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COMPLIMENTS OF 
 
 The Bennington Battle Momunent 
 and Histerical Association. 
 
 <«9&. CENNNGTON, VT. 
 
THE BENNINGTON BATTLE MONUMENT, 
 
THE DEDICATION 
 
 Bennington Battle Monument, and 
 
 Celebration of the Hundredth 
 
 Anniversary of the Admission 
 
 OF Vermont as a State, 
 
 At Bennington, August 19, A.D., 1891, 
 
 HISTORIC INTRODUCTION AND APPENDICES. 
 
 ^llttstmied. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY AVTHORITT OF THE CENTENNIAL 
 COMMITTEE. 
 
 BENNINGTON: 
 
 Banjsjeb Book aitd Job Printing House. 
 
 1892. 
 

 Copyright, 1892, 
 
 BY HENKY LEONAED STILLSON, 
 
 Historian of tte Centennial Committee, 
 
 Letter-press by 0. A. Pierce, Bennington. 
 
 Half-tone Engravings by John Andrew & Son Company, Boston. 
 
 Illustration Press-work by Berwick & Smitli, Boston. 
 Steel-plates Contributed. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 At a joint meeting of the State Committee, appointed by Act 
 No. 175, of the Laws of 1890, and the Citizens Committee of Fifty 
 (See page 66), held in Rutland on the evening of November 25, 
 1891, the undersigned was elected Historiographer of the Committees 
 aforesaid. Measures were also taken at that meeting to publish 
 this volume, which should serve as an official record of the subjects 
 embodied in its title page. 
 
 Between the celebrations of August 19, 1891, and the date of 
 this meeting there had arisen a great demand for such a work. 
 Prominent gentlemen had repeatedly written to Governor Page; 
 and, also, to others of the Official Committee, asking that a brochure 
 of the Centennial and Monument Dedication be prepared imme- 
 diately, and published. The press of the State, and the city press of 
 New England and New York, joined in the suggestion. The St. 
 Albans Messenger probably stated this demand in a orystalized 
 form when it said : 
 
 " The events at Bennington have furnished to the newspapers 
 of the country abundant material to fill their columns with, topics 
 for reviews of a century or more, and comparisons ; which opportuni- 
 ties have been utilized. These things, brought together, constitute 
 the ' Alpha and Omega ' of Vermont, so far as the present is con- 
 cerned ; starting out from Bennington and focussing again at the 
 same point. The history of Bennington is more largely the history 
 of the State than that of any other single town. It was the first 
 town organized, and the independent and courageous spirit there 
 developed, gave direction to the Commonwealth. The full story, 
 when once entered upon, is a task for books and books, far beyond 
 the capacity of any newspaper published, and especially is beyond 
 the limits of any State paper. Some papers have gone more into 
 details than others ; yet, in the comparison, the most elaborate 
 publications have been brief." 
 
 The space given to the event, by the newspapers, had made it 
 widely known. The number and prominence of the people engaged 
 as hosts and guests, the action taken by Legislative bodies, all 
 tended to confirm the popular idea that this celebration was second 
 to none that had preceded it ; if, indeed, it was not the crowning 
 feature of the century in New England. The succeeding pages are 
 the outcome of these circumstances and suggestions. 
 
 The " Plan of the work," as shown by the " Table of Contents," 
 
iv PREFACE. 
 
 divides the volume into four parts, viz. : (a) An Historic Introduc- 
 tion, wherein is set forth in narrative form, mainly, the principal 
 events leading up to the dual Celebration of August, 1891, with the 
 documentary history most readily suggested ; the whole comprising 
 an explanation of the events commemorated, (b) Part I. is the 
 body of the work, and may be called the " History " itself, (c) 
 Part n. is the story, in extenso, and includes the details ; separted 
 from Part I. so that the reader will not be obliged to read a mass of 
 incidental matters in connection with the account of the ceremonies, 
 (d) The Appendix, which takes up the subjects auxiliary, and con- 
 cludes the whole. The Editor claims that the plan is original and 
 that the aim has been to state all the facts at his command in a con- 
 cise and impartial manner. ThAt mistakes may be found is 
 admitted, but after eight months of care and painstaking labor, both 
 in the matter of the text and the illustrations, this volume is confi- 
 dently submitted to the verdict of History. 
 
 Acknowledgments. — The undersigned courteously acknowledges 
 the obligation he is under to his brethren of the Guild Editorial ; to 
 the Librarian of the Bennington Free Library, for the use of valuable 
 historical works, such as " Governor and Council," " Hall's Ver- 
 mont," " Vermont Historical Society's Publications " ; and to others 
 whose names appear in the body of the work ; to C. D. Cook & 
 Company, caterers, and R. M. Yale & Company, of Boston, for facts 
 embodied in their respective departments, etc. ; to Messrs. J. M. 
 Francis & Son, of the Troy, N". Y. Times, for the use of the engrav- 
 ings : " Monument Avenue," etc. (page 8), and the " Swift House" 
 (page 20) ; and, last but not least, for the elegant pen-drawings of 
 the " Catamount Tavern," and the " Old First Church." The 
 former was contributed to this work by Mrs. J. G. McCuUough, from 
 a sketch she made of the building while it was yet standing ; and 
 the latter was drawn by her daughter. Miss Ella S. McCuUough. 
 
 The Editor believes that the illustrations of this work, fifty-five 
 in number, will contribute in no small degree to the interest of the 
 reader. Henry Leonard Stillson. 
 
 " The Study," Bennington, Vt., June 14, 1892. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 HISTORIC INTRODUCTION. 
 
 ' REASONS FOR THE CELEBRATIONS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Supplemental to the main body o£ this work. Complete in four Divisions 9—63 
 
 DIVISION I. 
 
 The Celebrations of Bennington Battle ; First Speech and First Poem, with a sketch 
 
 of the Orator and Poet ; Reminisoenoes and Recollections 9 
 
 DIVISION II. 
 
 The Battle Monument, and Events leading up to its Erection ; Legislative Acts of 
 
 A.D., 1853, and A.D., 1876 ; " 77 " in this Historj ; Eemme of Monument History, 29 
 
 DIVISION III. 
 
 The Ceremonies of Laying the Corner-Stone August 16, A.D., 1887, and the Cope-Stone 
 
 November 25, A.D., 1889 42 
 
 DIVISION IV. 
 
 The Independent State of Vermont ; The story of its Settlement, and Admission to the 
 
 Union 53 
 
 PART I. 
 
 THE DEDICATION CEREMONIES. 
 
 The Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument, and the Centennial Celebration 
 
 of the Admission of Vermont into the Union. Complete in four Chapters 63 — 133 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The Acts passed by the States of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts ; The 
 
 Preparation made for the Event 63 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The Grand Procession, and Incidents Attending its Line of March ; The Triumphal 
 
 Ajch ; Decorations, and Salute 68 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The Dedicatory, and Centennial Exercises, including the Introductory Remarks, Prayer 
 by the Chaplain, Address of Welcome, Transfer of the Monument to the State, its 
 Acceptance in behalf of the Commonwealth, the Centennial Ode (page 146), The 
 Oration, Address by The President, the Benediction, and Description of the 
 Monument 77 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 The Banquet, and Postprandial Addresses .' 103 
 
vi CONTENTS, 
 
 PART II. 
 
 THE CELEBRATIONS IN DETAIL. 
 
 Proceedings at Headquarters during the Bennington Centennial; Sunday in "Camp 
 Vermont," and in the Town during the Sixteenth ; Auxiliary Events, and Docu- 
 mentary History ; Our Guests at the Centennial ; Special Trains, etc. Complete in 
 five Chapters 133—183 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Government Headquarters, and Centennial Sunday ; Historic and Merforial Sermon. . . 133 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Introductory and Incidental Events ; Arrival of The President ; Dinner at General 
 
 McCuUough's ; The Guard of Honor ; The Keview, Elnd Subsequent Exercises 139 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 Details of the Banquet, and the Pyrotechnics 147 
 
 CHAPTER lY. 
 
 Auxiliary Events, and Documentary History ; The Organizations Participating,— 
 Knights Templars, the " K. T. Train," Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Regi- 
 mental Reunion, John A. Logan Mounted Post, the Grand Army of the Republic, 
 Sons of the American Revolution, New Hampshire and Massachusetts at the Cen- 
 tennial, Exchange of Courtesies, etc 154 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Our Guests at the Centennial ; Excerps from Letters of Regret, etc. , 175 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 CAMP VERMONT AND CONCLUDING NOTES. 
 
 The City of Tents ; " Camp Vermont " ; The National Guard at Bennington during the 
 Weeli of the Dedication of the Monument ; Rosters of Militia, and Delegations not 
 Heretofore Mentioned ; Closing Particulars 183—201 
 
 Index 201—203 
 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 OPPOSITE PAGE. 
 
 Bennington Battle Monument {Frontispiece), 1 
 
 Historic /Subjects. 
 PoETEAiT OP General John Stark {The ITero of Bennington), 24 
 
 The Old First Church {Erected A.D., 1763— '66), - 134 
 
 The " Swift House " {Said. to havebeen erected in 1763), - - 20 
 
 The Catamount Tavern, - 52 
 
 Monument AvMTSUM {Catamount Monument in foreground), - 8 
 
 General Stark's Statue {Concord, J^. IT.), 172 
 
 Old Constitution House, - - 56 
 
 " Camp Vermont " {Monument in the Distance), - • 182 
 
 The Triumphal Arch, A.D., 1891, 74 
 
 Government Representation and Centennial JEkeercises. 
 
 Benjamin Harrison {President, U. S. A^, 96 
 
 'Q.TB.K-ts. K.^JSTTJM {Governor of New Hampshire), - - 112 
 
 William E. Russell ((^ouerwor o/JfassacAwseMs), - - 108 
 
 Carroll S. Page {Governor of Vermont), - - 62 
 
 WsMEhOCK G. Ybazsy {President of the Day), - - - 78 
 
 Benjamin F. Prescott {President Monument Association), 42 
 
 Edward J. Phelps ( Orator), 84 
 
 Rev. Charles Parkhurst, D.D. ( Chaplain), - 80 
 
 Official State Committee. 
 
 Carroll S. Page {Governor of Vermont), 62 
 
 Hosea Mann, Jr. {Speaker of the Souse), 88 
 
 Henry F. Field {State Treasurer), - 92 
 
 Chauncey W. Brownell, Jr. {Secretary of State), 104 
 
 Special Appointments. 
 
 Brigadier-General Wm. L. Grebnlbap {Chief Marshal), - 70 
 
 Theodore S. Peck {Adjutant- General of Vermont), - 140 
 
 Dr. Wm. Sewakd Webb {Special A. D. C. to The President), 164 
 
 Captain Levi K. Fuller {Artillery), - 44 
 
 The Banquet — Postprandial Speakers. 
 
 Wheelock G. Veazey {President of the Day), 78 
 
 Benjamin Harrison {President, U. S. A.), 96 
 
 William E. Russell {Governor of Massachusetts), 108 
 
 Hiram A. Tuttlb {Governor of New Hampshire), 112 
 
viii LIST OF ILLUSTRATION'S. 
 
 General Oliver Otis Hoavaed {U. S. A.), 114 
 
 General Russell A. Alger, 116 
 
 Redfield Proctor (Secretary of War), 118 
 
 General Alex. S. Webb, 120 
 
 General J. G. McCullough, 122 
 
 Hon. Alex. H. Rice, 124 
 
 Colonel Albert Clarke, 126 
 
 Hon. E. B. Sherman, 128 
 
 Major Charles H. Bartlett, 130 
 
 Hon. Edwin S. Barrett, 132 
 
 Directors of the Battle Monument Association. 
 
 Benjamin F. Peescott {President), - 42 
 
 Olin Scott {Secretary), - - 48 
 
 Hiram A. Tuttle {Governor of New Hampshire, ex officio), 112 
 Wm. E. Russell {Governor of Massachusetts, ex officio), - 108 
 
 Carroll S. Page {Governor of Vermont, ex officio), 62 
 
 Hon. Henry G. Root ( Chairman Building Committee), 28 
 
 Major Alonzo B. Valentine {of the Building Committee), 36 
 
 General John G. McCullough, - 122 
 
 Hon. Milo C. Huling {of the Building Committee), 40 
 
 Colonel Ltman F. Abbott, - 148 
 
 Hon. James K. Batcheldee, 32 
 
 Dr. John T. Shurtlepp, 156 
 
 Mr. Charles E. Dewey, - 136 
 
 Architect, and Contractor. 
 
 J. Philipp Rinn {Architect of the Monument), 98 
 
 William H. Ward {Builder of the Monument), 100 
 
 Executive, of the Citizens Committee of Fifty. 
 
 John V. Carney {President), - 64 
 
 Edwaed L. Bates {Secretary), 146 
 
 John S. Holden {Finance), 152 
 
 William C. Bull {Decorations), 76 
 
 Edward D. Bennett ( Transportation), 68 
 
 Henry T. Cushman 2nd. {Entertainment), . Yl^, 
 
 Irving E. Gibson {Carriages), - 144 
 
 Asaph P. Childs {Pyrotechnics), - . - 150 
 
 Henry L. Stillson, Historiographer (Pnw^mgf), - 192 
 
 Civic Societies. 
 General Jno. C. Underwood {Commander of the Patriarchs 
 
 Militant ; Jerome W. Goodell, Grand Master of Vermont, 
 
 I. O. 0. F., and five other Grand Masters), 160 
 
s ^ s 
 
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HISTORIC INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The Celebrations of Bennington Battle ; First Speech and First Poem, 
 with a Sketch of the Orator and Poet ; Reminiscences and Recollec- 
 tions. The Battle Monument, and Events leading vp to its Erection ; 
 Legislative Acts of A.P., 1853, and, A.D., 1876; "77" in this 
 History. The Ceremonies of Laying the Corner-stone August 16, 
 A.T>., 1887, and, the Cope-stone November 25, A. P., 1889/ 
 Vermont as an Independent State. 
 
 DIVISION I. 
 The Celebrations of Bbnnington Battle. 
 
 The first anniversary of the battle was celebrated, at Benning- 
 ton, August 16, 1778. Tradition says that the exercises took place 
 on the grounds that are now the site of the Battle Monument. 
 Whether this is authentic, or not, it is a reasonable probability. In 
 later years it was a common custom to form a procession on the spot 
 where the monument stands, march to the " Old First Church " edi- 
 fice, situated on the plateau below the " Robinson " homestead, there 
 listen to the oration, and march back to the " State Arms " hotel, 
 where the banquets were served, and toasts responded to. Such 
 may have been the proceedings on the memorable occasion of 1778. 
 
 Referring to the first, and subsequent, celebrations of Benning- 
 ton Battle, the Vermont Historical Society says, in. its " Collections," 
 Vol. I., page 257 : " The Battle of Bennington was fought August 
 16, 1777, and its anniversaries have ever since been observed as 
 holidays in that, and,- sometimes, also in the neighboring towns, and 
 have been celebrated with all the demonstrations of rejoicing that 
 are usual through the country on ' Independence Day '; such as the 
 discharge of cannon, the display of banners, military parades, pro- 
 cessions with music, orations and public dinners." 
 
 The Orator of the " First Celebration " was Noah Smith, A.B., 
 and the Poet was Stephen Jacob ; both, afterward, famous at the 
 Bar and on the Bench of Vermont, their adopted State. Both 
 were graduates of Yale University, class of 1778, and among their 
 class-mates were men who, like themselves, became highly dis- 
 
10 HISTORIC INTRODUCTION. 
 
 tinguished. Among these we name : Joel Barlow, author of the 
 Coliniibi<td, and Ministei' to the Court of France; Oliver Wolcott, 
 Secretary of the 'I'reasury under Washington, and Governor of Con- 
 necticut; Uriah Tracy, a distinguished United States Senator from 
 Connecticut; Zephaniah Swift, Chief Judge; and Ashur Miller, 
 Judge of the Supreme Court of Conuecticut, and Noah Webster, the 
 great Lexicographer ; besides many others, members of Congress or 
 great political leaders at the beginning of this century. 
 
 From the Historical Society's publications we excerpt a brief 
 sketch of Judge Smith: "Noah Smith was admitted to the Bar of 
 the Superior Court of the State, at Westminster, in iVIay, 1779; was 
 at the same term appointed State's Attorney, jisro tempore, for Cum- 
 berland County, and was immediately engaged in his official capacity 
 in the prosecution of a number of the adherents of New York, who 
 had been concerned in resisting the authority of the State, and 
 whose conviction he procured. Having settled in Bennington he 
 was, soon aftei'ward, appointed State's Attorney for Bennington 
 County, which ofBce he held for several years. He was a Judge of 
 the Supreme Court for five years prior to 1801, and he was also 
 Collector of the United States Internal Revenue under the adminis- 
 tration of President Washington. Israel Smith, his younger 
 brother, read law with him in Bennington ; began practice at Ru- 
 pert, removed to Rutland, and became Governor of the State in 
 1807." Noah Smith was born at Suffleld, Connecticut, January 27, 
 1756, and settled in Bennington in 1779. He removed to Milton 
 soon after the year 1800, where he died December 24, 1812. 
 
 The " History of Freemasonry and Concordant Orders," 1891, 
 page 230, says : " The first Grand Master was the first orator at the 
 first celebration of Bennington Battle. Under date of Thursday, 
 November 28, 1889, The Banner ( a local newspaper ), reportino- 
 the laying of the cope-stone of the Bennington monument (the cor- 
 ner-stone of which was laid by the Grand Lodge of Vermont, 
 August 16, 1887), said: 'This monument commemorates more 
 than a local engagement of "embattled farmers " with the trained 
 troops of proud Britain. We have alluded to it as the " turning 
 point" in the Revolution. The orator of the first celebration of the 
 Battle of Bennington, Noah Smith, Esq., said on August 16, 1778 : 
 " I'o the effects of this action must be attributed in a considerable 
 •degj ee the series of successes which have attended our arms." How 
 truthful were his prophetic words [1778] : " This establishes our 
 ij. dependence, and must soon put a period to the calamities of war." 
 Standing, then, in the immediate presence of the fruits of that 
 «ngagemeut, he fully recognized the debt of gratitude due to those 
 
THE BE CI SI VE BA TTLE. \ \ 
 
 who had accomplished such a victory ; and, commenting further, 
 says: "Are these the effects of the Battle of Bennington? Are 
 these the prospects which attend the Republic of America? Then 
 what laurels are due to General Stark and those bold assertors of 
 liberty whose determined resolution and undaunted courage effected 
 the salvation of our country?" Brother Smith was then fresh from 
 collegiate honors at Yale. A few years later, after having ascended 
 the ladder of judicial fame in this State, he assisted in forming the 
 Grand Lodge of Vermont, and was its first Grand Master, holding 
 the office and discharging its duties with credit to himself and 
 honor to the Fraternity, from 1794 to 1797. It was eminently fit- 
 ting, therefore, that his fraternal successor. Colonel Alfred A. Hall, 
 Grand Master of Freemasons, should lay the corner-stone on the 
 battle anniversary in 1887, and that the flag of that society should 
 float from the cope-stone on Monday.' " 
 
 Hon. Russell S. Taft has lately prepared an interesting biog- 
 raphy of Stephen Jacob, the " Twentieth Judge of the Vermont 
 Supreme Court." He refers to the famous trial, on account of a 
 negro slave, Dinah, reported in 2 Tyler's Reports, page 192, and 
 adds: "It is a singular coincidence that Judge Jacob, one who 
 brought a slave into the State, with his title in writing, should have 
 been succeeded by the unlettered Republican, Theophilus Harring- 
 ton, who, to remand a slave back into bondage, ruled that the 
 claimant must trace his title back to the original proprietor, and 
 required as evidence a bill of sale from the Almighty." 
 
 Hon. Wm. P. Baxter, of Chicago, 111., by whose authority we 
 give the dates in Judge Jacob's life, has thoroughly investigated the 
 early history of this Vermont jurist and first Bennington Battle 
 Poet. Stephen Jacob was born in ShelBeld, Mass., December 7, 
 1755, and died at Windsor, Vermont, June 27, 1816. Judge Taft 
 says : "I think no one in this State ever rose more rapidly in the 
 legal profession than he. The county court was not established in 
 Windsor County until 1781, and from that time until his elevation 
 to the Chief Judgeship of that court in 1797, he was counsel in sub- 
 stantially all the litigation in that part of the State. At the 
 October term, 1782, his name appears as counsel in forty-six of the 
 fifty-eight cases, and he may have been counsel in more, as the 
 names of counsel are not in all cases given." Judge Jacob repre- 
 sented Windsor in the General Assembly on several occasions, was 
 one of the Council of Censors in 1785, and was appointed one of the 
 Commissioners as to a "Jurisdictional or boundary line between the 
 State of New York and the State of Vermont; and to adjust and 
 finally determine, all and every matter or thing which, in anywise, 
 
12 HISTORIC INTRODUCTION. 
 
 obstructs a uuion of this State with the United States," in 1789. 
 I-Ie was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1793, a State 
 Councillor for five years, ending in 1800; and a Judge of the 
 Supreme Court in 1801 and 1802. 
 
 The speech and poem at the celebration of the victory at Ben- 
 nington, August 16, 1778, were printed at Hartford, Connecticut, in 
 1779, and are accompanied by a " Vote of Thanks," signed by Jonas 
 Fay, " Clerk of the Committee," furnishing us with the only clue we 
 now have to the movers in that event. It reads as follows : " The 
 committee (consisting of five), chosen by the people who composed 
 the audience, return their thanks to Messrs. Noah Smith and 
 Stephen Jacob for their agreeable orations delivered in commemora- 
 tion of the battle fought at Bennington on the memorable 16th of 
 August, 1777, and desire a copy thereof for the press." 
 
 The text of the " Speech " and " Poem " is furnished for this 
 Centennial Volume by Hon. W. P. Baxter, from an- original pam- 
 phlet in his possession, and is as follows : 
 
 A Speech Delivered at Bennington on the Annivbksaey op the 
 16th of August, 1777, by Noah Smith, A.B. — -Hartford: 
 Pijinted by Watson & Goodwin, mdcci.xxix. 
 
 Oration by Noah Smith. — The history of America during the 
 last twelve months relates events favorable to a degree which has 
 exceeded our expectations, established our independence and aston- 
 ished the world. Among which none have been more signal than 
 that which happened on the memorable 16th of August, 1777, of 
 which this is the anniversary. 
 
 The recollection of past events, whether merciful or aflSlictive, 
 often produces a good effect in the huma'n mind, by leading it to 
 view the operations of that Being by whose permission all judg- 
 ments are inflicted and to whose benignity all deliverances must be 
 attributed. 
 
 It is presumed that the history of these Northern campaigns is 
 so fresh in the memory of everyone present, that a repetition of it 
 would be neither entertaining nor instructive; therefore, waiving 
 the description of the progress of our arms into Canada, and of the 
 defeat and death of the brave General Montgomery, which was pro- 
 ductive of the most precipitant and confused retreat, we need only 
 mention that Ticonderoga was adjudged a proper place to make 
 opposition. 
 
 This being by its natural situation the key of the country, to 
 maintain it — was the determination of every man who wished well 
 of America. 
 
THE DECISl VjE JBA TTLE. 13 
 
 For more than fourteen months, while this was the object, no 
 sums were too great to be expended and no fatigue too painful to be 
 endured ; so that when the third campaign was opened, the works 
 were so completely finished, the store-houses so amply supplied with 
 provisions, the lines so sufficiently manned, and the whole country so 
 ready to fly to their assistance upon any emergency, that it was 
 thought nothing but the infernal hands of cowardice or treachery 
 could have delivered them into the enemy's possession. 
 
 Under these circumstances the people in this department, not 
 considering that disappointments are common to mankind in a state 
 of imperfection, pursued their business with no less security than 
 diligence. 
 
 But a train of evils, which at this time like a mighty torrent 
 rushed in upon us, soon discovered how vain and unscriptural it is 
 to trust in fortifications, for within eight days after Burgoyne 
 appeared upon the Lake, he found means to possess himself of the 
 forts, which laid our numerous army under a necessity of fleeing 
 before hira, and filled the whole country with consternation and 
 amazement. 
 
 In this condition every battle he attempted was succeeded by 
 victory and every advance he made was conquest. 
 
 The inhabitants of the Northern districts for more than one 
 hundred miles in length were obliged to quit everything they pos- 
 sessed, and for subsistence had no other dependence but the 
 benignity of heaven and the charity of their countrymen. 
 
 Whenever we had intelligence from our army, it was marked 
 by defeat and discouragement ; so that some, to their shame be it 
 spoken, exclaimed, had not we better submit to any imposition than 
 to be driven from everything we possess ? Notwithstanding this town 
 was then esteemed an asylum, yet the sagacity of the Honorable 
 Council, then sitting at this place, induced them to be apprehensive 
 of an attack and prompted them to dispatch advices to the neighbor- 
 ing States for the purpose of procuring assistance. 
 
 In consequence of which. General Stark, who was here to com- 
 plete the edifice of his glory, arriving from New Hampshire at the 
 head of a detachment of the noble and spirited militia of that State, 
 was welcomed to the command. But a special order for him to join 
 the main body at Stillwater gave rise to new apprehensions. 
 
 Under these circumstances, intelligence of the enemy's approach 
 was received. If it be proper to judge of futurity by past events, 
 nothing could now be expected but panic, retreating and confusion. 
 But with that magnanimity of soul, which is ever the characteristic 
 of real greatness, those patriots who composed the Council at that 
 
14 HISTORIC INTR OB UCTIOK 
 
 time, deliberately laid the plan which their penetration assured 
 them would be the destruction of the enemy. Having induced. 
 General Stark to return, they were indefatigable in adopting such 
 measures as might conduce to the success of the enterprise. 
 
 A length of time had now elapsed sufficient for the arrival of a 
 number of respectable militia from the adjacent towns in this State 
 and that of Massachusetts. The exertions of the people in Berk- 
 shire County were e.xtraordinary on this occasion and merited them 
 particular honor. In convening, resolution, like electric fire, diffused 
 itself through the whole body of the troops, while bravery marked 
 the countenance, and patriotism glowed in the breast of every 
 individual. 
 
 " The wise new prudence from the wise acquire, 
 "And one brave hero tans another's tire." 
 
 Prompted by their apprehensions, the enemy, having -made 
 choice of the most advantageous ground, began at this time to 
 entrench. But so determined were our forces, that no circumstance 
 of superiority in number, of perfection of discipline, or of finished 
 entrenchments was sufflcient to bring discouragement to their view. 
 
 Stark gave the command, the attack was made, the entrench- 
 ments stormed, and the enemy defeated. What miracles will 
 resolution and perseverance effect ! 
 
 That an undisciplined militia, without the assistance of a single 
 field piece, should, in the face of cannon, confront an enemy almost 
 double in number, and drive them from their entrenchments, marks 
 the determination of Americans, and affords an instance of bravery 
 without precedent in history. 
 
 Soon after this the enemy, being reinforced, renewed the attack, 
 and from the dictates of despair fought with persevering intrepidity, 
 which in any other circumstances must have been the attainment of 
 their wishes. In this critical moment the arrival of Colonel War- 
 ner's regiment, by adding to the spirit of the men as well as to their 
 numbers, completed the victory. Boast then, ye gasconading 
 Britons, that two thousand of your men can effect a march from 
 Saratoga to Springfield, for this action has evinced that a Stark, a 
 Warner and a Herrick, with a number of men little more than half 
 equal to yours, could, by the assistance of heaven, defeat your enter- 
 pri-^e upon the first attempt, and make two-thirds of your body 
 prisoners. 
 
 But I check this language because gasconade is no mark of brav- 
 ery. The fame of this action spread through every part of America, 
 and was productive of the most salutary effects in raising the spirits 
 of .our army, which was worn out by fatigues and hardships, and in 
 depressing those of the enemy, which for a long time had been 
 
TSE DECISIVE BATTLE. 15 
 
 flushed with victory. This battle being a prelude to those fought at 
 Stillwater, which were the immediate harbingers of Burgoyiie's 
 resignation, had a powerful operation in effecting that event, which 
 was really the most memorable and glorious that ever graced the 
 annals of America. 
 
 Can it be thought possible that the heroism of a few hundred 
 Green Mountain Boys, by being exhibited when the whole country 
 was depressed by retreats and misfortunes, should effect the resig- 
 nation of a general who commanded ten thousand men, and operate 
 the total dissolution of his army ? To the effects of this action must 
 be attributed, in a considerable degree, that series of successes which 
 &r the year past has constantly attended our arms, and which has 
 made America so respectable among the nations, that one of the 
 most potent raonarchs in the world has not thought it derogatory to 
 court her alliance. 
 
 This establishes our independence and must soon put a period 
 to the calamities of war. Are these the effects of the Battle of Ben- 
 nington ? Are these the prospects which attend the Republic of 
 America? Then what laurels are due to Stark and those bold 
 assertors of liberty whose determined resolution and undaunted 
 courage effected the salvation of their country ? 
 
 But in a speech of this kind it would be impious not to make 
 ascription of the sublimest praise to that God whose kingdom is 
 over all : " Had not the Lord been on our side when men rose up 
 against us, they had swallowed us up quick." The success of that 
 day is not to be attributed to the skill of the officers, and the 
 prowess of the soldiers, but to the interposition of heaven. That 
 Omnipotent Being who has been pleased to style himself the God of 
 Armies, inspired our troops with intrepidity, and directed their 
 charge in such a manner that opposition could produce nothing but 
 •carnage and immediate death. 
 
 Those heroes who were active that day were the instruments 
 by which our deliverance was effected, but God was the author. To 
 Him, therefore, let the first and most grateful tribute be paid. As 
 the victory was complete, let the song of praise be sincere and 
 universal. It becomes all to unite in this glad work, even those 
 whose nearest friends were numbered with the slain. By yielding 
 themselves a sacrifice to the flagitious exertions of tyranny, they 
 discovered a stability of sentiments in the cause of freedom, and 
 sealed it with their blood. It was a custom among the ancients to 
 canonize those who fell in battle, and to send them immediately to 
 the Elysian fields. This was productive of good effect among the 
 soldiers, as it made them believe that to die in battle was only to 
 
16 HIS TORIC INTR OD UC TION. 
 
 enter upon a more happy state. " It is sweet and glorious to die for 
 one's country," was a maxim which they firmly believed. 
 
 In fighting, the death of some is necessary, even on the side of 
 victory ; and that individual who would not resign his life for the 
 salvation of his country must be possessed of a soul the most partial 
 and contracted. There is, therefore, no just cause of lamentation 
 to those whose friends were slain, for by their deaths our country 
 was saved. Since that event, the situation of affairs in this North- 
 ern department has been very different. The hurry and bustle of 
 war are now succeeded by the sweets of tranquility and retirement. 
 Those who by the savage cruelty of the enemy were driven from 
 their habitations are now returned to a peacefal and flourishing 
 settlement, and instead of those horrors and depredations which are 
 inseparable from all wars, and with which this has been particularly 
 marked, all have now the glorious prospect of a permanent and 
 uninterrupted peace. When this takes place, the necessity of main- 
 taining so numerous an army will cease, our currency will again 
 revert to its proper value, and thousands will resort to this State 
 with designs of making it the place of their residence; all the ave- 
 nues of commerce will be laid open, and the inestimable blessings of 
 government established. Then, if we may be allowed to put a 
 literal construction upon the enraptured prophecy of Isaiah : " The 
 wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them ; and the 
 desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." 
 
 Title Page of Poem. — A Poetical Essay Delivered, at Ben- 
 
 NINGT0>r, ON THE AnNIVERSAUY OP THE 16tH OP AuGUST, 1777, BY 
 
 Stephen Jacob, 1778 ; Haetfokd : Printed by Watson & Good- 
 win, MDCCLXXIX. 
 
 Where blood-bought fame the glowing sage inspires, 
 Where thirst of glorious death the patriot fires, 
 Where future scenes in happier prospect rise. 
 Where griefs are sooth'd and grating discord flies. 
 Springs the rich theme that wakes the enraptured song 
 Which claims an audience of the assembled throng. 
 When angry faction rolling fromafar 
 Burst on our shores, and spread the flame of war, 
 Rous'd fair Columbia with its dread alarms, 
 And bid her sons indignant rush to arms, 
 This infant State, where beasts of midnight howl'd. 
 Ranged the broad waste and thro' lone deserts prowl'd. 
 And this fair town where feline monsters stray'd. 
 Broke from their dens and on the helpless prey'd. 
 Their martial offering to their country gave. 
 To share its victories or a glorious grave. 
 Up-sprung the heroes from their new abode. 
 
