M^ifNEwliiK. m THE GIFT OF 'ls^^£llA^Ka. .A..M&134-.- ..2.3./../../'^.'^.... Overs olin e /\JS3i-- 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/cu31924032745576 THE ^^'^^ OE THE HiiiQi'iiMiiii prepared pursuant to a Concurrent ]^esolution of the legislature of 1878, and Chapter 391 of the f aws of 1879. BY !!te€J SECRETARY OF STATE. ALBANY; WEED, PARSONS & CO., PRINTE.RS. 18T9. iv Table of Contents. PAGE. PROCEEDINGS AT THE OLD PORT AT SCHOHARIE, 194-230 Address op Gtbbnvillb Trbmain, IS'? Poem by Alfred B. Street, 307 Address of Dr. D. Knowbr, 309 Appendix, 318 PROCEEDINGS AT SCHUYLERVILLE IN HONOR OF BURGOYNE'S SURRENDER 333-356 Address of Grand Master Couch, 249 " Charles S. Lester, 350 " Horatio Seymour, 352 " Geo. William Curtis, 364 Poem by Alfred B. Street, 378 Address of Lafayette S. Foster, 320 ' ' George W. Schuyler, 322 " Wllliam L. Stone, 324 " B. W. Throckmorton, 335 " H. L. Gladding, 340 " A. A. Yates, 344 Ode by J. Watts De Peyster, 348 Letters, etc., 351 Appendix, - - 354 PROCEEDINGS AT CHERRY VALLEY, 359-383 Memorial Ode, 360 Address of Horatio Seymour, 361 " Douglas Campbell, 363 SKETCH OF THE OLD CAPITOL, 387-401 SKETCH OF THE NEW CAPITOL, 405-418 PROCEEDINGS IN COMMEMORATION OP THE OCCUPATION OF THE NEW CAPITOL, - 421-449 Address of William Dorsheimer, 425 " .Thomas G. Alvord, - 429 " Ekastus Brooks, .... 433 List of Illustkatiojs^s, PAGE. George Clinton, - Frontispiece. Old Senate House at Kingston, - 25 Gen. Herkimer, - - - 57 Scene op ORisHiANY Battlefield at present day — East Ravine, 91 Scene op Oriskant Battlbpield at present day — West Ravine, 127 Old Fort at Schoharie, with Monument to David Williams, 194 Philip Schuyler, 332 The Scene op Burgoyne's Surrender at present day, 301 The Old Capitol, . . , . 387 Old Senate Chamber, - 391 Old Assembly Chamber, - 395 Governor's Room, - - - 398 Old Court of Appeals Room, - - - 401 The New Capitol, - - - - - 403 Assembly Chamber, - - - 415 Grand Corridor, 480 Grand Staircase, ----- -- - 438 INTRODUCTORY. On the 8th of May, 18Y8, a concurrent resohition, introduced' by Hon. James G.Geaham, of Orange, in the House, was passed by the Legislatiire, of which the following is a copy : CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Rblativb to the Publication of Certain Historical Records. On motion of Mr. Graham : WnEKEAS, The "Centennial" of the adoption of the first Constitution of the State of New York, at Kingston, Ulster county, was appropriately recognized by the New York Historical Society, and afterward duly celebrated at Kingston ; and, Whereas, The Centennial of the battles of Fort Stanwix and Oriskany, and Bemis Heights, the laying of the corner-stone of the monument at the old Fort at Schoharie, to David Williams, one of the captors of Major Andre, as well as the battle of Saratoga, were all appropriately celebrated (on the grounds which have been made famous forever in our history) by military display, and the patri- otic addresses of distinguished orators and statesmen, and by the inspiring trib- utes of our poets ; therefore, be it Besolved (if the Senate concur). That the Secretary of State cause to be pre- pared and published in appropriate manner and style, a full and correct record of the proceedings at all said " Centennial" celebrations, including therein the offi- cial action of the authorities by whom the same were conducted ; a statement of the military exercises and the organizations taking part therein, all historical sketches read, and all addresses and poems prepared and delivered at thesev- eral Centennial celebrations, and that five thousand copies of the same be pre- pared and published as aforesaid, ten copies thereof to be furnished to each mem- ber, and one copy to each officer and reporter of the present Legislature, and one to each officer of the State government ; one thousand copies to be furnished to the State Librai-y for exchange, and for distribution to other libraiies in this State; and the remainder to be used by the Secretary of State in supplying per- sons who made addresses at such celebrations, and the persons officially connected therewith, and to such other persons or institutions as he may deem proper; also to accompany this work with views of the Old and New Capitol of the State, outside and inside, as far as practicable, with appropriate historical sketches con- nected therewith ; said work to be compiled and executed under the supervision of the Secretary of State, and to be let by him to the lowest responsible bidder; but the entire expense thereof shall not exceed the sum of six thousand dollars. 2 IwTRODUCTORIf . On the 9th of January, 1879, the Secretary of State made the fol- lowing report to the Legislature relative to his action in the matter of the publication (Assembly Doc. 17, session of 1879) : EEPORT Of the Secketaby of State Relative to the Publication op Cektain HiSTOKICAL RbCOKDS. Office of the Secretary op State, Albany, January 9th, 1879. Hon. Thomas G. Alvobd, Speaker of the AssemMy : Sir : I have the honor to submit herewith to the Legislature the following report relative to the work done by me, in pursuance of the directions of the accompanying concurrent resolution, passed May 8, 1878. (Here followed the resolution quoted above.) In obedience to the instructions conveyed by tliese resolutions, I have had col- lected the material necessary for the publication of the book, and it is now in my possession, ready to be placed at once in the hands of tlie editor. The collection of the material involved no expense, but any further steps toward the editing and printing of the volume will require an appropriation, which the Legislature of last year, while adopting the resolution above quoted, inadvertently failed to make. Although several propositions were made by responsible publishing houses to proceed with the printing and completion of the book without an appropriation, depending upon your honorable body at its present session to provide for the pay- ment of the same, the intent of the constitutional provision against binding the credit of the State wliere no appropriation is made, appeared to be so plainly against such action, that I have deemed it my duty to withhold the publication until an appropriation is actually made. I would, therefore, suggest to the honorable, the Legislature, that an appropri- ation is necessary to carry out the purposes of the resolution, and that if an ade- quate one is made at an early day, the volume can be issued with little further loss of time. I have the honor to be. Your obedient servant, ALLEN C. BEACH, Secretary of State. On May 28, 1879, the following Law was passed : CHAPTER 391. An Act Making an Appropriation for the Publication of Certain Historical Records. Passed May 28, 1879 ; three-flfths being present. ITie People of the State of New Torh, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows : Section 1. The sum of six thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in the treasury not otherwise Introductory. 3 appropriated, payable on the warrant of the Comptroller to the order of the Sec- rotary of State, for the use of the parties entitled to the same, for the prepara- tion and publication of certain historical centennial records, pursuant to concur- rent resolution of the Senate and Assembly, passed May eight, eighteen liundred and seventy-eight, and, also, for the publication, in the same volume, of the memorial addresses ordered by concurrent resolution of the Legislature, adopted January twenty-eight, eighteen hundred and seventy-nine, and delivered at the New Capitol on the evening of the twelfth of February, of the present year. § 3. This act shall take effect immediately. Under these directions the present volume has been prepared. While aiming to secure the correct and official record of proceedings in each case, the Secretary has felt that the intention of the Resolution to per- petuate an account of these important celebrations would be more cer- tainly obtained fty the publication in connection with each event of short extracts from the newspaper reports of unofficial matters indicat- ing the spirit and ardor of the people on each occasion, and describ- ing for the future generations who may read the volume, the smaller and frequently more interesting items of the celebrations. In this idea he was strengthened by the following letter, which he received from lion. HoEATio Seymoue, to whom he wishes hereby, to acknowledge strong obligations for aid and advice rendered : Utioa, N. Y., June 27th, 1879. My Dear Sm — It is hard to say what you should Strike out of the proceedings- at these cele- brations. It maybe that what seems trivial now will be of the most interest in the future. If we could have a full newspaper report after the fashion of to-day, of a public meeting held at the time of the Revolution, their banners, and their ways of doing things would be of more value and interest than their formal speeches. Things which seem to be trivial at the time in af teryears throw great light upon events. Your book will be fouud in some of the pubUc libraries a hundred years from now. It will be looked up then with great interest ; but the readers will care less tor the speeches than for the information it will give about the looks and actions of the people at the celejbrations of 1877. The speech-makers would say about the same thing hereafter that they have said heretofore about the battles of the Revolution. But time will make great changes in the manners, customs, and social aspects of our people. Things that seem commonplace now will be curious and inter- esting in the future. I am, yours truly, etc., HORATIO SEYMOUR. The Secretary desires also to acknowledge his obligations to Hon. Ellis H. Roberts, Clarkson N. Poti'ek, Charles O' Conor, John Austin Stevens, George William Curtis, Judge George G. Scott, Hon. D. Knowee, and others who largely aided him in a prompt and correct preparation of the volume by their personal efforts in supplying him with corrected and revised records. ALLEN C. BEACH, Secretary of State. %hz '^txo licrrli "g^isioxxml Religion, and who in his administration will prove a terror to evil-doers, and an example and patron to them that do well. Signed by order of the Consistory. Augttst2,1877. J. L. DOLL, Praeses. ADDEESS OF HON. GEOKGE H. SHAEPE. When the consolidation of the Koman Empire seemed to be well nigh attained, at about the commencement of the Christian era, Csesai- Augustus instituted or revived the secular games. They were intended to mark the Centennial periods of Rome. Heralds were employed to convoke the people by a solemn summons in these words : Gonvenite ad ludos spectandos, quos nee spectamt quisquam, nee spec- taturus est. They were invited to a spectacle which no one present had ever beheld, and which no one present would ever behold again. At the special cele- bration spoken of Horace prepared the hymn, which was sung by a chorus of youths and maidens. We can well believe that at these Centennial epochs the most popular orators were called to celebrate in fitting terms the great deeds of their ancestors. While the glories of Rome would form the general theme, a particular recital would be rendered to commemorate the successes of the hundred years just past. And when such an epoch had been marked by some of the mightiest achievements of Rome, care would be taken that a minute narrative should be made of the incidents and actors who figured in the triumphs. It has been therefore thought proper that, in addition to the broader discourse to which you have been called to listen, I should endeavor to make a picture to you of the scene and actors when the independent government of this great Commonwealth was first set in motion. Kingston as connected with the Convention, will, then, be my brief topic. The revolutionary government of this' State was carried on by a Provincial Congress, issuing out of a Convention, and during its recesses its powers were confided to a Committee or Council of Safety. The first, second and third Pro- vincial Congresses met in New York. The exigencies of war required the fourth to meet at White Plains, in Westchester County, where the Declaration of Inde- pendence was read and unanimously agreed to on the 10th of July, 1776. On the 29th of the same month the Provincial Convention adjourned to Harlem, Kingston. 41 whcie it continued for thirty days, when it again adjourned to Pishkill. The accommodiitions there were insufficient. The Episcopal church had been chosen lor the sessions of the Convention, but being very offensive with the dung of dogs and fowls, and without any benches, seats or any other conveniences what- ever, it was considered unfit for the use of the Convention, and the members unanimously agreed to adiourn to the' Dutch church in the same village. Those present from this County were Charles DeWitt and Christopher Tappen. Brief sessions were held until the 15th of October, when the Convention again resigned the care of public affairs to the Committee of Public Safety, and on the 31st day of January, 1777, Messrs. Duane and Robert Yates, having returned from Kingston, reported, in substance, that they had conferred with the Com- mittee in Ulster County, and find that if the Convention should move to that place, fifty members can obtain good accommodations; that the price will be twenty shillings per week, and that the Court-house, or a large room in the said building, would be convenient for the Convention to meet in. This village had been already subjected to extraordinary burdens ; its jail was made the custodian of a large number of State prisoners, and as it was situated upon the -road principally used by troops passing to and from the northern and southern armies, the town committee was frequently obliged to make reclamations for extraordinary acts committed by the troops. On the 1st of February the Committee of Safety authorized the Committee of liingston to appoint a guard for tl;e safe custody of the State prisoners, six of the said guard to watch every night ; and an allowance of two shillings and six pence was made to each member for every night on duty ; and the town committee was authorized to provide candles and fire-wood for the guard, to be reimbursed out of the treasury of the State. On the 11th of February Mr. Gansevoort, of Albany, moved that the Con- vention adjourn, to meet at Kingston on the 19th. Mr. Wisner, of Orange, endeavored to have Goshen chosen instead of Kingston, and moved an amend- ment to that efliect. Debate arose thereon, and the Journal informs us that when the question was put on the amendment it was carried in the negative. Mr. Duane, of New York, then introduced a preamble reciting the great and momentous affairs under the consideration of the Convention, and the necessity of the advice