 
 Russell, S. W.,37. 
 
 St. George Commandery, 15. 
 St. Leger, 76, 77, 101, 123, 147. 
 Sanford, C, 27. 
 
 Saratoga Centennial Cavalry, 16. 
 Saratoga IVlonument, 5, 60. 
 Saratoga Springs, distance of, 7, 9. 
 Saratoga delegation, 8. 
 Saratogian, 24. 
 Satterlee, Gregory, 84. 
 Schurz, C, letter from, 164. 
 Schuyler, 133, 146, 147, 152, 153, 
 
 154. 
 Schuyler, Gen., 21, 43, 59, 60, 73, 
 
 74,. 75, 78 ; bearing of, 59, 
 
 neighbors of, 17. 
 Schuyler, Gen. Philip, 104, 110, 111, 
 
 119, 120, 122. 
 Schuyler, George L., 16, 23, 24 ; 
 
 letter from, 162. 
 
 Schuyler, Hon. George "W., 19, 21, 
 31 ; his address, iS©>. 
 
 Schuyler, Maj. Gen., 157, 158. 
 
 Schuyler, Philip, 34, 158, 159. 
 
 Schuylerville, 5, 6, 7. 
 
 Schuylerville Cornet band, 15. 
 
 Schuylerville Standard, 13. 
 
 Scidmore H., 36. 
 
 Scott, G. G.,26. 
 
 Scott, William, 34. 
 
 Sears, Capt., 133. 
 
 Seelye, N. J., 38. 
 
 Seventy-seventh regiment band, 15. 
 Seymour, Hon. Horatio. 16, 19 
 31,28,31, 133,161, 164; resol- 
 ution of, 19 ; address of, 43. 
 Seymour, John F. , 25 ; letter from 
 
 167. 
 Shelburn, Lord, 188. 
 Sheldon, F., 28. 
 Sheldon, H. S., 36. 
 Sherman, Augustus, 37. 
 Sherman, T. H., letter from, 164. 
 Sherman, W. A., 36. 
 Shurter, J. W , 26. 
 Simmons, E. F., 35. 
 Slocum, Giles B., 19, 25, 32, 152 ; 
 
 letter from, 157. 
 Smart, J. S.,27. 
 Smith, C. E.,37. 
 Smith, J. T.,28. 
 Smith, J. W.,37. 
 Smith, Mrs. Geo, W., 13. 
 Smith, W, H., 38. 
 South Glen's Falls Guards, 15. 
 Southerland, Lieut. Col., 108. 
 Stark, Gen., John, 74, 77, 101, 114, 
 
 148. 
 Starin, Hon. John H., 35 ; letter 
 
 from, 163. 
 Star Spangled Banner, 19. 
 St. Clair, Gen. , 72, 73 , 74. 
 Sterling, 65. 
 
 Stevens, John Austin, 35. 
 Stewart, ex-Gov. John W., 25. 
 Stillman, S. L., 26,34. 
 
188 
 
 Index. 
 
 Stone, David M., letter from, 163. 
 Stone, J. M., letter from, 170. 
 Stone, W. L., 27, 31, 33. 35, 104, 148, 
 
 151, 153, 155 ; his address, 19 ; 
 
 letter fi-om, 161 ; poem read by, 
 
 151. 
 Stonehouse, Gen. J. B. , 30. 
 Storrs, R. S., letter fi-om, 163. 
 Street, Alfi-ed B., 16, 19, 21, 23, 31, 
 
 161 ; poem of, 88. 
 Strover, George, 16, 17, 21 , 26, 157. 
 Sullivan, Hon. Algernon S., 32. 
 Sutfln, R., 29. 
 Sweet, T., 29. 
 Sylvester, N. B. , 35. 
 
 Talcott, Maj. W. H., 14, 21, 22, 29. 
 
 Talleyrand, 131. 
 
 Taylor, Bayard, letter from, 163. 
 
 Taylor, Gen. A. H., 30. 
 
 Teffi, W. H., 26. 
 
 Tefft Commandery, 15. 
 