THE DECISIVE BATTLE. 17 
 
 Inspired by freedom and by freedom's God, 
 With heaven-born vigor drove the oppressors forth, 
 And crop't the-tirst blown laurels of the North ; 
 Nor could a tyrant's rage or fetters bind 
 The unconquered Allen's more unoonquered mind. 
 He rose superior to the chills of fear, 
 Disdaining threats, defy'd the uplifted spear, 
 When shifting victory flushed the adverse fight. 
 When war's pale torch display'd a glim'ring light, 
 When fear our less'ning band inspired, 
 The foe advanced and back our arms retir'd ; 
 When to this trembling seat our troops were driven. 
 Like hosts subdu'd or disapprov'd of heaven, 
 That dread Supreme whose thundering terrors roll. 
 Dart from the storm and blast the guilty soul, 
 Mark'd all our grief from his bright throne above, 
 Ey'd our distress and soften'd into love ; 
 The foe's rash boasting in fierce anger heard. 
 Pointed their fate and our cold bosom cheer 'd. 
 Then from his seat sublime sent Michael forth 
 To rouse the ardor of the drooping North. 
 In awful grandeur on the dusky storm 
 Soon as commanded flew the ethereal form, 
 Here in mid-heaven slow hov'ring on the wing, 
 DifEus'd the ardor that he came to bring. 
 As by the Eternal's conquering breath inspir'd. 
 Vigor return'd and zeal each bosom fir'd. 
 Swift to the field each blazing warrior flew. 
 Each took his post and each his falchion drew, 
 Each here glow'd to meet th' insulting foe, 
 Resolved to fall or give the conquering blow. 
 High o'er the hills th' ethereal seemed to sail. 
 And from a cloud suspends the dubious scale. 
 Where veil'd in darkness near the opposing foe. 
 The signal given, forth rushed the martial train. 
 Nor mountains, floods, or hosts their zeal restrain. 
 Their shining arms a dazzling pomp display. 
 Gleam o'er the vale and brighten on the day ; 
 The adverse legions eye the trembling light, 
 And flushed with conquest, rush amid the fight ; 
 Our dauntless troops th' impetuous shock sustain, 
 Burst through their ranks and multiply their slain ; 
 Then back recoil like vanquish'd warriors driven. 
 Now blaze afresh as reinspir'd by heaven. 
 Now on the foe in leaden volleys pour, 
 Now back on them the thundering cannon roar ; 
 Now close engag'd the opposing heroes meet ; 
 Now fiy their hosts and ours again retreat. 
 Thus long conceal'd the dubious victims lay, 
 Till length'ning shades proclaim'd the setting day. 
 When from our sight the angelic form withdrew. 
 Up-poised the scale and back their squadrons flew. 
 
1 8 HIS TO RIG INTK OD UC TION. 
 
 Great Stark, a warrior from that day may claim, 
 
 With the brave Herrick, an immortal fame ; 
 
 To many more we'd grateful tributes pay 
 
 Who fought, who conquer'd aud who bled that day, 
 
 And those firm souls, that new elected band. 
 
 Which forms your Senate our best thanks demand. 
 
 Their persevering minds 'mid thick alarms. 
 
 Could sway the public and direct its arms. 
 
 And 'midst the din of war and rough debate 
 
 Fix the firm basis of a rising State. 
 
 Yon bright'ning orb, whose beams the nations cheer, 
 
 Has marked one circuit round the varied year 
 
 Since those fair prospects first approached the sight 
 
 Which greets our wond'ring eyes with pleasing light, 
 
 When see fierce discord cease, see treason bleed, 
 
 See war's rough tumult end, and peace succeed. 
 
 Astonish'd strangers eye the new-born State 
 
 Where Chittenden presides in each debate. 
 
 Whose patriot mind no selfish views can charm. 
 
 And whose mild bosom gen'rous passions warm. 
 
 Beneath whose eye see Science stretch her wing. 
 
 Cheer the lone waste and make the desert sing. 
 
 And heaven at last, tho' long it seems to frown, 
 
 On its own sons confer a laurel crown. 
 
 When war's rough genius fired the angry plain,. 
 
 Bade orphans weep and parents mourn their slain. 
 
 Bade sorrowing thousands eye the empurpl'd field 
 
 Where slaughter rag'd, in various forms reveal'd, 
 
 Where countless warriors left their parting breath. 
 
 And many a hero swelled the tide of death. 
 
 We make a solemn pause to mourn those dead 
 
 Whose fame shall live till grateful hearts are fled ; 
 
 Who, to defend an injur'd, bleeding land, 
 
 Dar'd bleed themselves at heav'n's severe command. 
 
 We mourn their fall, yet joy they once were here. 
 
 To show their country what they held most dear. 
 
 Heroes thus bravely falling we deplore. 
 
 Yet hail them welcome to th' immortal shore ! 
 
 Here blameless envy might with justice cry, 
 
 " Oh ! could I virtuous live, and like them die." 
 
 Each matron, too, with ancient Sparta's dame, 
 
 Whose son for freedom bled, might thus exclaim : 
 
 " For this I birth to that young warrior gave, 
 
 " That he by falling might a country save." 
 
 Yet such rough firmness we but seldom find, 
 
 And tenderness adorns the female mind. 
 
 One sympathetic tear we'd now impart 
 
 To soothe the parent's and the orphan's heart, 
 
 Console the widow and th' afflicted maid, 
 
 Wlaose dearest bliss beneath the dust is laid. 
 
 For you who wail a tender offspring dead. 
 
 Whose sons for Freedom fought and nobly bled. 
 
THE BECISI VE BA TTLE. 19 
 
 You, whose companions met the fatal spear, 
 
 We greatly mourn and drop the friendly tear. 
 
 For you, fair virgins, who in beauty's bloom 
 
 Fade into grief and wear a saddening gloom, 
 
 In secret languish and your pains approve. 
 
 Melt in distress and mourn your hapless love. 
 
 We feel, we feel for you the tenderest pain. 
 
 And floods of softness rush through every vein ! 
 
 But stop ! too fast these piercing sorrows roll, 
 
 And spread a gloom o'er every feeling soul. 
 
 Now led by fancy, burst the films of night. 
 
 To future scenes extend the pleasing sight. 
 
 Survey the paths your unborn sons shall tread 
 
 When you're forgot and theirs, when you are dead, 
 
 When Albion's less'n'd host shall disappear, 
 
 Her rage grow mild and calm Columbia's fear. 
 
 When the fair Olive shall her branch extend. 
 
 And long lost Peace again from heaven descend. 
 
 When fleets for traffic skim along the tide, 
 
 Heave to our shores, or in safe harbors ride. 
 
 Where with soft smiling commerce they impart 
 
 Th' ensnaring vices of each distant court. 
 
 Where pam'r'd lux'ries with malignant breath 
 
 Invade our shores and spread a moral death, 
 
 Internal sweetness and domestic ease 
 
 Here fix: their gentle reign and spread the charms of peace. 
 
 No tyrant here shall dare erect his throne, 
 
 No griping landlord wake th' oppressed's groan. 
 
 No cringing minion be for flatt'ry fed. 
 
 No menial sla%'e a haughty«master dread, . 
 
 No hateful monster supplicate defense ♦ 
 
 Who boasts his spoils of artless innocence. 
 
 But injur'd virtue sinking in distress 
 
 Fly here for safety and obtain redress. 
 
 No jarring feuds revive the martial flame. 
 
 Or war be known but as a transient name, 
 
 No tender matron feel the p.angs of fear. 
 
 Or melting virgin drop the parting tear, 
 
 No mourning consort of her fate complain. 
 
 Or lisping infant weep a parent slain. 
 
 But gentle friendship spread her balmy wing 
 
 While music softens from the trembling string. 
 
 Each youth excel in every noble art. 
 
 Taste the pure blessings of an honest heart, 
 
 Disdain the follies of a vicious age. 
 
 And spurn deceit and meanness from the stage, 
 
 Nor dare permit the polish'd tongue to speak 
 
 What wakes a blush on -virtue's modest cheek. 
 
 Or yield assistance with malicious joy 
 
 To blast the fair and innocence destroy. 
 
 But taught by heaven their generous aid extend. 
 
 Protect the helpless and the weak defend. 
 
20 HIS TORIC IN Tli OD UC TION. 
 
 Nor these alone th' enraptur'd tho'ts inspire, 
 But fairer charms the glowing bosom fire. 
 The heaven-born sweetness and an angel mind, 
 With beauty's soft excess to sweetness joined. 
 By wisdom taught the just distinction know 
 'Twixt worthy merit and the flutt'ring beau, 
 They scorn those vulgar arts that fools pursue, 
 And stem the tide of custom to be true. 
 There conscious virtue holds her gentle reign. 
 And knows no fear but that of causing pain. 
 To these blest scenes our fondest hopes extend. 
 When discord flits and hated factions end. 
 Long peaceful years in calm succession roll. 
 And love of wisdom animates the whole ; 
 Art and refinement wake and spread their charms, 
 The youth in letters shine as now in aims. 
 When many a fair adorns the polish'd page 
 That beams instruction o'er the rising age. 
 When warring sexes lay their arts aside 
 And take fair virtue for their guiltless guide. 
 When worth and grandeur in our bosom shine. 
 And age and youth in sacred chorus join. 
 Where none shall court the rich unpolished clown, 
 On needy merit cast a sneering frown, 
 Spurn from their presence the dejected poor. 
 Or send the hungry fainting from their door. 
 But heaven-born Freedom spread her wide domain, 
 And Peace and Justice unmolested reign. 
 Cold Poverty shall fly, nor want appear, 
 But health and plenty every.bosom cheer, 
 The blosming mead, the hill and fertile plain 
 Yield a rich blessing to th' industrious swain. 
 The fatal steel destroy the noxious weed. 
 And blushing orchards to their place succeed. 
 The trackless waste, the rough, uncultur'd soil. 
 And desolation's self be seen to smile. 
 Where beasts of prey once found a safe abode 
 Rise the fair temples of th' immortal God ; 
 Where superstition's zeal obscur'd the day. 
 Truth uncontested shine with piercing ray ; 
 Where savage ignorance held her midnight reign, 
 And bound whole nations in her gloomy chain. 
 Unnumbered ages these blest scenes reveal. 
 To guide the public and the private weal. 
 Point to fair virtue her unbeaten road. 
 And mark with censure hated foes to God ; 
 Bid Science rise and stretch her bright'ning wand, 
 To dash out darkness from this blissful land. 
 Xone of that impious race shall then remain. 
 Who bend the gospel to increase their gain. 
 Who point to heaven a new and nearer way. 
 In unknown paths make erring mortals stray, 
 
5 - 
 
THE DECISIVE BATTLE. 21 
 
 Avoid Election as a theme too high ; 
 Who preach up works, but pass repentance by, 
 Leave Faith untaught, or to one sect confla'd, 
 And damn tlie rest as heretics arid blind. 
 But fair religion warns the hoary sage, 
 And lib'ral tho'ts inspire the rising age, 
 Pure Gospel truths in fall meridian blaze 
 To gray hairs, wisdom, and to infants praise. 
 Far distant climes the blissful tidings greet. 
 Rough, boisterous sects in heavenly union meet, 
 Swift gathering crowds in listening clusters throng. 
 And hang impatient on the speaker's tongue. 
 While th' calm teacher marks the glorious way. 
 That leads to mansions of eternal day. 
 
 Subsequent Celebrations. — The record made of the formal 
 <;elebrations of the anniversaries of Bennington Battle, in the local 
 newspapers, fully justifies the Historical Society's remark as to 
 Independence Day. While it is evident that the greater observ- 
 ances of the day were not wholly continuous, yet that each and every 
 Sixteenth of August received proper notice is evidenced by the 
 testimony of old men, those who, as boys, came with their fathers to 
 Bennington whenever the date arrived. Some recognition of the 
 august event was sure to be made. Another matter will attract 
 attention in connection with this fact. Whenever a formal celebra- 
 tion of the event was proposed, it was Bennington men, — the 
 survivors of the battle, or their descendants, — who took the initiative 
 upon the committees, and were prominent in the subsequent exer- 
 cises. Nothing is plainer to be read from the records than this 
 statement. While the celebrations were oftener held in this town, 
 yet the people of Shaftsbury, Pownal, Dorset, Sunderland, and Man- 
 chester, in Vermont ; and Pleasant Valley (Hoosick, bordering upon 
 West Bennington), the Battle Ground, White Creek (the portion 
 near North Bennington, and the battle ground), held celebrations 
 from time to time between the years 1795 and 1841. 
 
 Since the "fifties" we find no record, but that of the people of 
 Bennington, celebrating the victory of August 16, 1777. A resume 
 of some of the more important celebrations is interesting, as an 
 introduction to those of 1891. They partook of the nature of things 
 agitating the public mind, at the time, after 1810. Before that 
 period the usual escort was " Captain Robinson's cavalry," and 
 " Captain Safford's light infantry." As the years passed away it 
 became, — in the newspaper record, — "General" Robinson; and 
 ^' Captain " SafEord had, also been promoted. The troops com- 
 manded by these worthies, actors in the battle, were, later, 
 ■commanded by new men. When we repeat their names, below, 
 
22 SIS TOBIC INTR ODUC TION. 
 
 each will be recognized as one of the prominent citizens of the town ; 
 many of them, also, eminent in early Vermont affairs. Whenevei; 
 the observances of the day partook of a purely political character, 
 each party seemed to vie which should outdo the other. This led to 
 great assemblies of people, and frequently to a two day's celebration. 
 A detailed history, of these annual affairs, would disclose a most 
 interesting phase of Vermont's people, and, sometime, it should be 
 written. 
 
 The ninth anniversary was celebrated at Bennington in 1786. 
 The guns fired at sunrise were fourteen ; thirteen for the Original 
 States of the Union and one for the Independent State of Vermont. 
 There was the procession, oration, banquet, toasts, responses, etc., 
 spoken of above ; and a " dance " in the evening completed the day's 
 doings. The emphatically patriotic nature of the exercises is shown 
 by the subject of the oration : " A reflection on the Battle of Ben- 
 nington, as a prelude to the establishment of our Independence," 
 and the remark follows: "And the train of successes which fol- 
 lowed was foremost in every man's mind, diffusing a general joy, 
 and disposed the mind for reflection on the blessings of 
 independence." 
 
 The following year another large celebration was held to com- 
 memorate the tenth anniversary. The same number of guns were 
 flred at sunrise. The " Order of Procession " gives one an idea of 
 the probable magnitude of the event. People for miles away dis- 
 continued business, came to town, and participated. The marshals 
 and aids, if there were any, are not given. Here is the order for the 
 
 mornmg : Captain Robinson's Troop of Horse. 
 
 Captain Safford's Light Infantry. 
 These bodies escorted the procession from the court house ( mon- 
 ument site), to the meeting house (Old First Church ; see also 
 illustration of " Monument Avenue "), where orations were delivered 
 by Joshua Hathaway and Anthony Haswell. In the afternoon, at the 
 signal of thirteen guns for the Union, and one for the State of Ver- 
 mont, a second and more pretentious procession was formed, in the 
 
 following order : „ , . -d i • , ^ , 
 
 Captain Robmson's Cavalry. 
 
 Captain Safford's Light Infantry. 
 
 The Governor and Council. 
 
 The Clergy. 
 
 General Officers and their Aides. 
 
 Field and other Officers and their Aides, of the First Brigade. 
 
 Physicians and Surgeons of the Town, and First Brigade. 
 
 Judges of the Supreme, and County Courts. 
 
 Students of Clio Hall, Rev. Daniel Marsh, Rector. 
 
 Other Organizations. 
 
THE DEC 181 VE BA TTLE. 23 
 
 A summary of fihe oration has been preserved in these words : 
 ■"This victorjf, though comparatively small, yet was impor- 
 tant in its consequence, being the dawn of liglit after a long series 
 of disheartening events, and the first fatal check put to British 
 power in America." 
 
 In 1789, at Bennington, the day was given up to a sham fight. 
 The military noted as participating were : Captain David Robin- 
 son's troop of horse. Captain SafEord's light infantry, two 
 companies of Rangers, commanded by Lieutenant Ellsworth, and 
 Lieutenant Eldredge. After the sham battle an oration was delivered 
 by Anthony Haswell in the Old First Church, a banquet was served 
 at the State Arms hotel, and the quaint chronicler of that day closes 
 by saying that " one man was hurt by the chace," referring, no 
 doubt, to the miniature battle. This celebration is called, by 
 another authority, an " Indian performance." 
 
 The year 1790 has the first record of anyone outside of Ben- 
 nington participating in the celebrations — Captain Wright's troop 
 of horse, of Pownal, paraded with Maj. Robinson's command on 
 that occasion. 
 
 It would appear that in 1791, by common consent, all Western 
 Vermont celebrated, at Rutland, March 21st, the Admission of the 
 State into the Union, a more particular account of which appears in 
 Division IV., of this "Introduction." At this time [1791] the first 
 orator, N"oah Smith, held the office of " Supervisor of Imports " ; 
 the first poet, Stephen Jacob, was " United States Attorney in Ver- 
 mont " ; both were present at Rutland. 
 
 In 1795 the towns of Manchester, Sunderland, and Dorset, 
 united, at the first named place, in a celebration of Bennington's 
 victory. In the parade were Captain Bradley's "two companies" 
 of light infantry, and the subject of the oration was almost identi- 
 cal, in its wording, with that at Bennington in 1787. 
 
 In 1796 the people of Bennington and Pownal participated in a 
 grand " wolf hunt." Full particulars are not given, but toward 
 evening one trophy of the chase was duly presented before the 
 assembled spectators, in what is now Monument Park, its skin was 
 stretched to dry ; and, at the banquet, which followed, in State Arms 
 hotel, notice was given that this wolf skin was to be utilized for a 
 drum head to use on future "Sixteenths." In 1798 the return visit 
 of Bennington people, to Pownal, was made, the Governor of Ver- 
 mont going down and making a speech. It is said that " A genteel 
 «scort, of Captain Powers's company of horse, was sent to Benning- 
 ton to wait upon the Governor and party." 
 
 The details of these earlier celebrations are exasperatingly 
 
24 HISTORIC Il^TRODUCTION. 
 
 meagre. Those who could have told us of them have long since 
 passed from earth ; yet it is not too much to suggest that a people, 
 fired with the enthusiasm evinced, between the lines of the few 
 records that remain, could not let the eighteenth century close with- 
 out some grander event than anyone of those of the tw^enty-two- 
 years immediately preceding. There seems to have been a spon- 
 taneous uprising, in 1799, all along tbe line,- to commemorate the 
 Bennington victory. This enthusiasm was contagious, and we find 
 that Hoosick people, in New York, awoke to the glories of the 
 occasion in 1802. 
 
 The celebration at Bennington was held " opposite State Arms." 
 Large numbers of people assembled in other towns as follows, viz. : 
 In Dorset, at the house of Samuel Collins ; in Manchester, and in 
 Rupert. At Bennington sixteen toasts were proposed, drunk, and 
 suitable responses made. We remark that the number of toasts, of 
 all the earlier celebrations, ranged in number from fourteen to 
 seventeen ; later on, and in this century, the number was increased^, 
 often aggregating thirty or forty. Besides, on numerous occasions, 
 impromptu sentiments were often called for ; and, as given, with 
 the quaint and witty responses, must have added greatly to 
 the zest of these affairs. We quote five examples of regular toasts : 
 
 1. "The Day, and the monuments it raised. It was the era 
 of successful operation, and fixed the corner-stone of the fabric of 
 Freedom. 
 
 2. "The United States of America. May they never exchange 
 the Eagle for a Crown. 
 
 3. " The brave General Stark. May his praises be annually 
 sung, and generations yet unborn hail him as their deliverer. 
 
 4. " The brave Officers and Soldiers who fought and freed their 
 country on this memorable day. 
 
 5. " The heroes who fell in Bennington Battle, fighting for 
 their country. They died gloriously. Such virtues are recorded in 
 heaven." 
 
 Generally, these, or similar sentiments, would be followed by : 
 "The Governor of Vermont ";" The Militia of Vermont ";" Our 
 sister States of New Hampshire and Massachusetts," until the 
 occasions began to partake of the political character mentioned, 
 when each party added such toasts to stereotyped editions, as befit- 
 ted the campaign in its August stage. 
 
 The second " sham fight," as the principal event of the day, was 
 participated in, near the battle ground, in 1802. It attracted people 
 from all the towns surrounding. In 1805 the Committee of Arrange- 
 ments, for the celebration, at Bennington, were: Ebenezer 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN STARK. 
 
 Portrait made by order of the Legislature of New Hampshire, by U. D. Tenney, 
 from original sketch made by IVliss Hannah Crowninshield of Salem, Mass,, 
 A.D., 1810, he then being 82 years old. 
 
THE DECISIVE BATTLE. 25 
 
 Walbridge, Ephraim Smith, James Clark, Levi Smith, and Wilbur 
 Blackmer. The following year (1806) the Governor and his StafE 
 were present, and reviewed the militia. Among the toasts we note 
 the following : "The patriots of Hampshire, and Berkshire: they 
 bravely fought and bled with us in '77." 
 
 In nearly all the reports preceding that of 1808, mention is 
 made' of the survivors of the battle. The procession, this year, so 
 the local chronicler says, was graced by a sight not since seen. He 
 says : " Agreeable to previous arrangement, a respectable number 
 of ^silver greys^ whose age exempted them from military duty, 
 embodied under the direction of Major Eleazer Hawks," and partici- 
 pated in the grand military event. The President of the Day was 
 the Hon. Gideon Olin ; Vice-President, Hon. Jonathan Robinson. 
 
 It may have been the sight of these " silver greys," and the 
 events leading up to their historic parade, which created such a 
 desire, in 1809, for the presence of General John Stark. The cele- 
 bration, in 1809, was wholly political, but not out of accord with the 
 General's views, as his letter pertinently shows. It will be .noted, 
 in this connection, that the portrait of General Stark, which forms 
 one of the illustrations of this volume, was sketched soon after 
 this characteristic letter was penned. It was read by Anthony 
 Has well, at a meeting held in the meeting house (the present 
 structure, not the Old First Church of the illustration), the assem- 
 bly being composed of the " Republican Freemen of Bennington, 
 Shaftsbury, Pownal, and the adjacent towns," and elicited great 
 enthusiasm. General Stark's communication was as follows : 
 
 At My Quart ees, 
 
 Debeyfibld, 31st July, 1809. 
 
 My Friends., and Fellow Soldiers: — I received yours of the 
 22nd, instant, containing your fervent expressions of friendship, 
 and your very polite invitation to meet with you, to celebrate the 
 16th of August, in Bennington. 
 
 As you observe, I "can never forget, that" I "commanded 
 American Troops "on that day in Bennington, — They were men 
 that had not learned the art of submission, nor had they been 
 trained to the art of war. But our " astonishing success " taught 
 the enemies of Liberty, that undisciplined freemen , are superior to 
 veteran slaves. And I fear we shall have to teach the lesson anew 
 to that perfidious nation. 
 
 Nothing could afford me more pleasure than to meet " the Sons 
 of Liberty " on that fortunate spot. But as you justly anticipate, 
 the infirmities of old age will not permit ; for I am now four-score 
 and one years old, and the lamp of life is almost spent. I have of 
 late had many such invitations, but was not ready, for there was 
 not oil enough in the lamp. 
 
 You say you wish your young men to see me, but you who have 
 
•2ij HISTORIC INTRODUCTION. 
 
 seen me can tell them, that I never was worth much for a show, 
 and certainly cannot be worth their seeing now. 
 
 In case of my not being able to attend, you wish my sentiments, 
 — them you shall have as free as the air we breathe. As I was 
 then, I am now — The friend of the equal rights of men, of repre- 
 sentative Democracy, of Republicanism, and the Declaration of 
 Independence, the great charter of our National rights : — and of 
 course the friend of the indissoluble union and constitution of the 
 States. I am the enemy of all foreign influence, for all foreign 
 influence is the influence of tyranny. This is the only chosen spot 
 ol Liberty, — this is the only Republic on earth. 
 
 You well know, gentlemen, that at the time of the event you 
 celebrate, there was a powerful British faction in the country 
 (called Tories), and a material part of the force we had to contend 
 with was [at Bennington, Hoosick] Tories. This faction was rank- 
 ling in our councils, till they had laid the foundation for the 
 subversion of our liberties. But by good sentinels at our outposts, 
 we were apprised of our danger : and the Sons of Freedom beat the 
 alarm, — and, as at Bennington, " They came, they saw, they con- 
 quered." But again the faction has rallied to the charge, and again 
 they have been beaten. 
 
 It is my orders now, and will be my last orders to all volun- 
 teers, to look well to their sentries ; for there is a dangerous British 
 party in this country, lurking in their hiding places, more danger- 
 ous than all our foreign enemies. And whenever they shall appear 
 openly, to render the same account of them that was given at Ben- 
 nington, let them assume what name they will : not doubting that 
 the ladies will be as patriotic, in furnishing every aid, as they were 
 at Bennington in '77, who even dismantled their beds to furnish 
 cords to secure and lead them off. 
 
 I shall remember, gentlemen, the respect you, and "the inhabi- 
 tants of Bennington and its neighborhood," have «hewn me, till I 
 go to the country from which no traveller e'er returns. I must soon 
 receive marching orders. John Stakk. 
 
 P. S. I will give you my volunteer toast: "Live free or die : 
 Death is not the greatest of evils." 
 
 Hon. Gideon Olin, Jonathan Robinson, and David Fay. 
 
 In 1810, and, again in 18'il, celebrations were held in which the 
 adjacent towns in Vermont, and New York, united with Bennington 
 in exercises on the battle groand. In 1810 it was estimated that 
 three thousand "freemen" came together. In that parade the 
 artillery of Hoosick, and Pittstown, N. Y., had a place. A flag-staff 
 was raised, and " flags floated on the grounds of General Stark's 
 encampment." The record says : " The Battle of Bennington was 
 commemorated, near the field of conquest, by the Republican free- 
 men of the counties adjacent." A description of the principal flag 
 has been preserved : " On one side was represented a descending 
 eagle, bearing in its beak the emblem of Peace. In its clutched 
 talons it held the emblems of War, — indicating a wish for peace, 
 
THE DECISIVE BATTLE. 27 
 
 yet prepared for resistance : On the opposite side, the usual sym- 
 bolic stars and stripes were displayed ; to the right of these was a 
 representation of the Goddess of Liberty, standing in the attitude of 
 solicitation." Seventeen toasts were proposed at the banquet, two 
 of which related to the Bennington battle. 
 
 At Arlington, in 1812, the Washington Benevolent Society 
 celebrated the battle anniversary, and an address was delivered by 
 Charles Wright. 
 
 In the years 1815, 1816, 1818, and 1819 Bennington celebrated 
 August 16th, formally and alone. In 1818 the second toast was : 
 " General Stark : the Jackson of Walloomsack." 
 
 In 1821 two celebrations took place ; one in the village of White 
 Creek, N. Y., and the other at West Bennington. The former was 
 much the larger gathering of the two. At White Creek it was 
 announced that the people of the towns of Bennington, Shaftsbury, 
 Pownal, in Vermont; White Creek, Hoosick, Cambridge, and Jack- 
 son, in New York, united in the celebration of the "Battle of 
 Bennington, fought on the hills of Walloomsac, the 16th of August, 
 1777." Captain Henry Robinson and Captain Fort were marshals 
 of a procession numbering over fifteen hundred men in line. 
 Thirteen toasts were drunk. General David Robinson, presiding,- 
 assisted by Paul Cornell, and David Fay. The exercises at West 
 Bennington were the associated efforts of people in Bennington and 
 Hoosick, and the list of toasts numbered twenty-three. 
 
 In 1822, ^as< Bennington, the present village of Bennington (all 
 the above references being to Bennington Centre, the Bennington of 
 the Revolution), had the celebration. The banquet was held at the 
 " Inn of Cyrus Hill," which stood on the site of the present office of 
 The Bennington Banner. Captain Jacob Safford presided, assisted 
 by Captain John Norton. 
 
 The procession of 1823, inaugurated an idea that was superbly 
 revived by the " Green Mountain Boys," with Governor Wm. P. 
 Dillingham at their head, in New York City, at the Washington 
 Centennial three years ago. The people, in the long procession, 
 wore " green boughs in their hats." Colonel Henry Robinson was 
 the marshal ; Lieutenant- Colonel Green Blackmer, assistant mar- 
 shal. The exercises were held on the present monument grounds ; 
 the venerable ex-Governor Galusha presided, assisted by Major 
 Hawks, General Robinson, Captain Jacob Safford, Hon. David Fay, 
 Captain John Norton, and William Henry. Also, at Pownal, the 
 same day, a celebration was held, and the late ex-Governor Hiland 
 Hall, then a young man, was the orator. Number seven, of Pownal's 
 toasts, was as follows : " The Vermont, New Hampshire, and Berk- 
 
28 HISTORIC INTRODUCTION. 
 
 shire Militia of 1777 : Colonel Baum said, ' These d d Yankees 
 
 will fight.' " 
 
 The first celebration inaugurated and carried out by the ladies 
 occurred in 1826. Those " to the manner born," only, participated. 
 The party consisted of one hundred young ladies and gentlemen, who 
 took tea together on the banks of the Walloomsac in Bennington. 
 
 The fiftieth anniversary, in 1827, was observed with more than 
 ordinary dignity. The day was ushered in by the ringing of bells, 
 the firing of cannon, and other demonstrations of rejoicing. The 
 Hon. Hiland Hall, and Hon. Pierpoint Isham were the orators. The 
 exercises were enlivened by original songs, contributed for the 
 occasion, by the Rev. Edwin H. Chapin, D.D., the noted New York 
 divine, who was reared in this town, coming here with his parents, 
 from Greenwich, N. Y., when four years old. 
 
 Prior to 1827, and from that time forth, for a number of years, 
 the records preserved speak in almost pathetic language of the 
 survivors of the battle present at these Sixteenth of August celebra- 
 tions. At Judge Draper's, Shaftsbury, in 1828, there were present 
 two : Ex-Governor Jonas Galusha, and General David Robinson ; in 
 1829, at Bennington, ex-Governors Isaac Tichenor, and Jonas 
 Galusha; at Bennington, in 1831, Captain Brown, a survivor of the 
 Berkshire band, an aged and much respected citizen of Cheshire, 
 Mass., and Captain Saflord, Captain Brown is recorded as " One of 
 the Berkhire men who stormed the breastworks of the enemy, and 
 witnessed the victory." The report continues : " Mr. Brown and 
 Mr. Salford were the only two present who witnessed the events 
 commemorated." 
 
 In 1832 North Bennington and Shaftsbury celebrated. General 
 David Robinson was President of the Day. The procession formed 
 at the former village, marched to the Baptist Church in " West 
 Shaftsbury,". and there listened to an oration. Twenty-four young 
 ladies were robed to represent the States. 
 
 In 1840 the Democrats and Whigs held political gatherings in 
 Bennington (Centre). In the banquet line one party had a table 
 spread, to the westward of where the monument stands, said by 
 some to have been seventy-five rods in length. Thousands were 
 fed. The other party, not to be outdone, held theirs the day after 
 the Sixteenth, on the Mt. Anthony Seminary grounds ; and we are 
 unable to learn which dispensed the more generous hospitality. 
 
 The following year, 1841, a "Temperance mass meeting," upon 
 the battle ground, called out a vast concourse of people. An eye- 
 witness tells the writer that the procession of teams reached from 
 Bennington to the place of meeting ; and that the people came from 
 
kk 
 
 
THE BA TTLE MONUMENT. 29 
 
 all directions. Many will recall the " Washingtonian Movement," 
 and this occasion, August 16, IS-ll, must have been one of its red- 
 letter days. 
 
 In 1842 occurred the "Ladies' Celebration" at North Ben- 
 nington. The Hon. A. B. Olin was orator ; and, of the thirty-three 
 toasts proposed, three were as follows ; (a) " The Grandmothers of 
 the Revolution " ; (b) " The Mothers of the Revolution " ; (c) " The 
 Green Mountain Band." 
 
 In 1848 there was great rejoicing. Through the efforts of Sen- 
 ator Jacob Oollamer there had been restored to the custody of 
 Vermont, the cannon captured from the British at Bennington, in 
 1777. These were present then, and, also in 1891, and are shown 
 in our illustrations just passing under the " Triumphal Arch." On 
 this occasion Samuel Saflford was present, "the last resident sur- 
 vivor of the battle," and the literary exercises were enlivened by 
 songs sung by Henry Buckley Squires, the world-famed tenor, and 
 native of Bennington, now retired, and living in Paris, France. 
 One of the songs he sang was : "The Death of General Warren." 
 
 These reminiscences, closing in 1853, when the monument was 
 first proposed, have not been intended to be exhaustive of the sub- 
 ject, but rather suggestive. There is no claim made as to fixing 
 definitely the dates of all the celebrations. If the reader shall thus 
 obtain an inkling of this interesting subject, and be led up to an 
 intelligent comprehension of the principal subject of this volume, 
 the object of the "historian" will have been fully attained. 
 
 DIVISION II. 
 
 Resume op Monument History. 
 
 FiEST Monument Proposals. — The number " 77," and " 7," in 
 the history of Bennington, possess allusions that are worthy of 
 reference. The battle was fought in 1777 ; it was on the 77th 
 anniversary that the promoters, of the first project, contemplated 
 laying the cornerstone ; it was in 1877 that the great celebrations 
 were held, which led up to the erection of the present structure, and 
 it was in 1887, that the corner-stone was finally laid ; noted here- 
 after in this work. 
 