and assistance of all its members, and an order was made that all the members of the Convention should be peremptorily required to give their attendance at Kings- ton, and letters were written to the committees of the respective counties, inclos- ing copies of the above resolution, and informing them that it is the intention of the House as soon as they meet in Kingston to proceed to the business of forming a plan of government. On the 19th of February, 1777, the Committee of Safety assembled at Kingston, there being present only Col. Pierre Van Cortlandt, acting President ; Messrs. Philip Livingston and Van Zandt, of New York ; Mr. Tappen, of Ulster ; Mr. Taylor, of Albany, and Mr. Newkirk, of Tryon, the latter county comprising nearly all that part of the State now westerly of Schenectady. No business was done on this first day, except the consideration of a letter from General George CUnton, dated at New Windsor on the 14th instant, informing the committee that pursuant to the resolve of the Convention he had raised five hundred men in the counties of Orange and Ulster. The Committee of Safety continued its sessions from day to day, with acces- 6 42 Centennial Celebrations. sions of members, passing upon the most important business relating to this prov- ince, a large part of which, including the city of New York, was in the posses- sion of the enemy, the northern and centre portions being threatened by the great invasion of Burgoyne* On the 6th of March the committee yielded its powers to the Convention, of which Brigadier-General Ten Broeck, a member from Albany, was President. Kingston was at this time the third place in size, wealth and importance in the State. I find a census made in 1783, when it is probable that the number of inhabitants did not greatly differ from what it was at the date we are considering. The population of Kingston was then computed at 3, 653, and the total population of the county at 16,903. Within a few days past, in the company of General D. T. Vajst Buuen, I made an examination of the old stone dwellings still standing, which, in all probability, existed essentially in their present condition in 1777. These ancient relics are passing away, many of the best specimens having been removed within late years. There are, however, about forty-eight stone houses presenting substantially the same appearance which they did to the distinguished men who for long months resided here, directing the energies of this province against the mighty-armies of Great Britain, and giving the principle of life to the Constitution of an independ- ent State. In 1777 the greater part of the village still lay within the confines of the pali- saded inclosure which had formed the fortified post of the Esopus from the year 1658. This area, comprising about twenty-five acres, lay within the boundaries of North Front, East Front, Green and Main streets. The houses were built of blue limestone, the largest proportion of them being only one story high, with an attic ; and as the interior walls were made by plastering immediately upon the stone, very little woodwork was found inside of them. I call attention to this fact because it is frequently stated in various writings, permanent and fleeting, that but one house is standing to-day in Kingston in the likeness it exhibited during the revolutionary war. At the time the village was fired by Vaughn's troops, in October, 1777, the inhabitants had ample warning of the disaster ; and although, by reason of the absence of the greater part of the male population at Saratoga or with the Southern army, they were unable to resist the invader, a great part of their household goods and movable effects was sent to Hurley or Marbletown. The inflammable material; therefore, remaining within these stone walls was small in amount, and where the house was not large the fire was not sufficiently strong to crack the walls. The renewal, therefore, of the doors, shut- ters and roofs would restore the dwelling to its former external appearance, and such restoration was likely to be made by the mechanics of that day after the old models. The village was mainly within the ancient precincts, but had overflowed some- what toward Hurley, and more extensively over the plains on the south. Some of the larger houses, like Molly Elmendorf's, which stood between the present site of the Kingston Bank and Mr. Howard Chipp's, and the Vanderlyn man- sion, which occupied the space across Wall street between the present sites of the Ulster County and State of New York Banks, received so much injury from the intensity of the fire, on account of their size, that they were suffered to fall into ruin. And I have been told by those now living that they played as children within the walls and under the arches of these ruins, seeming to them of vast size, and constraining sentiments of awe and veneration. Others of the larger itlNGSTON. 43 houses were only partially rebuilt, the new courses of stone being laid in the same position as the old ones. Of these, Christopher Tappen's mansion, late on the corner of Wall and North Front; the large Tappen house, still occupying the tri- angle on Green street ; the old Bruyn mansion, with its handsome hipped roof, on the corner of North Front and Crown; Bogardus' tavern, afterward called the Constitution House, standing where "William F. Rombr's residence now is, and the old Hasbrouck homestead, lately on East Front street at the easterly termina- tion of Main, are fair specimens, and will readily be recalled by most of those who hear mc. Bogardus' tavern, with the Elmendorf house diagonally opposite, now owned by General Van Buben, were the two principal hotels, and in them the committees who prepared the Constitution undoubtedly met. The Convention, however, sat in the Court House, a substantial building of blue limestone, occu- pying about the same superficies of ground as the present noble building, and overlooking the fine inclosure and old burying ground of the Dutch church. The Convention having organized on the 6th of March, we learn from its jour- nal that already on the 13th the committee for preparing and reporting a form or plan of government brought in their report, which was read by Mr. Duane, of New York, in his place. On the 18th of March, Mr. Governeur Morris, of Westchester, moved, and it was seconded, that the members be permitted to smoke in the Convention Cham- ber, to prevent bad effects from the disagreeable efiluvia arising from the jail below. A debate arose thereon, and, the question being put, the House divided as follows: For the affirmative, Westchester, four votes ; Albany, six votes ; Ulster, four votes — total, fourteen. For the negative, Tryon, three votes ; New York, eight votes — total, eleven. The counties of Dutchess and Orange were divided. This division was immediately followed by a motion of Mr. Jay, which was passed, directing that Captain Piatt, Mr. Cuyler and Mr. Duane, be appointed a com- mittee to devise ways and means for clearing the jail below and moving the pris- oners. The Convention proceeded from day to day, transacting its military business and discussing the several sections of the new Constitution ; and on the 20th of April, the whole plan of govei'nment was read through, the last division being taken upon the two methods of voting at the popular elections — by ballot or viva wee. On the evening of the same day, which was Sunday, the Constitution or plan of government of this State, as amended, was read throughout, and, the general question being put thereon, it was agreed to by every member present, except Col. Peter R. Livingston, who desired that his dissent thereto be entered on the minutes. The draft of this Constitution was in the handwriting of John Jay, and, con- taining a full recital of the Declaration of Independence, is equal, in the dignity of its language and in the scope of its provisions, to any similar instrument pre- pared by the hand of man. The proceedings of the day were closed by the appointment of Mr. Robert R. Livingston, Gen. Scott, Mr. Mon-is, Mr. Abra- ham Yates, Mr. Jay and Mr. Hobart a committee to report a plan for establish- ing the government agreed to by this Convention ; and it was ordered that one of the Secretaries should proceed to Fishkill, where Mr. John Holt, the editor of the New York Journal, and the State printer, was then established. The Secre- tary was authorized to direct the printing of three thousand copies of the Consti- tution, and to give gratuities to the printer and his workmen, at his discretion, in order to obtain dispatch, and the printer was ordered to lay aside all other 44 Centennial Celebrations. business. The proceedings of the committee concluded with the following action by the Convention : Resolved, That the Constitution of this State be jjublished at the Court-liouse, at eleven of the cloolJ, on next Tuesday morning. Ordered, That the Chairman of the Committee ot Kingston be furnished with a copy of the above resolution, and that he be requested to notify the inhabitants of Kingston thereof. On the following Tuesday, at the hour named, the bells of the Dutch church, the Court-house and of Kingston Academy, called the inhabitants to the front of the latter building, where, surrounded by the members of the Convention, the Secretary of that body, standing upon a barrel, read the Constitution to the people. The little capital of the State began to increase in importance, and on the fol- lowing Saturday, April 26th, the Convention ordered that the Treasurer of this State advance to John Dumont, Esq., Chairman of the Committee of Kingston, the sum of one hundred pounds, to defray the expense of the night watch over the State prisoners and the public records. Meantime some .vessels belonging to the Continental Congress, which had taken refuge up the Hudson River, and by reason of the enemy's strong naval force at New York were unable to put to sea, had been placed at the disposition of this Colony for the purpose of receiving State prisoners. These vessels lay at Twaalfskill, now Wilbur, one of them being named the Lady Washington ; and on the 38th of April the Convention ordered that two hundred men be raised to protect the Continental ships and the public records and treasury of this State against the designs of disaffected people, as well as to guard the different passes and roads frequented by such persons for the purpose of conveying intelligence and going over to the enemy. This force was organized into three companies of able-bodied men, well armed and accoutred each with a good musket or fusee, a sword or tomahawk, a powder horn and bullet pouch or cartouch pouch, and they were officered respectively by Captains Evart Bogardus, Isaac Belknap and Frederick Schoonmaker. Much time of the Convention was subsequently occupied by the trial of a num- ber of Tories, with which the northern part of our County abounded. The enemy sought to corrupt the farmers of the mountain towns from their allegiance to the State by an offer of one hundred acres for heads of families, and fifty for children to be partitioned out of such lands as should be confiscated from the patriots. A considerable number, whose trials are set forth at length upon the Journal of the Convention, were found guilty and ordered to be hanged ; but it would seem that the gates of mercy were easily opened, as from one cause and another all were reprieved, with the exception of two. Jacobus Roosa and Jacob Middagh; where- upon it was ordered that Egbert Dumond, Esq., High Sheriff, have permission to go aboard all the vessels at the landing, at his pleasure, or to send any person on board who shall be the bearer of a copy of this order, to endeavor to obtain an executioner. It is, therefore, to be presumed that the two traitors who were hanged at this time perished at the hands of one of their royalist sympathizers. On the 6th of May it was voted that Levi Pawling be first Judge of Ulster, and that Dirck Wyncoop be one other Judge for the same County; and it is interesting to state that Judge Wyncoop's residence is still standing, on Green street, presenting, in all probability, the same appearance that it did to our revo- lutionary fathers, and is the only house existing in this County, with the exception of the Lounsbery mansion at Stone Ridge, where we Can trace the footsteps of Washington. Kingston. 45 George Clinton, having in the meantime been appointed a Brigadier-General in the Continental Army, sent to the Convention his resignation of his commis- sion, of like rank, in the militia of Ulster and Orange, and on the 13th of May, having declined to accept the resignation, the Provincial Convention adjourned, turning over the business of the State to a Council of Safety, to hold power until the election and qualification of the Governor and Legislature, I am at a loss to know whether the Council of Safety continued its sitting in the Court-house or met in some smaller place ; but am inclined to believe, in the absence of evidence, that the Council remained in session in the former building. At the afternoon meeting of the Council the record tells us that Egbert Ben- son, Esq., Attorney-General of this State, attended the Committee of Safety, and in council took and subscribed on the roll the oath of allegiance to this State and an oath of oflBce. The election having been held on the 9th of July, the Council, acting as a board of 'canvassers, declared the result as regards the offices of Governor, Lieu- tenant-Governor and Senators for the three Districts, George Clinton being found elected to both of the first mentioned ofiices. A letter was prepared, advising him of the result, and requesting him to make such arrangement of his affairs as to come with all convenient speed to Kingston to take the oath of the office which he should think proper to accept. On the 14th, his letter of the 11th, dated at Fort Montgomery, was received, accepting the office of Governor and resigning that of Lieutenant-Governor. On the 15th it was ordered that Lieutenant-Colonels Elmendorf and Hoorn- beck do by drafts out of the regiments of militia under their commands furnish a Captain and detail to guard the prisoners confined in Kingston jail and on board the fleet prison, and that said guards be relieved weekly by similar drafts from the same regiments until the companies of guards which this board is endeavor- ing to raise can be completed. On the 31st the Council, premising by a preamble that the late Convention had constituted the Council with full powers until a meeting of the Legislature, and had ordained that the executive powers of the State should be vested in the Gov- ernor as soon as he should be chosen and admitted to office, and further, that the Council do not think themselves justified in holding and exercising