 Temple Gommnadery, 15. 
 
 Ten Broeck, 81, 133. 
 
 Thomas, Capt. , 28, 29. 
 
 Thomas, Gen., 146. 
 
 Thomas, Wm. H., 25. 
 
 Thompson, H., 26. 
 
 Thomson, L., 27. 
 
 Thorn, S., 25. 
 
 Throckmorton, B. W., 19, 21, 33, 
 25, 31, 125 ; his address, 125. 
 
 Ticonderoga, fall of, 73. 
 
 Tice, W.,26. 
 
 Toohey, T., 29. 
 
 Topography of our country, influ- 
 ence of, 47. 
 
 Torrey, S. H., 26, 
 
 Townsend, Franklin, letter from, 
 165. 
 
 Townsend, M. S., 27. 
 
 Tracy, Capt, 6. 
 
 Tripp, J., 36. 
 
 Troy, battery B., 6, 7. 
 
 Troy police, 10. 
 
 Valentine, Maj., A. B.,25. 
 
 Valleys of our country, influence 
 
 of, 50. 
 Van Demark, L., 26, 28, 29. 
 Van Doren, D. K., 19, 26, 31, 146. 
 Van Schaick J. A., 26. 
 Van Zandt, Chas. C., letter from, 
 
 171. 
 Varick, Col.,152. 
 Varick, Miss A., 132. 
 Veterans, with Kossuth hats, 14. 
 Victory mills, hospitality of, 28. 
 
 Waite, A. D., 36. 
 Waite, M. B., letter from, 165. 
 Walker, Capt., 14, 39. 
 Walpole, Horace, 70. 
 Waltermeyer, 158. 
 Walworth, Mrs. Ellen H., 19. 
 Walworth, Mrs. Ellen Hardin Visi- 
 tor's Guide, 33, 35. 
 Walworth, Mrs. Ellen Hardin, 158; 
 
 letter from, 152, 155. 
 Ward, John, 158. 
 Warren, Joseph, 65, 67. 
 Washburn, C. E.,29. 
 Washington commandery, 15. 
 Washington, Geo., 56, 60, 65, 68, 
 
 74, 78, 83, 84, 85, 86, 120, 136, 
 
 127, 134, 150. 
 Waterbury, W. S., 27. 
 Watson, G. F., 11, 28. 
 Wayland, Dr., 163. 
 Wayne, 134. 
 
 Webster, Rev. John G., 34. 
 Webster, Mr., 140. 
 Weed, S. M., 37. 
 
 Weidman, Capt. George D., 14, 39. 
 Welch, A., 28, 39. 
 Welch, Alanson, 35. 
 Welch, Alonzo, 7, 18. 
 West, G., 26. 
 Wheeler, P. S., 38, 29. 
 Whipple, 74. 
 Whisky from buckwheat and pota 
 
 toes, 17. 
 
Index. 
 
 189 
 
 Whitehall Cornet band, 15. 
 
 Whitman, S.,39. 
 
 Wilcox, ("apt. N. O., 14, 
 
 Wilcox, Capt. O, N., 30. 
 
 Wiley, Capt. A. H.,30. 
 
 Wilkins, W. A., 36. 
 
 Wilkinson, 108. 
 
 Wilkinson, Ailj.-Gen., 83, 84, 110, 
 
 113, 119, 123. 
 Wilkinson, Gen., 156. 
 Willard's mountain, 5,' 7. 
 Wilson, Gen., 33. 
 
 Wilson, Gen. J. Grant, 111, 31, 123. 
 Winegar, C. B., 37. 
 
 Winncy, S., 39. 
 
 Wolf, 60. 
 
 Woodbridge, Hon. Frederick E., 35. 
 
 Woodruff, Wm. L., 34. 
 
 Worden, Capt. W. W., 28, 39, 30. 
 
 Wright, G., 3li. 
 
 Xlm'xcs, exclamation of, 13. 
 
 Yates, A. A., 19 ; address of, 140. 
 Yates, Hon. A. A., 31, 31. 
 Yeoman, Anthony, 34. 
 
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