 The "Act of 1853, Incorporating the first Bennington Battle 
 Monument Association," as will be seen, contained the names of 
 men well-remembered by our people. It will, also, be noticed, by 
 comparison, that several members of the same families were inter- 
 ested in the successful movement of 1876. We are told that the 
 
30 HIS TORIC IN Tli OD UC TIO N. 
 
 " bill" met with considerable opposition in the Legislature, but that 
 Bennington promoters of the enterprise were, finally, successful in 
 winning over the opposition to their side. The list of corporators 
 was headed by Governor John S. Robinson, but we have always 
 understood that several Bennington people, not named in the Act, 
 were likewise interested, and among them the late George W. 
 Robinson. The law was Number 124, and reads as follows: 
 
 An Act to Incorporate thk Bennington Battf^e Monument 
 AssociAiiox. 
 
 It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ver- 
 mont, asfollov)s: 
 
 Section 1. John S. Robinson, A. P. Lyman, Samuel H. Brown, 
 Benjamin F. Fay, E. D. Hubbell, Hemau Swift, Peirpoint Isham, 
 William Bigelow, Daniel Roberts, John S. Pettibone, A. L. Miner, 
 E. N. Briggs, George W. Strong, C. B.Harrington, A. W. Hyde, 
 E. D. Barber, Samuel Strong, Paris Fletcher, William Nash, Tim- 
 othy Follett, N. B. Haswell, D. A. Smalley, William H. French, 
 A. E. Hubbell, I. B. Bowdish, H. E. Royce, A. O. Aldis, O. L. 
 Shatter, W. C. Bradley, C. K. Field, F. Holbrook, I. F. Redfleld, 
 J. F. Deane. O. P. Chandler, J. P. Washburn, Daniel Colt, J. P. 
 Kidder, Stephen Thomas, William Mattocks, Henry Stevens, 
 Erastus Fairbanks, William Hey wood, Jr., Portus Baxter, Nehe- 
 miah Colby, E. P. Walton, F. F. Merrill, C. G. Eastman, Giles 
 Harrington, George W. Bailey, and Paul Dillingham, and their 
 associates and successors, are hereby constituted a body politic and 
 corporate, by the name of the Bennington Battle Monument Asso- 
 ciation, for the purpose of erecting and maintaining a suitable 
 monument, commemorative of the achievements of our patriot 
 soldiers at the battle of Bennington, fought on the Sixteenth day 
 of August, A.D. 1777, with all the rights and powers incident to 
 corporations, and said corporation shall be located at the Centre vil- 
 lage in Bennington ; and may have a common seal, and the same 
 alter at pleasure ; may sue and be sued ; make such by-laws and 
 regulations as may be necessary, not repugnant to the laws of this 
 State, and may take and hold, by gift, purchase, devise or other- 
 wise, real estate to the amount of two thousand dollars, and personal 
 estate to the amount of twenty thousand dollars, and the same 
 manage and dispose of for the purposes of said corporation. 
 
 Section 2. The first meeting of said corporation shall be held 
 without further notice, at Rutland, on the third Wednesday of 
 January, A.D. 1854, at the court house in said town, at ten o'clock 
 in the forenoon, at which meeting any five of the corporators shall 
 be a quorum for the transaction of business ; and at said meeting, 
 and at all other meetings held agreeable to their by-laws, said cor- 
 poration may elect all necessary officers, and enact such by-laws 
 and rules as may be expedient. 
 
 Section 3. The treasurer of this State is hereby directed to 
 pay to the treasurer of said Association the sum of three thousand 
 dollars, upon receiving satisfactory proof hereafter, that said Asso- 
 
THE BA TTLE MONUMENT. 3t 
 
 elation has raised, and is in possession of available funds to ttie 
 amount of at least seven thousand dollars, to be expended for the 
 erection of such monument, and that said Association has on or 
 before the Sixteenth day of August, A.D. 1854, laid the corner- 
 stone of said monument. 
 
 Approved, December 5, 1853. 
 
 Agreeable to Section -i, of this Act, a meeting of the corpora- 
 tors was held, at Rutland, January 18, 1854. A large number of 
 Benningon people were in attendance. One of these gentlemen 
 tells the writer that they experienced great disappointment, on 
 arrival in Rutland, because of the want of enthusiasm shown, out- 
 side of Bennington. The meeting was called to order by Doctor 
 William Bigelow, of Bennington, and on motion of His Excellency 
 John S. Robinson, he was called to the chair, and Geo. W. Strong, 
 was elected Secretary. On motion, it was 
 
 Voted, "That any person, on subscribing ten ($10.) dollars, shall 
 become a member of the Association." 
 
 It was thought that there would be no difficulty in obtaining 
 the funds, called for by the Act, in subscriptions of $10.00 each. A 
 soliciting committee was appointed, and the organization completed 
 by the election of the following officers : 
 
 President, John S. Robinson, Governor ; Vice-Presidents, Hon- 
 orables Samuel P. Strong, Timothy Pollett, E. N. Briggs, J. S. 
 Pettibone ; Treasurer, Samuel H. Brown ; Corresponding Secretary, 
 Alfred Robinson ; Recording Secretary, Geo. W. Strong ; Auditor, 
 Uel M. Robinson; Executive Committee, Wm. Bigelow, Luman 
 Norton, A. B. Gardner, Benj. R. Sears, Perez Harwood, Jr., Daniel 
 Roberts,* Geo. W. Strong, Timothy Follett, Erastus Fairbanks. 
 Assistant Treasurers for the Probate Districts : Bennington, J. F. 
 Robinson ; Manchester, John C. Roberts ; Rutland, Geo. W. Strong ; 
 Fairhaven, Merritt Clark; Addison, Julius A. Beckwith; ^^^ 
 Haven, Geo. W. Grandey ; Chittenden, H. B. Stacy ; Franklin, Geo. 
 F. Houghton ; Grand Isle, — Allen ; Orleans, A. Judson Rowell ; 
 Lamoille, Wm. H. H. Bingham ; Essex, Reuben C. Benton ; Cale- 
 donia, Bliss N. Davis ; Washington, Chas. G. Eastman ; Bradford, 
 Justin S. Morrill ; Randolph, Jefferson P. Kidder ; Hartford, James 
 Barrett ; Windsor, Daniel A. Heald ; Westminster, Chas. K. 
 Field ; Marlboro, Asa Keyes. On motion, of John S. Robinson, 
 Samuel H. Blackmer and A. P. Lyman were appointed Locating 
 Committee. 
 
 FiEST Monument Celebration. — The enthusiasm manifested 
 at Rutland, in January, evidently increased rather than diminished 
 as the Sixteenth of August, 1854, approached. That the proposal 
 
32 HIS TOEIC INTR OB UC TJOJST. 
 
 to build ii monument, at this time, was not a success is attributable 
 rather to the inability to do so alone, than to any lack of energy, on 
 the part of Bennington people. The day had not yet arrived. 
 
 Wednesday, August Ki, 18.54, was a great event for Benning- 
 ton. The Banner says : " Nothing of late years has equalled the 
 manner in which the day was observed. The 77th Anniversary of 
 the Battle of Bennington will long be remembered by all who were 
 participants in its festivities. The day was extremely lovely, — ■ the 
 temperature being just what it should be for comfort and enjoy- 
 ment." The Hon. A. P. Lyman was President of the Day, and the 
 Orator was J. T. Headly, the historian. 
 
 The newspaper report says of Mr. Headly : " He gave a vivid 
 and stirring account of the exciting and trying scenes attending 
 the Battle of Bennington, and spoke of the important bearing which 
 this engagement had in securing the Independence of the Colonies. 
 In speaking of the proposition, now in agitation, to erect a monu- 
 ment, in this town, to the memory of those brave men and their 
 heroic deeds, he said, he ' wished it were impossible for the citizens 
 of Vermont to give sleep to their eyes or slumber to their eyelids 
 until they had done their duty in this respect.' " The editor calls 
 this "A gentle hint, which we hope will have the desired effect." 
 The Hon. Hiland Hall, also spoke, and the Hon. Jacob Collamer 
 was present. It was estimated that more than three thousand 
 people, from out of town, participated in the celebration ; and the 
 long procession was escorted by the Citizens Corps, of Troy, N. Y. 
 These proceedings and the fact of legislative action proved most 
 helpful when a second attempt was made in 1876. 
 
 It is not the purpose of the present effort to give an exhaustive 
 account of the proceedings of 1875-'76-'77, because the particulars 
 of the latter year, are fully contained in the " Centennial Volume," 
 issued in 1879, under the auspices of the Bennington Battle Monu- 
 ment Association, and to which the reader is referred. Our duty 
 seems to be the record of a few connecting links leading past those 
 dates to that of 1891. 
 
 The second movement in Bennington, " Was an outcome of the 
 proposition to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of th^ battle, 
 with more than the usual, or even occasional, notice which every 
 anniversary since the battle was fought had received. For several 
 years previous to August 16, 1S77, it was common talk among the 
 people of Bennington, ever alive to the importance of General Stark's 
 victory on the fortunes of the Revolutionary war, that the centen- 
 nial of that victory must be celebrated in a manner worthy of an 
 event of such National importance ; and, long before that time 
 
nm» 
 
 J T^rSaX'U^^ 
 
THE BA TTLE MONUMENT. 33 
 
 approached, it was well understood throughout the State that there 
 would be a great celebration at Bennington during the week of 
 August 16th." Various State organizations adjourned to meet here 
 that year, the larger number making their dates "Sixteenth of 
 August week." Among these were the Veteran Soldiers, who held 
 their semi-annual meeting at Brattleboro, in August, 1875 ; the 
 Officers' Reunion Society, at St. Albans, October 14th, following \ 
 the Grand Lodge of Good Templars, in 1876; the Vermont Editors' 
 and Publishers' Association, and several other bodies. 
 
 The Bennington Historical Society was organized in 1875, and 
 the call for the first meeting is dated October 28th. At this meet- 
 ing, when the name to be chosen was under consideration, Colonel 
 Olin Scott proposed to amend the suggested title : "Bennington 
 Historical Society," to the " Bennington Historical and Monumental 
 Society." The amendment did not prevail, but the suggestion of a 
 battle monument, as the outcome, was placed permanently on 
 record. It will be noted that in the " Act of 1876," this Society was 
 given a distinct duty to perform, annually. The Journal of the 
 Vermont House of Representatives, 1876, page 60, shows that the 
 Hon. James K. Batchelder, now a director, moved the reference of 
 " So much of the Governor's Message, as relates to the Benning- 
 ton Battle Monument Association and the Centennial Year and its 
 Observance," to a special committee. Afterward the committee 
 was increased from seven to nine, and Mr. Batchelder served as 
 chairman. The law passed reads as follows : 
 
 An Act to Incoepoeate the Bennington Battle Monument 
 Association. 
 
 It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ver- 
 mont, as follows : 
 
 Section 1. Hiland Hall, Horace Fairbanks, W. H. H. Bingham, 
 Justin S. Morrill, E. J. Phelps, Geo. F. Edmunds, Isaac Jennings, 
 Trenor W. Park, John B. Page, Jacob Estey, E. P. Walton, John 
 Gregory Smith, Asahel Peck, John W. Stewart, Abram B. Gardner, 
 Paul Dillingham, Harmon Canfield, Edward Seymour, Burnham 
 Martin, Frederick Billings, Franklin Butler, Jed. P. Ladd, Mason S. 
 Colburn, Edward A. Sowles, Carroll S. Page, E. D. Mason, W. W. 
 Grout, E. P. Colton, Geo. N. Dale, Duane L. Kent, Gilbert A. Davis, 
 Homer Goodhue, Milo C. Huling, J. Henry Guild, Geo. W. Parwell, 
 Oscar E. Butterfleld, Cyrus Jennings, E. D. Blodgett, Redfleld 
 Proctor, John Lovejoy Mason, Eben Graves, Hiram Barton ; and 
 Seth B. Hunt, H. Henry Baxter, and Wm. M. Evarts, of the city of 
 New York ; Samuel B. Sanford and Daniel Robinson of Troy, N. 
 Y. ; and Sidney B. Squires, of Boston, Massachusetts, with seven 
 persons to be elected annually in January, by the Bennington His- 
 torical Society, are hereby constituted, with their associates and 
 successors, a body politic and corporate by the name of the Ben- 
 
34 iriS TORIC INTR OD UC TIO N. 
 
 nington Battle Monument Association, for the purpose of erecting 
 and maintaining a suitable monument commemorative of the 
 achievements of General John Stark and the patriot soldiers of 
 Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, at the decisive Battle 
 of Bemiington fought on the 16th of August, 1777, with all the 
 rights and powers incident to corporations ; and said corporation 
 shall tJe located at Bennington, and may have a common seal and 
 the same alter at pleasure ; may sue and be sued; may make such 
 laws and regulations as may be necessary, not inconsistent with the 
 laws of this State ; and may take and hold by gift, purchase, devise, 
 or otherwise, real and personal estate to the amount of $30,000 and 
 the same manage and dispose of for the purposes of said corporation. 
 
 Section 2. The Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Speaker of the 
 House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme 
 Court shall be members ex officio of this corporation ; and said cor- 
 poration at their first meeting, or at any annual meeting, may elect 
 by ballot any number of persons not exceeding sixty in all, exclu- 
 sive of the members ex officio, to be members of the corporation. 
 
 Section 3. At their first annual meeting said corporation shall 
 elect a President, a Vice-President, a Treasurer, a Secretary and 
 Board of Directors, and may elect other ofQoers as they shall see fit. 
 The Ti'easurer shall give bonds in such sum as the directors shall 
 determine, and these may be increased from time to time as they 
 may order. 
 
 Section 4. The Governor is hereby directed to invite, in the 
 name of this State, the States of New Hampshire and Massachusetts 
 to unite with the State of Vermont in erecting a battle monument 
 at Bennington. 
 
 Section 5. No moneys appropriated by the State shall be 
 expended by this Association in the erection of a monument until 
 sufBcient funds shall have been accumulated by the Association to 
 complete it. 
 
 Section 6. This Association shall at their first annual meeting 
 take measures to secure at Bennington, during the week of the 16th 
 of August, 1877, an appropriate Centennial Celebration of the Battle 
 of Bennington, and also the recognition of the year 1877 as the 100th 
 year of the existence of this State as an Independent State. 
 
 Section 7. The auditor of accounts is hereby directed to draw 
 his order on the treasurer of the State in favor of the treasurer of 
 this Association for the sum of $15,000 upon receiving satisfactory 
 proof that said Association has raised, and is in actual possession of 
 available funds, to the amount of $5,000, to be expended for the erec- 
 tion of a Battle Monument at Bennington ; he is also directed to 
 draw a further order for the sum of $2,000 for the purpose of carry- 
 ing out the provisions of section six, provided the Association shall 
 raise the sum of $2,000 for this purpose. 
 
 Section 8. The first meeting of this corporation shall be held 
 without further notice on the second Wednesday in January, A.D. 
 1877, at the court house in said town of Bennington, at 10 o'clock in 
 the forenoon, at which meeting any ten of said corporators shall 
 form a quorum for business. 
 
 Section 9. This act shall take effect from its passage. 
 
THE BATTLE MONUMENT. 35 
 
 Under " Section 6," of this Act, a Centennial Commission was 
 appointed. Tlie gentlemen composing it assembled at Bennington, 
 April 4, 1877, and elected officers. The ITon. Edward J. Phelps was 
 chosen President; Hon. Hiland Hall and a number of prominent 
 Verraonters were named as Vice-Presidents; Charles M. Bliss, Sec- 
 retary; Hon. Henry G. Root, Milo C. Huling, Major A. B. Valentine, 
 George A. Merrill, Carroll S. Page, Executive Committee. An 
 address, " to the People of Vermont, " was issued over the signa- 
 tures of the Executive Committee, who visited the larger towns of 
 the State to promote the object of the proposed celebration. This 
 was followed up by solicitations for money, and the amount neces- 
 sary was speedily raised. The total cost of the celebration, of 
 1877, was over $14,000, and residents of Bennington, as well as 
 Vermonters, generally, gave with a liberal hand, as is shown by 
 the original " subscription paper " before us. 
 
 The Recokd History. — On the 23rd day of May, 1887, the 
 Building Committee, addressed a letter to the Governors of the 
 States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont, in these 
 words : 
 
 " We, the undersigned members of the Building Committee of 
 the Bennington Battle Monument Association, respectfully represent 
 to your Excellencies that they have been duly authorized to lay 
 before you the present condition of affairs in connection with the 
 building of the Bennington battle monument, and to ask your action 
 thereon. There have been appropriated and raised, for the uses of 
 this Association, the following sums of money, viz. : 
 
 " Congress of the United States ^ $40,000. 
 
 "State of Vermont 15,000. 
 
 " State of New Hampshire 5,000. 
 
 " State of Massachusetts 10,000. 
 
 " Bennington Battle Monument Association 10,000. 
 
 " Making a total of $80,000. 
 
 "The plans for the monument have been duly approved, as 
 follows : By the President of the United States, the Governor of 
 the State of Vermont, the Governor of New Hampshire, the Gov- 
 ernor of Massachusetts, and the Bennington Battle Monument 
 Association. A contract has been duly entered into, between this 
 Association and W. H. Ward, of Lowell, Mass., to build and com- 
 plete a monument, within three years, for the sum of seventy-five 
 thousand dollars ; together with a good and sufficient bond, for the 
 faithful performance of the same, a copy of which is herewith trans- 
 mitted. Said monument to be erected within a period of three 
 years, on land selected by this Association, which has been secured 
 
36 HISTORIC INTR OD UGTION. 
 
 to the State of Vermont ; together, with all adjoining land within a 
 reasonable distance, in order to preserve, forever, freedom from any 
 objectionable surroundings. We, therefore, ask your Excellencies 
 to give your approval, in writing, to this Association, so far as may 
 be necessary, as to what has been done, as will ensure the payment, 
 into the hands of the Treasurer of the Association, of such moneys 
 as may be needed ; or, in compliance with the law, in the carrying 
 out of the contract, for the building and completion of said Ben- 
 nington Battle Monument." 
 
 The approval, on the part of the Directors of the Association, 
 referred to above, is as follows, and bears date at Bennington, 
 January 24, A.D. 1887 : 
 
 " We, whose names are hereby subscribed, Directors of the 
 Bennington Battle Monument Association, do hereby approve and - 
 adopt, on the part of the Board of Directors, the design for a monu- 
 ment heretofore adopted by said Association, at its meeting of 
 August 12, A.D. 1885. (Signed). 
 
 Isaac Jennings, Henry G. Root, J. T. Shurtleff, John V. Hall, A. B. 
 Valentine, Ebenezer J. Ormsbee (Governor of Vermont), Oliver 
 Ames (Governor of Massachusetts), Moody Currier (Governor of 
 New Hampshire) ." 
 
 For the events leading up to the issuance of these important 
 documents, and those subsequeiit, but prior to the laying of the 
 corner-stone," we condense from "An Abstract of OflBcial Acts and 
 Proceedings, Deposited in MS. in the Corner Stone," written by the 
 Rev. Isaac Jennings, Secretary of the Board of Directors, and Presi- 
 dent of the Bennington Historical Society. This was the last 
 literary production of the author of " Memorials of a Century," and 
 pastor, for nearly thirty-five years, of the Old First Church ; and, 
 on that account, possesses peculiar interest to many. We omit 
 portions, composed principally of names, and routine business, and 
 iDegin with his account of the first meeting, and organization of the 
 Association : 
 
 " In accordance with the Act of Incorporation by. the Vermont 
 Legislature, the first meeting of the Bennington Battle Monument 
 Association was held on the second Wednesday in January, A.D. 
 1877. This meeting made a preliminary organization by the elec- 
 tion of W. H. H. Bingham, of Stowe, Temporary Chairman, and 
 •Carroll S. Page, of Hyde Park, Temporary Secretary. On motion of 
 the Hon. Hiland Hall, a committee of five, consisting of Hiland 
 Hall, Charles M. Bliss, J. H. Guild, Isaac Jennings and A. B. Gard- 
 ner was elected to report to the Association a board of officers for 
 the consideration of the Association. Adjourned until afternoon. 
 
^c: 
 
THE BA TTLE MONUMENT. 37 
 
 "Met according to adjournment, W. H. H. Bingham in the 
 chair. The Committee on Nomination reported, and the Association 
 thereupon elected the following officers : President, Hon. Horace 
 Fairbanks, of St. Johnsbury ; Vice-President, Hon. Hiland Hall, of 
 Bennington ; Secretary, Charles M. Bliss, of Bennington ; Assistant 
 Secretary, John T. Shurtleff, of Bennington; Treasurer, Milo C. 
 Huling, of North Bennington. 
 
 "At subsequent adjourned meetings, by-laws were adopted and 
 other important business transacted, and at an adjourned meetiag 
 January 23rd, the following Board of Directors were elected by bal- 
 lot : A. B. Gardner, A. B. Valentine, Olin Scott, Charles E. Dewey, 
 and A. P. Childs. 
 
 " To go on with the history of the Association, year after 
 year annual elections of officers have taken place ; annual and special 
 meetings have been held and much important business transacted ; 
 but one subject of commanding interest has held its place — that of 
 securing a suitable design for the monument. The Board of 
 Directors met not only in Bennington, but in Boston, Burlington, 
 CJoncord, N. H., and New York City. Able and distinguished gen- 
 tlemen have composed the Committee of Design. Leading sculptors 
 and architects have been consulted. Many have furnished designs 
 for the consideration of the Committee of Design and the Board of 
 Directors. 
 
 " On December 2, 1884, at a meeting of the Directors, held in 
 New York City, the design of Prof. Weir was, by the Committee of 
 Design, recommended to the Board. 
 
 " It may as well, perhaps, be noted here that the Bennington 
 Battle Monument Association had secured the passage in the Legis- 
 lature of Vermont, in 1880, of an act constituting the Governors of 
 Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont members and direc- 
 tors of the Association, ex. officio.'' . 
 
 "The Committee of Design, at this time, was composed as fol- 
 lows : Hon. Edward J. Phelps, L.L.D., Professor of Law in Yale 
 College, "and soon after appointed our Minister to England, Chair- 
 man ; Hon. Alexander H. Rice, L.L.D., ex-Governor of Massachusetts ; 
 Hon. Benj. F. Prescott, ex-Governor of New Hampshire and Presi- 
 dent of the Association. The author of the design adopted, John F. 
 Weir, Professor of Painting and Design in Yale College, was 
 present at the above meeting. 
 
 "At the meeting in New York City, December 2, 1884, the 
 report of the Committee of Design was accepted, and a resolution 
 was unanimously passed adopting said design, and also, in accord- 
 ance with the resolution, every member of the Board, including the 
 
38 HISTORIC INTB OD UCTION. 
 
 Governors of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, ex. officio 
 members, gave their individual vote, in writing, and within the time 
 that the meeting was liept open for the purpose, for the Weir design. 
 
 "At the ensuing regular annual meeting of the Association, Jan- 
 uary 14, 1885, the records of the above meeting of the Directors in 
 New Yorlc City, and its proceedings, complete, were read by Rev. 
 Isaac Jennings, Secretary of the Directors. And this reading of 
 the said records was understood to be equivalent to the submission, 
 on the part of the Directors, of their action in the premises to the 
 Association for its approval and adoption, or otherwise, as the 
 members of the Association should decide. Owing to the lateness 
 of the hour no vote and no decision, on the subject, was had at this 
 meeting. Public opinion, however, and the controlling feeling of 
 the Association appeared to be, — and proved to be, — in favor not 
 of a monument distinctively sculptural, which was the type of the 
 Weir design, but of an architectural monument of lofty and massive, 
 yet simple, proportions. The strong and beautiful monograph of 
 ex-Governor'Hall, which was printed, and copies of it sent to all the 
 members of the Association, in June of this year, in favor of the 
 grand, yet simple, and lofty monument deserves special mention in 
 this connection. 
 
 " Here comes in a very important meeting of the Bennington 
 Historical Society, and quite a full abstract, of the substance of the 
 minutes of this meeting, seems to be in place. 
 
 " The Bennington Historical Society held a meeting at the court 
 house in Bennington, April 14, 1885. This meeting was, as the 
 minutes state, very largely attended. A preamble and resolutions 
 were adopted appointing a committee of not less than forty members 
 to obtain information, and bring the same before the Monument 
 Association, at its meeting, August 12, 1885, respecting 'a massive 
 structure of conimanding height.' The chairman of this committee 
 was the Hon. Hiland Hall. This general committee held a meeting 
 the following Friday, the chairman presiding, and appointed a 
 ' Working Committee ' consisting of Chas. M. Bliss, George W. 
 Robinson, Milo _C. Huling, John V. Hall, and John T. Shurtleff. 
 Also a Finance Committee : Luther R. Graves, Charles Thatcher, 
 and L. F. Abbott. Subsequently an Advisory Committee was 
 appointed to recommend to the Societyone or more designs. The 
 members of this committee were, the Hon. Hiland Hall, Chairman ; 
 Prof. Arthur L. Perry, Williams College, Mass. ; the Hon. Joseph B. 
 Walker, Concord, N. H. (a great-grandson of the Rev. Timothy 
 Walker of Revolutionary fame) ; Prof. H. A. P. Torrey, University 
 of Vermont; the Honorables Horace Fairbanks, of St. Johns- 
 
THE BATTLE MONUMENT. 39 
 
 bury, and John W. Stewart (M. C), of Middlebury. This special 
 committee made their report, under date of July 9, 1885, to the 
 Society ' Strongly and unanimously approving the design presented 
 by J. Philipp Rinn, an artist and architect of Boston.' Also, that the 
 Society ' Take proper and needful measures to insure a full attend- 
 ance of the Monument Association, on the 12th of August, 1885, in 
 order that the question of design may be definitely settled.' " 
 
 " Pursuant to the notice a meeting of the Bennington Battle 
 Monument Association was held at the court house in Bennington. 
 A large number of the members were present, including His Excel- 
 lency, Governor Samuel E. Pingree. The meeting was called to 
 order by Hon. Hiland Hall, Vice-President of the Association, who 
 asked to be excused from serving as chairman on account of the 
 infirmities of age, and nominated His Excellency, Governor Pingree, 
 as the president pro tempore. Governor Pingree was unanimously 
 elected and took the chair. The minutes of the annual meeting, held 
 in January, 1885, were read by the Secretary and by vote approved. 
 
 " Gen. J. G. McCullough, on behalf of the Board of Directors, 
 withdrew from the consideration of the meeting, the monument 
 design of Prof. Weir, to which the meeting assented. 
 
 "Hon. E. P. Walton offered the following resolution; (the 
 words in parenthesis being incorporated on motion of Hon. Wm. M. 
 Evarts of New York): 
 
 " ' Mesolved, That the design for a structure three hundred feet 
 high, recommended by the Advisory Committee of the Bennington 
 Historical Society, to this Association, be adopted, subject to such 
 modification as the (committee of the) Association (now to be 
 appointed) shall hereafter make and also to such reduction in size 
 (if need be) as will secure the payment of the appropriation from 
 Congress, and from the States of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, 
 and Vermont, which have already been made.' " 
 
 The resolution was unanimously adopted. A, committee was 
 then appointed, consisting of Chas. M. Bliss, Geo. W. Robinson, 
 Milo C. Huling, John V. Hall, and John T. Shurtleff, to ascertain, 
 among other things, " What evidence of the plan of the monument 
 and its cost, built of stone, will be required by the President of the 
 United States, and by the Governors of Massachusetts, and New 
 Hampshire, to entitle the Association to call for and receive the 
 approptiations," etc. This committee was continued from time to 
 time. At the annual meeting January 12, 1887, this committee, by 
 their own request, was discharged and its powers relegated to the 
 Board of Directors. 
 
 " On the ensuing January 13 (1886) the regular annual meeting 
 of the Association was held at the court house in Bennington. The 
 
40 HIS TO RIG INTR OD UC TION. 
 
 Committee on Plans and Estimates reported that estimates with 
 bids had been offered by competent and responsible parties to erect 
 the masonry of a monument 300 feet high, according^ to the plans of 
 Mr. Rinn, but not including the interior work, for the moneys 
 within reach of the Association, provided the State of Massachu- 
 setts renew its appropriation. 
 
 " At this meeting the subject came up, for consideration, of the 
 lapse of the appropriation made by Massachusetts, of 17,500, on 
 account of delay of the Association to fulfill the conditions of the 
 payment (to it) of the said appropriation, by force of a general statute 
 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On motion of Charles M. 
 Bliss, resolutions were adopted by the Association, and the Corre- 
 sponding Secretary, Mr. Bliss, was directed to send copies of the 
 preamble and resolutions to Governor Robinson, and other official 
 members of the Massachusetts Legislature. Mr. Bliss, also, pro- 
 ceeded to Boston to attend personally to this business. 
 
 " In March, following, the Massachusetts Legislature renewed 
 the appropriation, enlarging it to ten thousand dollars. 
 
 "Also the appropriation by Congress of 14:0,000 was delayed 
 for a time by the want of entire satisfaction, that the conditions of 
 it had been met, particularly as to the funds of the Association 
 being suflScient to build the monument according to the design. 
 But at length this difficulty has been successfully overcome."- 
 
 " From the minutes of a meeting held August 4, 1886, and at 
 length adjourned to August 5th, we quote : 
 
 " ' Resolved, That the monument be located in the center of the 
 highway on the crest of the hill, as nearly opposite the site of the 
 Old Continental Store House as practicable.' " 
 
 " A meeting of the Directors of the Bennington Battle Monu- 
 ment Association was held in Bennington Centre, April 12, 1887, at 
 the residence of the Rev. Isaac Jennings. The following resolution 
 was moved, by Henry G. Root, and unanimoasly adopted : 
 
 " ' Resoloed, That a nominating committee of three be appointed 
 by the chair to nominate a Building Committee, and also a Finance- 
 Committee. The Building Committee to consist of three members, 
 to whom shall be referred all subjects relating to the building of the 
 monument, such as design, size of the monument, contracts for stone 
 and labor, employment of engineers and the covering of all moneys 
 now appropriated into the treasury of the Association. 
 
 " ' The Finance Committee to consist of three members to whom 
 all subjects shall be referred relating to the raising of further money. 
 
 "'Both committees to be subject to the direction and super- 
 vision of the Board of Directors.' 
 
 "In accordance with the above resolution, the President 
 appointed the nominating committee as follows : H. G. Root, A. B. 
 
^. 6. Jt^-cZ. 
 
THE BA TTLE MONUMENT. 41 
 
 Valentine and Charles M. Bliss. The said nominating committee 
 retired, and, after consultation, reported the following names for 
 the aforesaid committees : For the Building Committee, Hon. H. G. 
 Root, Major A. B. Valentine and Milo C. Huling. For the Finance 
 Committee, Charles M. Bliss, John V. Hall and John T. ShurtlefE. 
 The report of the nominating committee was accepted, and the gen-' 
 tlemen named elected accordingly. Charles M. Bliss declining to 
 serve General John G. McCullough was substituted in his place. 
 
 " At an adjourned meeting of the directors April 26, 1887, among 
 other proceedings. Major A. B. Valentine, on behalf of the Building 
 Committee, presented a form of contract and proposals and a bid for 
 building the monument, received by the committee, from Contractor 
 William H. Ward, of Lowell, Mass." The final outcome was the 
 contract noted above. 
 
 "Early in 1886 the ' Working Committee ' secured the approval 
 of the design by the President of the United States, and at length, 
 subsequently, the payment of the appropriation, of $40,000, by Con- 
 gress was effected. The moneys of the three States were released, 
 on the basis of the contract with Mr. Ward, for a monument 300 feet 
 high. These appropriations, and the $5000 obtained by private sub- 
 scriptions for the $20,000 fund, have been materially increased by 
 other private subscriptions, obtained through the labors of Geo. W. 
 Robinson and others, and it is expected that there will be an 
 additional increase, and a considerable one, through the profitable 
 investment of the funds now in the custody of the Association. 
 
 " By an Act approved November 23, 1886, the General Assembly 
 of Vermont appointed John L. Barstow, Levi K. Fuller, Aldace F. 
 Walker, L. H. Thompson, and the President of the Bennington Bat- 
 tle Monument Association, commissioners to determine what lands 
 and buildings adjoining the site selected by the Association, for the 
 erection of its monument, are required, iii order to secure to the 
 structure freedom from objectionable surroundings ; also, in Section 
 2, the four named persons with Milo C. Huling to agree, if possible, 
 with the owners of said property as to the price, and if unable to 
 agree, to apply to any judge of the Supreme Court for Commis- 
 sioners of Appraisal. 
 
 " Also, in Section 6, authorized the Auditor of Accounts to pay 
 for the property, not to exceed in the aggregate $10,000; on condi- 
 tion that the Association furnish a guarantee, to the commissioners 
 named in Section 2, that the monument shall be commenced within 
 six months after the site, contemplated in Section 1, is secured to 
 their use, and will be completed within five years thereafter. These 
 provisions and conditions have been complied with. 
 