any powers vested in them longer than is absolutely necessary, resolved, "that Brigadier-Gen- ' ' eral George Clinton be, and he hereby is, most earnestly requested to appear "before this Council, to take the oath and enter upon the discharge of the impor- " tant duties of his said office of Governor of this State." On the 30th of July, which was Wednesday, the Council prepared a letter to his Excellency, General Washington, wherein they convey to him some military information, and conclude by saying: "Governor Clinton will be qualified this ' ' date, so that your Excellency's future requisitions from this State will be " directed to him. " And later, in the Journal of the same day, the following entry appears: "His Excellency, George Clinton, duly elected Governor of "this State, appeared in Council of Safety and took the oath of allegiance to the ' ' State, and also the oath of office as Governor, as prescribed by the ordinance ' ' of the Convention of the representatives of the said State, made and passed the "8th day of May last, for organizing and establishing the government agreed " to by the said Convention. The said oaths were administered by the Presi- " dent in Council, and are subscribed on the roll by the Governor in Council." A proclamation was thereupon prepared for declaring the Governor, and an order 46 Centennial Celebeations. was made that Mr. John Holt print five hundred copies of the proclamation. It was further ordered that the said proclamation be made and published by the Sheriff of Ulster County, at or near the Court-house in Kingston, at 6 o'clock this afternoon. " Resolved and ordered, that Captain Evart Bogai^dus and Captain John "Elmendorf do ca^ise the companies of militia under their respective commands "to appear at the Court-house in Kingston, at 6 o'clock this afternoon, properly "armed and accoutered, at which time and place his Excellency, George Clinton, "will be proclaimed Governor of this State." "With these notes of preparation, on the evening of this day a hundred years ago, the simple but great ceremonial took place. The principal actor in the scene, of course, was George Clinton. The people of this County, with all the other people of New York, owe a great debt of gratitude to many distinguished men of the Revolutionary era. Their names are emblazoned in the annals of the State and nation, and will live in all future time. But Clinton was a son of this county. Born in our midst, educated upon our soil and ever claiming it as his home, he was the friend and elder brother of our fathers — cast in the most heroic mould, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews. His father was a man of culture, residing near Coldenham, in that part of the County which is now embraced within the limits of Orange, and his personal supervision over the education of his son was aided by the scholarly attainments and discipline of a Scotch minister. The father, and an elder brother of George, James Clinton, gave early proof of military ability. In the old French war George enlisted in a privateering expedition, and on his return from it he accom- panied his brother James, as a Lieutenant, in the expedition against Fort Fron- tenac, Canada. On his return he studied law at the office of the historian "Wil- liam Smith, one of the most conspicuous advocates at the New York bar, who afterward became Chief Justice of Canada. His abilities and character were soon recognized, and beginning with 1759, he held successively the offices of Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, Clerk of the Court of Sessions, and Surro- gate in this County. In 1768 he was a member of the House of Assembly, under the old colonial government, and was acknowledged as one of the leaders in debate in the resistance which was interposed by the colonial Legislature tg the encroachments of the crown. In all the struggles which followed, equal in con- stancy and dignity to those of any other province, George Clinton, Philip Schuyler and Nathaniel "WoodhuU, of Long Island, acted the most distin- guished parts. In 1769 he again entered the General Assembly, and continued a member until the adjournment in 1775, Which proved its final dissolution. In the same year he was a member of the first Provincial Convention of this province, which assembled on the 30th of April, and two years afterward he was elected one of the delegates to the Continental Congress. On the 19th of December succeeding he was appointed Brigadier-General of the militia of Ulster and Orange, and in June, 1776, we find him again in the Continental Congress. In the next month he was chosen a deputy to the fourth Provincial Congress, which, on the 9th, became the Convention of the representatives of the State of New York ; and in August of the same year he was placed in command of all the levies for the defense of the Hudson River. In March, 1777, he was appointed by Congress a Brigadier-General in the line, with command of the forces in the Highlands, and in May he received the thanks of the New York Convention for his services in Kingston. 47 Congress and to the Colony and State. As we have seen, on the 9th of July, 1777, he was elected Governor and Lieutenant-Governor, accepting the former office, and on October 4th he left the Legislature to take command of Fort Montgomery, threatened by the British, which, under his command, was valiantly defended, against a greatly superior force of the enemy, until night came, when the garrison forced its way through and escaped. His great military object at this time was to prevent a union of the British forces at New York and those under Burgoyne, moving south from Ticonderoga. How well he performed this duty may be gathered from a letter written by Burgoyne to the British Minister, Lord George Germain, on the very day that Clinton was inaugurated Governor, in which Burgoyne says : "I have spared no pains to open a correspondence with Sir William Howe. I have employed the most enterprising characters, and ofEered very promising rewards; but of ten messengers sent at different times, and by different routes, not one has returned to me, and I am in total ignorance of the situation or intentions of that General." In a letter to Sir Guy Carleton, General Burgoyne says: " I have no news of Sir William Howe. I have only to add, in regard to my future progress, that I shall be obliged to wait some days fol' the arrival of provisions and batteaux, by which time I think it probable the enemy will have fallen back to Saratoga, where I mean to attack them if they stand." They did stand at Saratoga, and if Burgoyne could obtain no information con- cerning Sir William Howe, he received full advices regarding the Continental army under Gates. The crowning success of this campaign, which put the cause of American Inde- pendence beyond doubt, both here and abroad, was partly due, in the great sweep of the military operations, to the magnificent ability with which Governor Clinton performed his part of the work. In October, 1780, Clinton led, in person, the militia to repel the invasion of the Mohawk and Schoharie valleys by Sir .lohn Johnston and Brandt, whom he defeated and drove out of the State. But why should I recount his services, or the numerous marks of approbation he received- for them from his fellow-countrymen? In 1783 he was re-elected Governor, and again in '86, in '89, '93 and 1801 ; and in 1805 he was elected Vice-President of the United States, followed by a re- election to the same office in 1808, and died in Washington on the 20th of April, 1813, being the anniversary of the adoption of the New York Constitution, while administering the second office in the gift of the country, and at the age of seventy- three years. Gen. Clinton was prepossessing in appearance, not tall, but massive in stature. His demeanor was dignified, and his strongly marked face, indicative of courage, decision and energy, would be taken as a type of the best specimens of our Ulster County farmers, broadened by education and participation in important affairs. His portrait in the New York Historical Society represents a bronzed and manly person, carefully dressed in the costume of the day, with short breeches and buckles, and with ruffles in the bosom and at the cuffs. At the time of his inaugu- ration he was in the thirty-eighth year of his age. Toward evening of the 30th of July, 1777, the bells of the Dutch church, the Court-house and Kingston Academy were heard ringing out as if for a joyous festival. The people, to whom notice had also been given by the Rev. Mr. Doll on the Sunday preceding, wended their way toward the Court-house. On either side of its door, and facing inwards, were ranged the companies of Captains 48 Cbntenjstial Celebrations. Bogardus and Elmendorf. The dark mass of the Court-house foraied the back- ground of the scene, while across the street was the great pile of the Dutch church, with its separate belfry tower up-rearing far above it. On the front and right stretched away the mounds marking the graves of the fathers of the inhabit- ants who were present, and on the left the view was bounded by the Vanderlyn mansion. The Council of Safety, having met and organized in the court-room, descended and took their places on the steps of the Court-house and at the head of the square formed by the mihtary companies. There was the accomplished Pierre Van Cortlandt, President of the Council, who became Lieutenant-Governor under Clinton, and subsequently presided in the Senate of this State with recog- nized ability and dignity. There was Christopher Tappen, whose sister George Clinton had married, who was for long years the leading lay officer of the venerable church of Kingston, and who subsequently sat in the Assembly for three success- ive years, and was a Senator from the middle district in 1797. There was Zephaniah Piatt, afterward first Judge of the County of Dutchess and a State Senator, who founded the town of Plattsburg in 1785, and died there in 1807. There, too, was that noble son of Ulster, who subscribed himself Charles Dewitt of Greenkill, and who, perhaps, after Clinton, was the most prominent man from this County during the whole revolutionary period. As a member of the last Legislature which sat under the royal authority he was one of the nine resolute and patriotic men who voted to approve the proceedings of the Continental Con- gress then sitting in Philadelphia. He was a member of the Committee to prepare a draft of the Constitution, and after the treaty of peace he was chosen a dele- gate to the Continental Congress. There, too, was the Christian gentleman, Gil- bert Livingston, representing the County of Dutchess, who set one of the earliest examples of practical philanthropy by the liberation of all his slaves. And there were Major Peter Van Zandt and Thomas Tredwell, the latter a graduate of Princeton College, who held successively nearly all the offices in the County of Suffolk, and was reckoned among those of his day who had the best pretensions to scholarship and classical taste. There, too, were Robert Harper and Matthew Cautiue, and next to them Gen. John Morin Scott, who graduated at Tale in 1746, was present with his brigade in the battle«of Long Island, and subsequently became Secretary of State of New York. Nor must I pass without special mention the youngest > member of the Committee of Safety, for the well-bred figure standing on the left of the little semi-circle surrounding Clinton is that of Robert R. Livingston, who became the first Chancellor of the Stato of New York, and in this official capacity adminis- tered the oath of office to Washington on his inauguration as first President of the United States. In 1781 Livingston was made Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and in 1801, resigning the Chancellorship, he was appointed Minister Pleni- potentiary to Prance, where he successfully negotiated the treaty for the cession of Louisiana. It is said of him that as an orator and patriot he was so distinguished a person that Franklin in his admiration termed him the Cicero of America. By the provisions of an act of Congress, each State in the Union is entitled to a place in the Capitol at Washington for the statues of two of its most eminent citizens. The selections have been made, the verdict of posterity has confirmed the judgment of our fathers, and the citizens of New York, whose steps are hereafter guided to the dome of the Capitol, will, in that great companionship of silent heroes, gaze with satisfaction upon the marble features of George Clinton and Robert R. Livingston. Kingston", 49 Of the old citizens of tliis town, who, we find, were not absent with the army of Washington, or at Saratoga, or in the Highlands, we can well imagine the presence of those who bore familiar names. _There was the courteous and hos- pitable Huguenot, Colonel Abraham Hasbrouck, who had just relinquished the command of one of our county regiments. There were Nicholas and Benjamin Bogardus, at the head of the farmers who came from the direction of Hurley. There was Johannis Sleight, Chairman of the Committee of Kingston, and Abraham Hoffman, afterward one of the Judges of the Common Pleas. There was Joseph Gasherie, who became the first Surrogate of the County, and Abraham B. Bancker, for many years the careful and respected Clerk of the Senate. Colonel Jacobus S. Bruyn was absent with the troops at Fort Montgomery, but the ladies of his family could be distinguished in the group to the left, near the Vanderlyn mansion. There was old Jeremiah Dubois at the head of the residents of Twaalfskill, and Captain Egbert Schoonmaker, of Coxsing in Marbletown, commanding the guarc^over the prisoners in the fleet. There, too, were Abraham Delamater and Jacob Tremper; Peter Vanderlyn and Abraham Van Keuren; Peter Dumond and Peter Jansen; Tobias Van Buren and Peter Roggen; Peter Marius Groen, Jacob Marius Groen and Henry Schoonmaker ; Dr. Luke Kierstedt and Joshua Dubois. These well-known citizens came with their families and colored servants ; and with them came the Hastens, Van Steenburghs, Burlianses, Ten Broecks, Beck- mans, Swarts, Newkirks, Snyders, Houghtailings, Persens, Eltinges, Elmendorfs and Vosburgs, and many others whose names are familiar in our early records. And the saucy beauty of the wife of Captain Thomas Van Gaasbeck could be easily distinguished as she came with the matrons and maidens from East Front street. John Vanderlyn, the painter, was still an infant, and if present he must have been carried in the arms of one of his family to witness a ceremonial, some of the actors in which he afterward reproduced on canvas — the likeness of Chancellor Livingston, in the possession of the New York Historical Society, being a specimen of his master hand. "When silence had been commanded