42 HISTORIC INTR OD UCTION. 
 
 "Pursuant to a notice sent by the Secretary to all the members 
 of the Board, a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Bennington 
 Battle Monument Association was held, at the Putnam house in 
 Bennington, June 4, 1887. Among other proceedings, moved and 
 carried that the Board of Directors invite the citizens of Ben- 
 nington to meet them at Library hall and join them in arrangements 
 for the celebration, of the laying of the corner-stone of the monument, 
 on the 16th of August next. On motion, of Major Valentine, it was 
 
 " ' Resolved, That the Board of Directors extend an invitation 
 to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Vermont, to 
 participate in the laying of the corner-stone of the monument.' 
 
 " The said resolution and invitation of the Directors were in due 
 form forwarded to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, as 
 aforesaid, and by him presented to the Grand Lodge at a subsequent 
 session held at Burlington ; and, on motion, referred to a committee 
 consisting of the four first officers of the Grand Lodge, viz. : Marsh 
 O. Perkins, Alfred A. Hall, George W. Wing, and Delos M. Bacon, 
 who reported the following resolution, which, on motion of the Grand 
 Secretary, was unanimously adopted, viz.: 
 
 " ' Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of Vermont feels honored 
 by the invitation, and will gladly accept it and participate in the 
 exercises, under the rules and usages of the Fraternity, and the 
 Grand Secretary is hereby directed to forward a copy of this reso- 
 lution, and the action of the Grand Lodge thereon, to the Secretary 
 of the Board of Directors. ' 
 
 " The official report of the said proceedings, and resolution of 
 the Grand Lodge, were duly forwarded by the Grand Secretary, 
 Lavant M. Read, to the Secretary of the Board of Directors. 
 
 " At a meeting of the Board of Directors held, at the Putnam 
 house, June 15, 1887, among other proceedings, on motion of Major 
 Valentine, seconded by the Rev. Isaac Jennings, it was unanimously 
 
 '■'■'■ Resolved, That the Hon. Benjamin F. Prescott, ex-Governor 
 of New Hampshire, and President of the Bennington Battle Monu- 
 ment Association, be invited to act as President of the Day, on the 
 occasion of laying the corner-stone of the monument.' " 
 
 DIVISION III. 
 
 The Coener- Stone, and the Cope- Stone. 
 
 The Coeneb-Stone Cbeemonies. — August 16, 1887, passed 
 into history as one of the principal events in the long line of occur- 
 rences detailed above. The writer, reviewing it at the time, said : 
 "The 16th day of August 1777, 1877, and 1887 marks three impor- 
 
/^r^'=^ 
 
BUILDING THE MONUMENT. 43 
 
 tant and eventful epochs in the history of Bennington. One 
 hundred and ten years ago the victory won for freedom, and against 
 British oppression, by the patriotic Benningtonians, under Colonel 
 Seth Warner and his allies from Massachusetts, and New Hamp- 
 shire, all under General John Stark, was most potential in turning 
 the tide of war in favor of the young Republic. The celebration 
 ten years ago, of the Centennial of the Battle of Bennington, was a 
 most memorable occasion. The laying of the corner-stone, of the 
 Battle Monument, to-day, has also been a notable event. The 
 weather was pleasant, and fully 30,000 people were in .town as 
 spectators of, or participants in, the celebration." 
 
 During this week the annual muster of the Vermont National 
 Guard occurred, and the militia of the State was encamped on the 
 Soldiers' Home grounds (as in 1891), in " Camp Seth Warner," 
 named in honor of the brave commander of the Green Mountain 
 Boys, whom Judge Smith (page 14), awards a meed of praise that 
 adds greatly to his historic renown. 
 
 The day was ushered in by the ringing of bells, and a volley 
 from Fuller battery. The incoming trains, from all directions, 
 brought crowds of people into town. The Knights Templars in their 
 showy and symbolic dress, the visiting military, the G. A. R., and 
 the Odd Fellows, soon made the streets alive with organized bodies 
 that were to make up the parade in the afternoon. The various 
 delegations were met at the depot and escorted to their respective 
 headquarters, which had been provided at the halls of the organiza- 
 tions to which each belonged. The Governors and their Staffs, and 
 the Grand Lodge Officers, F. & A. M., were the guests of the Asso- 
 ciation. The visiting military companies, and civic organizations, 
 were the guests of the citizens of Bennington. They were cordially 
 received and hospitably entertained. The evolutions of the Sir 
 Knights, the marching and movements of the 32nd Separate Com- 
 pany of the New York National Guard, the fine appearance of the 
 Berkshire boys (both the Cadets and Canton Colfax), together with 
 what could be witnessed of our own uniformed troops and societies, 
 all these seemed to take up the attention of the assembled thousands, 
 and kept them in good nature, while anticipation was heightened in 
 consequence. 
 
 A pleasant feature of the morning was the dedication of the 
 Soldiers' Home, and its formal delivery, by the Board of Trustees, to 
 the State of Vermont. These exercises were attended by the Gov- 
 ernors of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and a large 
 number of prominent military guests, as well as by many Veterans. 
 
 The procession formed at the junction of Pleasant, Union, and 
 
44 HIS TORIC INTIi OB UC TION. 
 
 Main streets at 12.30, P. M., and proceeded to the monument grounds 
 in Bennington Centre, one and one-fourth miles away. The special 
 press report of the time says : " When the lines moved the streets 
 were cleared as if by magic, and the long and imposing column 
 passed in review of the thousands, lining both -sides of the streets, 
 until the site of the monument was reached. There was no delay 
 or break anywhere, and the procession was as well seen within a 
 few rods of starting as farther down. It is safe to say that no finer 
 line was ever seen in Vermont. Perhaps there have been larger 
 numbers, at the Centennial in 1877, for instance, but none more 
 imposing and beautiful. The town presented a holiday appearance, 
 nearly every house and place of business on the line of march, and 
 streets upon which the formations were made, being one line of 
 flags and other decorations." The number in the procession was 
 estimated to be 2500. At the head of the line rode Colonel George 
 W. Hooker, Chief Marshal, and mounted staff of fifty; then came 
 the First Brigade, V. ISI. G., commanded by Brigadier-General Wm. 
 L. Greenleaf ; the Grand Army of the Republic, escorting the Ben- 
 nington Battle Monument Association, and guests, in carriages ; the 
 visiting militia; the civic societies, including the Sons of Veter- 
 ans, and Patriarchs Militant; the Masonic Division, and Fuller 
 Battery in the rear. The Masonic Fraternity formed according 
 to the Ritual, the Grand Commandery of Knights Templars being 
 the escort to the Grand Lodge. 
 
 As Fuller Battery reached Monument Avenue, in Bennington 
 Centre, it dashed rapidly up to the site of the Old Continental 
 Store House where it unlimbered and fired a salute of thirteen guns. 
 This announced the formal opening of the corner-stone exercises. 
 Seated on the speakers' platform, around the monument, were 
 ex-Governor B. F. Prescott, of New Hampshire, President of the 
 Bennington Battle Monument Association ; Governor Oliver Ames, 
 of Massachusetts ; Governor C. H. Sawyer, of New Hampshire ; and 
 Governor E. J. Ormsbee, Senator Geo. F. Edmunds, Congressman 
 John W. Stewart, Orator of the Day, and Congressman William W. 
 Grout, of Vermont. A second stand was occupied by the Staffs of 
 the three Governors, and by such well known Vermonters as 
 ex-Governor Horace Fairbanks, ex-Governor Samuel E. Pingree, 
 ex-Governor John L. Barstow, ex-Governor Frederick Holbrook, 
 Colonel B. B. Smalley, General Wm. Wells, Judge H. H. Powers, 
 Judge J. W. Rowell, Colonel Franklin Fairbanks, State Treasurer 
 DuBois, Secretary of State Porter, Secretary of Finance Page, 
 General P. P. Pitkin, Colonel John C. Stearns, Hon. James K. Batch- 
 elder, General T. S. Peck, General William H. Gilmore, Colonel Albert 
 
i^JlJ cToc^ 
 
BUILDING THE MONUMENT. 4& 
 
 Clarke, Colonel F. S. Stranahan, Colonel William A. Crombie, 
 Colonel D. K. Hall, Colonel Z. M. Mansur, Colonel R. E. Hathorn, 
 Colonel De May, Interstate Commissioner A. F. Walker, Honorables 
 Warren Gibbs, Daniel Roberts, B. D. Harris, General H. K. Ide, and 
 Colonel T. C. Fletcher. Upon this stand were, also, seated tbe 
 members of the Monument Asssociation's Board of Directors, the 
 Building and Special Committees. 
 
 The platform occupied by the Grand Lodge, and Grand Com- 
 mandery, was situated South of the corner-stone. The dimensions 
 of the stone were : seven feet long, three feet wide, and two feet and 
 eight inches deep ; weight about five tons. The Grand Secretary's 
 record of deposit is as follows : 
 
 " ' Holy Bible ' ; Governor Hall's ' Early History of Vermont' ; 
 Rev. Isaac Jennings's ' Memorials of a Century ; Rev. Isaac 
 Jennings's 'Historical Account Relating to the Battle Monument 
 in MS. '; Manuscript copy of the Contract for the Erection of 
 the Monument; ' Biographical Encyclopaedia, 19th Century,' Ver- 
 mont; Copies of The Bennington Banner newspaper, containing 
 cut and description of the monument and a Record History ; 
 Copies of The Bennington Reformer newspaper; other Vermont 
 newspapers ; Troy, and New York City newspapers ; Printed 
 Laws Referring to Monument; 'Battle of Bennington, and Vermont 
 Centennial' ; Forbes's 'Vermont Centennial' ; 'History of Vermont 
 Odd Fellowship '; Report of Masonic Grand Lodge, Vermont, 1887 ; 
 Official Programme of Laying Corner-Stone, August 16, 1887 j 
 Masonic Ceremonies, Laying Corner-Stone, Vermont ; Bennington 
 Centennial Memorial Medal ; Bank Notes of the Banks in Benning- 
 ton ; Copper Coins ; Brigade Order and Roster ; Regimental Order 
 from Adjutant General's Office, for Muster of 1887." 
 
 The exercises consisted of introductory remarks by ex-Governor 
 Prescott, President of the Day ; response by the Grand Master, 
 accepting the task of laying the corner-stone, and the stone was then 
 laid in " Ancient Masonic Form," the following officers participating : 
 
 M.-. W.-. Alfred A; Hall, Grand Master ; R.-. W.-. George W. 
 Wing, Deputy Grand Master ; R.-. W.-. Delos M. Bacon, Grand 
 Senior Warden ; R.-. W.-. John H. Whipple, Grand Junior Warden ; 
 R- W.-. Chas. W. Whitcomb, Grand Treasurer; R.-. W.-. Lavant 
 M Read, Grand Secretary ; W.-. Warren G. Reynolds, Assistant 
 Grand Secretary; W.-. Wm. J. Sperry, Grand Senior Deacon- 
 W ■ Rigney D. Marvin, Grand Junior Deacon ; W.-. M. Willson 
 Johnson, Grand Lecturer; W.-. Rev. Edwin Wheelock, Grand 
 Chaplain ; W.-. Rev. Frederick S. Fisher, Assistant Grand Chaplain ; 
 W- Hariey G. Sheldon, Grand Marshal; W.-. Thomas S. Miller, 
 Deputv Grand Marshal ; W.-. Halsey H. Adams, Grand Pursuivant ; 
 W.-. Eugene S. Leonard, Grand Sword-Bearer ; W. . Daniel C. 
 Barber, W.-. Asaph T. Taft, Grand Stewards ; W.-. Lafayette Soper, 
 Grand Tyler ; Bro.-. J. Ph. Rinn, Principal Architect ; Bro.-. Olin 
 Scott, Deputy Architect and Inspector. 
 
46 HISTORIC IJSTTB OD UG TIOJST. 
 
 The address of the Grand Master was followed by the accept- 
 ance of the " work " by Governor Ormsbee ; and, also, on behalf of 
 the Bennington Battle Monument Association, by its President, the 
 President of the Day, who then presented the Orator, Hon. John W. 
 Stewart. The ceremonies were enlivened by appropriate music, 
 and the Ritual hymns were sung by a double male quartette. 
 
 Hox. John W. Stewart's Oration. — One hundred and ten 
 years ago, this hour, a little band of hardy pioneers, our fathers, 
 kindred and countrymen were very busy on yonder hill-side clearing 
 the track for the on-coming of the great Republic. They were men 
 of action ; and the time for action had come. Petition for redress, 
 remonstrance against wrong, protest, argument, expostulation, had 
 all been tried and had failed, and the question between the Colonies 
 and the Mother Country had come to the dread arbitrament of war ; 
 and on that fateful day England sent her Hessian hirelings, with 
 their Tory and savage allies to lay waste and pillage the peaceful 
 homes which patient thrift had made in this beautiful valley. The 
 brave pioneers met them on the border, nor did they await attack. 
 Their defence was in attack, and all that long day they confronted 
 the disciplined invaders, and they fought as brave men fight for 
 home and family and country, while in many a home within rifle- 
 shot of where we stand gathered the mothers, sisters, wives and 
 children of the defenders, awaiting with beating and anxious hearts 
 the issue of the battle and news of the loved ones who were braving 
 its perils. Who can describe the awful suspense of that day to 
 these families as they listened to the distant roar of the deadly 
 guns ? But the night draws on, and the day is won, and so becomes 
 one of the most memorable in American history. 
 
 We gather on this anniversary day to lay the corner-stone of a 
 monument which shall fitly commemorate this great event, known 
 in our history as the Battle of Bennington. 
 
 Suffer me to congratulate the ofiicers and members of the Mon- 
 ument Association to whose indefatigable efforts such success is due 
 that to-day witnesses the initial ceremony which is the sure prelude 
 of the final dedication, soon to follow, of a completed memorial 
 which shall fully realize the patriotic hope so long deferred. 
 
 When or by whom the project of erecting a monument, com- 
 memorative of this battle, was first definitely proposed, I do not 
 know. No doubt many a reader of early American history, as he 
 has dwelt upon this, one of its most striking and dramatic events, 
 has thought that it deserved a worthy memorial. It is enough, 
 however, for this occasion to say that the project first took organized 
 form and action under the charter granted by our Legislature in 
 1876. Among the active managers of the Associations, since its 
 -organization under the charter, may be found the names of several 
 of the Governors of this State, of the State of New Hampshire and 
 of the State of Massachusetts. 
 
 Notwithstanding the fact that ten years have elapsed since the 
 Association was organized, I yet venture to congratulate its officers 
 upon the expedition made and the early success which has crowned 
 their efforts. All experience in these matters has shown that, save 
 
BUILDING THE MONUMENT. 47 
 
 when undertaken and carried forward by the government, indefinite 
 time is required. In December, 1799, both houses of Congress 
 adopted a resolution for the erection of a monument to commemo- 
 rate the great events of the military and political life of Washington, 
 and yet the corner-stone was not laid until 1848, and it was not 
 completed until 1885 and never would have been had not Congress 
 in the Centennial year, 1876, resolved, "In the name of the people 
 of the United States to assume and direct the completion of the 
 Washington monument in the City of Washington." 
 
 Since its organization, the Association and its friends have been 
 unremitting in their efforts to raise necessary funds, secure a proper 
 design and mature plans for the earliest practicable accomplishment 
 of the patriotic end in view, to wit. : the erection of an imposing 
 memorial structure at Bennington. As it was by the united and 
 voluntary action of the yoemanry of the Colonies of New Hampshire 
 and Massachusetts and the then Independent State of Vermont that 
 the eventful victory we celebrate was won, so it seemed eminently 
 proper that these States should, severally, unite in making contribu- 
 tion to the erection of such memorial. Accordingly the subject was 
 presented to the Legislatures of those States, respectively, and met 
 from each a prompt and generous response. This State contributed 
 the larger sum, $15,000, and properly so, considering the question of 
 the locality of the event and of its proposd memorial. Massachu- 
 setts contributed $7,500 [increased to $10,000, March 29, 1886], and 
 New Hampshire $5,000. The aggregate of the sums was increased 
 by private subscriptions from all parts of the country to the sum of 
 S40,000. The 46th Congress of the United States supplemented 
 this sum by appropriating an equal amount, which has been paid 
 into the treasury of the Association and is now available for its 
 purposes. The total amount thus raised and pledged is $80,000. 
 This State has recently, in 1886, made a further appropriation of 
 $10,000 for the purchase of a suitable site and grounds for the mon- 
 ument. It need not be supposed that so much as been accomplished 
 without much patient and persistent effort on the part of those 
 charged with the duty of raising funds. The usual hindrances and 
 delays which beset such schemes have been met and successfully 
 overcome. No little delay and perplexity have been occasioned by 
 differences of opinion as to the proper design for the monument — 
 in such cases never a subject upon which views easily meet. Artists 
 and connoisseurs often differ widely as to the fitness of a given 
 design. One declares in favor of an elaborate and mystic symbol- 
 ism, unintelligible to the common mind without a key. Another 
 prefers a design distinguished by mere beauty of form, delicacy of 
 outline and dainty artistic conception and finish ; while perhaps a 
 third, underrating or insensible to the charm of beautiful form and 
 graceful outline, would prefer a shapeless boulder symbolizing- 
 nothing save endurance. From the number of designs submitted 
 by different artists, the Association selected after careful delibera- 
 tion the one made by Mr. J. Ph. Rinn of Boston. It is believed that 
 this design meets every required demand. Its realized embodi- 
 ment, standing upon solid rock, will rise, graceful in outline, 
 massive and majestic in proportion, to the imposing height of SOO' 
 
48 HISTORIC INTE OD UQTION. 
 
 feet ; its summit commanding a view of the scenes so memorable. 
 So standing, it will commend itself to the eye and judgment of 
 future beholders as a fitting memorial and symbol, both of the great 
 event it is designed to commemorate and the grand and heroic 
 character of men whose valor on that August day, so long ago, 
 made possible the two victories at Stillwater and the surrender at 
 Saratoga in the succeeding October. And this brings me to notice 
 very briefly the historical significance of the Battle of Bennington 
 and the bearing it had, directly, upon the fate of Burgoyne's expedi- 
 tion ; and, more remotely, though not less certainly, upon the result 
 of the then pending struggle between the Colonies and the Mother 
 Country. I am not unaware that this is a well-worn theme. The 
 story of the battle, in which so many of the citizens of this county 
 took part, is as familiar as a household word. Indeed " Bennington 
 Battle" are to them household words. 
 
 The story has been oft-told by sire to son, and grandsire to 
 wondering grand- children gathered at his knee. It was from these 
 homes about us that so many went out to meet and stay the 
 invader. It is in many of these peaceful homes that their kindred 
 and descendants now live. Here, too, annually, as the years since 
 1777 have flown, the dwellers in this region have gathered and by 
 appropriate ceremonies observed the anniversary of victory and 
 deliverance. . 
 
 It has been to them almost as sacred as the annual Feast of the 
 Passover to the Jews. At each recurring anniversary the story has 
 been rehearsed, anew. It has been a theme fruitful of impassioned 
 oratory and an inspiration to the poet, and it has been embalmed 
 by the historian. What can I say more, or other, or better, than 
 that which has been . spoken and written by your own, nay, our 
 own, honored citizen, the late Governor Hall, whose interest in, and 
 whose knowledgeof, the early history of this region was unmatched? 
 We miss, indeed, his venerable and benignant presence here to-day, 
 a day which more than any other he longed to see; and j'et the 
 impress and impulse and inspiration of his spirit has been felt at 
 every step in the past progress of this Association, and abides with 
 us to-day. 
 
 I recall, also, the wise caution as to brevity in the invitation 
 extended to me by your committee, but the occasion seems to 
 demand, within the prescribed limits, a brief sketch of the situation 
 just prior to the battle and notice of the effect of the victory, both 
 direct and remote. 
 
 The summer of 1777 was a season of gloom and depression in 
 the American Colonies. They were scattered, incoherent and with- 
 out funds and appliances adequate to cope successfully with the 
 rich and powerful Mother Country. The Tories were exultant. The 
 timid were halting between the two. The leaders were despondent. 
 Burgoyne's formidable expedition, planned in London for the pur- 
 pose of cutting off New England from the other Colonies, was 
 making its apparently resistless way southward to its goal. On 
 the 6tli of July he captured Ticonderoga, and on the next day he 
 struck and routed at Hubbardton the rear guard of our retreating 
 army. At this critical moment, when Burgoyne's success seemed 
 
^•Mhson i C SyroMUS^^^- 
 
 C 
 
 ..^Z- 
 
BUILDING THE MONUMENT. 49 
 
 most assured, the Council of Safety, then the Provisional Govern- 
 ment of Vermont, appealed to Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, 
 for aid in repelling the invasion of the western border thus left 
 open and defenceless. 
 
 Right nobly did these Colonies respond to the call, and " Ho, to 
 the Borders " rang through the hills of New Hampshire, and was 
 echoed along the valleys of Berkshire and Worcester. John Stark 
 with his stalwart men from the granite hills came marching across 
 the mountains, and Colonel Simonds rallied the men of Berkshire, 
 among whom was the maternal grandfather of the speaker; and 
 Warner and Herrick and Williams and Brush came also with their 
 Vermonters, among them the paternal grandfather of the speaker. 
 
 General Stark with his brigade reached Bt imington on the 9th 
 of August. It was ou the 15th of the previous month that the 
 Vermont Council of Safety had addressed the Executives of Massa- 
 chusetts, and New Hampshire, and thus promptly had New 
 Hampshire responded. General Stark had already earned reputa- 
 tion as Colonel at Bunker Hill and under Washington at Trenton 
 and Princeton, and was a man of great force and courage. His 
 instructions from the President of New Hampshire upon setting out 
 on this expedition curiously illustrates the quasi independence of the 
 Colonies at that time. They were " To repair to Charlestown No. 
 4," and, when the troops were collected there, " to take command of 
 them and march into the State of Vermont and there act in con- 
 junction with the troops of that State, or any other of the States, or 
 of the United States, or separately, as it should appear expedient to 
 him for the protection of the people, or the annoyance of the enemy." 
 Never was discretionary power more wisely bestowed. The result 
 justified the confidence reposed in General Stark, although the 
 order was criticised severely as subversive of military discipline. 
 Burgoyne had at this time reached the Hudson River, his progress 
 having been retarded by natural obstacles, and obstructions inter- 
 posed by the scattering force of Americans which hung along his 
 flank and front in the wilderness through which he marched. He 
 at this time needed supplies and means of transportation, and his 
 object in detaching Baum and sending him to Bennington was to 
 capture the stores there gathered in considerable quantities for the 
 use of General Schuyler's army. But the hastily rallied pioneers 
 were there before him ; and, my fellow-citizens, never was there a 
 more grand, spontaneous uprising of a brave, noble race of men in 
 defence of a holy cause — home, country, freedom, everything 
 which makes life dear or worth living. 
 
 On August 14th, Baum had reached a point about six miles from 
 Bennington and had captured a large quantity of wheat and flour at 
 Sancoik mill. Prom here he wrote a dispatch to Burgoyne, that 
 about 1800 militia were in his front, which would leave at his 
 approach ; of which another has wittily said : " They did leave, but 
 took Baum's whole army along with them." On the night of the 
 14th Baum entrenched his army in a strong position. On the 15th 
 it rained. On the 16th Stark attacked the entrenched and disci- 
 plined troops on all sides. They made a brave defence, but were 
 nearly all killed, or taken prisoners. Immediately after the battle 
 
60 HISTORIC INTRODUCTION. 
 
 was over, Colonel Breyman, sent to reinforce Baum with five or six 
 hundred men, was observed approaching, with whom a second bat- 
 tle was fought, coutinuing until sunset, when the enemy fled, 
 leaving his artillery and escaping in the darkness. About 700 of 
 the enemy were captured and 207 men killed. 
 
 Governor Plall, in his " Early History of Vermont," says : " The 
 injury to the enemy by this disaster can scarcely be overstated. 
 It was not conflued to his actual losses of men and munitions of 
 war, though these were of considerable importance. This victory 
 was the first check given to the triumphant march of Burgoyne 
 from Canada, and was an unexpected example of a successful assault 
 by undisciplined militia, armed with muskets, without bayonets, 
 upon an entrenched camp of veteran troops defended by cannon." 
 In a private letter to the British minister in London, written four 
 days after the battle, Burgoyne says, " Had I succeeded I should 
 have efliected a junction with St. Leger, and been now before 
 Albany." In the same letter he pays his respects to the people of 
 Vermont in the following words : " The New Hampshire Grants 
 in particular, a country unpeopled in the last war, now abounds in 
 the most active and most rebellious of the continent, and hangs like 
 a gathering storm on my left." We can hardly overestimate the 
 effect of this victory upon the then desperate cause of the Colonies. 
 Such effective fighting by raw uiilitia against entrenched veterans 
 astounded and disheartened the enemy. The news flew over the 
 land, and thrilled all hearts with joy, renewed flagging hope, 
 inspired fresh confidence in the prowess of our army and in our 
 ultimate triumph. Says General Hawley in his report to the House 
 of Representatives of the 46th Congress, recommending the appro- 
 priation already mentioned : " This brilliant victory, of N"ew 
 England yoemen over disciplined forces, aroused every section of 
 the country to renewed effort, reinforced the Northern army by the 
 thousands, and thus ensured the success of the Saratoga battles, 
 resulting in the capitulation of Burgoyne and his whole army. 
 Consequent on this was the French Alliance, the importance of 
 which to the final result is a matter of history. To the Bennington 
 battle, then, one of the most brilliant in the annals of the war of the 
 Revolution must be, therefore, largely accorded the achievement of 
 the independence of America." It is curious to notice how neces- 
 sary to this grand result seems each successive link in this chain of 
 cause and effect. 
 
 If Baum had taken the needed supplies to Burgoyne's army, its 
 triumphant march to Albany would have been speedy and certain. 
 The recruits to our army, then needed for effectual resistance to 
 Burgoyne's advance, would have staid at home. The French 
 Alliance, without which the achievement of Independence would 
 have been impossible in the face of such disaster and general dis- 
 couragement, would not have been effected. But this is not a time 
 for speculation or conjecture. Our fathers f?ic? rally and stand here, 
 like a wall of consuming fire, against the invading host, and their 
 rally and battle and victory will forever stand in American history 
 as one of the most dramatic and eventful episodes recorded on 
 its pages. 
 
BUILDING THE MONUMENT. 51 
 
 Probably few, if any, of those engaged in the battle began to 
 measure the momentous consequences which hung upon its issue. 
 It seemed to them simply a struggle for the capture or retention of 
 a quantity of supplies, and so far important, but the far-reaching 
 consequences of the result could not then be foreseen. Our fathers 
 " Builded better than they knew." We estimate the value of their 
 service in the light of subsequent events. But their want of fore- 
 knowledge does not detract in the slightest degree from the moral 
 quality of their action. That lies in their ready, unselfish loyalty 
 to a perilous duty, and their prompt response to its call at the risk 
 of life itself. 
 
 No race of men ever trod this planet who more than they 
 revered and respected rightful authority divine and human, and It 
 was the Tightness and righteous exercise of authority which com- 
 manded their respect and allegiance. Its abuse they knew was 
 outside the functions of government, and therefore intolerable. 
 
 The committee of the Convention at Westminister, in 1777, 
 enunciate the principle thus : " Whenever protection was withheld 
 by a government no allegiance was due or could of right be 
 demanded." The pioneers, in this region, were not unwilling to 
 submit to the Colonial jurisdiction of New York, but could not and 
 never would suffer unjust evictions of lands granted by an officer 
 of the Crown, and redeemed to uses of civilization by years of 
 patient toil and hardship. 
 
 In common with other colonists, they would have remained in 
 willing allegiance to the English government had the latter respected 
 and secured to them those natural rights which are the gift of God 
 and not of governments. 
 
 These men saw clearly the true functions of government, and 
 so gave new meaning to the term patriotism. Love of country is 
 instinctive and universal, and men have died for country in every 
 age, but in every age until the English Revolution, government and 
 country have been convertible terms, and human history is not a 
 history of the people, but almost to our time a continuous record of 
 the follies and crimes and oppressions committed by kings and 
 princes and nobles. 
 
 The Great Teacher and Saviour of the race declared the rights 
 and dignity of the individual man, as man, nineteen centuries ago; 
 but the grand truth was never recognized and formulated by any 
 civil government, until, more than 1200 years later, the great 
 charter of English liberty was wrung from a reluctant king. For 
 centuries afterward it was practically disregarded, but the seed 
 sown in men's hearts slowly germinated and grew and became the 
 tree of liberty under which our fathers gathered, and which they 
 watered with their blood. 
 
 Did time serve I might dwell upon the personal characteristics 
 of the men who then dwelt in this region — of their manly fortitude 
 in time of trial, of the wisdom and moderation which marked their 
 deliberations, of the courage with which they confronted all adver- 
 saries, of their respect for rightful authority, and their hatred of its 
 abuse. I might tell how they braved the dangers of the frontier 
 forest and subdued it to the uses of advancing civilization, whose 
 
62 HIS TORIC INTU OD UC TION. 
 
 banner they bore ; how civil order prevailed among them while yet 
 there was no organized power, legislative, executive or judicial, by 
 which those functions could be exercised, and yet such was the self- 
 governing capacity of these pioneers, for the most part plain 
 farmers, that under the most trying emergencies, and without any 
 of the ordinary appliances which pertain to government, in the 
 maintenance of private rights and public rights and public order, 
 they held both secure, and at the same time without stint gave of 
 their scanty means, and offered themselves a ready sacrifice in sup- 
 port of the common cause, of all which Ticonderoga, Hubbardton, 
 Bennington, and Saratoga will stand as witnesses forever. 
 
 They were no carpet knights, nor plumed cavaliers playing 
 fantastic tricks of knight errantry. They were grim fighters, and 
 they fought in their every-day clothes ; but as they stood on that 
 long summer day in deadly conflict with the hirelings of a half- 
 demented king, who madly flung away the brightest jewel in his 
 crown, every brave heart 'neath the yoeman's jacket beat with the 
 loftiest inspiration of a courage born of faith in God, and in his 
 ■eternal principles of justice, and in deathless devotion to country. 
 JKvery patriot bullet was winged and instinct with this inspiration. 
 While love of country flamed in their hearts, that word country, 
 meant far more to them than it did to the Greeks at Marathon. To 
 them country stood for the people, secure in all natural rights and 
 all the social and civil free institutions essential to their preserva- 
 tion. They scorned kingly and priestly and lordly and every form 
 of class privilege and prerogative. They were living epistles of a 
 new faith. They were yeomen, they were warriors, they were 
 statesmen. They were fit founders of a new system of government, 
 so well epitomized by the immortal Lincoln as a " Government of 
 the people, for the people, by the people." In this faith they lived, 
 and for its triumphant establishment they fought, and conquered on 
 yonder hillside. The honor of their grand achievement is the 
 glorious inheritance of the three New England States represented 
 here to-day, from whose valleys and hillsides their patriotic sons, 
 leaving wife and child and quiet home and peaceful pursuits, so 
 swiftly rallied at the call of country. The fraits of their victory 
 are the common heritage of the whole country for all time to come. 
 Their heroic example is for mankind. The law of the conservation 
 of force prevails in the moral as in the physical world. ISTothing is 
 lost. The heroic life or heroic death in a just cause, thpugh appar- 
 ently hopeless, will some time bear rich harvest in reconversion into 
 successful heroic action inspired by example. Such was the event 
 and such the character of the actors therein, in reverent memory of 
 which ^Q are met on this anniversary day to perform this initial 
 ceremony. We begin now the erection of a majestic and enduring 
 memorial which shall in some degree symbolize our conception of 
 an event so fraught with great results, and wrought, too, by an 
 ancestry whose heroic character and achievement must forever 
 ■challenge our admiration and gratitude. 
 
 Let it rise majestic here, girt by these grand mountains, com- 
 manding views of unmatched natural beauty, and overlooking the 
 graves of the heroic dead. And so may it stand a mute but eloquent 
 
■^■^^,^ 
 
 > i.^ 
 
 
 #. pte» I, 
 
INDEPENDENT VERMONT. 53 
 
 "witness and memorial to all coming generations of the Battle of 
 Bennington, and of the valor and virtue of the men who crowned 
 the day, whose anniversary we celebrate, with glorious victory. 
 
 The Benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Isaac Jennings, 
 his last public act, and the procession returned to the place of start- 
 ing, where it was dismissed. 
 
 The Cope-Stone. — The cope-stone, completing the masonry of 
 the monument was laid Monday, November 25, 1889, in the pres- 
 ence of a large concourse of people. The impromptu exercises closed 
 with the singing of the Doxology, by thirty voices at the top of the 
 structure. During the cementing process several of those present 
 threw under the stone half and quarter-dollars and other coins. 
 
 DIVISION IV. 
 
 The Independent State of Vermont. 
 
 The Stoet op Vermont's Settlement, and Admission to the 
 Union. — The dual nature of the celebration of 1891, leads the 
 Editor of this volume to admit to these introductory pages an 
 article, in explanation thereof, from the pen of Professor Charles S. 
 Davis, written originally for the Centennial Banner, but, by request, 
 revised especially for this work. It forms a flitting conclusion to 
 the historic account prefatory to the celebration of August 19, 1891, 
 as follows : 
 
 Vermont, unlike any other New England State, was once an 
 independent commonwealth. The original thirteen Colonies never 
 had a separate, independent existence. Each was founded as a 
 ward or dependency of some European power and held that relation 
 until the Colonies unitedly declared themselves free and independ- 
 ent, in 1776, and as one body proceeded to throw off the dominion 
 of Great Britain. 
 
 None of them ever made serious claim to a free and independent 
 existence. In that respect Vermont differs from them all. For 
 fourteen years she was held by her citizens to be as free from other 
 governmental connection as any monarchy of the old world. She 
 was not a dependency of Great Britain. She was in no political 
 way bound to her sister states, but during the period named, she 
 was to all intents and purposes an independent nation. 
 
 Her early history may be divided into two periods : that of set- 
 tlement, extending from near 1700 to her organization as an 
 Independent State in 1777, and that of her independence, covering 
 the period from January 17, 1777, to her admission into the Fed- 
 
54 HIS TORIC INTB OB UC TIOJST. 
 
 eral Union, March 4, 1791. The territory of the present State of 
 Vermont was settled principally by people from Connecticut, New 
 Hampshire, and Massachusetts. As early as 1749 a grant of a part 
 of this territory was secured from New Hampshire, to which the 
 present State belonged, by cession of the English king, made to the 
 Council of Plymouth as early as 1620-. These claims were mostly 
 obtained by the original Green Mountain settlers under the title of 
 the New Hampshire Grants, and by this name the region continued 
 to be known until after the breaking out of the Revolutionary War. 
 These settlers were a race of sturdy, aggressive, liberty-loving 
 people who came to find a home in the wild forests of "the Grants," 
 much as their PUgrim progenitors had come from England to find a 
 home in the more eastern wilds, nearly two hundred years before. 
 A deep and abiding principle with these early settlers was the 
 fixed belief in the total separation of Church and State. They were 
 practically Separatists who would not tolerate the laws of Massa- 
 chusetts, and other Colonies, which forced certain religious beliefs 
 and practices upon an entire community. One of their first acts in 
 their new home was to write upon their church records their 
 unqualified belief in proper religious liberty, and to repudiate the 
 doctrine of State interference in matters pertaining to the Church, 
 and when, on the third of December in 1762, they organized "The 
 First Church of Christ in Bennington," the first church organized 
 in " the Grants," it was voted to exclude from their platform every- 
 thing that recognized the right to use the civil law to support the 
 gospel. 
 
 These settlers were farmers, aggressive and self-reliant, not 
 scholarly as scholarship is counted by the schools, but having that 
 large degree of practical knowledge in civil affairs which schools 
 and books do not furnish. They had the Bible and they were a 
 people mighty in their Scriptural faith, and their belief in religious 
 liberty allowed them to discuss and weigh its metaphysical bearings- 
 with a skill and freedom that made them trained debaters, and pre- 
 pared them for the skillful exercise of their talents in the little 
 town democracies which some one has called the training schools of 
 popular self-government. The early settlers on " the Grants," were 
 indeed well suited to the turbulent times in which they lived and 
 for the struggle that lay before them, first in behalf of their own 
 rights against the claims of New York, and, later, in defence of 
 Colonial rights against the claims of the English King. It is safe 
 to say that no people ever managed the affairs of peace or war more 
 wisely or more courageously than they ; that none were ever more 
 patriotic, self-sacrificing and earnest in their defence of a common 
 
INDEPENDENT VERMONT. 55 
 
 cause, and that none ever showed keener political sagacity than the 
 men who not only maintained their rights on "the Grants," but 
 eventually made their settlement a sovereign state and maintained 
 its independence against the world for a period of fourteen years, 
 and exchanged that position only when they could secure another 
 more desirable, — • admission to the Union. 
 
 The independence of Vermont grew out of a so-called rebellion 
 of the settlers on the New Hampshire Grants. It came about in 
 this way : The territorial limits of the present Vermont were 
 originally within the jurisdiction of New Hampshire. Under titles 
 gained from that Colony, the people obtained and held their lands 
 and made their homes. The Colony of New York, to the west, was 
 separated from these " Grants " by a line running from the North- 
 west corner of Massachusetts to the head of Lake Champlain. 
 Without notice to the settlers this boundary line was moved east- 
 "ward, by the English King in July, 1764, to the west bank of the 
 Connecticut river, thus bringing all the people on the New Hamp- 
 shire Grants into the Colony of New York. This might have 
 prevaOed had not these hardy settlers been informed by New York 
 that they must now acquire new titles to their property, and pay 
 that Province for them. 
 
 Surveyors were sent to lay out the lands anew, and officers of 
 the law came from Albany to dispossess the hardy mountaineers of 
 their homes. It was then that the people on " the Grants " decided 
 upon rebellion and the application of the principle that resistance to 
 tyrants is obedience to God. The resistance began in Bennington 
 when Sheriff Ten Eyck and several hundred men came to seize the 
 farm of James Breakenridge in July 1771. Bennington in town 
 meeting had voted to protect that farm and the sheriff's posse found 
 the settlers of " the Grants," with Ethan Allen at their head, massed 
 on the banks of the Walloomsac ready to teach them that " The 
 gods of the valleys are not the gods of the hills." This was the 
 " Bennington mob," but it was successful in defending the homes of 
 the people on " the Grants " from the rapacity and greed of the 
 Colonial Governors of New York. This " mob " was made up of 
 the settlers in regard to whom a distinguished lady wrote : 
 
 " They are fierce Republicans, refusing to become tenants to 
 anyone and insisting on owning lands they should occupy; whose 
 whole conversation is tainted with politics — Cromwellian politics ; 
 who talk about slaves to arbitrary power, and whose indifference to 
 the Mother Country and whose illiberal opinions and manners are 
 extremely offensive to all loyal subjects of the King." 
 
 The members of the Bennington "mob," made up of the settlers 
 
56 HIS TORIC INTR OD UC TION. 
 
 on " the Grants," are the same people of whom Burgoyne, later, 
 wrote : " The New Hampshire Grants, in particular, a country 
 unpeopled in the last war [French and Indian] now abounds in the 
 most active and rebellious race of the continent and hangs like a 
 gathering storm on my left." 
 
 The period of Vermont's independence was from January 17, 
 1777, to her admission to the Union in 1791. Her Declaration of 
 Independence grew out of her land troubles with New York as told 
 above. The State was formed from the territory of " the Grants " at 
 a series of conventions, the first of which was held at the home of 
 Cephas Kent in Dorset, in July 1776, at which place and time thirty- 
 one delegates from " the Grants " assembled. The convention 
 adjourned to meet September 25th, at the same place, when it was 
 resolved " To take suitable measures, as soon as may be, to declare 
 the New Hampshire Grants a separate district." These delegates 
 again adjourned to meet at Westminster October 30, 1776, and 
 once more to meet at the same place January 15, 1777. This con- 
 vention at this time sat three days and about fifty-six delegates, 
 representing thirty-six towns, were present. These delegates by 
 resolution declared " That the district of territory comprehending 
 and usually known by the name and description of the New Hamp- 
 shire Grants, of right ought to be, and is hereby declared forever 
 hereafter to be considered as a free and independent Jurisdiction or 
 State, by the name of New Connecticut." 
 
 This was reported on the third day of the convention in a 
 Declaration of Independence, formulated by a committee, consisting 
 of Nathan Clark, Ebenezer Hosington, Captain John Burnham, 
 Jacob Burton, and Colonel Thomas Chittenden. It was at once 
 adopted. This declaration of New Connecticut was published to 
 the world, in the Connecticut Courant newspaper, March 16, 1777. 
 The representatives of the freemen of this new district next met at 
 Windsor, in the following .June, when the name of " New Connecti- 
 cut" was changed to Vermont. On the second of July, 1777, these 
 representatives again met to form a Constitution for the State of 
 Vermont. These meetings were held in the Old Constitution House, 
 which is still standing. 
 
 This constitution opens with a preamble setting forth in no 
 uncertain terms the reasons for the making of a " free and independ- 
 ent State." The convention was considering the adoption of this 
 constitution when a terrified horseman rode up and announced the 
 invasion of Burgoyne with an army of Hessians and savages. The 
 news spread consternation among the members, and they were for 
 going home at once, but fortunately they were delayed by a violent 
 
INDEPENDENT VERMONT. 57 
 
 thunder storm during and amid the fire and artillery of which the 
 constitution was adopted. 
 
 Closely connected with the history of Vermont as an Indepen- 
 dent State is the story of her efforts to gain admission to the Federal 
 Union. Her effort in that direction, indeed, antedates the adoption 
 of her State constitution, for on the 30th day of June, 1777, Congress 
 voted to dismiss a petition, signed by Jonas Fay, Thomas Chitten- 
 den, Heman Allen and Reuben Jones, asking that body to recognize 
 her right to independence, and to admit her delegates to its councils. 
 Congress, it would seem, was not ready to admit nor yet to deny 
 the jurisdiction of New York over the territory of the New Hamp- 
 shire Grants. That body, it is true, was often petitioned to settle 
 the dispute between the sections, but it always declined to do so^ 
 and for a long time carefully refrained from expressing any opinion 
 in regard to the merits of the controversy, evidently designing to 
 leave its settlement to the parties themselves. 
 
 Vermont's troubles with her sister states, no doubt, kept her 
 out of the Federal Union during the entire period of her indepen- 
 dent existence, for whenever she sought admission, appeals were 
 made by her enemies for the settlement of these difficulties. It 
 must not be supposed that the formation of an independent State 
 with a .Governor and Council and all the political machinery for 
 making and executing laws put an end to the territorial controversy 
 between New York and Vermont. On the contrary, the organiza- 
 tion of a state government was among the first effective steps taken 
 by Vermont towards maintaining that controversy. For years 
 afterward each continued to question and resist the authority of 
 the other, often appealing to Congress, sometimes threatening civil 
 war. This continued until 1784 when all question as to Vermont's 
 authority was set at rest. Although this controversy kept Vermont 
 out of the Union for a long time, it by no means diminished her 
 importance and prestige. She not only maintained her authority, 
 within her original limits, but she actually encroached upon both 
 New York and New Hampshire. In January, 1781, representatives 
 from all the towns for twenty miles east of the Connecticut River , 
 met in convention at Charlestown, New Hampshire, and made 
 application for admission to Vermont. About the same time a like 
 application was made by the people of the towns of J^q-^ York east 
 of the Hudson River. 
 
 After the matter had been gravely considered in various con- 
 ventions, called for that purpose, and after the localities most inter- 
 ested in the matter had voted upon it. Governor Chittenden, on the 
 18th day of July, 1781, formally declared that Vermont had 
 
68 HISTORIC INTRODUCTION'. 
 
 annexed the territory of New York westward to the Hudson River, 
 and from New Hampshire all the territory twenty miles to the east 
 froiij the Connecticut River. Thus while New York and New 
 Hampshire were each claiming Vermont, the latter State boldly 
 added to herself an extent of their territory equal to that over which 
 she originally claimed jurisdiction, and this on the application of 
 their own dissatisfied citizens. Writing on this subject, one of 
 Vermont's early historians well says, "No measures could have bet- 
 ter exhibited the genius of her statesmen, and none could have more 
 effectually contributed to sustain her independence. By this bold 
 and decisive policy, she augmented her resources, compelled the 
 respect of her enemies and gained the confidence of her friends." 
 
 These facts go to show that the government of the Independent 
 State of Vermont was liberal and efficient, and popular in other 
 states as well as at home. They explain the statement, often dis- 
 puted, that parts of the present State of New York were once under 
 the jurisdiction of Vermont, and they point out why Vermont's 
 admission to the Union was so long delayed, as well as why it was 
 opposed by New Hampshire. 
 
 Vermont's action shifted the issue of the controversy between 
 herself on the one side, and New York and New Hampshire on the 
 other. Those states in the early part of the difficulty boldly dis- 
 cussed the question of dividing Vermont between them on the line 
 of the Green Mountains. They now not only ceased to consider that 
 ■question, but they freely acknowledged her jurisdiction over her 
 original territory, and were only concerned lest she could never be 
 kept on the reservation, lest she might eventually reach out and 
 •extend her domain so as to include them both. They really feared 
 .annihilation. Between New York and Vermont the question was 
 no longer a question of the latter's supremacy on the New Hamp- 
 shire Grants. That question was of little importance in the light of 
 Vermont's later tendency to annex New York. The latter's desire 
 in the controversy now was to have Vermont relinquish her juris- 
 diction over the strip of land between the Hudson River and 
 Vermont's original western boundary. Whenever she sought 
 .-admission to the Union — a thing she continued to do, although her 
 ■people for a time came to care less and less about it — her admission 
 was unitedly opposed by New York and New Hampshire on the 
 ground that Vermont should first restore to them the annexed 
 ■territory over which she had so arbitrarily assumed jurisdiction. 
 
 Vermont as an Independent State, having begun to enlarge her 
 "'boundaries by the conquest of her neighbors, now attracted the 
 lustful attention of England. That government sent letters to 
 
INDEPENDENT VERMONT. 59 
 
 Ethan Allen, proposing an alliance of Vermont with the Crown. 
 General Allen, writing from Sunderland on the 9th of March, 1781, 
 forwarded the letters, which at that time he had not answered, to 
 the President of Congress, and with them a request that Vermont 
 be admitted into the Union. Ethan Allen held that if Vermont 
 were now refused admission, she would have the right to form any 
 other alliance she might choose to form. As a matter of fact, Ethan 
 Allen and other Vermont leaders were insincerely toying with the 
 agents of England, and leading them to believe that there were hopes- 
 of an alliance between Vermont and the Crown. This was done 
 with the double purpose of warding off the threatened attack of 
 England, and of securing favorable terms of admission to the Fed- 
 eral Union. While in reality anything else was more probable than 
 an alliance of Vermont with England, the plan of seeming to favor 
 such a step was one of masterly statesmanship, and it was the only 
 course that saved not only Vermont, but New York as well, from 
 the combined and successful attacks of the British and Indians from 
 the North. This was a critical period for Vermont. But the 
 enduring courage and the wise statesmanship of her public men 
 carried her safely through the storm whose clouds for awhile 
 allowed no friendly star to shine. 
 
 The mysterious negotiations with England naturally stimulated 
 Congress to more speedy action in regard to Vermont's admission 
 to the Union. Accordingly on the 20th of August, 1781, after much 
 examination of the question, as represented by parties from the 
 states most concerned, Congress by resolution offered to admit 
 Vermont according to her original extent of territory. This the 
 General Assembly of Vermont declined to accept. Thus the matter 
 stood when the Vermont Legislature in session at Charlestown, on 
 the East side of the Connecticut River, adjourned in October, 
 1781, to meet in Bennington on the last Thursday of the fol- 
 lowing January. 
 
 The vexed questions in regard to Vermont's admission to the 
 Union were now those touching her eastern and western annexa- 
 tions. Congress freely offered to guarantee her jurisdiction over all 
 the territory originally claimed for her, and to admit such territory 
 to the Union. The Vermont Legislature, as before stated, declined 
 to accept the proposition, because it required the relinquishment of 
 the eastern and western annexations. But when the Legislature, 
 which had adjourned at Charlestown to meet at Bennington, next 
 assembled, as it did early in 1782, Governor Chittenden laid before 
 that body a letter from General Washington, strongly urging Ver- 
 mont to give up her recently acquired territory, in accordance with 
 
60 HISTORIC INTRODUCTION. 
 
 the desires of Congress. Accordingly on the 21st of February 1782, 
 the Vermont Legislature, at Bennington, without division, voted to 
 give up the eastern and western territory and to apply to Congress 
 once more for admission as a State, and Jonas Fay, Moses Robinson, 
 Paul Spooner and Isaac Tichenor were appointed agents of Vermont 
 to settle with Congress the terms of her admission into the Federal 
 Union. Thus it came about in March, 1782, that a committee of 
 Congress again reported favorably upon the question of Vermont's 
 admission, but with strange inconsistency the report was not acted 
 upon. The agents of the State, therefore, on the 19th of April, 
 1782, after administering a dignified written rebuke to Congress for 
 its bad faith, returned to Bennington. It was plain to these men 
 that although Vermont had followed the advice of Washington and 
 complied with the earlier resolutions of Congress, as to the 
 relinquishment of her eastern and western territory, yet New York 
 had secured the hostility of that body to Vermont's admission to 
 the Union. This treatment of Vermont encouraged her old enemies, 
 New York and New Hampshire, and intensified the bitterness that 
 had so long existed. Trouble soon occurred that for a time 
 threatened civil war. Congress at once took sides and on the 5th 
 •day of December, 1782, passed resolutions of a nature entirely hos- 
 tile to Vermont, and threatened to enforce them by armed invasion 
 of the State. At this juncture Washington earnestly objected to 
 asuch employment of the army, and although New York urged 
 immediate action. Congress hesitated to enforce its resolution. 
 Vermont, through her Legislature and particularly by a sharp let- 
 ter, written by Governor Chittenden from Arlington, April 26, 1784, 
 vigorously resented the unwarranted interference of Congress. 
 That body to make amends at once referred to a committee the old 
 question of Vermont's admission to the Union. On the 29th of May 
 the committee made a favorable report. On the 3d of June it was 
 moved to postpone another matter, to vote upon the admission of 
 Vermont, but the vote to postpone was not carried. This was the 
 last time the Vermont question ever came up in the Continental 
 •Congress, and the question of her independence was never again 
 raised anywhere. From that time until her admission to the Union, 
 in 1791, she exercised unquestioned all the rights of a free and 
 independent country. She established a standard of weights and 
 measures, regulated the value and fineness of coins, passed an act 
 giving to Reuben Harmon, Jr., of Rupert, the exclusive privilege of 
 ■ coining copper, established postofflces and appointed a Postmaster- 
 General, and enacted other like measures for the public good. It 
 was evident that all claims of other states to jurisdiction over her 
 
INDEPENDENT VERMONT. 61 
 
 territory were gone forever. It soon became a question with the 
 leading men everywhere, even in New York, whether it were not 
 for the interests of all to secure Vermont's admission to the Union. 
 Alexander Hamilton urged it. The New York Legislature passed 
 measures consenting to it, and the project grew in favor everywhere. 
 There was, however, one unsettled question that was a source 
 of much discontent. Many residents of New York claimed title to 
 property in Vermont. Some of these claims, though conflicting 
 with the claims of Vermonters, were, no doubt, just. Of course 
 these titles were secure to the people of Vermont as long as she 
 might remain independent, but should she be admitted to the 
 Union the claims of people in New York might be revived, for 
 under the new order of things, the Federal courts would have juris- 
 diction in matters of dispute between citizens of different states. 
 So as time passed on and old feuds and bitterness died out, it was 
 everywhere acknowledged that for the peace and security of all 
 parties, and to insure and to make all titles to property in Vermont 
 forever clear beyond question, the matter of conflicting property 
 claims should have immediate settlement. Accordingly on the 23d 
 of October, 1789, the Vermont Legislature passed an act appointing 
 Isaac Tichenor, Stephen R. Bradley, Nathaniel Chipman, Elijah 
 Paine, Ira Allen, Stephen Jacob, and Israel Smith, as commissioners 
 to confer with certain other commissioners to be appointed by the 
 NewYork Legislature and giving them full power to settle all ques- 
 tions between New York and Vermont. After various meetings and 
 adjournments it was settled that Vermont should pay New York 
 $30,000 in extinguishment of all claims which citizens in the latter 
 State might have to property in Vermont. On the 28th of October, 
 
 1790, the Vermont Legislature voted to pay this sum to New York, 
 and as its payment removed the last objection to Vermont's admission 
 to the Union, at the same session a convention was called to meet at 
 Bennington on the 6th of January, 1791, to consider the adoption of 
 the United States constitution. On the 10th of the same month it was 
 ratified by a vote of 105 to two. The Legislature at the same time, 
 holding an adjourned session in Bennington, appointed Nathaniel 
 Ohipman and Lewis R. Morris to negotiate with Congress the terms 
 of Vermont's admission into the Union, and on the 18th of February, 
 
 1791, that body without debate or objection passed an act declar- 
 ing "That on the 4th day of March, 1791, the said State, by the name 
 and style of the State of Vermont, shall be received into this Union 
 as a new and entire member of the United States of America." 
 
 This in brief is an abridged outline of the story of Vermont's 
 settlement and existence as " the Grants," of her independence, and. 
 
62 HISTORIC INTR OB UC HON. 
 
 finally, of her efforts and success in gaining admission to the Union, 
 the celebration of the centennial of which is one of the dual observ- 
 ances of 1891. The story in detail is one of striking and unusual 
 interest, and one that attracted great attention in early times. Ver- 
 mont's cause won the admiration and enlisted the eloquence of 
 Patrick Henry, who praised her and her Spartan mountaineers for 
 their persistent courage in defending rights that in other colonies 
 had been surrendered to English greed without a blow. In the 
 light of her story it is easy to read the illustrious and romantic 
 character of her people. Throughout her history they have been 
 sturdy, independent and honest, quick to defend their rights and ta 
 demand justice for themselves, and as quick to accord justice to 
 others. Seldom uncertain in choosing between absolute right and 
 expedient wrong, Vermont has always stood at the head of the 
 column in the great controversies vital to the cause of humanity and 
 the safety of the Union. 
 
 Thus when slavery, if not existent, was at least protected in 
 almost every state, Vermont through one of her judges said that a 
 bill of sale transferring a negro to be valid must be in hand- writing 
 and under the seal of the Almighty, and when the thunder of can- 
 non shook the Carolinas in '61, the spirits of Warner and Allen and 
 their brave followers in the struggles on " the Grants " seemed 
 stalking abroad to rouse again the hardy yeomanry of the Green 
 Mountains to service for their country, and the answer came in a 
 victory shout from a hundred Southern fields. As her mountain 
 hamlets have been in the past, so they will be in the future, nurser- 
 ies of freedom as enduring as her beauty and her everlasting hills. 
 
PART I. 
 
 The Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument^ and the Centen- 
 nial Celebration of the Admission of Vermont into the Onion. The 
 Acts passed by the States of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massa- 
 chusetts; The Preparation made for the Eoent. The Grand 
 Procession, and Incidents Attending its Line of March. The 
 Exercises at the Monument, irccluding the Introductory Remarks, 
 Prayer by the Chaplain, Address of Welcome, Transfer of the Mon- 
 ument to the State, its Acceptance in behalf of the Commonwealth, 
 The Oration, Address by The President, and the Benediction. The 
 Banquet, and Postprandial Speeches. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Official Acts and Pkepaeation. 
 
 The Peepaeatokt Stage. — The completion of the masonry of 
 the monument, in November, 1889, gave ample time for such pre- 
 liminary steps as might be taken to ensure a suitable dedication of 
 the structure, as well as opportunity to complete the interior, 
 according to the plans adopted, before that date should arrive. The 
 Centennial of the Admission of the State into the Union occurring 
 March 4, 1891, at an inclement season of the year in this latitude, it 
 was decided to celebrate that important event in conjunction with 
 the Sixteenth of August celebration. The exact anniversary of the 
 Battle of Bennington falling upon Sunday, the date of the dual 
 observance was fixed by statute for August 19th. The Legislature 
 of 1890, passed the following " Act " being " Number 175," of that 
 session : 
 
 As Act Providing foe the Dedication of the Bennington Bat- 
 tle Monument, and the Centennial Celebration of the 
 Admission of Vbemont as a State. 
 
 It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ver- 
 mont, as follows : 
 
 Section 1. The Governor is hereby directed to invite, in the 
 name of the State of Vermont, the National Government, and the 
 States of New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, to unite with the 
 State of Vermont in the Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monu- 
 ment, and Celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Admission of 
 Vermont as a State, at Bennington, August 19, 1891. 
 
64 DEDICA TION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Section 2. The Governor of Vermont, with the Lieutenant- 
 Governor, Speaker of the House, State Treasurer, and Secretary of 
 State, shall constitute a committee of five which shall have the 
 arrangement and general charge and management of the ceremonies 
 attending the Dedication of said monument, and Centennial cele- 
 bration, and, in the name of the State, shall issue all invitations to 
 invited guests. 
 
 Section 3. All bills relating to the expense incurred in carry- 
 ing out the provisions of the preceding sections, shall, on approval 
 of at least three of said committee, be audited by the Auditor of 
 Accounts, and, on his order, paid out of the State treasury. 
 
 Section 4. It shall be the duty of the Governor to call the 
 annual encampment of the National Guard of Vermont at Benning- 
 ton during the week of the dedication of said monument. 
 
 Approved November 25, 1890. 
 
 The Official State Committee, created by Section 1 of this stat- 
 ute, organized early, and the Governor, under date of February 10, 
 1891, duly forwarded to the President of the United States, and to 
 the Governors of New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, the cordial 
 invitation directed by the Act. 
 
 It was early learned from these Executives that they heartily 
 responded, and would accept, if possible, and participate, with the 
 Green Mountain State in the celebrations. The Legislature of New 
 Hampshire passed the following : 
 
 Joint Resolution Relating to the Dedication of the Benning- 
 ton Battle Monument, and the Centennial Celebration of 
 THE Admission of Vermont into the Union. 
 
 Resolved, by the Senate and Souse of Representatives in General 
 Court convened: 
 
 That the Legislature of New Hampshire accept the invitation 
 of the Governor of Vermont, transmitted by direction of the Legis- 
 lature of that State, to unite with the States of Vermont and 
 Massachusetts in the exercises attending the Dedication of the Ben- 
 nington Battle Monument, and the Centennial Celebration of the 
 Admission of Vermont into the Union. 
 
 Resolved, That the sum of thirty-five hundred dollars, or so 
 much thereof as may be necessary, be and hereby is appropriated,^ 
 out of any money in the the treasury not otherwise appropriated, to 
 pay the expenses for transportation of equipage and such of the 
 military of the State as may attend the Dedication of the Bennington 
 Battle Monument, on the 19th of August next, such material and 
 troops to be designated by the Governor, with the advice and con- 
 sent of the Council and the Adjutant-General. 
 
 Resolved, That the Secretary of State be instructed to transmit 
 a copy of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Vermont 
 and to the Bennington Battle Monument Association. 
 
 Approved March 19, 1891. 
 
 The Legislature of Massachusetts, also, responded by passing- 
 
'crf]n 'iJybai?iJ^ 
 
THE OFFICIAL PREPARATION. 65 
 
 "Chapter 92," of the "Resolves of 1891," and the Secretary of the 
 Commonwealth, under date of June 18th, issued an order " That 
 Major-General Samuel Dalton, Adjutant-General, be authorized to 
 incur such expenses, not to exceed the amount appropriated as may- 
 be necessary," etc., to carry into effect the 
 
 Resolve Rblating to the Dedication op the Bennington Battle 
 Monument. 
 Resolved, That in order to accept the invitation of the Legisla- 
 ture of Vermont requesting the participation, of the Commonwealth 
 in the approaching Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument, 
 at Bennington, Vermont, in August of the present year, and the 
 Celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the Admission of 
 Vermont as a State, there be allowed and paid out of the treasury of 
 the Commonwealth a sum not exceeding twenty-seven hundred 
 dollars, to be expended under the direction of the Governor and 
 Council, to enable the Commonwealth to be properly represented 
 through the following ofllcials of the State Government : "the Gov- 
 ernor and not more than ten members of his Staff, the Lieutenant- 
 Governor, the members of the Council, the Secretary of the Com- 
 monwealth, Attorney-General, Treasurer and Receiver-General, 
 Ajiditor, President and Clerk of the Senate, Speaker and Clerk of 
 the House of Representatives, the joint Committee on Federal 
 Relations, a special committee, to consist of five members of the 
 Senate and fourteen members of the Plouse of Representatives, to be 
 appointed by the presiding oflQcers of the two branches, the Brigade 
 and Battalion Commanders of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, 
 Sergeant-at-Arms, and a reporter from each Boston daily paper. 
 Approved May 3, 1891. 
 
 Meantime, as early as February 28, 1891, a public meeting of the 
 citizens of Bennington was held for the purpose of effecting a per- 
 manent organization, in the interest of the proposed celebration and 
 dedication, auxiliary to the State Committee. An adjournment was 
 had until March 2nd, to hear the report of a committee of seven (of 
 which Colonel L. F. Abbott, of the Governor's Staff, was chairman), 
 chosen to nominate a " Committee of Fifty " for the purposes stated. 
 The gentlemen named were elected and appear below, sub-divided 
 in their respective committees. The local organization was made 
 necessary by reason of the distance apart of the Official State Com- 
 mittee, and their residence so far from the scene of the proposed 
 
 event. 
 
 March 31st a joint meeting was held in Bennington, of the 
 
 " OflBcial State Committee," and of the " Citizens Committee of 
 Fifty." Governor Page presided, and the meeting resolved itself 
 into a " committee of the whole " for the general discussion of the 
 details of the celebration. Among the gentlemen present, not mem- 
 bers of the aforesaid committees, we note : Quartermaster-General 
 Wni. H. Gilmore, Adjutant-General Theo. S. Peck, Brigadier-Gen- 
 
66 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 eral Wm. L. Greenleaf, General John G. McCuUough, ex-Governor 
 John W. Stewart, Colonels Julius J. Estey, M. S. Colburn, W. H. 
 H. Slack, M. J. Horton, L. F. Abbott ; and Hon. Henry G. Root, 
 Major A. B. Valentine, Hon. James K. Batchelder, Messrs. J. T. 
 Shurtleflf, Chas. E. Dewey, and others of the Battle Monument 
 Association. 
 
 At this meeting the action taken by the citizens of Bennington, 
 was ratified, and the organization of the committees was promul- 
 gated as follows : 
 
 Official State Committee. — Appointed hy Act No. 175 of the 
 laws O/1890. — -His Excellency Carroll S. Page, Governor of Ver- 
 mont; His Honor Henry A. Fletcher, Lieutenant-Governor; Hon. 
 Hosea Mann, Jr., Speaker of the House ; Hon. Henry F. Field, State 
 Treasurer ; Hon. Chauncey W. Brownell, Jr., Secretary of State. 
 
 Citizens Committee of Fifty. — Auxiliary to Official State 
 Committee. — John V. Carney, President; Edward L. Bates, Secre- 
 tary. Executive Committee, John V. Carney, John S. Holden, 
 Henry T. Cushman 2nd, Edward L. Bates, William C. Bull, Irving E. 
 Gibson, Edward D. Bennett, Henry L. Stillson, Asaph P. Childs. 
 Finance, John S. Holden, George F. Graves, Charles G. R. Jennings, 
 William _B. Sheldon, Edward W. Bradford, Edward D. Welling, 
 Edward J. Hall. Entertainment, Henry T. Cushman, 2nd, Alfred 
 Robinson, Lyman Rogers, C. Welling Thatcher, A. S. M. Chisholm, 
 George A. Robinson, Henry D. Fillmore, Cyrus D. Gibson, Emmett 
 B. Daley, Frederick S. Pratt, Frederick L. Bowen. Banquet and 
 tents, John V. Carney, Henry S. Bingham, Robert J. Coffey, Rufus 
 B. Godfrey, BurfC. Jenney, Edwin S. Chandler, Frank M. Tiffany. 
 Music, Edward L. Bates, Emmett B. Daley, Rudolph O. Goldsmith, 
 Alexander J. Cooper, Charles H. Darling. Decoration, William C. 
 Bull, Frank G. Mattison, J. Ed. Walbridge, Thomas White, Norman 
 M. Puffer, Harrison I. Norton, Edward L. Norton, Alexander K. 
 Ritchie, Frank M. Tiffany. Carriages, Irving E. Gibson, John S. 
 Lyman, John Robinson, Edwin D. Moore, Arthur J. Dewey, William 
 J. Meacham. Transportation, Edward D. Bennett, Charles H. Mason, 
 Emory S. Harris, H. Charles Lindloff, Frank W. Goodall. Printing, 
 Henry L. Stillson, James H. Livingston, Richard M. Houghton, 
 Norman M. Puffer, Harrison I. Norton. Pyrotechnics, Asaph P. 
 Childs, E. Livingston Sibley, Henry J. Potter, Jr., Mortimer T. 
 Hamlin. 
 
 Aside from this list several gentlemen were efficient as chair- 
 men and members of special committees of the Masonic Fraternity, 
 the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and various other organiza- 
 tions that appeared in the line. The State Committee, the several 
 chairmen of the sub-committees, as well as the officers of each, were 
 untiring and earnest in all the labor involved, and were ably 
 seconded by every one connected with their respective committees. 
 
 The Centennial Commission, thus organized, met often, fre- 
 quently in Bennington, and sometimes in Rutland, wherever it was 
 
THE OFFICIAL PREPARATION. 67 
 
 practicable to call the majority together, and in this way they per- 
 fected the arrangements. Section 4, of the Act, directing the 
 Governor to call the Annual Encampment of the Vermont National 
 Guard at Bennington, seemed to imply a procession under military 
 auspices. It was proposed by Major A. B. Valentine, and seconded 
 by several, that such action be taken, and the committee unani- 
 mously agreed thereto. Accordingly the following was issued : • 
 
 State of Vermont, 
 Office of Seckbtaey of State, 
 
 MoNTPEUEE, Vt., June 1, 1891. 
 Order Number One. 
 