by a flourish of the drums of the military companies, Egbert Dumond, the SherifE of the County, mounted a temporary elevation, and read to the people as follows: A PROCLAMATION. In Council of Safety fob thb ) State of New York, July 30, 1777. ) Whereas, His Excellency, George Clinton, Esq., has been duly elected Governor of the State of New York, and hath this day qualified himself for the execution of his office, by taking In the Council the oaths required by the Constitution of this State, to enable him to exercise his said office; this Council doth, therefore, hereby, in the name and by the authority of the good people of this State, proclaim and declare the said George CUnton, Esq., Governor, General and Com- mander-in-Chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the Navy of this State, to whom the good people of this State are to pay all due obedience, according to the laws and Constitution thereof. By order of the Council of Safety : PIERRE VAN COETLANDT, President. And then Sheriff Dumond added, in a loud voice, " God save the people." The authority of the King of Great Britain was paramount in the city of New York and in the whole lower part of the State. The legions of Burgoyne had met with an uninterrupted course of successes, and it did not seem- that an ade- quate force could be raised to prevent the accomplishment of their object — to occupy a line which should divide all the Eastern States from New Jersey and 7 50 Centennial Celebrations. those south of it. Besides, Col. St. Leger, with a large body of regulars and Indians, was pressing jipon our western border and investing Fort Schuyler at the head of the Mohawk. There was not, in fact, during this summer, a county in this State, as it then existed, which escaped a visit from the armies of the enemy. In the midst of this portentous crisis George Clinton was inaugurated Governor. In view of the subsequent events and catastrophe of the Bevolutionary war, we may well say: " For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it ? ' ' Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and, by great terrors." In the middle watches of this summer night, to the imaginative ear the sound of strange footsteps will be borne. If you listen carefully you will hear the meas- ured step of Peter Stuyvesant, as he comes marching up from Rondout vrith fifty soldiers to save the Bsopus. The stately tread of John Jay and the fathers will be discerned as they seek to revisit the scenes of their patriotic endeavor ; but if you descry their forms the most resolute and authoritative figure of them all will be that of George Clinton, of Ulster, seven times Governor of the Empire State and twice Vice-President of the Union, At the conclusion of Gen. Shakpe's Address, letters of regret were read from numerous distinguished people. The following was from Ex-Gov. HoEATio Seymotje : To the Hon. T. R. Wbstbbook, Chairman, etc.: Dear Sik— I am glad to learn that the formation of our State Grovernment at Kingston one hundred years ago is to be commemorated. It conoerns the honor and interests of New Yorli that this should be done. No people can rise to a high degree of virtue or patriotism who do not know about nor care for the achievements of their fathers. The man who learns the history of the Constitution of this State makes no small advance in knowledge of jurispru- dence, of political events and of patriotic action. The Revolution was not merely a martial struggle. Graver doubts and fears than those which grew out of the military power of Great Britain disturbed the minds of leading men when they resolved to sever the ties which bound them to that nation. They had been trained in the faith that its form of government was the most perfect devised by the wisdom of man, their devotion to its dignity and success had been made deep and strong during the hundred years of struggle with France for the control of this continent. For more than a century the British flag was the standard under which they had fought against the invasions of disciplined armies, or the cruel ravages of savage tribes. The wrongs which drove our fathers to resistance caused less fear of war than of the untried poli- tical systems which independence would force them to adopt. New York's CoNsirrnTioN. When New York framed its Constitution, amid the confusion of civil war, it gave proof that the men of the State were thoroughly versed in principles of civil liberty and good govern- ment. It was hailed throughout the country as a triumph for the cause of independence. It was better than a victory upon a battle field. John Adams expressed the opinions of the best and greatest men of the day when he wrote to John Jay that it excelled all others in its wis- dom. It gave strength and confidence to the patriots of the revolution. The superiority of this Constitution was not accidental, nor was it merely the result of the ability of John Jay and hia associates, who put it into form. It was due to a series of causes, beginning with the settlement of the Dutch on the Hudson and running through the whole period of our colonial condition. When the Hollanders settled here they were the foremost people in civilization, learning and commerce. They came here in the heroic age of their country. Holland had Kingston. 51 maintained Its independenoe in a contest of eighty years' duration against the power of Spain when it overshadowed and threatened the liberties of all Europe. This war with Spain excited the admiration of the world — it should also excite its gratitude. It was a contest for civil and religious liberty in behalf of mankind. As this was originally a Dutch colony, the character of that people, and their influence upon our institutions, demand particular attention. These colonists came here in the heroic age of Holland. It was the asylum for the persecuted Puritans, as of those of other creeds. Constitutional liberty was introduced into Great Britain by the revolution which placed upon the British throne the Prince of Orange, who had recently commanded the armies of Holland against those of England. The accession of the Dutch monarch essentially modified the character of the British Government, and invigorated sentiments of freedom in all of her colonies. The Hollanders not only tolerated, but Invited different nationalities and creeds to their new settlement. More enlightened than their age, they had made great advances in civil and religious liberty. They rejoiced in the cosmopolitan character of their inhabitants. On the other hand, the vigor of character, the appreciation of education and religion, derived from the Puritans, are manifested in every quarter of our land, in public and private enter- prises. Our people required and possess the characteristics derived from both of these sources. He who would seek to deprive the Hollanders or the Puritans of their just share of veneration is unworthy to be the descendant of either. * OtTB People. The world has never witnessed a scene of greater moral beauty than the Bay of New York presented under the Dutch Government, and at a later day, while its just views of liberty continued to influence the community. It had founded, at a period when rights of conscience were not recognized in Europe, save in the limited territories of Holland, there were cluster- ing around the beautiful harbor of New Amsterdam communities representing different nationalities and creeds, living in peaceful intercourse. The Hollanders and Swedes at Man- hattan, the Waldenses upon Staten Island, the Walloons and English upon Long Island, and the Huguenots upon the banks of the Hudson, found here a refuge from religious persecution. What civilized Europe denied them, they sought on this spot, still shaded by primeval forests, and still made picturesque by the gliding canoe of the savage. The exiles from Piedmont, from France, from the banks of the Rhine, and from Britain, lived here in peaceful concord, as strongly in contrast with the bigotry and intolerance which prevailed elsewhere, as was their civilization and refinement to the wild scenes and savage tribes who surrounded them. At a later day the persecuted Germans from the Palatine were settled on the Mohawk. A colony of Scotch Highlanders, banished for their attachment to the Catholic religion and to the romantic fortunes of Charles Edward, found a home, not unlike their native hills and lakes, in the northern part of our State. The Irish established themselves in Otsego county, and there were settlements of French in Northern and Western New York. A small colony of Spaniards once existed near Onondaga Lake, but were destroyed by the Indians. The Welsh came to this country soon after the Revolution. Almost every European tongue has ever been spoken at the firesides of our State, and used on each returning Sabbath in offerings of prayer and praise to the God of all languages and all climes. The names, promi- nent in the early history of New York and the Union, represent the same number of nationali- ties. Schuyler was of Holland; Herkimer, of German; Jay, of French; Livingston, of Scotch ; Clinton, of Irish ; Morris, of Welsh ; and Hoffman, of Swedish descent. Hamilton was born in one of the English West India Islands, and Baron Steuben, who became a citi- zen of New York, was a Prussian. The breadth, liberality and wisdom of the first Constitution of New York and its adapta- tion to the wants and interests of the mixed population, not only of our State but of the Union, .is due to the remarkable fact that upon the committee of thirteen appointed to draft it there were representatives of seven distinct lineages, namely : Dutch, French, Scotch, Welsh, Irish and Swiss. Fbebdom. Not only were the colonists of New York imbued with sentiments of freedom, but they had the earliest and most urgent occasions to assert them. Living without the protection of a charter, for a long time under the control of the private ownership of the Dutch West India Company and the Duke of York, amid the unfavorable influences of great seigniories — as early as 1690 they boldly claimed their legislative rights, and resisted " taxation without con- sent." The contests with the royal governors were conducted on the part of the colonists with signal ability, and their protests and argum'ents were pronounced by Attorney-General Randolph, of Virginia, to be the ablest expositions of the rights of popular representation. These controversies involved a wide range of discussion, and thoroughly instructed the peo- ple of the colony in the principles of constitutional liberty. The contest which commenced in New York between its legislatures and the royal governors extended to other colonies. 52 CsNTESfNIAL CELEBRATIONS. and excited the publici mind from time to time until the era of the revolution. The whole of the American people were then united against the aggressions of the crown. The resolu- tions ot the New Yorli Assembly were drawn up with consummate ability, and, to use the Ifinguage of Pitkin, " breathed a spirit more bold and decided than those from any other colony." While English character, at the time of the Drst settlement of its colonies on this conti- nent, made them exclusive in their policy, repelling rather than inviting the citizens of other nations, it still remains true that we mainly owe to them the vigor and mental activity of the American character. After the Dutch King William mounted the British throne, civil liberty and political rights were placed upon a broader and firmer footing. Eapidly gaining commercial supremacy, it acquired not only the wealth and power formerly held by its Dutch rivals, but also its larger and cosmopolitan sentiment with regard to the other nations of the world . To-day its civilization is in many aspects more perfect than that of any other people. But this must not blind the student of history to its low state when its American colonies were first planted on our shores. All must see how fortunate it was for the future of our country that the Hollanders first occupied the banks of the Hudson and threw open this gateway to the interior of the continent to all nationalities and to all creeds. The cosmo- politan character of the population of this State gave it from the outset large and liberal ideas of jurisprudence. There is not in the political records of this Union a finer declaration of political rights than was the act passed by the colonial legislature, in 1691, "declaring what are the rights and privileges of their Majesty's subjects inhabiting within their province of New York." When England first sent its colonies to this continent, its civilization was comparatively at a low ebb. While it could boast of many great statesmen and scholars, the mass of the peo- ple, as is shown by its historians, were narrow in their views. Even yet, there lingers in English minds a dislike of all usages and customs of other people. We are apt to charge former bigotry to religious sects, and to make them alone responsible for acts and opinions which were national. Neither liberty nor toleration had free scope under the Tudors or Stu- arts. While Cromwell restored for a while the national vigor, religious freedom could not take root when civil war, embittered by sectarian passions, devastated the realm. The con- tests were maiuly to decide which party should gain the power to persecute the others. New England. Great injustice has been done to the first settlers of New England, by charging against them, as peculiarities of theirs, sentiments which pervaded the body of the British people, and which were not merely colonial prejudices nor sectarian bigotries. There has not been in the public mind a just discrimination as to which were colonial and which national errors in policy. This has caused an unjust and widespread prejudice against the founders of the eastern colonies. When, therefore, an early law-maker, of Massachusetts, declared his detestation of relig- ious toleration, and stigmatized a country filled with different sects as a "hell above ground," he spoke as an Englishman, not as a Puritan, tor his co-religionists la Holland held no such opinions. He uttered the pervading sentiment not only of New England, but of Old England as well. Other sects there agreed with him as to his text, however they might differ as to the application. The Churchman in Virginia was as loud in demands for an established creed. In accordance with his views, as was the Puritan of New England. Although the Catholic proprietor of Maryland extended toleration to all religions, when other sects gained the strength they persecuted those of his own faith. In grand contrast with this pervading intolerance was the higher civilization of the Hollanders. The rebuke given by the directors to one of the governors, who was inclined to persecute the Quakers, is a clear and beautiful illustration of their sentiments: " Let every one remain free as long as he is modest, moderate, his political conduct irreproachable, and as long as he does not offend others or oppose the government. This maxim of moderation lias always been the guide of our magistrates in this city (Amsterdam), and the consequence has been that people have flocked from every land to this Asylum. Tread, then, in their steps, and we doubt not you will be blest." HONOK TO THE Fathers. At this day in our Union religious intolerance has lost its worst aspects, but it is still our duty to honor the founders of our State in the same loyal spirit which animates the citizens ot other sections, when they speak of the virtues of their fathers. This day is more sacred with us as it gives due honor to a people who have lost their control here, and their superior power elsewhere. Our tributes cannot be charged to pride of birth, for but few of our peo- ple are of Holland lineage. The writer is proud of his New England descent. Liberal and enlightened sentiments now pervade our land. A people made up of all nationalities cannot Kingston. 53 long retain provincial views and prejudicea. These are fast dying out, even in those States which are one side of the great currents of human movements which are Ailing our country with a vast and varied population. May we not fairly claim that the policy of the men of New York, before and since the Rev- olution, has done much to give our country the benefit of all forms of civilization, and the vigor and liberality which spring from intercourse among those who look upon social and political proljlems from different standpoints? As its legislative hails and its judicial tribunals have at all times been controlled by those of different European lineage, and its laws and jurisprudence have from the first been in harmony with the interests and wants of the States which have come into existence since our Union was formed, New York, for these reasons, has exerted a great influence upon the political organizations, the legislation and the jurisprudence of a large portion of our country. 1 am truly yours, etc . , HORATIO SEYMOUR. The following was read, from Chief Judge Church ; ; Albion, JtiZy 19, 1877. •I shall be unable to attend the Centennial Celebration at ;'lt promises to be a success, as I sincerely hope It may be. A strict and rigid observance of written constitutions is indispensable to the perpetuation of free government, and the occasion will furnish a favorable opportunity of Impressing this sentiment upon the people. Yours truly, S. B. CHURCH. Bon. T. B. Westbroolc. Letters were also read from President Hayes, William M. Evarts, Francis Kernan, Governor Robinson, General Dix and others. In the evening a grand display of fireworks was made. Mv Dear Judqe —I ref ret that your place, but I am gratified that ©trisfeatxg* IIIGHOLAS KERKIMER THE BATTLE AT ORISKANY. Peooeedii^gs of the Celebeation, AUGUST 6, 1877. A proper celebration of the Battle of Oriskany, upon its one hun- dredth anniversary, was the spontaneous desire of the residents of the section in which it occurred, and from which its actors were derived. This wish found expression in many quarters of that section early in 1877, the third year of centennial commemoration of revolutionary events. In compliance with numerous suggestions in the public press, and elsewhere, that the Oneida Historical Society, at Utica, was the appropriate organization to inaugurate a systematic plan for the desired celebration, a special meeting of that body was held for the purpose, at Utica, on the 8th day of June, 1877, at which the following reso- lutions were adopted : One hundred years from August 6, 1877, there occurred, near the junction of the Oriskany and Mohawk streams, the most desperate and sanguinary and one of the most important battles of the American Revolution. On that spot the whole military force of the Mohawk Valley, proceeding to the relief of besieged Fort Stanwix, encountered the invading army, and nearly one-half laid down their lives in defense of home and country. This conflict prevented the union of the invaders with Burgoyne, at the Hudson, and contributed to his surrender. It is eminently proper, in this era of centennial celebrations of the Revolution, that this event should be suitably commemorated. The battle of Oriskany is the prominent feature of revolutionary history in this section. It seems to devolve upon the Oneida Historical Society, as nearest to the locality, to take the initiative steps, and to invite the co-operation of other organizations and individuals throughout the Mohawk Valley in an appropriate and worthy celebration of this memorable conflict, upon its hundredth anniversary ; therefore, Besohed, That a meeting be held on the 19th day of June, at 3 p. m., at the Common Council Chamber, in Utica, to make arrangements for the centennial cele- bration of the Battle of Oriskany, on the battle ground. 8 58 Centennial Celebrations. . Besohed, That all organizations, desirous of participating, are cordially invited to send representatives to said meeting. Besohed, That the chair appoint a committee of arrangements to represent this society, and that it shall be the duty of this committee to issue all proper invita- tions, and make all necessary arrangements for such meeting. The following committee was appointed : S. Deking, R. S. "Williams, C. "W. Hutchinson, T. P. Ballou, M. M. Jones, Utica; Gboegb Gkaham, Oriskany ; D. E. Wagbe, S. Q-. Visscher, Rome; E. NoKTH, Clinton ; B. Gbavbs, Herkimer ; Webstbb Wagneb, Palatine Bridge. The invitation was warmly responded to throughout the Mohawk Valley. Meetings of citizens and organizations were at once held, and delegates appointed to represent them on the 19th of June. At that meeting a programme of the necessary committees for the celebration was adopted. Ex-Governor Hoeatio Seymour was chosen, by accla- mation. President of the day, and the following general committee of arrangements was appointed : Utica — Chables W. Hutchinson, S. S. Lowebt, Habvby D. Talcott, Syl- vester Dbeing, p. F. Bulger. Rome — Joseph Pokteb, S. Gr. Visschbe, D. B. Wagbb, D. L. Stevens. Whitestow7i — Philo White. Oriskany — Geobgb Graham, David S. Landpeab, Alonzo I. King, Isaac Fonda. Clinton — O. S. Williams. Lewis Ooimty — Garrett L. Roof. Herkimer County — Samuel Earl, A. M. McKeb, 0. A. Moon, Peter P. Bel- linger, Bli Fox, George Timmerman, W. H. H. Parkhurst. Madison County — C. A. Walrath. Montgomery County — Simeon Sammons, John H. Starin, Webster Wagner, Dow a. Fonda, Jeptha R. Simms, Alfred Wagneb, Stephen Sandfobd. Fulton County — McIntybe Fbaseb, John A. Wells. Schenectady — William Wells. Sub-committees on invitations, monument, military, firemen, grounds, transportation, reporters, etc., were also named. At a subsequent meeting of the general committee of arrangements, Alfeed J.Wagnee, of Fort Plain, was unanimously chosen Grand Marshal, and Daniel T. EvEETS, of Utica, was made Chief of Staff. It is unnecessary in this place to mention the many subordinate meetings and proceedings, which occupied the public attention down to the memorable day. The records of these may be found in the files of the public journals in the Mohawk Valley. It is sufiicient to state that all the details requisite for a complete and satisfactory result Obiskany. 59 were carefully and industriously perfected in the several localities interested, and by the officers and the committees charged with the respective duties. The historic grounds were thrown open to the ptiblic, and duly prepared for its reception. Invitations were sent to those who from official station or personal association with the 6vent, were considered appropriate guests for the occasion. So much is necessary simply to introduce the celebration itself. Nothing can show more conclusively the patriotic ardor of the people in these celebrations than an account of the manner in which they were conducted. THE PEOCEEDUSTGS. From the official account published by the Oneida Historical Society, we take the following accoimt of the general scenes of the celebra- tion : " Nature never provided a more favorable day for such an entertain- ment than Monday, August 6, 1 877. It opened with a cloudless sky and an invigorating temperature. "With the dawn of that matchless day thousands, doubtless, first resolved to participate. " At sunrise the salutes fired from the guns on the battle-field and all along the Valley of the Mohawk, awakened the people to prepare for the glorious day. From this hour until late in the day they poured into Utica, Rome and other places en route to Oriskany by hundreds and thousands, on foot, horseback, by wagons, carriages, boats, steamers and rail. Men, women and children, old and young, rich and poor — all classes went ' on to Oriskany.' The roads, lanes, by-ways, hills, val- leys, were black with people who were brown and begrimed with dust. There was no end to the stream of humanity until nearly dark, many visiting the grounds even at dark. " Shortly after 7 a. m., Grand Marshal Wagnee, with Chief of Staff EvEETS and aids, left head-quarters at Baggs' Hotel, Utica, for Oris- kany. They had a pleasant ride to prepare them for the work of the day. Chief Eveets immediately sent out couriers to the places of ren- dezvous of the various divisions and detachments, to find if all was in readiness. Prompt returns were made; the first from the battle- ground camp to report was Colonel Geoege Young and his cavalry corps, admirably mounted and equipped ; Whitestown, Marshal Mills, the Herkimer County Fire Department, the Kirkland Division, and other organizations followed in order. 60 Centennial Celebrations. THE GRAND PEOCESSION. At 11:10 A. M., precisely, the grand military and civic procession marched from Oriskany village along the road to the battle-field in the following order: Chief AsBY and Police. Grand Marslial A. J. Wagner and Staff. Young's Independent Cavalry Corps, escort to the Grand Marshal. Sherman's Band, New Hartford. Twenty-sixth Battalion Band. Hon. Horatio Sbymouk, President of the Day. Flag in possession of Mrs. Abraham Lansing, granddaughter of Col. Gansevoort. Rev. Dr. Van Detjsbn, Chaplain of the Day, and Orators. Portrait of General Herkimer, in charge of a Descendant. Veterans of 1812, in Carriages. Chairman John F. Seymour and Committee of Arrangements. MONTGOMERY AND FULTON COUNTIES. Commodore John H. Starin and Staff. General E. A. Brown and Staff. FIRST division. Johnstown Cornet Band. First Separate Company of Infantry, Johnstown. Johnstown Artillery. Commodore Starin's Gun Squad. SECOND DIVISION. Thirteenth Brigade Band, Amsterdam. Second Separate Company of Schenectady. Descendants of Oriskany Veterans. Canajoharie Drum Corps. Post Farrel, G. A. R., Canajoharie. Montgomery and Fulton Committees, in Carriages. Veterans of 1813, in Carriages. HERKIMER COUNTY. Marshal A. M. Mills and Staff. FIRST DIVISION. Herkimer's Old Brass Band. German Flats Minute Men. Taylor's Lightning Battery, of Ilion. nion Veteran Gun Squad. Veterans of 1813. Descendants of Oriskany Veterans. G. A. R. Drum Corps. Okiskany. 61 Galpin Post, G. A. R., Commander Bkown. Chismore Post, G. A. E., Ilion. SECOND DIVISION. Little Palls Cornet Band. Officers Little Palls Fire Department. Protection Engine and Hose Company. Officers Herkimer Fire Department. Fort Dayton Engine and Hose Company. Mohawk Cornet Band. Frankfort Fire Department. Chief BuDLONG and Assistants. Columbian Engine Company. Tiger Hose Company. ^Veterans of Oriskany and 1813. Committee, Village Officers and Distinguished Citizens. ONEIDa' COUNTY. KIBKLAND DIVISION. Marshal J. T. Watson and Staff. Kirkland Minute Men, Mounted. Veterans of the War, Mounted. Clinton Cornet Band. Veterans of the War of 1813. Clinton Fire Department. Chief Engineer Benedict and Assistants. Excelsior Fire Company. St. Patrick's M. B. & L. Society. 150 Carriages of Citizens. Village Trustees, Committees and Guests, ■ covering nearly three miles of road. WHITESTOWN DIVISION. Marshal Wetmorb and Staff. Oriskany Cornet Band. Grand Army Veterans. Vice-President-at-large Hon. Philo White. Trustees of Village and Committees. Whitesboro Fire Department. Column of Mechanics from Babbitt's Whitesboro Iron Works, Mounted. Norman Stallion Monarch, Jr., Mounted on Wagon. Banner — " We Honor the Heroes of Oriskany's Battle." New York Mills Band. Post Ross, G. A. R., New York Mills. Minute Men, Mounted. Clergy, Committee, Citizens. WESTMOKELAND DIVISION. Marshal Jambs Dean and Staff. Westmoreland Band. Veterans of 1813. 62 Centennial Celebrations. Minute Men, Mounted. Masonic Lodges, Mounted. I. O. G. T. Lodges, in Carriages. Committee and Citizens, in Carriages. HOME DIVISION. Marshal Frank B. Bbers and Staff. Chief "Wilds and Police. Old Rome Band. Skillin Post, G. A. R., Ko. 4. Veterans of Army and Navy. First Ward Minute Men. Second Ward Minute Men. Third Ward Minute Men. Fourth Ward Minute Men. Fifth Ward Minute Men. Oneida Indians. Rome Cornet Band. Chief Engineer Shanley and Assistants Rome Fire Department. General Ganesvoort Steamer Company. Stryker Hose Company. Fort Stanwix Steamer Company. ^tna Hose Company. Washington Hose Company. Mohawk Hose Company. Committee, Citizens, Clergy and Quests. TJTICA division. Brigadier-General Sylvester DEKiNa and Staff. Old Utica Band. Utica Citizens' Corps escorting Governor Robinson's Staff, Mayor Gaffin and Common Council of Utica. Adjutant Bacon Cadets, escorting Veterans of 1813. Twenty-iirst Brigade. First Separate Troop Cavalry. Fort Stanwix Guards. Armstrong Guards. Battalion Band. Twenty-sixth Battalion. Lieut.-Col. P. F. Bulger and Staff. Hutchinson Light Guards. Utica Conkling Corps. Utica Veteran Zouaves. Utica Bering Guards. Post Bacon, G. A. R., Commander Bright. Post Curran, G. A. R. Veterans of 1813. Veterans of the Army and Navy. Clergy, Committee and Citizens, in Carriages. Okiskany. 