 Brigadier-General William L. Greenleaf, commanding the 
 Vermont National Guard, is hereby designated as Chief Marshal at 
 the Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument and Centennial 
 Celebration of the Admission of Vermont as a State, to be held at 
 Bennington, Vt., Wednesday, August 19, 1891. 
 
 As such Marshal he will provide suitable escorts for distin- 
 guished guests, and have charge of all matters relating to the 
 parade to be held in connection with the celebration. 
 
 Military organizations and civic societies invited to participate 
 in the parade will report to him at as early a date as practicable, 
 for assignment to position in line, giving the name of the com- 
 mander or chief officer, and the number of men expected to be 
 present; also whether the organization will be accompanied by a 
 band or other music. By order of 
 
 Carroll S. Page, Governor, Chairman of Committee. 
 
 Chauncet W. Beownell, Je., Secretary of State, 
 
 Secretary of Committee. 
 
 The Hon. Wheelock G. Veazey was chosen President of the 
 Day, and the Hon. Edward J. Phelps, was, likewise, with cordial 
 unanimity, elected Orator of the occasion, and both accepted. 
 The Rev. Charles Parkhurst, D.D., of Boston, Mass., was asked to 
 to be Chaplain, and he, also, consented to act. 
 
 One of the contingencies to be provided for, early noted by the 
 auxiliary committee, was the entertainment of the thousands who 
 would probably come, especially the State guests. Of the latter 
 over 1600 invitations were sent out, and probably from 1300 to 1400 
 answered and were present. The Committee on Entertainment 
 organized a system by which each guest was met on his arrival, and 
 assigned to a place among the hospitable homes of Bennington. 
 The Committee on Banquet and Tents ably supplemented these 
 labors, and the tenting accommodations, in addition to those referred 
 to, were adequate to lodge and feed a much larger number of people ; 
 so that it appeared, says a newspaper reporter, that the problem had 
 been solved of putting a 50,000 assembly into a 4000 town, in spite 
 of predictions to the contrary. North Bennington efficiently sec- 
 
68 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 onded these efforts, and to the people there many of our guests, 
 distinguished or otherwise, are indebted for their entertainment 
 while here. 
 
 Souvenir programmes were issued by the Committee on Print- 
 ing and an edition, of 20,000 32-page pamphlets, containing railroad 
 rates from all points in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, 
 and • Northern New York, was issued and distributed. During the 
 celebration, another edition, of 20,000 OfQcial Programmes, revised 
 to that date, was also distributed. 
 
 The Committee on Transporation and the various railroads each 
 contributed their full share toward the success of the great event. 
 The railroads associated, principally, were the Bennington & Rut- 
 land, the Central Vermont, the Fitchburg, the Connecticut River, 
 the Boston & Maine system, as well as the Lebanon Springs, Wells 
 River, and other shorter roads. Especially to the first, which fur- 
 nished the terminal accommodations, is credit due. That the great 
 number who attended were brought here and safely returned to 
 their homes is a feat in railroading seldom equalled, considering the 
 circumstances. 
 
 Without going farther into detail, the story of the proceedings 
 told in subsequent pages, will give the proper history of the main 
 actors in the preparation for, and consummation of, this undertak- 
 ing. The just tribute paid to the Official State Committee, in Part 
 II., is referred to in this connection, as well as to others receiving 
 due credit in other portions of this work. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Tub Procession" and its Incidents. 
 
 The day dawned clear and beautiful, and at an early hour, 
 by five o'clock, nearly everybody in town was busy with their 
 preparation for the great parade, the notable celebration, and all 
 that followed it, closing with the jDyrotechnic display in the evening. 
 The most conservative estimates did not place the gathering at less 
 than 30,000 people, while the calculations of a greater number went 
 as high as 40,000 and above. It was very generally conceded that 
 the number was somewhat less that at the Centennial in 1877, but 
 the arrangements were- more nearly perfect and the enjoyment 
 greater. Everything radiated from the Soldiers' Home as a 
 rendezvous, which, with its spacious grounds, it is not to be 
 doubted, contributed very much to the success of the occasion. 
 
TJSE GRAND PROCJSSSIOlSr. 69 
 
 The New York Tribune says: "The events commemorated were 
 celebrated in a manner befitting the occasion, and worthy of the 
 patriotic descendants of those who fought for liberty and indepen- 
 dence at Bennington, Bunker Hill, and in the other battles of the 
 Revolution." 
 
 Report of Chief Marshal. — The Report of the Chief Marshal, 
 with the corrected list of organizations inline, comprises the facts 
 of the procession in a condensed form, as follows : 
 
 Office of the Chief Marshal, 
 Burlington, Vt., September 19, 1891. 
 Sis Excellency, Carroll 8. Page, Chairman of the Committee, Hyde 
 Park, Vermont. 
 
 Sir : — I have the honor to submit my report as Marshal of the 
 parade in connection with the Dedication of the Bennington Battle 
 Monument, and Celebration of the Centennial of the Admission of 
 Vermont into the Union, August 19, 1891. * * * 
 
 Owing to the fact that quite a number of organizations, partici- 
 pating in the parade, did not report until after the formation of the 
 column had commenced, the " Order in Column," as given in Orders 
 No. 2, is incomplete, and a corrected list of the organizations in line, 
 with the number of men present, is herewith transmitted. 
 
 In accordance with the announcement, in Orders No. 2, the pro- 
 cession moved from the grounds of the Soldiers' Home promptly at 
 10 o'clock, A. M. A delay of a few minutes was occasioned after 
 the start by reason of the crowd about the carriage of President 
 Harrison ; with this exception there were no delays at any point. 
 The head of the column reached the Monument grounds at 11.15, 
 and the last carriage was unloaded at 12.30. The services at the 
 Monument having been completed, at 2.30, P. M., the column was 
 reformed for the return march. The rear of the first division, with 
 the distinguished guests, reached the "Home" at 3.20, P. M., and 
 the different organizations were at once dismissed. 
 
 The column included eighty-eight military and civic organiza- 
 tions, twelve bands, six drum corps, and one hundred and eight 
 carriages. While the number of men in line was probably some- 
 what less than at the Centennial Anniversary of the battle, in 1877, 
 there were a larger number of handsomely uniformed bodies, and 
 many gentlemen of large experience in such matters have pro- 
 nounced the parade the finest ever witnessed in Vermont. 
 
 In closing this report, I desire to commend to your Excellency 
 the Commanders of organizations, and the members of the Staff for 
 the interest manifested, and for the intelligence and skill displayed 
 in the execution of orders, which contributed so largely in making 
 the parade an honor and credit to the State. Especial attention is 
 called to John A. Logan Mounted Post, No. 88, G. A. R., Hon. H. G. 
 Hibbard, Commander, for its valuable services in escorting Presi- 
 dent Harrison from North Bennington to the Soldiers' Home. 
 
 I would also take this opportunity of expressing my sincere 
 thanks to your Excellency, and the other gentlemen of the Com- 
 
70 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 mittee, for the honor conferred upon me by the appointment as 
 Marshal, and for the many courtesies at your hands during the 
 preparation for the celebration. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 William L. Gueenleaf, Brig.-Gen. V. N. G., 
 
 Chief Marshal. 
 
 Formation of the Column for the Pabade. — 
 
 Platoon of ten Mounted OfQcers, commanded by John Robinson, 
 
 Sheriff. 
 Platoon of thirteen Police, commanded by John Nash, Chief of 
 
 Police. 
 Brig.-Gen. Wm. L. Greenleaf, Chief Marshal. 
 Bvt. Lieut. -Col. Marcus D. Greene, Chief of Staff' ; Bvt. Lieut.-Col. 
 William Smith, Chief Quartermaster ; Maj. Robert J. Coffey, 
 Provost Marshal. 
 Personal Aides — Capt. Ralph W. Hoyt, 11th Infantry, U. S.A. ; 
 Capt. Herbert S. Poster, 20th Infantry, U. S. A. 
 Orderly — Color Bearer — Bugler. 
 Escort. — John A. Logan Mounted Post, No. 88, Department of Ver- 
 mont, G. A. R., H. G. Hibbard, Commander, 28 men. 
 
 FIRST division KBD FLAG. 
 
 Col. Julius J. Estey, First Regiment, V. N. G., Assistant Marshal, 
 
 commanding. 
 Aides. — Lieut. James A. Lillis, Lieut. Charles H. Fuller, Lieut. J. 
 Gray Estey, and Lieut Arthur G. Eaton, of the First Regi- 
 ment, V. N. G. 
 Orderly — Color Bearer — Orderly. 
 Rublee's Band, of Lake Village, N. H., 26 pieces. 
 Maj. Charles H. Bartlett, commanding Battalion of Amoskeag 
 
 Veterans, of Manchester, N. H. 
 Staf. ■ — Adjt. John Gannon, Jr.; Judge Advocate, Henry E. Burn- 
 ham; Chaplain, W. H. Morrison; Surgeon, M. B. Sullivan; 
 Asst. Surg., C. E. Dodge ; Paymaster, Charles L. Har- 
 mon; Quartermaster, Moses Wadleigh. 
 Company A. — Captain Benjamin F. Clark, 30 men. 
 Company B. — Captain George H. Wilson, 30 men. 
 (As escort to reviewing party in carriages.) 
 First carriage, — President Benjamin Harrison ; Governor C. S. Page, 
 
 of Vermont; Col. W. Seward Webb, A. D. C. 
 
 Maj. JohnS. Drennan and Detail from the Department of Vermont, 
 
 G. A. R., as Guard of Honor; and eighteen carriages. 
 
 (Names in full will be found in Part II., Chap. II.) 
 
 Montpelier Military Band, 40 pieces. 
 
 First Regiment, Vermont National Guard, Lieut.-Col. Charles C. 
 
 Kinsman, commanding. 
 
 Maj. Geo. H. Bond; Maj. John H. Watson; Maj. Calvin W. Evans; 
 
 Lieut. B. B. Perkins, Acting Adjutant ; Maj. James N. Jenne, 
 
 Surgeon ; Lieut. W. D. Huntington, Lieut. Henry H. Lee, 
 
 Asst. Surgeons ; Capt. John D. Wyman, I. R. P. ; 
 
 Rev. Howard F. Hill, Chaplain. 
 
THE GUARD PROCESSIOK 71 
 
 Co. D. — St. Johnsbury Guard, St. Johnsbury — Capt. A. W". Kob- 
 
 erts, 51 men. 
 
 Co. C. — Sprague Guard, Brandoa — Capt. J. W. Symons, 61 men. 
 
 Co. I. — Estey Guard, Brattleboro— Capt. F. W. Childs, 51 men. 
 
 Co. A. — Kingsley Guard, Rutland — Capt. T. A. Davis, 51 men. 
 
 Co. K.— -Benningtou Rifles, Bennington — Capt. H. D. Fillmore, 
 
 51 men. 
 Co. F. — New England Guard, Northfleld — Capt.G.C. Bates, 51 men. 
 Co. M. — Frontier Guard, Richford —Capt. W. S. Thayer, 51 men. 
 
 Co. B. — Barlow Grays, St. Albans — Capt. J. H. Mimms, 51 men. 
 
 Co. E. — Spencer Rifles, Barre — Lieut. Fred B. Mudgett, 50 men. 
 
 Co. L. — Newport Rifles, Newport — Capt. G. D. Pratt, 51 men. 
 
 Co. G. — Bradford Guard, Bradford — Capt. C. E. Clarl?;, 5rmen. 
 
 Co. H. — Capitol Guard, Montpelier — Capt. O. D. Clark, 51 men. 
 
 First Regiment Band, N. H. N. G., 30 pieces. 
 
 Battalion, New Hampshire National Guard, Maj. Francis O. Nims, 
 
 commanding. 
 
 Lieut. Frank B. Perkins, 1st Regt., Adjutant ; Lieut. Arthur M. 
 
 Dodge, 3d Regt., Quartermaster ; Lieut. Robert Burns, 
 
 3d Regt., Asst. Surgeon. 
 
 Company H., First Regt., Manchester, Capt. J. H. Soly, 49 men. 
 
 Company G., Second Regt., Keene, Capt. O. E. Upham, 49 men. 
 
 Company C., Third Regt., Concord, Capt. W. C. Trenoweth, 49 men. 
 
 Doring's Band, Troy, N. Y., 24 pieces. 
 
 Twenty-First Separate Company, N. G. S. N. Y. (Tibbits Corps), 
 
 of Troy, N. Y., Capt. Jas. H. Lloyd, commanding, 83 men. 
 
 Light Guard Drum Corps, North Adams, Mass., 10 pieces. 
 
 Light Guard Battalion, North Adams, Mass., Maj. F. H. Flemming, 
 
 commanding, 60 men. 
 
 Company B., Second Regt., M. V. M., Amherst, Mass., Capt. E. G. 
 
 Thayer, commanding, 32 men. 
 
 Thirty-Second Separate Company Band, 27 pieces. 
 
 Thirty-Second Separate Company, N. G. S. N. Y., Hoosick Falls, 
 
 N. Y., Capt.' Charles W. Eddy, commanding, 76 men. 
 Battery B., Fourth Artillery, U". S. A., Bvt.-Maj. Harry B. Gushing, 
 
 commanding, 53 men. 
 
 First Light Battery, Vermont National Guard, Bvt.-Col. Levi K. 
 
 Fuller, commanding, 80 men. 
 
 SECOND DIVISION WHITE FLAG. 
 
 Col. Albert W. Metcalf, Second Regiment, N. H. N. G., Assistant 
 
 Marshal, commanding. 
 Aides. — Maj. Charles E. Nelson, Y. N. G. ; Lieut. Sumner Nims, 
 N H N. G. ; Gen. Levi G. Kingsley, G. A. R. ; Gen. Chas. F. 
 Branch, K. T. ; Capt. F. L. Greene, S. of V. 
 
 Orderly — Color Bearer — Orderly. 
 
 U. S. Military Academy Band, 30 pieces. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. H. S. Hawkins, U. S. A., Commandant Corps of Cadets, 
 
 U. S. Military Academy. 
 Staff. — G&^t. W. F. Spiergin, 21st Infantry; Capt. W. Fitzhugh 
 Carter, Medical Dep't ; First Lieut. J. D. C. Haskins, 3d Artil- 
 lery • First Lieut. E. E. Hardin, 7th Infantry ; First Lieut. 
 W. W. Gilbraith, 5th Artillery ; 
 
72 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 First Lieut. John A. Johnston, 8th Cavalry ; First Lieut. Dan'l L. 
 Tate, 3d Cavalry ; Second Lieut. T. Bentley Mott, 1st Artillery. 
 Corps of Cadets, U. S. Military Academy, West Point, 240 men. 
 Proctorsville Cornet Band, 25 pieces. 
 Department of Vermont, Grand Army of the Republic, D. L. Mor- 
 gan, Commander, and Staff, 500 men, 20 flags. 
 Fairfax Drum Corps, 10 pieces. 
 Willard Post, G. A. R., Troy, N. Y., Chas. M. Leet, Commander, 
 
 60 men. 
 
 Rochester Drum Corps, 10 pieces. 
 
 Vermont Veteran Association of Boston, Mass., John J. Warden, 
 
 President, 30 men. 
 Mount Calvary Mounted Commandery, No. 1, K. T., Middlebury, 
 Sir Frank A. Goss, Eminent Commander, 56 men. 
 (As special escort to Grand Commandery.) 
 Grand Commandery, Knights Templars of Vermont, Right Eminent 
 Kittridge Haskins, Grand Commander ; Marsh O. Perkins, 
 Deputy Grand Commander; Warren G. Reynolds, 
 Grand Recorder. 
 St. Albans Brigade Band, 30 pieces.. 
 Lafayette Commandery, No. 3, of St. Albans, Sir George W. Burle- 
 son, Eminent Commander, 33 men. 
 Burlington Commandery, No. 2, of Burlington, Sir Henry H. Ross, 
 Eminent Commander, 25 men. 
 Meacham Drum Corps, 8 pieces. 
 Vermont Commandery, No. 4, of Windsor, Sir Henry L. Williams, 
 
 Eminent Commander, 58 men. 
 Palestine Commandery, No. 5, of St. Johnsbury, Sir Fred W. Tay- 
 lor, Eminent Commander, 45 men. 
 Killington Commandery, No. 6, of Rutland, Sir Edward. V. Ross, 
 Eminent Commander, 60 men. 
 First Regiment Band, Brattleboro, 26 pieces. 
 Beauseant Commandery, No. 7, of Brattleboro, Sir William H. Vin- 
 ton, Eminent Commander, 53 men. 
 Mount Zion Commandery, No. 9, of Montpelier, Sir N. W. Frink, 
 
 Eminent Commander, 24 men. 
 Malta Commandery, No. 10, of Newport, Sir Edwin B. True, 
 
 Eminent Commander, 20 men. 
 Taft Commandery, No. 8, of Bennington, Sir Wm. Bogert Walker, 
 Eminent Commander, 25 men. 
 Moodus Drum and Fife Corps, 16 pieces. 
 Putnam Phalanx, of Hartford, Conn., Maj. O. H. Blanchard, com- 
 manding, and Staff, 91 men. 
 Detachment of Fuller's Battery in Continental Uniform, in charge 
 of two pieces of artillery captured by Gen. Stark at the Battle 
 of Bennington, August 16, 1777. 
 Vermont and other State Societies, Sons of the American Revolu- 
 tion, Maj. A.B.Valentine, Marshal; Col. Clin Scott, Col. D. J. 
 Safford, Col. M. K. Paine, Aides, 75 men. 
 Bennington Citizens Band, 20 pieces. 
 Captain Frank Ray Camp, Sons of Veterans, Bennington, Capt. 
 Andrew Maurer, commanding, 75 men. 
 
THE GBAJSTD PJRO CESSION. 73 
 
 Manchester Drum Corps, 12 pieces. 
 
 Visiting Camps of Sons of Veterans, 45 men. 
 
 Illinois Association Sons of Vermont and kindred Societies, 50 men. 
 
 Vermont Senators and Representatives, 115 men. 
 
 THIRD DIVISION BLUE FLAG. 
 
 Col. William M. Strachan, Ninth Regiment, M. V. M., Assistant 
 
 Marshal, commanding. 
 Aides. — Capt. Max L. Powell ; Capt. Allen H. Sabin, V. N. G. ; Chev- 
 alier J. I. Loomis, Patriarchs Militant. 
 Lieut.-Gen. John C. Underwood, Commander of the Army, 
 Patriarchs Militant. 
 Staf. — Go\. W. H. Ralph, A. A. G. ; Col. H. L. Stillson, Gen. Staff 
 Corps ; Lieut.-Col. L. E. Welch, Lieut.-Col. W. D. Wilson, Lieut.- 
 Col. C. M. Campbell, Lieut.-Col. H. W. Hall, Maj. H. W. 
 Blanchard, Maj. Geo. W. Young, 
 Capt. P. D. Lapham. 
 Underwood Hussars, Troop 2, Patriarchs Militant, Boston, Mass., 
 
 Capt. Wellington Howes, commanding, 20 mounted men. 
 Col. N. M. Puffer, commanding Department of Vermont, Patriarchs 
 
 Militant. 
 Staff.— Ma.]. J. W. Goodell, A. A. G. ; Maj. F. M. Warner, A I. G. ; 
 
 Lieut. H. C. Lindloff, A. D. C. 
 First Regiment, Patriarchs Militant, Department of Vermont, Lieut.- 
 Col. Lowell C. Grant, commanding. 
 Staff. — Capt. H. L. Hover, Adjt. ; Capt. J. W. Smith, Q. M. ; Capt. 
 L E. Gibson, Commissary; Maj. H. J.. Potter, Jr., Surgeon; 
 Capt. J. D. Lance, Asst. Surgeon ; Rev. S. F. Calhoun, 
 D.D., Chaplain ; Lieut. H. P. Frost, Bannerett ; 
 
 Sergt. John H. Ayres, Sergeant- Maj or. 
 
 Sherman Military Band, Burlington, 30 pieces. 
 
 Canton Lafayette of Burlington, Capt. L. G. Burnham, 29 men. 
 
 Canton Bennington of Bennington, Capt. E. S. Harris, 35 men. 
 
 Canton Palestine of Brattleboro, Capt. J. C. Timson, 36 men. 
 
 Canton Rutland of Rutland, Capt. L. V. Greene, 35 men. 
 
 Canton Montpelier of Montpelier, Capt L. A. Flint, 38 men. 
 
 Canton Vinton of Barre, Capt. J. B. Dillon, 50 men. 
 Canton Franklin of St. Albans, Capt. H. C. Sperry, 30 men. 
 Brig.-Gen. James O. Woodward, commanding First Brigade, Patri- 
 archs Militant, Department of New York. 
 ^^a^._ Lieut.-Col. D. G. Face, Special A. D. C. 
 Canton Nemo, No. 1, Patriarchs Militant, Albany, N. Y., 60 men. 
 Third Regiment, Patriarchs Militant, Department of Massachusetts, 
 
 Col. George H. Randel, commanding. 
 
 Lieut.-Col., Geo. F. Amidon ; Maj. J. B. Farley; Capt. T. C. Cronan, 
 
 Adjt. ; Capt. D. N. Pratt, Q. M. ; Capt. Geo. E. Heath, Asst. 
 
 Surgeon ; Lieut. E. F. Stone, Bannerett. 
 
 North Adams Military Band, 25 pieces. 
 
 Canton Worcester, No. 3, Worcester, Capt. John A. Sears, 45 men. 
 
 Canton Hebron, No. 4, Fitchburg, Capt. Geo. H. Sprague, 45 men. 
 
 Canton Tabor, No. 8, Shelburne Falls, Capt. J. C. Perry, 30 men. 
 
 Canton Orange, No. 52, Orange, Capt. W. H. Lathrop, 25 men. 
 
 Canton Athol, No. 60, Athol, Capt. W. H. Heustis, 20 men. 
 
74 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Canton Colfax, No. 28, North Adams, Capt. N. B. Flood, 25 men. 
 Canton Springfield, No. 23, Springfield, Capt. W. E. Sanderson, 
 
 30 men. 
 
 Knights of Pythias, North Adams, Mass., 25 men. 
 
 Ninety-one carriages with invited guests in charge of Bvt. Lieut.- 
 
 Col. William Smith, Q. M., First Brigade, V. N. G., assisted by 
 
 Sergt. H. B. Chamberlain, Brigade Q. M. Sergeant. 
 
 Recapitulation. — officers and Men 
 
 Military Organizations . _ _ . _ _ 1600. 
 
 Grand Army of the Republic _...._ _ 625. 
 
 Patriarchs Militant _ _ . . . 600. 
 
 Invited Guests, etc ._._. 589. 
 
 Musicians _ _ 390. 
 
 Knights Templars 380. 
 
 Civic Societies . 175. 
 
 Sons of Veterans 125. 
 
 Aggregate 4,484. 
 
 Carriage and saddle horses, 511. 
 
 Line of Maech. — The route of the procession, after leaving 
 Camp Vermont, was through North, Gage, Safford, and Main streets 
 to the reviewing stand, near the corner of Main street, and Dewey 
 avenue. President Harrison and party having taken position in 
 the stand, the column passed in review [for account in detail, see 
 Part II.], and continued the march to the Monument where the 
 troops and other organizations were massed on the east and west 
 sides of the Grand Stand. At the conclusion of the ceremonies the 
 column reformed, and returned to' the grounds of the Soldiers' Hortie 
 by way of Main, and North streets, where it was dismissed. 
 
 Decoe.ations, and Teiumphal Aech. — Bennington was decor- 
 ated in all quarters, the public and business buildings, and private 
 residences being hidden by bunting and streamers, the National 
 colors predominating, while triumphal arches spanned the streets at 
 frequent intervals. Of these we mention two, the first being situ- 
 ated at the entrance to the Soldiers' Home grounds, head of North 
 street. The frame work, of timber, was entirely concealed by ever- 
 greens. The pillars at the side were eight by sixteen feet, and the 
 outside length of the span was 56 feet. On the south-front, over 
 the key-stone, appeared the word " Welcome," wrought in white 
 immortelles. Beneath this was suspended a floral horse shoe, and 
 at each end a floral star. On the North, or inner front of the arch, 
 in white immortelles, was the motto and dates: "1777 — Molly 
 Stark was not Widowed— 1891 " ; above them, an American flag in 
 cut flowers. The arch, also, bore the inscription " Camp Vermont," 
 and two large United States flags hung as drapery under the span. 
 When the procession moved from camp it passed underthis arch. 
 
y o - 
 
THE GRAND PROCESSION. 75 
 
 The " Triumphal Arch " was placed at the intersection of Main, 
 North, and South streets ; and, among the many attractive decora- 
 tions, there was nothing to compare with it. At an early meeting 
 of the Committee on Decoration, it was decided that the most satis- 
 factory results would be realized, by concentrating the efforts of the 
 committee, in the construction of an arch that should be, in quality 
 and design, far beyond the custom pertaining to such occasions. It 
 was, therefore, proposed to prepare one structure which should be a 
 credit to them, and a praise to the liberality of the State in encour- 
 aging such a display of patriotism. 
 
 The design was prepared and submitted to the Official State 
 Committee by Chairman Wm. C. Bull, a resident architect; and, 
 being unanimously adopted, he was directed to superintend its con- 
 struction, and to work out, to a satisfactory completion, all the 
 ideas of embellishment such a design was susceptible. The most 
 flattering results were obtained, and could only be fully appreciated 
 by a personal inspection of its completed form. The Arch was a 
 massive structure of wood, covered with canvas, artistically painted 
 to imitate the rough stone and finished seams of the Battle Monu- 
 ment. It had a length of nearly seventy-five feet, a breadth of 
 about eighteen feet, and a height of over sixty feet. So faithfully 
 was the plan of a stone structure accomplished that many visitors 
 spoke of " The excellent stone cutting, and the time that must have 
 been consumed in its erection." Many were impelled to feel of it, 
 and others struck it with canes, in order to be convinced of the 
 material. 
 
 It will be noted, by the illustration, that this triumphal struct- 
 ure was intended to represent a " Living Arch," figurative of the 
 times, and commemorative of the firm and vigorous labors of our 
 ancestors, who assisted in establishing the Republic during one of 
 the most vital periods of its existence as a State and Nation. 
 
 The turreted top of the Arch was occupied by about one- 
 hundred and seventy-five young ladies, and children from the 
 public schools, who sang patriotic songs, under the direction of Prof, 
 Hubert W. Downs. They were dressed in pure white, and, with 
 their hair falling loosely about their necks, looked, as a woman 
 remarked to her escort, " Like little angels, every one of them." In 
 the lower balcony, on either side, stood thirteen ladies representing 
 the Original States. They were dressed in costume, and each bore 
 in one hand the United States and in the other their respective 
 State shields. Wearing a broad bandana, and with the dark walls 
 of the arch as a foil, they made an extremely handsome picture. 
 Miss Lillian B. Adams, one of Bennington's fair daughters, clad in 
 
76 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 the time-honored colors and' robes of the Goddess of Liberty, with 
 staff and cap, occupied a throne of gold and National colors in the 
 lofty turret on the top of the main arch. 
 
 More than 8000 people had gathered in the vicinity, filling the 
 streets, the house-tops, and every possible inch of observation space, 
 to witness the parade. Frequent and hearty was the applause 
 bestowed upon the various organizations, as they filed past, in 
 brilliant array, to the inspiring notes of martial music played by 
 some of the finest bands in this country, and a stranger could 
 scarcely believe he was not in some large city witnessing a National 
 demonstration, so great was the display, whether it be of the mili- 
 tary or civic organizations. 
 
 When the victoria, drawn by four white horses, containing 
 President Harrison, Governor Page, Doctor Wm. Seward Webb, 
 Colonel and special A. D. C, approached the Arch, The President 
 stood with uncovered head ; the Goddess of Liberty, also, arose and 
 saluted in recognition. As The President passed under the Arch, a 
 shower of roses fell from the hands of the children, sprinkled his 
 carriage and all about it. At the same time the chorus .of 
 childish voices struck up " America," while the shouts from the 
 8000 people, increased in volume by the multitude on the house- 
 tops, swelled the enthusiasm to a degree seldom witnessed. These 
 demonstrations attended the Presidential party along the whole 
 route from Camp Vermont to the Monument and return. 
 
 During the week of the Celebration, the Arch was kept lighted 
 at night, with nearly three hundred electric lamps, arranged along 
 its outline, and, also, at every point which would add to its scenic 
 effect. On the evening of the 19th, several powerful calcium lights 
 were kept burning, showing the structure with a peculiar effect, 
 making plain the mottoes : "1777 — You see the Red Coats, they 
 are ours, or Mollie Stark sleeps a Widow to-night," being the his- 
 toric words uttered by General Stark as he rallied his men to fight 
 on the field of Bennington ; the other half of the same side of the 
 Arch had the words, " Peace hath her Victories, no less Renowned 
 than War — 1891." These are the mottoes that were used on the 
 Arch of 1877. The opposite, or eastern side, is shown in the illus- 
 tration. These mottoes appeared to be cut in raised letters upon a 
 rough and ancient stone face. 
 
 The Grand Stand. — The sight from the Grand Stand — as the 
 long column curled up the hill, and mached around the Monument to 
 the places assigned the different companies and platoons, on the 
 grounds in front of the Stand — was the finest and most imposing 
 spectacle of the sort ever seen in this State, and bears out the 
 
XlUo^^^ -6. Q^^ 
 
ADDRESSES A T THE MONUMENT. 77 
 
 statement of the Chief Marshal in his report to the Governor, given 
 above. 
 
 The Salute. — When the artillery reached Monument Park 
 Battery B, 4th Artillery, U. S. A., Major H. C. Gushing, command- 
 ing, left the line, took a position near the Speakers' stand and faced 
 the valley toward the East. The First Light Battery, V. N. G., 
 Colonel Fuller in command, arrived soon afterward. The salute 
 was given by Cushing's Battery. There were four 32-calibre 
 breech-loading field pieces. The guns were pointed South, in the 
 direction of Main street, and the President's salute, twenty-one 
 guns, was fired. At 11.45 o'clock Major Cushing gave the order to 
 dismount. At 11.50 o'clock the guns were prepared for firing, and a 
 moment later the loud reports were heard through the valley. The 
 four guns were reloaded as fast as Major Cushing gave the orders. 
 The last gun was fired at 11.55 o'clock. At noon the guns wheeled 
 and the caissons resumed position in the rear. During the firing 
 Colonel Fuller's Battery was stationed farther down the hill. 
 Before The President and other distinguished guests reached the 
 Monument the artillery had disappeared, moving across the field. 
 Both companies were then ordered back to camp at the Soldiers' 
 Home. 
 
 CHAPTER in. 
 
 The Dedicatory and Centennial Exercises. 
 
 The Monument Dedicated. — The Grand Stand had been 
 erected just south of the massive and lofty pillar which will tell 
 generations yet unborn of the patriotism of the Green Mountain 
 Bovs, and their allies, of 1777. Seats for one thousand had been 
 provided, and the whole roofed with canvas. The decorations 
 included twenty-eight flags of the pre-Revolutionary and Revolu- 
 tionary period, preceding the adoption of the " stars and stripes," or 
 the era between 1634 and 1777. The unique collection furnished an 
 interesting study in the history of American flags. The seats were 
 arranged in three tiers. The President's station being in the center 
 of the second plane, decorated with the National flag, the " coat of 
 arms " of the United States, and the State flag of Vermont. When 
 all were in their places, and quiet had been restored, the President 
 of the Day advanced to the front of the platform and addressed the 
 vast concourse : 
 
78 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Introductory Remarks by Hon. Whbblook G. Veazet, Presi- 
 dent OF THE Day. — 
 There is to be a dual observance in Bennington to-day. One 
 part is to be in the nature of a Dedication of this Monument ; the 
 other, a Celebration of the one hundredth Anniversary of the Admis- 
 sion of Vermont into the Federal Union of States. Each would 
 naturally assume somewhat of a National character. Together 
 they make an occasion of unusual National importance. 
 
 We stand at the point where Stark had brought volunteers 
 from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont, in August, 1777, 
 to defend the military stores here collected, and to operate in his 
 discretion upon the flank of the hostile army which, in its south- 
 ward movement through the Champlain Valley, invaded the 
 western borders of the territory of Vermont. 
 
 With true knightly spirit, and a lady-love allusion that sparkles 
 of heraldry, the brave General boldly abandoned the defensive, and 
 gallantly led his crude force to assault, and to decisive victory 
 against a trained foe, in a chosen position. 
 
 Measured by the numbers engaged, or by the experience of 
 thousands of men to-day standing on this ground, it was a small 
 affair. Measured by consequences, and the verdict of history, it 
 was a battle of surpassing importance. It is this fact that accounts 
 for the erection of this massive structure a century after Burgoyne 
 had the sudden attack of heart failure, when he heard of the result 
 at Bennington. It is this fact that accounts for the presence of 
 The President and Cabinet, of Governors and statesmen from so 
 many parts of the broad land that now constitute our country. 
 
 To each and all of her sons and daughters, now here from 
 beyond her borders, to each and all of her other visitors, who so 
 much honor us by their presence, the people of Vermont — 'thrilled 
 with pride of her part in the heroic scenes that made Bennington 
 memorable, when Warner rode by the side of Stark, and Herrick 
 hurled his corps of unerring riflemen against the entrenchments of 
 Baum — extend hand and heart with one universal a,cclaim of deep, 
 sincere welcome. 
 
 In the arrangement of the long programme, it is appointed that 
 the first part, shall be here enacted, and with becoming reverence 
 the exercises will be opened by prayer. 
 
 At the conclusion Judge Veazey introduced the Rev. Charles 
 Parkhurst, D.D., of Boston, the Chaplain of the Day, who delivered 
 this Invocation : 
 Peaybr of De. Paekhubst. — 
 
 Thou God of Nations, as of individuals, hear us in this com- 
 

 SQlX^ 
 
 
 n 
 
 ku^' 
 
 ^^ 7 f c 
 
ADDJiESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 79 
 
 memorative hour. A great cloud of witnesses lift most grateful 
 voice to Thee. Hallowed memories thrill us. This is thy chosen 
 land, and we are Thy people. Thine own Word is the inspiration of 
 personal freedom. Out of Thy Book our fathers were taught to 
 sigh for individual liberty. To these shores thou didst lead them to 
 found a State. We praise Thee to-day for the heritage that comes 
 to us in this goodly land, and in a patriotic ancestry. That ardent 
 love of liberty, of country and of home, Thou didst impart. The 
 language of freedom was heard from these hills : " I will lift up 
 mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help." Thou 
 didst say : " If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free 
 indeed" ; " Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made 
 us free " ; " Brethren, ye have been called unto liberty" ; For the 
 generation that learned so well these lessons, we thank Thee. For 
 the women and the men who could die, but who could not be 
 enthralled, we thank Thee. For all the heroism, sacrifice and 
 quenchless faith we thank Thee. Especially for the record for 
 which a grateful people rear this Monument, we thank Thee. For 
 the alertness and the courage to meet a great crisis and turn back 
 the oppressor, we thank Thee. For the part which this trinity of 
 States bore in that conflict, we rejoice. 'Such history and fellow- 
 ship to-day are our glory and our hope. The valorous love of 
 liberty which shone forth in the Green Mountain Boys, in the sons 
 of the Granite State and the Berkshire Hills, is our enthusiastic joy. 
 Thou dost link us indissolubly together in these thrilling memories. 
 We thank Thee that Thou hast made such a celebration of the past 
 possible. We rejoice in the perpetuity in the children, of the spirit 
 which we crown in the fathers. Sanctify to this nation the patriotic 
 lessons of this hour. • Speak to the people of this great land. Let 
 an impulse of holier patriotism possess us. Let eloquent tongue 
 and printed page awaken to a more grateful loyalty to Thee, to the 
 institutions which we inherit, and the solemn duties of Christian 
 citizenship. Help us to meet victoriously the perils that always 
 threaten the freedom of the individual and the State. To those 
 summoned to the grave responsibility of governing, in State and 
 Nation, grant illuminating grace and fidelity to personal conviction. 
 Greatly bless this, our dear native land. Let civil and religious 
 liberty everywhere prevail. Achieve in us and through us Thine 
 own great and gracious purpose for all peoples. For Thine is the 
 kingdom, the power and the glory, now and forever. Amen. 
 
 President Yeazey then introduced Hon. Carroll S. Page, Gov- 
 ernor of Vermont, and, in presenting him, alluded to his vigorous 
 and successful efforts in preparing for this great Vermont festival : 
 
80 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Address of Welcome. — 
 
 One hundred and fourteen years ago a band of Green Mountain 
 boys, representing what was then known as the New Hampshire 
 Grants, met in Westminster, and, in convention duly assembled. 
 
 Resolved, Tbat Vermont " Of right ought to be, and is hereby 
 declared forever hereafter to. be, a free and independent Jurisdiction 
 or State." 
 
 Fourteen years ago the sons and daughters of Vermont gath- 
 ered here, with patriotic citizens from sister states, to celebrate the 
 centenary of the birth of our State, and of the battle, in which our 
 fathers took such an important and distinguished part. 
 
 To-day we again gather on this historic ground to celebrate, not 
 our natal, but our wedding day ; the Centennial anniversary of the 
 wedding of our destinies as a State to those of the great Federal 
 family, and to dedicate to Liberty this majestic shaft which shall, 
 through coming ages, stand as a memorial to those brave men who 
 fought for principles which shall outlast this column, and died that 
 Liberty might live. 
 
 We welcome our neighbors from the old Bay State, whose noble 
 ancestors from yon valleys of Berkshire rallied at the tocsin of war, 
 and, snatching the battered arms of their fathers, hastened like 
 brothers to this field of conflict. 
 
 We welcome our many friends from the Granite State, whose 
 patriotic fathers, under the leadership and inspired by the peerless 
 courage of the gallant Stark, flocked to yonder battlefield to join, 
 with Warner and Herrick, in that memorable battle which the his- 
 torian of to-day records as one of the most important and decisive 
 of any of the Revolution. 
 
 We welcome, as a mother welcomes her long absent children, 
 those sons of our own Green Mountain State who have gone forth 
 from their native hillsides to win honorable records in every field. 
 You have made us proud of the name of Vermont, and with a 
 mother's pride we offer you a mother's blessing; God bless you. 
 Though wealth and honors have come to you in other lands, we are 
 unspeakably happy in the thought that when you turn your faces 
 Vermontward you feel that you are coming home. 
 
 Yes, sons of Massachusetts, sons of New Hampshire, sons of 
 Vermont, yes everybody, from the official head of the grandest 
 Nation the sun ever shone upon to the plain, untitled citizen, friend 
 and stranger, distinguished or unknown, thrice welcome all to the 
 festivities of this, our Centennial anniversary. 
 
 Your presence attests alike your grateful recollection of Ver- 
 mont's grandest historic achievement, and early devotion to the 
 
CO-iA^ c^/t.-^j^ iy^ln^7^^<!^^^tA^^t^■'^^.^^ 
 
ADDRESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 81 
 
 Union, and your sympathy with the patriotic and inspiring cere- 
 monies, of this day, that shall enshrine that achievement and that 
 devotion in the memories of her people. 
 
 In this august presence she unrolls the record of an hundred 
 years, and points with just pride to an historic page upon which she 
 finds nothing she would conceal, nothing she would obliterate. 
 
 The next speaker on the programme was ex-Governor Benj. F. 
 Prescott of New Hampshire, President of the Bennington Battle 
 Monument Association. In presenting him President Veazey 
 alluded to the great services of Governor Prescott for the past 
 fifteen years, in behalf of the Bennington Battle Monument Associa- 
 tion, first as Governor of New Hampshire, and, also, as an officer 
 of this Association from its organization to the present time : 
 Address, and Teansfbe of the Monument to the State, by ex- 
 Go veenob Pkescott. — 
 
 Your Excellency: — My duty on this occasion is simple, and I 
 should transcend it if I attempted to recite the events preceding and 
 at the Battle of Bennington. 
 
 That duty has been committed to a gentleman whose ripe 
 scholarship, and graceful eloquence, admirably qualify him for the 
 effort, and to whom this vast concourse of people will be delighted 
 to listen. 
 
 I will, however, allude to a few facts, purely historical, as this 
 event may justify such a recital. 
 
 One hundred and fourteen years ago a battle was fought in this 
 -vicinity, under the leadership of General John Stark, of New Hamp- 
 shire, by the patriotic volunteer citizens of that State, and others of 
 Vermont and Massachusetts, whose heroism and devotion to the 
 cause of liberty have never been excelled. At the expiration of a 
 century, a great gathering, in 1877, assembled in Bennington, and, 
 with imposing ceremonies, celebrated the anniversary of that battle. 
 
 A movement had been inaugurated to erect a monument on this 
 spot, to commemorate the battle, and the Battle Monument Associa- 
 tion, which had been organized for that purpose, was entrusted w th 
 the prosecution of the work. 
 
 A design was adopted. The United States, the States of Ver- 
 mont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, with the liberal and 
 patriotic citizens of the States contributed sufficient means to 
 accomplish the undertaking. 
 
 In August, 1887, there was another interesting and imposing 
 gathering on this spot, when the corner-stone of this magnificent 
 structure was laid. 
 
 On that day the same corner-stone, when laid, was committed 
 
82 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 by His Excellency, the Governor of Vermont, through me to the 
 Bennington Battle Monument Association, receiving the assurance 
 that a shaft should be erected thereon, " Beautiful and artistic in 
 design, massive in structure, which shall in the coming ages mark 
 one of the most important localities in our land." 
 
 How well that promise has been fulfilled, let all, who behold 
 this structure, judge. 
 
 The genius of the Architect, the faithfulness of the Builder, the 
 constant vigilance of the Building Committee can all be seen in this 
 the highest and grandest Battle Monument on earth. 
 
 We gather to-day to dedicate and to consecrate it. And now, 
 sir, in this distinguished presence, with this vast assembly as wit- 
 nesses, in which the states of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New 
 Hampshire are conspicuously represented by their Governors and 
 State officials ; iu the presence of the Chief Magistrate and his 
 Cabinet Ministers, and the representatives of the Army and Navy of 
 the Republic, which was made possible by the result of this battle, 
 in the presence of the veterans, of the last great war, who saved it 
 from destruction, and of the citizen soldiery, and civic organizations 
 that participate in this celebration, — I, as President of the Ben- 
 nington Battle Monument Association, in its behalf and by its 
 direction now transfer through you as Governor, to the State of 
 Vermont, this monument, erected to commemorate one of the most 
 decisive battles of the Revolution, and this deed conveys the title to 
 the property. 
 
 I know, sir, it will be as sacredly guarded in the coming ages as 
 was the soil on which it stands more than a century ago, and will 
 inspire all who behold it to increased devotion to the best govern- 
 ment on earth. 
 
 The President then again introduced Governor Page who 
 accepted the monument in behalf of the State. 
 Acceptance bt the Goveenok. — 
 
 Governor Prescott : — In behalf of Vermont I accept from you, 
 as President of the Bennington Battle Monument Association, this 
 title deed, and the responsibilities which its acceptance involves. 
 
 You convey to us the title to the property, but I assure you, 
 Mr. President, that Vermont's interest in this monument shall ever 
 be something more than a mere property interest. So long as the 
 sons and daughters of Vermont shall honor bravery and patriotism, 
 and revere the memory of a loyal, self-sacriflcing ancestry ; so long, 
 I am sure, will this memorial of a patriotism as pure and holy as 
 ever made its home in the breast of man, be guarded and cared for 
 as a sacred trust. 
 
ADDRESSES A T THE MONUMENT. 83 
 
 It shall stand here untouched, save by the finger of time, to tejl 
 to our children, and our children's children the story of the struggle 
 for liberty, and to inspire all who may come beneath its shadow 
 with a deeper love of country, and a higher appreciation of those 
 men whose sacrifices made possible the priceless blessings we are, 
 to-day, privileged to enjoy. 
 
 Your Association, sir, has earned and receives our gratitude for 
 the faithful manner in which it has discharged the important trust 
 committed to its care. You have done all that you promised. The 
 work so auspiciously begun by you, in 1887, has been carried for- 
 ward, until, to-day, it stands before us complete from base to 
 cope-stone, a work of architectural beauty. 
 
 Well done good and faithful servants. Vermont accepts the 
 title to your completed work, but will claim only .a joint ownership 
 "with New Hampshire and Massachusetts in all that it is, and all 
 that it commemorates ; and may this property which we here hold 
 in common, and our common interest in that historic past, ever tend 
 to perpetuate the friendly and fraternal relations which have 
 always existed between us. 
 Vermont Centennial Ode. — 
 
 This hymn, composed for the occasion by Doctor Emmett B. 
 Daley, was set to music by Professor Rudolph O. Goldsmith, and 
 was rendered by a selected choir. 
 
 At the conclusion of the hymn the President presented Hon. 
 Edward J. Phelps, of Burlington, Vermont, as the Orator, in the 
 following words : On the 4th day of March, 1791, the Act of Con- 
 gress took effect by which Vermont was admitted into the Union. 
 For some years previous she had been an Independent State. She 
 had resisted attempted governmental jurisdiction over her territory 
 from her neighboi'S on the east and on the west ; she had united 
 writh the Colonies in resisting the power of Great Britain during the 
 War of the Revolution ; she was ever ready to come into the Union 
 ■of States on just conditions. After years of turmoil and strife she 
 attained this result, and now takes great pride in her constant and 
 faithful devotion to her then new relation. To her it was a Union 
 iorever. She sent one from every ten of her entire population, to 
 help preserve it, in the War of the Rebellion. She would have sent 
 them all before surrendering that for which she fought so long and 
 hard to obtain. We are met to-day to celebrate the great event of 
 one hundred years ago. No artist's pen can draw the picture 
 sharper to the life, no lips can more eloquently make the descrip- 
 tion than the pen and lips of Edward J. Phelps, whom I now have 
 the honor of introducing : 
 
84 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Oration of Mr. Phelps. — 
 
 Vermont consecrates today her first historic monument. But 
 uot hers alone. New Plampshire and Massachusetts, who fought 
 with her and for her at Bennington, have joined in erecting this 
 memorial of their common history. And they are here, by a 
 splendid representation, to share in the triumph of its completion, 
 and to give to the occasion, by the distinction of their presence, a 
 higher dignity, a more generous grace. 
 
 The day has a still larger significance. It is trebly fortunate. 
 It marks not only the anniversary of the battle, and the happy 
 consummation in this structure of the exertions of fifteen years, but 
 likewise the centennial of the entrance of Vermont into the Federal 
 Union. It unites in its suggestions the great memories and the 
 great hope in the life of our commonwealth, the expiring century 
 and the limitless future. It is fit that we should signalize such an 
 occasion. Well may Vermont throw open this day her gates and 
 her heart. Well may she call her children home. And with a 
 display uncommon to her simple life, with trumpets, and banners, 
 and acclamations, and the triumphant voice of cannon, offer 
 unbounded welcome to the great concourse that has gathered to her 
 festival. 
 
 It is appropriate and gratifying that the Chief Magistrate of the 
 Nation should be at such a time our most honoured guest. In this 
 scene, party differences are forgotten. We are only Americans. 
 And in loyalty to that great ofQce, and respect for the incumbent 
 who fills it so well, we are all this day on the President's side. 
 
 History is full of battles. All its pages are stained with blood, 
 lustruments, for .the most part, of ambition, of tyranny and of 
 crime. It would have been well for the world to be spared the 
 misery they wrought. It would be well for its history if their 
 memory could perish. But there have been battles nevertheless 
 whose smoke went up like incense ; consecrated in the sight of 
 Heaven by the cause they maintained. Such was that for which 
 this shaft shall henceforth stand. 
 
 If battles were to be accounted great in proportion to the num- 
 bers engaged, Bennington would be but small. In comparison with 
 Marathon, and Waterloo, and Gettysburg, it was in that view only 
 an affair of outposts. But it is not numbers alone that give impor- 
 tance to battle fields. The fame of Thermopylae would not have 
 survived, had the Greeks been a great army instead of three 
 hundred. It is the cause that is fought for, the heroism and self- 
 sacrifice displayed, and the consequences which follow, moral and 
 political as well as military, that give significance to confiicts of 
 
ADDRESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 85 
 
 arms. Judged by these standards, Bennington may well be 
 reckoned among the memorable battles of the world. 
 
 It was, on our side, the people's fight. No government directed 
 or supplied it ; no regular force was concerned ; it was a part of no 
 organized campaign. New Hampshire sent her hastily embodied 
 militia, not the less volunteers. In Vermont and Massachusetts it 
 was the spontaneous uprising of a rural and peace-loving population, 
 to resist invasion, to defend their homes, to vindicate their right of 
 self-government. Lexington, Bunker Hill, and King's Mountain 
 were in this respect its only parallels in the Revolutionary war. 
 
 The march of Burgoyne from Canada to the Hudson, had been 
 till then a continuous victory. He was a brave and skilful soldier, 
 leading a well appointed and powerful army. Ticonderoga, the key 
 and stronghold of the northern frontier, had fallen unexpectly with- 
 out a blow. The Vermonters retreating thence had been overtaken 
 and utterly defeated at Hubbardton. The advance of the British to 
 Stillwater had been almost unopposed; and there was as yet no 
 promise of effectual resistance. Even Washington, steel proof 
 against despair, wrote that he saw not how Burgoyne's march to 
 Albany could be checked. 
 
 The situation of the inhabitants of the Hampshire Grants was 
 most critical. Their whole frontier was open to the incursions of 
 an enemy whose allies were savages. They had been totally 
 neglected by Congress ; not a step had been taken for their relief. 
 Scattered sparsely through the country upon their farms, without 
 any organized state government, almost destitute of the material of 
 war, except the firearms in their houses, they still had no thought of 
 flight or submission. They called upon God first, in a day of fast- 
 ing and prayer, appointed by their Convention, and not only 
 appointed but solemnly kept. And then they called upon New 
 Hampshire and John Stark. New Hampshire, ablaze with patriotic 
 feeling, issued instant orders for her militia to march. Stark's 
 reply was brief, for he was not a man of words : " I am on the 
 •way," said he, " with all the men I can muster." With the eye of a 
 born soldier he saw that the Vermonters were right when they 
 declared, that there could be no frontier but a frontier of armed 
 men. That the Hampshire Grants must be held, because no enemy 
 could be resisted to whom the gates of the country were thus 
 thrown open. And that the effectual blow against Burgoyne must 
 be struck on his flank. 
 
 Full justice has been done, in history and tradition, to the 
 bravery and the patriotism of John Stark. But his great qualities 
 as a general and a leader of men have not been set forth as they 
 
86 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 deserve. No better piece of military worlc was seen in the Revolu- 
 tion, than he did in that brief and sudden campaign. He con- 
 centrated the scattered militia at Charlestown, with a japidity that 
 was marvellous. He was impeded by the want of the most neces- 
 sary and ordinary supplies. Detained, he wrote, for lack of bullet 
 moulds ; " but one pair in town " ; for they had their own bullets to 
 cast; destitute, he M'rote again, even of camp kettles; striving in 
 vain to get three or four field pieces mounted; the powder he had 
 depended upon, half spoiled. Yet receiving his orders the 22nd of 
 July, while the militia were all at their homes, he marched with the 
 last of them from Charlestown, on the 3d of August. On the 7th he 
 was at Manchester, through the wilderness and across the Green 
 Mountains, by incapable roads, and without any adequate transpor- 
 tation. On the 9th he was at Bennington, with his own forces and 
 the Massachusetts and Vermont men organized and in hand. On 
 the 14th he engaged the enemy ; on the 16th the battle was fought. 
 If there had been no battle at all, such celerity and pi'ecision of 
 movement, with an irregular force, in the face of such difficulties, 
 would alone have been generalship of the highest order. 
 
 At Manchester he was met by a peremptory order from Con- 
 gress, to march at once to join Schuyler, leaving the Grants to their 
 fate. He refused to obey it. The cause was more to him than 
 ■Congress, and he understood its necessities better than they did. 
 On the 19th, three days after the battle, but before the news of it 
 liad reached them, that body adopted a resolution that his conduct 
 ■was prejudicial to discipline, and injurious to the common cause, 
 «,nd demanding of New Hampshire to revoke the oi-ders under 
 which he was acting. Three days later, they sent him a vote of 
 (thanks, their only contribution to the victory that caused the 
 •destruction of Burgoyne. 
 
 Meanwhile the men of the Grants had not been idle. Every 
 nerve had been strained in their own behalf. The Council of 
 .Safety, improvised for the occasion, sat continuously at Benning- 
 ■ ton, assuming all the powers of government. Every available man 
 turned out. No woman bid husband, son or brother slay. Such 
 .scanty supplies as by the utmost exertion could be collected, were 
 thrown into the common stock. The very day before the battle, 
 expresses were sent out through the farm-houses to gather lead, 
 " urgently needed," said the Council. The woods were on fire. Not 
 with the transient blaze that sweeps through the dry leaves and is 
 gone, but with the deep unquenchable combustion that burns in the 
 roots and the earth. 
 
 Of the stores that had been previously gathered at Bennington, 
 
< ADDRESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 87 
 
 much has been said, and but little is known. Their importance has 
 probably been exaggerated. That Burgoyne needed them, such as 
 they were, and desired still more to deprive his enemy of them, may 
 be true. But they were by no means the principal object of the 
 expedition he sent out, altogether disproportioned to so small a 
 matter. He saw as clearly as Stark did, that his left was the dan- 
 gerous quarter. It was not the feeble resistance before him that he 
 was afraid of, which had not yet fired an effectual shot. It was 
 what he well called "The gathering storm that was hanging on his 
 left." lie perceived that he must strike a blow in that quarter 
 which would put down opposition, and make safe his flank and his 
 rear. He meant to mount his dismounted dragoons on horses 
 obtained in the Grants, and to occupy and secure that ground. 
 The troops he sent out were therefore choice and well commanded, 
 and followed by a strong support. And their orders were, not 
 merely to capture Bennington, but to cross the country to Rocking- 
 ham, and thence march to Albany, a movement that would have 
 brought them into Schuyler's rear. 
 
 The British commander proceeded with the caution the impor- 
 tance of his expedition demanded. When he found that he must 
 fight, and perceived the resolute and thorough soldiership of Stark's 
 movements, he chose a position with excellent judgment, entrenched 
 himself strongly, and placed his troops and his guns to the best 
 advantage. Stark could not wait as he would have done, for his 
 enemy's advance. He was unable to subsist his ill-provided forces 
 long, nor could he keep them from homes that were suffering for 
 their presence. His only chance was to attack at once; and his 
 dispositions for it, most ably seconded by Warner, his right hand 
 man, were masterly beyond criticism. He had no artillery, no 
 cavalry, no transportation, no commissariat but the women on the 
 farms. Half of his troops were without bayonets, and even 
 ammunition had to be husbanded. He lacked everything but men, 
 and his men lacked everything but hardihood and indomitable reso- 
 lution. Upon all known rules and experience of warfare, the 
 successful storming, by a hastily organized militia, of an entrenched 
 position at the top of a hill, held by an adequate regular force, 
 would have been declared impossible. But it was the impossible 
 that happened, in a rout of the veterans that amounted to destruc- 
 tion. Histpry and literature, eloquence and poetry have combined 
 to enshrine in the memory of mankind, those decisive charges, at 
 critical moments, by which great battles have been won, and epochs 
 in the life of nations determined. I set against the splendour of 
 them all, that final onset up yonder hill and over its breastworks, 
 
88 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 of those New England farmers, on whose faces desperation had 
 kindled the supernatural light of battle which never shines in vain. 
 That conflict was the last hope of the Hampshire Grants. They 
 were fighting for all they had on earth, whether of possessions or of , 
 rights. They could not go home defeated, for they would have had 
 no homes to go to. The desolate land that Burgoyne would have 
 left, New York would have taken. Not a man was on the field by 
 compulsion, or upon the slightest expectation of personal advantage 
 or reward. The spirit which made the day possible, was that shown 
 in Stephen Fay of Bennington, who had five sons in the fight. 
 When the first-born was brought home to him dead, " I thank 
 God," he said, " that I had a son, willing to give his life for his 
 country." 
 
 Such, in merest and briefest outline, was Bennington. Its 
 story, imperfectly preserved, comes down to us only in flashes, but 
 they are flashes of glorious light. Its consequences were immediate 
 and far reaching. It was the first success of the Revolution 
 which bore any fruit. Its guns sounded the first notes in the knell 
 which announced that the power of Great Britain over the colonies 
 she had created and had sacrificed, was passing away. Burgoyne 
 heard it, and knew what it meant. Washington heard it, and 
 hearing took heart again. Confidence replaced despair. Gates suc- 
 ceeded Schuyler in command at Saratoga, and the militia poured 
 into his camp. The invincibility of the British commander was 
 gone. He fought desperately but in vain. On the 17th of October 
 he surrendered. 
 
 If Beimington had not been fought, or had been fought without 
 success, the junction between Clinton and Burgoyne could not have 
 been prevented, and his surrender would not have taken place. " If 
 I had succeeded there," he wrote to his Government, " I should 
 have marched to Albany." 
 
 But Bennington was only an episode in the early life of Ver- 
 mont. Striking, heroic, conspicuous, yet still but an episode. The 
 outbreak of the Revolution found the people of the Hampshire 
 Grants already engaged in a contest with the powerful Colony of 
 New York, which had for ten years taxed their utmost resources. 
 The first to occupy the unbroken wilderness which is now Vermont, 
 they had taken and paid for their titles to the lands, as a part of 
 the Colony of New Hampshire, under regular grants from its 
 Governor, as vicegerent of the British Crown. They had organized 
 townships, built roads, cleared forests, and established their homes. 
 Up to that time the territory had been universally regarded as a 
 part of New Hampshire, and the early maps so laid it down. New 
 
ADBEESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 89 
 
 York for more than a hundred years from the date of her charter, 
 had attempted no jurisdiction over it. But after tlie New Hampshire 
 Grants had been made and occupied, New York set up the claim that 
 her eastern boundary was the Connecticut River. The line between 
 that Province and New Hampshire was so loosely defined in the 
 charters, issued when the geography of the country was almost 
 unknown, that it was impossible to be determined by their 
 language. The charters were in fact conflicting. The greater influ- 
 ence of New York, and her better means of prosecuting her case 
 before the Privy Council, obtained from the Crown, in 1764, an 
 order establishing the Connecticut as the dividing line. But 
 this was only the arbitrary adjustment of a boundary, incapable of 
 other settlement. Its legal effect was prospective, not retroactive. 
 It established jurisdiction, it did not invalidate titles previously 
 vested, under which a prior and adverse possession existed, and 
 which had been derived from the common source of title, the King, 
 of whom the contesting governors were alike the agents, and while 
 the territory was de facto a part of New Hampshire. Nor was it 
 the intention of the Crown or of the Privy (Council that it should 
 have such an effect. When in 1767, three years later, the settlers, 
 resisting the efforts of New York to confiscate their lands, suc- 
 ceeded by great exertions in bringing the case again before that 
 body, upon its unanimous and emphatic judgment, further grants 
 by New York of lands granted by New Hampshire prior to 1764, 
 were positively prohibited by the King. 
 
 Notwithstanding this explicit order, the Colonial Government 
 of New York continued to make grants, in large quantities, of lands 
 occupied adversely under the New Hampshire titles, without the 
 least regard to the rights of the inhabitants, or the distressing 
 consequences in which they would be involved. These grants were 
 made not to settlers, but to speculators and political favourites, 
 upon payment of enormous fees to the Governor. Not even com- 
 pensation was offered for the improvements which had given the 
 lands all the value they had, rescued them from the savage and the 
 wild beast, and made them habitable by man. No greater outrage 
 had been attempted under the forms of English law, since the days 
 of Jeffries. It would not only have been in violation of funda- 
 mental principles if it had been done by the Crown, but it was in 
 direct contravention of the orders of the Crown, based upon the 
 judgment of the Privy Council. 
 
 The occupants of the Hampshire Grants had no means of legal 
 resistance. They were without money, without counsel, without 
 influ^ce. They made one effort at defence in a suit tried at 
 
90 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Albany, but soon found they had no justice to expect in that quar- 
 ter. Then they set the authority of New York at defiance, and 
 resolved to protect themselves. Sheriffs who came into the Grants 
 to execute writs, were turned back. Militia sent to support them, 
 were repulsed. Rights which the law should have defended, were 
 maintained by force. 
 
 But with the first guns of the Revolution, the people of the 
 Grants threw themselves into that struggle, without regard to its 
 effect upon the contest, to them much more important, in which 
 they were already engaged. Ticonderoga was taken by Ethan 
 Allen, and Crown Point by Warner. They marched in force upon 
 the disastrous expedition against Canada, where Allen was left a 
 prisoner. They turned out on the approach of Burgoyne to garri- 
 son Ticonderoga, in such strength that men enough were not left at 
 home to transport the supplies, which out of their slender resources 
 they poured into that fortress. They were with Arnold in his 
 desperate battles on Lake Champlain. They fought under Warner 
 at Hubbardton before Bennington, and with Gates at Bemis 
 Heights and Saratoga afterward. They pursued the British who 
 retreated from Ticonderoga after Burgoyne's surrender, capturing 
 the last prisoners, and firing the last shots at the remains of that 
 expedition. 
 
 When the authority of Great Britain was thrown off by the 
 Declaration of Independence, the organization of a separate govern- 
 ment by the inhabitants of the Grants became unavoidable. 'J^he 
 jurisdiction of New Hampshire over them had ceased after the 
 Royal order of 1764, and with New York they were at war. As 
 early as July 1776, in Convention assembled at Dorset, they adopted 
 articles of association for the purposes of the war as well as uf 
 domestic government. In January 1777 they resolved to form an 
 independent state under the name of New Connecticut, declaring it 
 to be necessary for protection against the British, as well as against 
 New York. In June 1777 a commitee was appointed to draft a 
 constitution, and the name of Vermont was adopted. In July fol- 
 lowing, the constitution was ratified, and at the first election held 
 under it, Thomas Chittenden was made Governor. 
 
 That first constitution of Vermont can not be read withouc 
 admiration. I pity the man who in view of the time and the cir- 
 cumstances of its composition, can read it without sensil)ility. 
 Framed by a rural people, in hardship and poverty, a foreign 
 enemy at their very gates, a still more inveterate foe in the sister 
 province that should have been their protector, its authors neither 
 statesmen nor lawyers, untrained in political science or literarv 
 
ADBMESSES A T THE MONUMENT. 91 
 
 accomplishment, but one of them having ever sat in a legislative 
 assembly before, they were still doing their best under every 
 discouragement, virith such slender acquirements as they had, 
 toward the foundation of a government that might command the 
 respect of mankind. The constitution of Pennsylvania, adopted the 
 year before, was doubtless in a considerable degree their model. 
 But there was much in their work that was original. And it dis- 
 played a breadth and elevation of view, a profound sagacity, an 
 independence of thought, and a sublime faith, not reasonably to be 
 looked for in such an assembly. It would be an interesting task to 
 review this constitution, if the flying hour allowed. Two or three 
 points only can be most briefly touched. 
 
 It contained the first prohibition of slavery ever put forth on 
 this continent, through all parts of which the institution was at 
 that time legal. The language is worthy of quotation : 
 
 "That all men are born equally free and independent, and 
 have certain natural, inherent and unalienable rights; amongst 
 which are the enjoying and defending of life and liberty ; acquiring, 
 possessing and protecting property ; and pursuing and obtaining 
 happiness and safety. Therefore, no male person born in this 
 country or brought from over sea, ought to be holden by law to 
 serve any person as a servant, slave or apprentice, after he ai'rives 
 to the age of twenty-one years ; nor female in like manner after she 
 arrives to the age of eighteen years ; unless they are bound by their 
 own consent after they arrive to such age ; or bound by law for the 
 payment of debts, damages, fines, costs or the like." 
 
 I may pause to read one other paper on the same subject, that 
 has found its way down to us like a scattered leaf from the foliage 
 of a departed year. When in November 1777 a slave woman and her 
 child fell into the hands of a company of Vermonters, commanded 
 by Ebenezer Allen, who had fought with great distinction at Ben- 
 nington, he gave her this writing, and set her free : 
 
 " To whom it may concern, know ye : whereas Dinah a negro 
 woman, with her child of two months old was taken prisoner on 
 Lake Champlain with the British troops the 12th day of inst. 
 November by a scout under my command; and according to a 
 resolve passed by the Honorable Continental Congress that all 
 prizes belong to the captivators thereof: I being conscihentious 
 that it is not right in the sight of God to keep slaves : therefore 
 obtaining leave from the detachment under my command to give 
 her and her child their freedom. I do therefore give the said 
 Dinah and her child their freedom, to pass and repass anywhere 
 throuffh the United States of America, with her behaving as 
 becometh, and to trade and traffic for herself and child, as though 
 she were born free, without being molested by any person. 
 
 " In witness whereunto I have set my hand and subscribed my 
 name, " Ebenbzbb Allbn, 
 
 " Capt. in Col. Herrick's Regt. of Green Mountain Boys." 
 
92 DEDICATION' AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 There is not much lawyership in the form of this document. 
 It is neither elegant in style, nor faultless in orthography. But 
 perhaps it has found record where such deficiencies are overlooked. 
 
 Another article in that first constitution should not be passed 
 by in silence. Its authors appear to have seen with a prophetic 
 eye when they founded free government, that its greatest danger 
 was like to be the greed for oifice which turns places of public trust 
 into the spoils of party, and the opportunities for plunder. And 
 they adopted this clause : 
 
 " As every freeman to preserve his independence (if without a 
 sufiicient estate), ought to have some profession, calling, trade or 
 farm whereby he may honestly subsist, there can be no necessity 
 for nor use in establishing offices of profit, the usual effects of 
 which are dependence and servility unbecoming freemen in the 
 possessors or expectants, faction, contention, corruption and dis- 
 order among the people. But if any man is called into public 
 service to the prejudice of his private affairs, he has a right to a 
 reasonable compensation ; and whenever an office through increase 
 of fees or otherwise becomes so profitable as to occasion many to 
 apply for it, the profits ought to be lessened by the Legislature." 
 