63 The various divisions not reporting at the village were in readiness at the places of rendezvous assigned to them, as follows : Whitesboro and New York Mills on the farms of Messrs. Roberts and Yoxel, just west of the Church. Kirkland Division at the main street, Oriskany. Westmoreland Division at Cider street. Rome Division on the right side of the lane leading from Betsinger's bridge to the main road. Brigadier-General Deii- ING and 31st Brigade upon the Hill south of the Rome division. The Utica Division upon the south side of the main road on J. Betsinger's farm, and many independent organizations at other points along the route. As the head of the column reached the military organizations located along the route, salutes were fired and troops came to a present. Both sides of the road were lined with people, who cheered enthusiastically the carriage containing Governor Setmoue, Mrs. Lajstsing, and the old flag of Gen. Gansevoort. The location of the 2l8t Brigade, the Utica Citizens' Corps and Adjutant Bacon Cadets was an admirable one on the north hillside. General Dering and the Rome Cavalry Troop came riding over the hill as the column approached. The 26th Battalion remained back on the hill, while the Corps stood at a " present " in the front and center of the field, the Adjutant Bacon Cadets on the left, and the Eome Divis- ion on the north side of the road. An elevation in the road gave all a magnificent view of the grand panoramic beauty of the Mohawk Yal- ley and the hills beyond, brilliant with emerald hues. Salutes, cheers and waving handkerchiefs greeted the column from all directions. So admirably were all the arrangements perfected that little, if any delay, was caused by the filing into line of the separate divisions. In passing the ravine, where so many of General Herkimer's brave men fell one hundred years ago, all the troops honored the spot by coming to a carry, and colors were dipped. These honors were the occasion of still more enthusiastic cheering. The head of the column reached the entrance to the battle-field west of the ravine at 12:20 p. m., or one hour and ten minutes after leaving Oriskany. It led on over the route taken by General Herkimer in 1Y77 to the west of the field, wheeled to the north and moved on to the line of the grand marshal's field quarters, then to the east past the grand stand, where Governor Seymour, Mrs. Lansing with the old flag, the orators and distinguished guests alighted — the column mov- ing around the amphitheater to the south and west again, until a hol- low square was formed around the amphitheater and grand stand. The column occupied just an hour in passing a given point near the fleld. From the grand marshal's tent the view presented at the time of the moving of the column on the field was one that never can 64 Centennial Celebrations. be forgotten. The amphitheater seemed to be formed for the occas- ion. It commanded a view of the whole of the grounds, with the exception of the center of the southern portion of the ravine. The eminence on the east side, with Camp Seymour, the camps on the south side of the road, the village of booths and tents, the brilliant dis- play of moving uniformed and armed men, their arms and trappings dazzling the eyes in the sunlight, and — more imposing than all, the constantly moving mass of humanity that covered every portion of the field and all its surrounding, formed a panoramic view that has never been surpassed, if equaled, in this State. The best estimate formed by comparing the notes of men of experience makes the number present between 60,000 and 75,000. It was a hard task to estimate by count- ing groups, because the people were constantly moving. In addition to the masses within view on all parts of the field, the road between Oriskany and Rome was filled with people. All the fields for miles around were occupied at noon. To complete the picture of the celebration it is only necessary to add a few items taken from the newspaper accounts, indicative of the manner of the celebration and the ardor of the people. The Utica Observer, an afternoon daily, says on the day of celebration : " Utica is to-day a deserted city. Every imaginable form of loco- motion has been taxed to its utmost to convey the vast crowds from this city, which make up a respectable portion of the assembled con- course. Over all roads bearing west, there has been continuous travel for the last nine hours, carryalls, hacks, private vehicles of every form, date and description thronged the highways. The speedy little steamers and their larger and more significant sisters have puffed up and down between the canal banks, groaning beneath the unaccustomed weight of thousands. It is impossible to even approximately estimate the number which Utica has contributed to make the celebration an over- whelming success. *********** Saturday evening will be long remembered in Utica. It is always a night which presents unusual attractions to a large class, but seldom, if ever, has Genesee street been so crowded of an evening as it was then. To this the circus contributed somewhat, but it was chiefly due to the general sensfe of the approaching celebration, which seemed to fill the very air. Most of the stores were brilliantly lighted, and the wide sidewalks were crowded to the utmost. **4******^^ Sunday was spent on the grounds very quietly. It is true that Obiskany. 65 bands played at intervals. A company of Post Avenue singers tra- versed the ground, and drum corps marched about, while people in crowds tramped from point to poirtt in continuous procession — but, save one fight, no disturbance took place. Still the day did not savor at all of S unday. Eev. Mr. Skeel, of Whitesboro, preached a brief sermon in the near vicinity of the Cadets' camp, and obtained a large audience and respectful hearing, but aside from this, religious exercises were non est. The Battalion observed the day quietly, having a dress parade at 5 p. M., which was creditably performed. The Cadets had a dress parade in the morning and another at sunset. Young's Cavalry Corps had a dress parade in the eveniiig. Sherman's Band, of New Eartford, gave them an open-air concert later. The dress parade was done with military precision and effectiveness. The concert was well worth hearing. This morning, Monday, the village of Oriskany was thronged — nay, crowded with people. There was scarcely room to walk in the streets. On this account the pretty decoration of the village homes passed unnoticed by very many. Nevertheless, they were very fine, and from the bridge westward there was one almost continuous line of pretty things on the houses and in the yards. ' The Utica Herald of the day following contained the following items : The Railkoad Aeeangements. Supermtendent Priest and his employees were kept busy yesterday in providing railroad transportation to the battle-field. All the available coaches on the division were pressed into service and yet every train was crowded from the locomotive to the rear platform. From 8:15 A. M. to late in the afternoon. the special and regular trains going west were run as rapidly as possible for safety and to keep out of the way of through trains. During the morning seven or more ticket ofiices were opened in the Utica depot. General Peiest, Agents Andebws and Jones, Clerk Eael, ex-conductor Hadcock, Roadmaster Angell, Depot Master LiNSMAN and others being pressed into service to deal out pasteboards in exchange for thirty cents. Not one in five could get tickets as fast as they wanted them, and the majority paid on the trains. This came from disregarding Agent Andrews' advice to procure tickets Saturday. Finally the supply of battle-ground tickets gave out, and the agents had to fall back on cards to Rome, Oneida and other stations. Passen- o-ers i-ode on the roofs of the coaches and in all other places to which they could hang, and fortunately all escaped injury as far as reported. 66 Centennial Celebrations. Branch ticket offices had to be opened in all the stations east of this city. General Peiest paid his entire attention to the running of the trains, and in the afternoon remained at the battle-ground station so as to see that every thing possible was done to accommodate the multitude. He frankly admitted that the crowd was seventeen times larger than he had calculated upon and did not cease wondering about where all the people came from. *********** One of the important incidents of the battle of one hundred years ago was the occurrence of a terrible storm during the night of the engagement. This proved to be of great service to General Herkimer's army and aided in demoralizing the enemy. The general committee arranged for a similar storm at a late hour in the afternoon, so as to have every thing complete, but there was some hitch in the programme, and, strange to say, every one except the stragglers got home without a wetting, but — we had the storm. About 9 p. m a lively storm came up, with splendid electrical displays and salvos of thunder claps, which awakened the echoes like the artillery of the morning. The storm purified the air, laid the dust, and perfected the programme, so that all should be satisfied. The Liteeaey Exercises. The literary exercises of the celebration began promptly after the arrival of the procession on the battle-field. The vast concourse was called to order by John F. Seymotje, Chairman of the General Com- mittee of AiTangements. Chief of Staff Evbets announced the immediate order of exercises, and Eev. Dr. E. M. Van Deusen, rector of Grace church, Utica, offered prayer. Ex-Governor Hoeatio Seymoue was then introduced by Mr. Gea- HAM, and was received with hearty applause. His point of address was from under a stout spreading tree, where a platform had been erected, while the people sat on benches arranged in a semi-circle in front, though a much larger crowd was compelled to stand in the aisles and the rear. ADDEESS OF WELCOME BY HON. HOEATIO SEYMOUE. All who care for the glory of our country, all who love to study the history of events which have shaped our civilization, government and laws ; all who seek to lift up the virtues of our people by filling their minds with lofty standards of patriotism, will rejoice that we meet to-day on this battle-field to honor the courage and devotion displayed here one hundred years ago. The sacred duty in which we are engaged does not merely concern the memories of the dead ; it Oriskany. 67 teaches the duties and elevates the character of the living. The command that we honor our fathers is not only a religious requirement, but it is a grave maxim of jurisprudence. Those vi^ho think and speak of virtue and patriotism sow in their own and in the minds of others the seeds of virtue and patriotism. The men of the valley of the Mohawk will be wiser and better for this gathering upon the spot where their fathers fought and suffered, and bled to uphold the cause of this country. Effect of the Celbbbation. The preparation for this celebration, the events of the day, the facts which will be brought to light, the duties which will be taught, will in some degree tell upon the character of every man before me. They will do more. They vrill revive the legends of the past in every household in this valley. They will give them currency among all classes, and weave them into woof and warp of popular knowledge. Much IJiat was dying out will be revived and stamped upon the memories of the oncoming generation. This celebration makes our hills and streams teachers of virtue. It gives new interest to the course of our river and our valley. For, henceforth, they will recall to our minds more clearly the events of the past. Every spot noted for some stirring act will hereafter, as we pass them by, remind us of the deeds of our fathers. The old churches and homes built when Britain ruled our country, and which were marred by war when this valley was desolated by torch and tomahawk, will grow more sacred in our eyes. Their time-worn walls will teach us in their silent way to think of suffering, of bloodshed, of ruthless ravages, more dreadful and prolonged than were endured elsewhere during the revolutionary struggle. New York in Histobt. We are this day bringing out the events of our country in their true light. Historians have done much and well in making up the records of the past. But their recitals have not yet become, as they should be, a part of the general intel- ligence of our people. Views are distorted by local prejudices. Events are not seen in their just proportions or in proper perspectives. This is mainly due to the neglect of its history by New York. There is a dimness in the popular vision about this great center, source and theatre of events which have shaped the civili- zation, usages and government of this continent. This is not only a wrong to our State, but to our Union. It has left the annals of other sections disjointed from their due relationships to the gi-eat body of our traditions. This want of an understanding of the affairs of New York has been to the history of our country what the conquest by Britain of its strongholds during the Revolution would have been to the American cause. It has broken its unity. Our Duty. Let us who live along the course of the Mohawk now enter upon our duty of making its history as familiar as household words. Let us see that the graves of dead patriots are marked by monuments. Let suitable structures tell the citizens of other States and countries, when they pass along our'thoroughfares, where its great events were enacted. And let all this be done in a way that shall stir our hearts and educate our minds. Let it not be done by virtue of an act of Legis- lature, but by virtue of our own efforts and patriotism. Let us not look elsewhere 68 Centennial Celebrations. for aid when we would honor the memories of those who here served their country in the heart of our State. To my mind, this would be as unfit as for that family whose circle has been broken by death to let strangers come in and per- form the last sacred office to their departed kindred. Let our colleges teach their students the history of the jurisprudence of New York, and it will make them wiser citizens when they enter upon the duties of life. Let our more youthful scholars be taught the events and traditions which make our hills instinct with glowing interest. Let the family circle by the fireside learn the legends of our valley, and let the mother with glowing pride tell to her offspring what those of their own blood and lineage did for their country's welfare, so that patriotism, should be kindled at each hearthstone. Let the rich man give of his abundance, and the poor what he can, with a willing heart, and then when monuments shall stand on this field or on other spots consecrated by the ashes of those who per- ished for their country, such monuments will not only show that the memories of the dead have been hono^i-ed, but that the living are intelligent, virtuous and patriotic. The Importance of New York. When Europeftis first came to our shores they found the region stretching from the Atlantic to the Mississippi, from the great lakes to the center of the present State of North Carolina, under the control of the Iroquois. They gained their power by their possession of the strongholds in this State. From these they fol- lowed the diverging valleys, which gave them pathways into the country of their enemies, who were divided by the chains of mountains which separated the rivers after they had taken their courses from the highlands of New York. For more than a century a contest in arms and diplomacy was carried on between Great Britain and France for the control of that system of mountains and rivers of this State, which made the Iroquois the masters of all adjacent tribes. Albany, at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson, became the colonial capital of the British settlements. It was the point from which, during the long years of the French w.ar, most of the military expeditions were sent forth. It was the place at which were held the meetings of the agents of the several colonies, and at which they learned the value of co-operation and conceived the idea of a union of the colonies. Most of the revolutionary struggle was marked by the same continuous effort of the contending parties to gain control of the commanding positions of this State. The battles of Oriskany, Bennington and Saratoga, gave to our fathers the vic- tory in the contest. When our independence was achieved, the valleys, which had been the war-paths of the savage and civilized armies, became the great thorough- fares through which the still mightier armies of immigration from Europe and the East filled the interior of our continent. At our feet are railroads and water routes that have been for a series of years the thoroughfares for a vast current of com- merce, and the greatest movement of the human race recorded in its history. All other movements, in war or peace, are insignificant in comparison with the vast numbers that have passed along the borders of this battle-field to find homes in the great plains of the West, to organize social systems and to build up great States. The histories of our country, which fail to set forth clearly the events of this great central point, are as obscure and as defective, as would be an attempt to de- scribe the physical aspects of the country, and yet should omit a mention of the great streams of our land on the highlands of our State which flow from them into the cold waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, into the tepid currents of the Gulf of Mexico, or the great bays of New York, of the Delaware and Chesapeake. The Okiskany. 69 currents of events which distinguish our history, like the currents of our rivers, have largely had their origin in our territory. To the ceremonies of this day in honor of those who battled for American liberty in the past, and in the faith that this day's proceedings will promote virtue and patriotism in the future, we extend a welcome to all in attendance here. To the State officials who honor us by their presence ; to Citizens and soldiers, who mani- fest their gratitude to those who sacrifled so much on the ground for the public welfare. It is with no ordinary feelings that we meet the descendants of those who fwight at the battle of Oriskany, one of the most fierce and bloody contests of the Revolution. As we saw them coming along the course of the Mohawk the past seemed to be recalled. When we look at the array from the upper valley and those who sallied from Fort Stanwix to join us here, we feel reinforced by friends, as our fathers, from the same quarters. We welcome all to this celebra- tion of patriotic service and sacrifice. When it is closed we shall bid you God- speed to your several homes, with the prayer that in your different walks of life you will do your duty as manfully and serve your country as faithfully as the men who battled so bravely on this ground one hundred years ago. The audience listened with marked attention and appreciation, often interrupting the speaker with hearty applause. Unfukling the Flag. When the applause had subsided, Gov. Skymoue said he had some- thing more to say, and spoke as follows : It is a just source of patriotic pride to those who live in this valley that the flag of our country (with the stars and stripes) was first displayed in the face of our enemies on the banks of the Mohawk. Here it was baptised in the blood of battle. Here it first waved in triumph over a retreating foe. When the heroic defenders of Fort Stanwix learned in that remote fortress the emblems adopted by the Continental Congress for the standards to be borne by its armies, they hastened to make one in accordance with the mandate and to hang it out from the walls of their fortress. It was rudely made of such materials cut from the clothing of the soldier's as were fitted to show its colors and its designs. But no other standard, however skillfully wrought upon silken folds, could equal in interest this flag of our country worked out by the unskilled hands of brave men, amid the strife of war and under the fire of beleaguering foes. It was to rescue it from its peril that the men of this valley left their homes and marched through the deep forest to this spot. It was to uphold the cause of which it was the emblem that they battled here. Time has destroyed that standard. But I hold in my hand another banner hardly less sacred in its associations with our history. It is the flag of our State which was borne by the regiment commanded by Colonel Gansevoort, not only here at the beginning of the revolutionary war, but also when it was ended by the surrender of the British army at Yorktown. The brave soldier who carried it through so many contests valued it beyond all other earthly possessions. He left it as a precious heirloom to his family. They have kept it with such faithful care that again, after a century has rolled away, its folds can be displayed in this valley to 70 Centennial Celebrations. another generation, who will look upon it with a devotion equal to that felt by those who followed it on the battle-fields of the Revolution. When it is now unfurled, let it receive the military honors accorded it a hundred years ago ; and let us reverently uncover our heads in memory of the dead who watched and guarded it through the bloodshed and perils of ancient war. Hon. John F. Seymoue tlien lifted the flag which floated proudly in the breeze. At the sight of it the vast audience gave three rousing cheers and lifted their hats. All the military presented arms, and the bands played the " Star Spangled Banner. " The Fultonville battery belched forth a salute which shook the hills, and cheer upon cheer went up. The efEect was thrilling. Three hearty cheers were given for General Peter Gansevoort and his descendants. History of thb Flag. This ilag was the standard of the Third New York regiment, commanded by Colonel Peter Gansevoort, who at the disbandment of the army retained it in his own possession and handed it down to his son, the late Peter Gansevoort, from whom it descended to his daughter, Mrs. Abraham Lansing, in whose hands it is now preserved with the greatest care. The flag consists of a piece of heavy blue silk, of very fine quality, and which has preserved its color remarkably. Its present dimensions are those of a square, being nearly seven feet each way, but it is probable that it was originally somewhat longer and better proportioned. The outer edge is hemmed, but on the upper and lower margin the fringe, which no doubt was once very rich and extended all around, still remains. The design upon the flag represents the arms of the State of New York, but not as at present, nor yet like the seal adopted in 1778. It is probable that it was painted while the design of 1778 was under consideration, as it bears some resemblance to it. In the center there is an oval shield upon which is depicted the sun rising from behind a mountain peak, the foot of which reaches down to water ; above the shield is the eagle standing upon a hemisphere. The shield is supported on either hand by female figures about twenty-five inches high, on the left Liberty, on the right Justice holding the even balance, beneath all a scroll bearing the word "Excelsior.'' Notwithstanding the care which has been bestowed upon it, this sacred relic shows the ravages of time, the painting being somewhat cracked, and the silk rent with many a gash. So much as remains, however, will be handed down to posterity, to be regarded by each generation with deeper reverence and aSection. Thanks to Mes. Lansing. Gov. Seymour then spoke of the lady who had kindly consented to allow the flag to be exhibited. He said : We owe it to the kindness of a lady, the granddaughter of the heroic Ganse- voort, that the interest of this occasion has been heightened by the exhibition of the banner which was just displayed. As I have stated he left it as an heirloom to his descendants. It now belongs to his granddaughter, Mrs. Abraham Lan- sing, of Albany. We could not ask her to surrender it even for a short time into Oriskany. 71 our hands, for we felt that no one of the lineage of Colonel Gansevoort would surrender a flag. The effort to get him to do that was unsuccessfully tried by St. Leger, although he had an army to enforce his demands. We therefore urged her to honor us by her presence at this time and to bring with her as its guardian the banner which has just been exhibited. I know I express the feelings of this assemblage when I say that in complying with our request, she has conferred upon us a favor which will long be remembered in the valley of the Mohawk. In behalf of this assembly, I thank her for her kindness and for "her presence on this occasion. The audience expressed its appreciation by three hearty cheers and continued applause for General Gansevoort and his descendants. An intermission of one hour was then announced, and the thousands of people went in search of dinner. AT THE WEST STAND At 2:45, when the exercises at the West Stand were opened, a dense throng was congregated, packed around on all sides. The platform was in a hollow, in the scanty shade of an apple tree, the people clos- ing around as in an amphitheater, only pressing closely upon the arena. The Old Utica Band, stationed under a neighboring apple tree, opened the exercises. John F. Seymotje called the assemblage to order. He said : We have the pleasure of having with us Lieutenant-Governor Doesheimee, Major DouGiiAs Campbell, Judge Bacon and Ellis H. Robbets, who will address us on this occasion. Before the speaking, however, he read a number of letters received from gentlemen invited to be pres- ent, but who have been unable to attend. Among these were letters from RuTHEEFOED B. Hayes, President, and William A. Wheelee, Yice-President of the United States, Secretary Evaets, Ex-Secretary Fish, Gen. Geo. B. MoClellan, William Cullen Beyant, Gov. Lucius Robinson, Benson J. Lossing, the historian, Bayaed Tayloe, and other prominent gentlemen. At the conclusion of the reading, Mr. Seymoue introduced Hon. William Doesheimee, Lieutenant- Governor of the State. 72 Centennial Celebrations. ADDRESS OF LPEUTENANT-GOYERNOE DORSHEIMER. Me. President and Fellow Citizens : You have assembled here not only to celebrate a noted historical event, but also to indulge the pride which all men feel in the honorable acts of their ancestors. Tlie victory at Oriskany was the con- tribution which the German emigrants made to American independence. We are too apt to forget that all nations have a share in our country's history. An Ital- ian sailing under the Spanish flag discovered the new world, and another Italian gave his name to the continent. A Frenchman discovered the St. Lawrence, while a Frenchman and a Spaniard were the first to see, the one the southern and the other the northern reaches of the Mississippi. A Portuguese, on his way around the world, disclosed the outlines of South America. Spanish eyes first beheld the Pacific, an Englishman first sailed along the dreary coast of Labrador, and an Englishman sailing under the Dutch flag first came into the Bay of New York, and gave his name to the picturesque river into which the waters which shine before our eyes will flow on their way to the sea. The enterprise of all the nations gave America to the world. The settlement of the continent was the work of all the great European nations. France, with characteristic energy, took possession of the Canadas and pushed her colonies so vigorously, as to make it probable she would control the conti- nent. Spain held Florida, the mouths of the Mississippi and most of the vast region which lies to the west of that river. England laid claim to Virginia, Massachusetts, the Carolinas and Pennsylvania, and Holland planted a colony in the valley of the Hudson. Those who came here were not greatly influenced by the causes of emigration at present. It was not poverty which forced the first settlers to come. Europe had been for generations given over to wars which had their origin in religious hate, and which were continued for various dynastic and political considerations. Puritans fled from the tyranny of Charles, and Huguenots from the tyranny of Louis. Dissenters came here to escape Episcopalian intolerance, and non-con- formists to escape Presbyterian persecution ; Round Heads and Cavaliers, Quakers and Catholics; the representatives of all parties and sects. Among the most notable instances of cruelty in war during the seventeenth century was the desolation of the Palatinate by the armies of Louis XIV. The traveler who walks through the ruined castle at Heidelberg beholds, perhaps, the only witness now remaining of the rapacity with which the French king laid waste not only the palace of the monarch, but also the cottage of the peasant. Driven from their homes, some of the people of the Palatinate came to America, and settled in the valley of the Mohawk, to which they may have been led because of itfe resemblance to their own land of beautiful rivers and fertile valleys. But, I have been told that they were induced by the Dutch magnates to settle on the Mohawk, because it was in the Indian country, and they would protect the other colonies to the east, and that they were best suited to such a service because they were accustomed to have their homes pillaged and burned. Prom whatever cause, they settled here on the outposts. They were well placed ; for here they dealt the first blow at the most formidable expedition which England organized for the conquest of the colonies. Okiskany. 73 1 will not weary you by going into a detailed accoupt of the battle. But, you will pardon me, if I indulge a kinsman's pride, and dwell for a moment upon the cunflict which raged here a century ago. Herkimer and his men were ambuscaded l?y the Indians. That was a favorite device in Indian warfare. It was in such a conflict that Braddock fell, and the young Washington won his first laurels. It had generally been successful. But it did not succeed with those sturdy Germans. True, that, then as always, there were some who, irresolute and cowardly, took to flight. But most, although they were simple farmers without military training, not only stood their groiuid, but quickly adapted themselves to the occasion, adopted the Indian tactics, posted themselves behind trees, and fought with such skill and endurance all through the summer day, that the Indians, to use the language of one of their chiefs, had enough and did not want "to fight Dutch Yankee any more." You Germans who hear me, you have abundant reason for pride. No more important battle has ever been fought in this country. Nowhere, with an oppor- tunity for escape, have troops endured so severe a loss; never has a battle which began with disaster been turned into victoi-y more complete. And this was a German fight. The words of warning and encouragement, the exclamations of passion and of pain, the shouts of battle and of victory, the commands which the wounded Herkimer spoke, and the prayers of the dying, were in the German language. I say you may well be proud of it, for it is the contribution which men of your race have made to the work of American independence. Perhaps, at some time, the deeds of American valor will be celebrated, as the military glories of France are celebrated in the stately galleries of Versailles, and certainly no more impressive scene will be oflEered to the artist's pencil than Her- kimer wounded to the death, seated upon his saddle which he had placed upon the ground, and smoking his pipe throughout all that dreadful fray. The course of history is often determined by the conduct of one man. Who can tell how much that simple hero, by his example of calmness in the midst of turbulence and disorder, contributed to the victory ? And, therefore, who can estimate the debt which the country owes to him? My fellow citizens, I have to-day traveled through the valley of the Mohawk, from near its mouth to this place where the river gathers the streamlets from the hills, and surely a fairer scene never rested under human eyes. The land stood in the mature beauty of the summer, and the harvest crowded the broad levels like a mighty host. These, the crops which cover your fields, are the creations of your own hands working in harmony with natural laws. But, do not forget that your other and more valuable possessions, the prizes which are held out to honorable ambition, freedom of thought and worship, the peace which here covers the sleep of inno- cence and the helplessness of infancy and age — all these, the priceless pos- sessions of a free and enlightened community, are also the creations of your own hands working in harmony with liberty and with law. To establish these for you Herkimer and his men strove here a hundred years ago. Be sure they will not be maintained for yourselves nor transmitted to your children without sacrifice and battle. In some way you will be compelled to make good your title to this great inheritance. We will hope that when the peril shall come to you, and the sudden foe shall spring from his ambush, you may do your duty as well as they did theirs. 10 74 Centennial Celebrations. At the conclusion of Governor Doesheimek'b speech three cheei's were called for and heartily given. Mr. John F. Seymoue — I now have the honor of introducing one who might better introduce me, Judge Bacon. ADDKESS OF HOK W. J. BACON. The thoughtful — and more especially the reverent student of history, cannot fail to have been often struck, if not indeed profoundly impressed, by the evi- dence presented of the power of an unseen, but most potent hand in human affairs. That interposition is sometimes exhibited on a scale of such wide and magnificent proportions, so manifestly controlling great events, as not only to arrest observation, but to compel belief. Sometimes it sets in operation a succes- sion of minute causes, none of them having in themselves apparently any poten- tial influence, but in their combination, succession and outcome, conducting to results that affect the destinies of men and nations for uncounted ages. It is, indeed, quite reasonable to look for and anticipate such results. If, as we are taught by the most infallible authority, " There's a Providence in the fall of a sparrow," we should most naturally expect that influences and forces, that are to affect the highest order of beings that inhabit our planet, would be under the same guiding hand that directed the flight, and witnessed the fall of the bird that but for a short season floated in the atmosphere above us. The antecedents of far- reaching results may, as has been suggested, be of the most humble and obscure character, and have apparently little relevancy to what followed in their train, or was affected by them ; for we are taught, and taught truly, by the great dramatist, that "There's economy, even in heaven." But we have only to put ourselves teachably in the attitude of disciples in the school of history, and reverently sit at the feet of our master, to be taught the wonderful lessons that reach to depths that man's mere hair-line wisdom never could have fathomed. It was, apparently, a small thing, most insignificant, indeed, when measured against the overwhelming scale of the opposing forces, that three hundred men should have planted themselves in the pass of Thermopylae, to dispute the passage of the vast army of the Persian invaders. But what an illustrious example it was, not to Greece only in her crucial bom-, but to " all nations and people that on earth do dwell," or ever will in the ages to come, of the power of self-sacrifice that an exalted patriotism inspires. How much it conduced to prove that strength is not always, and necessarily in battalions though they be in numbers like the sands of the sea, if they be poorly led, and have not the inspiration that possesses those who ' ' Strike for their altars and their fires ; Strike for the green graves of their sires, God and their native land." This very resistance, hopeless though it was to prevent the ultimate advance of the serried hosts that confronted them, gave Greece time to rally and combine her forces, gave heart and hope to those whose expectations of successful resistance had almost perished before the struggle had even begun, and was a perpetual Oriskany. 75 icminrlcr that no man was to shrink from any peril, however great, to avoid no duty on however small a scale, and with whatever disparity in force it was to be performed, and, above all, to be animated by the spirit that was ready to dare all tilings, to do all things, and then, if need be, cheerfully to die for the land it loved, and would to the last extremity defend. Poetry has canonized the mem- ory of the gallant "six hundred " that " rode into the mouth of hell," but history has immortalized on one of her best and brightest pages tlie " three hundred " that fell at the gateway of Greece ; and what an invaluable lesson it was to the student of history of the great and unexpected results that stand connected with appar- ently trivial causes, and that what men chiefly have to do in this world is to per- form the duty right before them, and leave the result to be molded, fashioned and controlled by the hand that is ever on the helm through storm as well as sun- shine. The history of the world affords numberless instances of the truth I have been rather hinting at than elaborating, and it might be copiously illustrated in the whole narrative of the history of this continent from the time it first revealed itself to the straining eyes of the world-seeking Genoese to the days in which we live. But there was one incident occurring during the recent fratricidal struggle which we have, as we may trust, happily and hopefully closed, which I may be pardoned for briefly alluding to. I do it, you may well believe me, for no per- sonal or partisan purpose, nor to awaken any sentiment, or revive any recollection that is not in perfect harmony with such a hallowed day as this, but simply to illustrate the principle of which I am speaking. The 8th of March, 1863, was a gloomy day in our national horizon. The sun in the heavens came forth, indeed, with brightness and beauty. But his beams fell upon the result of a work which silently and secretly had converted the beau- tiful Merrimac of our navy into the confederate ram Virginia, clad in iron armor which no ordinary artillery could penetrate, and a beak whose stroke no wooden ves- sel could resist. Steaming out of the harbor of Norfolk, slie at once singled out her victims, and ere the sun went down the Cumberland was beneath the waters of the James, the Congress had surrendered, and was in flames, the Minnesota was helplessly aground, and the rest of the fleet that flaunted the stars and stripes was put to ignominious flight, or sought safety under the protecting guns of fort- resses. Alarm filled the public mind. A new and unexpected source of danger was revealed. The Potomac would be ascended, and the Capital itself bombarded by hostile guns. Even the harbor of New York, it was conceived, might be sought by this new and destructive visitor whose coming nothing was prepared to resist. Swiftly the telegraph bore the news to all parts of the land, and all loyal faces gathered blackness. How shall this great peril be averted, and where shall we look for help, was the question on every lip. But with equal silence and secrecy another, and still more wonderful, naval machine had been developed and constructed. She was completed at New York on the very day the Virginia received her armament, and while the latter was doing her work of destruction in the waters of the James, the Monitor was slowly steaming toward them, bent, however, upon an entirely different mission. Near the close of that day of terror her commander heard the noise of distant artillery, and could faintly distinguish the shouts of victory borne on the breeze. Instantly the course of the vessel was changed, and in the night the gallant captain moored her under the lee of the stranded Minnesota, rightly concluding that the morning would witness the return of the iron monster, to secure her remaining prey. Nor 76 Centennial Celebrations. did he judge amiss, for with the sun came again the Virginia, under her equally gallant captain. But as she approaches her apparently helpless victim, what strange apparition is this that emerges from the side, and almost from beneath the Minnesota. "It is a Yankee cheese box on a raft,'' exclaims a bewildered spectator. The cheese box revolves, and an iron turret is disclosed, holding the most deadly and powerful missiles, which it discharges with such effect that ultimately the hitherto invincible Virginia retires from the conflict, and seelss the harbor from which she never again emerged. I need say no more in regard to this most wonderful interposition, than that it lifted a mountain's weight from off the heart of the nation, and impressed more deeply the lesson that all history lias been teaching us, that deliverance often comes as well from most unexpected quarters as from apparently insignificant agencies, and that, when the hour has struck for their appearance, they come forth, under the Divine hand, to execute their mission. The application of these somewhat desultory remarks and illustrations to the subject of this day's commemoration, is so obvious as not to require or permit any extended discussion. Doubtless the men who, on the 6th of August, 1777, stood upon these hillsides, or were struggling through this ravine, were as little aware of the extent of the peril they were encountering, as of the magnitude of the issue that was suspended on the doings of that and the immediate following days. Whatever of suspicion, or even of prevision, was cherished or possessed by those who were then defending these outposts, they could not well have known that upon their successful resistance to the advance of St. Leger the entire result of the campaign of Burgoyne depended. They could not appreciate, and yet it was substantially true, that they stood at the pass of a modern Thermopylae, for the little fortress of Stanwix was the gateway of the Mohawk Valley, down which St. Leger, with his conquering hordes, would have carried both fire and sword, and gathering strength, as all such unopposed raids invariably do, would have brought to Burgoyne a contingent most acceptable, as it was most needed. Whatever ignorance of the general plan of the enemy then prevailed, we now know with reasonable certainty that that plan contemplated the movement of Sir Henry Clinton, with all his available forces, up the Hudson from New York, the union of all the strength that St. Leger could bring from the West, and the com- bination of all these forces with Burgoyne, which, had it been achieved, would have constituted a strength of military power that all that Gates commanded, or could have summoned to his aid, would have been unable to resist. What might have happened had this combination been effected, no man is competent to tell ; but this may with certainty be said, there would have been for us, at this day, no 17th of October in which to celebrate the unconditional surrender of the strongest British army then in the field, and the first grand act of the Revolution would not have closed, as it did, in the triumph of the American army at Saratoga. Let us rejoice, then, that if it was not given to our fathers to see the far- reaching consequences of their action, a heart was given them that beat truly and fervently for that infant liberty whose cradle they then were rocking, and a courage that survived the shock of apparent present defeat, ending in ultimate victory. In view, then, of these and other parallel incidents in our colonial, revolutionary and recent history, we may well take up the jubilant strain of Macaulay, when celebrating the triumph of Henry of Navarre, he sung. O BISK ANY. 77 " Now glory to His holy name, from whom all glories are ; For our God hath crushed the tyrant — our God hath raised the slave. And mocked the counsels of the wise, and the valor of the brave." Citizens of Central New York, as we stand here to-day, and gaze around on tlie fair land our fathers won for us, can we fail to ask ourselves how different all this might have been had they faltered in duty? Of us it can as truthfully be said as of any people, ' ' the lines have fallen to us in pleasant places, and we have a goodly heritage." But how came it to be ours, and whence, under the blessing of Almighty God, was it derived? Was it not, from the toil and sweat and blood of a patriotic and self -sacrificing ancestry? And yet, no public and conspicuous memorial tells the passing traveler that here was fought one of the early battles of the Revolution ; a battle that, in its immediate eflfects, but much more in its remote influences and connections, had much to do with the question of independence then at stake, and with our pres- ent existence as a nation. Nothing has, as yet, been done to redeem the pledge given by the Continental Congress a hundred years ago, that on this historic spot a monument should be erected, to perpetuate th