 We have lived to see the prohibition of slavery in the earliest 
 constitution of Vermont become a part of the fundamental law of 
 this Nation. May the time be not far off, when its declaration 
 against that other and more wide spread curse which corrupts and 
 degrades free government, shall be likewise put in force by the 
 body of the American people. 
 
 One more provision in this instrument may be quoted. From 
 each representative in the Legislature was required, before taking 
 his seat, this declaration : 
 
 " You do believe in one God, the Creator and Governor of the 
 Universe, the rewarder of the good and punisher of the wicked. 
 And you do acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and New 
 Testament to be given by Divine inspiration : and do own and pro- 
 less the Protestant Religion." 
 
 Under this constitution, Vermont already for thirteen years an 
 independent community, became an independent State, subject to 
 no National jurisdiction. She exercised from 1777 to 1791 all the 
 powers of sovereignty, and maintained herself against New York, 
 against Congress, and against the Union. She fought through the 
 Revolution on her own account, and with the help of Massachusetts 
 and New Hampshire defended herself. The State fiag that still 
 ilies over us, was the flag of that earliest day. No other State in 
 the American Federation save Texas, ever had an independent 
 •existence. All others were in their beginning either colonies of a 
 foreign power, or territories of the United States. Till the very 
 ast, both during and after the Revolution, the majority of Congress 
 
ADDBJESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 93 
 
 was against her, swayed by the power and influence of New York. 
 Represented neither in Congress nor in the Legislature of New 
 York, and without means or influence to make herself felt in either 
 body, recognition of her independence and her admission to the 
 Union were continuously refused, and the title of her people to the 
 homes they occupied denied. The contest of the Colonies in the 
 Revolution was against taxation without representation. That of 
 Vermont, through the war and for eight years afterward, was 
 against confiscation without representation. No oppression charged 
 upon Great Britain by America, approached that sought to be 
 visited by Congress -and New York upon Vermont, while she was 
 fighting side by side with them to her last man and last dollar, in 
 the struggle for National independence. 
 
 The history of the early life of Vermont is a grand and inspirit- 
 ing history. No words of mine in these brief moments can justly 
 characterize it. We find it difficult at first, in trying to understand 
 it, to raise ourselves to its plane, and to view it in the light of its 
 own time rather than of ours. Accustomed to see self-interest 
 predominant, and individual success the universal goal, we are 
 involuntarily groping after motives and springs of action in the 
 builders of our State, which had no existence among them. We 
 do not rightly comprehend what they did, until we come gradually 
 to realize the absolutely unselfish devotion, the genuine and unal- 
 loyed patriotism, the ardent love of liberty, of those plain, 
 unassuming, upright, resolute. God-fearing men, who were striving 
 to the uttermost, not for place or distinction or wealth or power, 
 but to achieve self-government, to establish homes, to create civil 
 institutions that should be truly free, salutary, and enduring. The 
 more closely we study their lives and their work, the greater is 
 our admiration for their character and their capacity. 
 
 In 1791 Vermont's long controversy reached an end. The jus- 
 tice of her cause gradually made itself felt, both in Congress and in 
 the Legislature of New York. It came to be seen that her right to 
 self-government ought not to be denied, nor her institutions over- 
 thrown, nor the lands of her people taken from them, and that such 
 results could only be attained by a war of extermination. Her 
 demands were finally conceded. An amicable adjustment was 
 made with New York, and a hundred years of unbroken friendship 
 between these neighbouring States has long obliterated all trace of 
 the old-time bitterness. On the I8th of February, 1791, an Act 
 xinanimously adopted by Congress for the admission of Vermont to 
 the Union, was signed by the hand of Washington. 
 
 So came Vermont at last, a hundred years ago, into the sister- 
 
94 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 hood of the States. Latest of existing commonwealths to join it; 
 first accession to the old Thirteen. No remnants of colonial 
 magnificence adorned her approach. No traditions of old world 
 aristocracy gave distinction to her presence, or grace to her society. 
 No potency in National politics attracted the parasites of the hour. 
 The luxuries of wealth were unknown to her. For the elegance of 
 high culture she had found little opportunity. Rustic and shy, 
 but picturesque, shadowed by the memories of a trying experience, 
 unconquerable in spirit, proud of her untarnished history, half 
 reluctant to surrender the independence that had cost so much, and 
 been cherished so long. But she came to remain. She has sought 
 no divorce from the Union to which on the altar of the new Con- 
 stitution she then plighted her troth. When those who had been 
 among the foremost in creating that Union, and should have been 
 the last to assail it, yet essayed its destruction, thirty-four thousand 
 of her young manhood, almost a tithe of her people, went out in its 
 defence, and in all that wide-spread and terrible conflict, there 
 was no battle ground on which her children are not buried. Her 
 life, whether in peace or in war, through all the century that now 
 closes upon us, has been not only in the Union, but for the Union. 
 The high places, the distinctions, the ambitions, the emoluments of 
 the National Government, have been chiefly for others ; not for her. 
 She has neither claimed them, nor sought them, nor desired them. 
 Content to stand and to wait, and when service was demanded, never 
 to be found wanting. Less abundant in production than lands that 
 lie nearer the sun, she has been affluent in men ; who have carried 
 into other commonwealths the strength of her hills, and have fertil- 
 ized by their intelligence, their energy, and their character, all the 
 States whose gathering stars now fill to overflowing the field of the 
 National ensign. It is not on this spot alone that these memories 
 are revived. The sons of Vermont are not all here. The multitude 
 that surrounds us is but a handful. In all the cities and hamlets of 
 the Western plain, on savannah, and prairie, and river, and hill- 
 side, in fields innumerable, golden with the harvest, wherever on 
 this continent there is work to be done or enterprise to be carried 
 forward, there they are, and there will this day and its ceremonies 
 be remembered, and its inspiration felt. 
 
 And now, my fellow citizens, our task draws to its close. 
 The public spirit and the persistent efforts of all these years have 
 found their reward, in the structure that stands before us. Many, 
 alas, how many, of those who in its foundation have shared our 
 labours and guided our counsels, and who looked forward with us 
 hopefully to their consummation, have not waited for this day, but 
 
ADDKESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 95 
 
 are gone oa before. The circle that is left to exchange these con- 
 gratulations, is painfully narrowed. But the work is done. 
 Committing it now to the care of the State with whose existence 
 we trust it will be coeval, our concern with it terminates, and our 
 duty is discharged. Its stately proportions rise away from us into 
 the upper air. Our monument no longer. Not for us nor for our 
 time is it henceforth raised on high. Long before it shall cease to 
 be reckoned as young, we and our children will have disappeared 
 from the scene. It is our messenger to posterity. Here it shall 
 wait for them, while the successive generations shall be born and 
 die. Here it shall wait for them, through the evenings and the 
 mornings that shall be all the days that are to come. Crowned 
 with the snows of countless winters ; beautiful in the sunlight and 
 the shadows of unnumbered summers ; companion of the mountains 
 which look down upon it, whose height it emulates, whose strength 
 it typifies, whose history it declares. 
 
 The earth is studded with monuments. From the earliest 
 period of recorded time, mankind has striven for a language more 
 durable than words, in which human memories might be perpet- 
 uated. They have found it chiefly in the symbolism of monumental 
 architecture. But for the employment of that language there must 
 be sentiments to be transmitted, worthy of its grandeur. In those 
 lie the appeal to futurity, not in the medium of expression, however 
 powerful or impressive. And therefore it is, that the most impos- 
 ing and venerable of such structures known to the world, only 
 stand silently over the grave of the dead past. They have no 
 history to relate, no lesson to teach. Solitary relics of a race that is 
 extinct, a civilization that has perished, institutions that have dis- 
 appeai-ed, cities and temples that have returned to the dust, to 
 research and to imagination they are equally dumb. The desolation 
 of the desert surrounds them. We regard them with wonder, but 
 without instruction. 
 
 Not such the destiny of the memorial we dedicate here. Its 
 grand silence shall be perpetually eloquent ; its teaching shall never 
 cease. It shall carry forward the history of those early days ; of all 
 that made Bennington heroic, and all that Bennington brought to 
 pass. It shall tell the story not only of Stark and Warner and 
 Chittenden, and Symonds, the Aliens and the Fays and the Robin- 
 sons, and their compeers, but of that multitude of their humbler 
 associates, less conspicuous, but just as devoted, who lived and who 
 died for Vermont, whose names are only written in the memory of 
 God. The child shall learn from these stones the first instincts of 
 patriotism. The wayfarer to whose foreign ear our English tongue 
 
96 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 conveys no sense, shall not fail of their meaning. And all the 
 dwellers upon the soil, as the years go on, shall be reminded and 
 admonished, what manner of man an American ought to be. 
 
 One final thought still presses upon us. We have recalled the 
 past; what shall be the future? The gift of prophecy is merci- 
 fully withheld from man. Hope, kindlier than prophecy, stands in 
 the place of it, the just and reasonable hope instructed by what has 
 gone before. The emotions of this day raise us far above the 
 jargon and turmoil of the poor quarrels of the hour, whose outcome 
 we are wont to await with so much solicitude, and which seem to 
 our impatient vision to oppose to us obstacles so dangerous. We 
 look down upon them, and we see how temporary and ephemeral 
 they are. We perceive that we need not on their account despair 
 of the republic, which patriotism and devotion have more than 
 once brought out resplendent from darker days than we shall ever 
 know. Gazing forward, in the light of the after-glow of the dying 
 century, we discern with the eye of faith and of hope, what this 
 sentinel pile shall look out upon, in the days that are before it. 
 
 It will look out upon Vermont : on whose vallies and hillsides 
 the seed time and the harvest shall never fail. A land to which its 
 people shall still cling with an affection not felt for the surface of 
 the physical earth, by any but those who are born among the hills ; 
 hallowed to them as to us by its noble traditions ; sacred for the 
 dead who rest in its bosom. The beautiful name which the moun- 
 tains have given it will abide upon the land forever. Vermont, 
 always Vermont! 
 
 And it will behold a society, where the great principles of civil 
 and religious liberty shall be slowly but certainly working them- 
 selves out, to their final maturity. A prosperity, more and more 
 widely difl:used among common men. An advancing civilization, 
 not without the vicissitudes, the blemishes, the mistakes, the sor- 
 rows, through which humanity's path must always lie, but in 
 which the gain shall still surpass the loss, and the better surmount 
 the worse; enlightened, from generation to generation, by an 
 increasing intelligence, a broader knowledge, a higher morality; 
 alleviated and illuminated, as it was in the beginning, by the inex- 
 haustible blessing of our fathers' God. 
 
 After an intermission of a few minutes, during which the band 
 discoursed appropriate music. Judge Veazey presented the Presi- 
 dent of the United States, Benjamin Harrison, alluding to the honor 
 which he conferred upon the occasion by his presence, and assuring 
 him that lie was surrounded by a concourse of people whose hearts 
 were as loyal to him and the country as were those in the breasts of 
 
ADDRESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 97 
 
 his soldiers who had followed him so often upon the battlefields of 
 
 the Republic. 
 
 Address op Pbbsident Harrison. — 
 
 Mr. President and Fellow Citizens: — There are several obvious 
 reasons why I should not attempt to speak to you at this time. 
 This great audience is so uncomfortably situated that a further pro- 
 longation of these exercises cannot be desirable, but the stronger 
 reason is that you have just listened, with rapt attention, to a most 
 scholarly and interesting review of those historical incidents which 
 have suggested this assemblage, and to those lessons which they 
 furnish to thoughtful and patriotic men. (Applause.) A son of 
 Vermont, honored by his fellow citizens, honored by the Nation 
 which he has served in distinguished public functions, honored by 
 the profession of which he is an ornament and an instructor, has 
 spoken for Vermont (applause) ; and it does not seem to me fit that 
 these golden sentences should be marred by any extemporaneous 
 words which I can add. I come to you under circumstances that 
 altogether forbid preparation. I have no other preparation for 
 speech than this inspiring cup of good-will which you have pre- 
 sented to my lips. (Applause.) The most cordial welcome which 
 has been extended to me to-day makes it unfitting that I should 
 omit to make a cordial acknowledgment of it. Perhaps I may be 
 permitted, as a citizen of a Western State, to give expression to the 
 high regard and honor in which Vermont is held. Perhaps I may 
 assume, as a public officer, representing in some sense all the States 
 of the Union, to bring to-day their appreciation of the history and 
 people of this patriotic State. Its history is unique, as Mr. Phelps 
 has said. The other Colonies staked their lives, their fortunes and 
 honor upon the struggle for independence, with the assurance that 
 if, by their valor and sacrifice, independence was achieved, all these 
 were assured. The inhabitants of the New Hampshire Grants 
 alone fought with their fellow-countrymen of the ('olonies for 
 liberty, for political independence, unknowing whether, when it was 
 achieved, the property, the homes upon which they dwelt, would be 
 assured by the success of the confederate Colonies. They could not 
 know — they had the gravest reason to fear — that when the 
 authority of the confederation of the States had been established, 
 this very Government, to whose supremacy Vermont had so nobly 
 contributed, might lend its authority to the establishment of the 
 claims of New York upon their homes ; and yet, in all this story, 
 though security of property would undoubtedly have been pledged 
 by the royal representative, Vermont took a conspicuous, unselfish 
 and glorious part in the independence of the United Colonies, trust- 
 
98 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 ing to the justice of her cause for the ultimate security of the 
 homes of her people. (Applause.) 
 
 It is a most noble and unmatched history ; and if I may deliver 
 the luessage of Indiana, as a citizen of that State, and as a public 
 ofBcer the message of all the States, I come to say " Worthy Ver- 
 mont." (Cheers.) She has kept the faith unfalteringly from 
 Bennington to this day. She has added, in war and peace, many 
 illustrious names to our roll of military heroes and of great states- 
 men. Her representation in the National Congress, as it has been 
 known to me, has been conspicuous for its influence, for the position 
 it has assumed in committee, and in debate, and, so far as I can 
 recall, has been without personal reproach. (Cheers.) We have 
 occasionally come to Vermont with a call that did not originate 
 with her people, and those have been answered with the same pure, 
 high public consecration to public duty as has been the case with 
 those who have been chosen by your suffrages to represent the 
 State, and I found when the difficult task of arranging a Cabinet 
 was devolved upon me that I could not get along without a Vermont 
 stick in it (laughter and applause), and I am sure you have plenty 
 of timber left in each of the great political parties. (Cheers.) 
 The participation of this State in the War of the Rebellion was 
 magnificent. Her troops took to the fields of the South that high 
 consecration to liberty which had characterized their fathers in the 
 Revolutionary struggle. (Applause.) They did not forget, on the 
 hot savannas of the South, the green tops of these hills, ever in 
 their vision, lifting up their hearts in faith that God would again 
 bring the good cause of freedom to a just issue. (Applause.) We 
 are, to-day, approaching the conclusion of a summer of extraor- 
 dinary fruitfulness. How insignificant the stores that were 
 gathered at Bennington, in 1777, compared with these great store- 
 houses bursting with fulness to-day. Our excess meets the 
 deficiency of Europe, and a ready market is offered for all our 
 cereals. We shall grow richer by contributions which other coun- 
 tries shall make as they take from our storehouses the food needed 
 to sustain their people. But after all, it is not the census tables of 
 production or of wealth that tell the story of the greatness of this 
 country. Vermont has not been one of the rich states of the Union 
 in gold and silver, and its lands have not given the returns that 
 some of the fertile riversides of the West yield. There have been 
 here constant effort and honest toil ; but out of all this there has 
 been brought a sturdy manhood, which is better than riches, on 
 which, rather than upon wealth, the security of our country rests. 
 (Applause.) I beg you to accept my sincere thanks again for the 
 

ADDliESSES AT THE MONUMENT. 99 
 
 evidence of your friendliness, and my apology that the conditions 
 are not such as to enable me to speak as I could wish. (Cheers.) 
 
 After further music the Benediction was pronounced by the 
 Rev. Charles Parkhurst, D.D. 
 
 Aisr Expressed Opinion. — The literary exercises were of a high 
 order, voluminous and faultless. Judge Veazey was at his best. 
 The Invocation by Rev. Dr. Parkhurst, of Boston, a native of 
 Sharon, in this State, was able, concise and appropriate. Governor 
 Page spoke both times with exceeding good taste and judgment, 
 and the able President of the Association, ex-Governor Prescott, is 
 always entertaining. 
 
 The oration by Mr. Phelps is a masterly production, and, no 
 doubt, will be regarded by many people as the climax-piece of that 
 distinguished gentleman's oratory. It is plain to be seen that it 
 was prepared with much research and care, and perfected in study. 
 It is a beautiful tribute to Vermont, and by one of her most richly 
 endowed sons ; fascinating in its construction, and was the gem of 
 perfection in delivery — the product of genius and a patriotic heart. 
 The oration may be likened to a picture of the tree of liberty, firmly 
 rooted in the rich soil of freedom, with its sturdy trunk, stalwart 
 form, beautiful foliage, and with flowers shooting out from every 
 branch and stem. 
 
 President Harrison's address at the Monument will take rank 
 with his best efforts, and his later remarks at the Banquet were the 
 feature of the occasion. The President indulges in but little by- 
 play of words, and is a matter-of-fact man, rich in the memory of 
 events and the profitable lessons to be derived from them. He is 
 thoroughly patriotic and American in his notions and beliefs, 
 anxious only that he may be of service to his countrymen. He not 
 only entertains his hearers, but never fails to interest them in the 
 presentation of matters in which they are also interested, though 
 speaking on the spur of the moment and at off-hand. 
 
 Desceiption of the Monument. — The Architect of the Battle 
 Monument was Mr. J. Philipp Rinn, of Boston, who furnishes the 
 following description of the structure, especially for this volume : 
 
 The Bennington Battle Monument is located in Monument 
 Park, the terminal of Monument avenue, which runs nearly due 
 North and South over the promontory, knpwn as State-Arms Hill, 
 projecting into the valley of the Walloomsac at Centre Bennington. 
 This promontory has an altitude, from the valley below, of two 
 hundred and eighty-five feet. At its summit and North-easterly 
 brow, where the ground falls off abruptly, towers the Monument 
 {306 feet 4^ inches), darkly up against the sky, with which the 
 
100 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 blue-grey magnesian lime-stone (Dolomite), shaft harmoniously 
 blends. The light ever varying the tones and shades, and inspiring^ 
 the modellings and texture of the rock-face stone of vs^hich the 
 monument is constructed. Being thus placed prominently on the 
 elevation referred to, in the midst of this extended valley and sur- 
 rounded by mountains of various rolling forms and altitudes, the 
 structure, veith its broad and massive, but softly curved lines, and 
 the strong color-effect of its material, comports with the landscape 
 as a whole, but making itself strongly felt in this exceptionally 
 grand landscape of which it forms a part. 
 
 The monument is thirty-seven feet square where it springs 
 from the grass-covered ground, and with a gradually diminishing^ 
 curve sweeps upward to the height of one hundred and sixty-eight 
 feet, where a horizontal belt eight feet high, and a second thirteen 
 feet high, eleven feet above the first, slightly interrupt its upward 
 curve. From this point the next one hundred and one feet, ten and 
 one-half inches, are uninterrupted, but diminish more rapidly on 
 nearing the apex. The stone work is surmounted by a bronze- 
 rodded hood and gilt star, the ten points of which are each eighteen 
 inches long. The rod and star together measure four feet six inches ■ 
 high, thus constituting the dimension given. This metal star acts 
 as a lightning rod point and is connected with the lightning rods, 
 through the cope-stone, which run down the inner walls of the shaft. 
 
 The belts or entablatures mentioned embellish the openings of 
 the grand Look Out and Ante Room below it. These openings and 
 windows are grouped in two tiers, being pierced as it were into the 
 shaft, forming piers toward the right-angled corners, and square 
 columns between the openings. The caps of the columns and piers 
 are formed by the openings extending into the entablatures, thus 
 the contour lines of the shaft are nearly undisturbed in their sweep 
 from base to apex. 
 
 The twenty openings in the grand Look Out have double rows 
 of columns in the thickness of the walls. Between the outer and 
 inner columns are placed three round bronze bars, three inches in 
 diameter, arranged horizontally one foot apart, which act as guards 
 for these openings. The twenty windows in the Ante Room, 
 directly underneath, have bronze sashes with plate glass, as have 
 also the windows on the west side, and the eight windows in 
 Entrance Hall. The nineteen, three-inch wide slots of various 
 heights, in the upper part of monument are open for ventilation. 
 The monument's foundation is built on a ledge of limestone, and is 
 nine feet thick where it rests on the ledge and tapers upward. 
 The walls of the superstructure are seven feet and six inches thick 
 
ADDRESSES A T THE MONUMENT. 101 
 
 where they rise from the foundation and gradually diminish to two 
 feet at the apex finishing courses, and are built in courses of two 
 feet rise for the first one hundred feet and less in rise upward. The 
 twenty finishing courses have twenty inches rise and are two feet 
 in depth. All the courses are in random lengths, and have dressed 
 beds and builds and split-rock faces, except the entablatures and 
 columns which are hammered. 
 
 The four right-angled corners have one-quarter inch cut draft 
 lines, which impart delicate and firm outlines to the shaft. All 
 the ashlar joints are set on line with the right-angled corner 
 draft lines. 
 
 The entrance door opening and all other openings have 
 hammered jambs, sofBts, sills, and one-quarter inch face draft lines. 
 
 The entrance door is made in two parts of cast bronze, panelled 
 and heavily moulded. The four upper panels have bronze grille 
 work for the admittance of air. 
 
 The Entrance Hall is twenty feet square and thirty-nine feet 
 high, the floor of which is of North River stone laid on iron beams,, 
 and has a basement underneath ten feet high. 
 
 This hall is lighted by eight long, narrow windows, and the 
 walls are decorated with three stone tablets given by citizens from 
 the States of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, which 
 are lettered, respectively, in bold, raised block letters. 
 
 In the Monument are stairs, landings and floors which are con- 
 structed of wrought and cast iron. The stringers, beams and 
 balusters are of wrought iron. The treads of stair and floor plates 
 are of cast iron. 
 
 The ceiling of Entrance Hall is of iron and forms as it were a 
 large landing for the stairs. Each flight of stairs is the length of a. 
 side of the inner walls of the shaft. Between the Entrance Hall 
 and grand Look Out floor there are thirty-four flights in all, with a 
 total of four hundred and seventeen steps, and three long landings 
 which are the length of one side, in the middle of which are long 
 and narrow windows. 
 
 The Ante Koom is at the height of one hundred and sixty-eight 
 feet and is connected with the grand Look Out floor by a winding 
 iron stair. The grand Look Out Room is eighteen feet square, the 
 floor of which is constructed of North River stone, resting on brick 
 arches. A magnificent view of the battlefield and the surrounding 
 country is obtained from this room. 
 
 The floor over the grand Look Out is reached by iron steps, 
 which are encased in a drum, made of one-eighth inch bronze plates 
 riveted together on an iron frame, which also protects from the 
 
102 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 weather, the communication between the upper and lower parts of 
 the shaft, hut at the same time allows the air to pass freely through 
 the entire structure. This drum which is provided with a door, 
 also serves as a head-house to circular stair. From the floor just 
 mentioned the top floor is reached by an iron ladder seventy-five 
 feet high. At the level of this floor are eleven narrow openings, 
 and a man-hole two feet s£[uare, which has a door made of bronze 
 one-quarter of an inch thick. Through this opening the finishing 
 courses of stone work can be examined. 
 
 The BuEGOYNE Cajip-Ketti.b. — This interesting relic, which 
 is suspended in the interior of the Monument, was captured with 
 other camp equipage at the surrender of General Burgyone at Sar- 
 atoga, October 17, 1777, and is said to have been among the effects 
 found at the General's headquarters. It is exactly the form of a 
 church bell inverted, and is 34 inches in diameter across the top, 
 and will hold aboat a barrel. It has three stout " peg " legs, about 
 three inches in diameter and six inches long. The bottom is con- 
 caved about three inches. It has a pair of heavy ears, or handles, 
 near the top, through which are openings large enough to put along 
 bar on each side, so it can be carried by four men or more, as a bier 
 is carried. The same ears are to be used to suspend it by a chain to 
 the limb of a tree, or under a tripod, when in use. It was for many 
 years in the possession of parties at Castleton, Vermont, by whom 
 its history was well-known, and was used for purposes incident to 
 the requirements of a farm. It was several times cracked and 
 mended, and at one time had a large piece, some 12 inches long and 
 six inches deep, broken out of the upper edge. It had also a large 
 hole burnt through the bottom. 
 
 The break in the edge of the kettle was repaired by substitut- 
 ing an artificial piece, and the hole in the bottom was, also, 
 repaired by pouring in melted iron, and fusing the edges of the 
 new and the old. 
 
 In 1877 the old war relic was owned by Selah H. Langdon, of 
 Castleton, Vermont, who has since died, and his interest became 
 vested in John J. Langdon of the same place. It was brought to 
 Bennington, to be exhibited at the Centennial Celebration, in 1876, 
 but arrived too late for such exhibition. It remained several 
 months at the railway freight house in care of Mr. Frank C. White, 
 then superintendent of the Bennington & Rutland Railway. At 
 the suggestion of the Bennington Historical Society, at its next 
 annual meeting. Colonel Olin Scott was appointed one of a commit- 
 tee to care for the old kettle, and it was by him taken from the 
 railway station to his home where it was kept until Saturday, 
 
THE BANQ UE T EXER OISES. 103 
 
 August 15, 1891, when Colonel Scott removed it to the Monument, 
 and suspended it in its present position inside the Monument, and 
 above the first floor. 
 
 It bears the following inscription : " General Burgoyne's Camp- 
 Kettle; captured October 17, 1777"; the false piece marked, "This 
 is a piece" ; and on one of the long narrow patches, "These patches 
 melted in to repair the cracks and to hold the piece." 
 
 The Rbtutrn to the Banquet. — ^It was 2.30, P. M., when the 
 exercises at the Monument closed. They will long be remembered 
 in the annals of the Green Mountain State. The divisions re-formed 
 in proper order, with the carriages, and marched through Monument 
 avenue. Main, and North streets, to Camp Vermont, arriving at 3.20, 
 P. M., where the troops and other organizations were dismissed. 
 The escorts and carriages went to the large tents near the Soldiers'' 
 Home, where the banquet was served. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The Dinner, and Postprandial Addresses. 
 
 The Banquet. — At a meeting of the Centennial Committees, 
 held in Rutland, April 29, 1891, the popular character of the Ban- 
 quet was determined, agreeable to the suggestion of Governor Page, 
 and seconded by others. Tbe price per plate was fixed at one dol- 
 lar, and thenceforth all the efforts of the Committees (of which 
 Judge Carney was President, and Chairman), had been directed to 
 provide for the great number who were expected to dine with the 
 Executive and the distinguished guests of the State. The proph- 
 ecy of Governor Page, that " The people will want to go to the 
 Banquet, and see and hear the prominent people to be present," 
 was fully verified. The tables had been set for 3,500, but that 
 number was insufficient to accommodate all who desired to partici- 
 pate in the festivities, although the large company was quietly and 
 expeditiously seated, and pleasantly served. Before the speaking 
 began a great number of persons from the outside were permitted to 
 flock into the tent and occupy the space in the aisles. There were 
 probably 5,000 persons present when the President was introduced. 
 
 The Banquet was served in two large tents, situated just a 
 little North of West, a few rods from the front of the Soldiers' 
 Home building, shown in the illustration. Between these two 
 points played the fountain. This is the highest single-jet fountain 
 on the globe, and has a registered height of 196 feet, although the 
 column ends in spray at from 165 to 180 feet, depending upon the 
 
104 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 air-currents. The higher fountain, situated in Europe, has side-jets 
 supporting the main column, which this fountain has never had. 
 The two tents occupied an area requiring 10,300 square yards of 
 canvas, to cover. The larger tent was arranged to seat 2,400 
 people. Upon its South side, on a raised platform, 180 feet long, 
 sat the President of the Day, the Orator, The President, Governors, 
 and others, including those who spoke after dinner. The annex- 
 tent was situated South and adjoining this platform, and was 
 -arranged for 1,100 plates. This plan allowed the practical throwing 
 of both tents into one during the postprandial addresses, and con- 
 duced greatly to the comfort of the assembly. 
 
 The seats upon the raised platform ran lengthwise ; those of 
 the tents at right angles from these. The principal guests were 
 seated in order of precedence of rank. At the tables in front of the 
 State table were seated the visiting organizations and other invited 
 guests. Two tables on the left were occupied by the Knights Tem- 
 plars. Next came the Vermont National Guard, then the Reception 
 Committee, and next, near the center of the line, was the Press 
 table. The two tables next in line were occupied by the Rhode 
 Island and New Hampshire delegations. Next came the Massachu- 
 setts delegation at two tables, then Vermont guests at three tables, 
 and the Patriarchs Militant at the two tables, on the right. On 
 President Harrison's right was seated Secretary Proctor, and on his 
 left was Governor Page, and others, as shown in detail in Part II., 
 •Chapter III., of this work. 
 
 The scene inside the banquet tents was one of brilliant beauty. 
 Not only was the beauty and grace of the fair daughters of the 
 Republic well-represented, but the decorations, the tables laid in 
 snow-white linen, and even the arrangement of the china-ware and 
 glassware — all contributed to make the tent interiors one of 
 resplendent beauty, and most inviting. The huge poles holding up 
 the vast canopy were garlanded with gladiolas, golden-rod and 
 asparagus fronds. Gladiola filled hundreds of crystal jardinieres 
 and converted the tables into a bower, greatly adding to the attrac- 
 tiveness of the scene. On the State table, the decorations were 
 most elaborate. Along the front of the platform were potted plants 
 and ferns. At the front of The President's place at the table was a 
 high epergne filled with pink la France roses and smilax. There 
 was another epergne in front of General Alger's place filled • with 
 phlox, Drummondi, asters and roses. There were boutonnieres of cut 
 roses at each plate. That for The President was a dark pink. 
 Over the center of the table where The President sat were two large 
 flags. Sixteen thousand pieces of figured china were used in the 
 
'/// 
 
 7f€l44^t-'ii(lC-^' 
 
THE BANQ UET EXER GISES. 105 
 
 main tent, and four thousand pieces in the annex. There were iive 
 thousand pieces of silver-ware. For the State table a special 
 dinner service of Sevres and old Delf-ware graced The President's 
 seat. .Three hundred young women, clad in white, volunteers of 
 Bennington's daughters, acted as waitresses. Colored waiters 
 served the Presidential party. Inasmuch as there were over 3,500 
 persons seated at the banquet tables there were no dinner cards. 
 
 The menu served consisted of consomme glace, salad of lobster, 
 potatoes, sardines, dressed tomatoes, cold chicken, turkey, ham, 
 tongue, lamb, veal, rolls, crackers, etc., cheese, almonds, frozen 
 pudding ; vanilla, strawberry and chocolate creams, and a great 
 variety of fancy ices, tea and coffee. The Montpelier Military 
 orchestra rendered a choice programme during the gastronomical 
 part of the banquet. The music was much enjoyed by all present. 
 
 President Yeazey, at 4.45, P. M., " rapped the tables to order," 
 after lunch had been thoroughly discussed, and opened the post- 
 prandial exercises by again introducing President Harrison, in the 
 following felicitous manner : The voice of the President of the 
 United States has, as you have had occasion to notice, been used up 
 in the service, to use a military phrase. It will be difficult for him 
 to use it any more today. It will be impossible for him to be 
 heard by this great audience unless the utmost silence is preserved 
 by all who are here present. He has kindly consented, notwith- 
 standing the dilapidated condition of his voice, to stand up and say 
 a single word to you this second time to-day, and I now have the 
 honor of presenting The President once more. (Applause.) After 
 the applause had subsided, and order had been restored. 
 The President, in Response, Spoke as Follows. — 
 
 Mr. President and Fellow Citizens. — Whatever temporary 
 injury my voice has suffered was not at the hands of Vermont. 
 (Laughter and applause.) New York is responsible. In Albany I 
 spoke in the rain to a large assemblage. Perhaps, if it were worth 
 while to trace this vocal infirmity further, I might find its origin at 
 Cape May (laughter), for I think I started upon this trip with the 
 elements of a cold, that has to some degree marred the pleasure 
 which I had anticipated to-day. But, notwithstanding what my 
 friend General Veazey has described as " the dilapidated condi- 
 tion " of my voice, I will respond to his request to say a word to 
 you. I knew that General Veazey has been put in charge of the 
 transportation lines of the country, but I did not expect to find 
 him in charge of what the boys used to call the " cracker line." 
 (Laughter.) It seems that his capacity for usefulness in the public 
 service is so great and so diversified that you have called upon him 
 
106 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 to conduct the exercises of this magnificent occasion. He is a most 
 excellent Interstate Commerce Commissioner (applause), an honor 
 to your State, and I have no criticism of him as President of the 
 Day, except that he calls too much attention to me. (Laughter and 
 applause.) 
 
 This scene, these tables so bountifully and so tastefully spread, 
 was one full of beauty when we entered, but it seems now to have 
 taken on some of that " dilapidation " which General Veazey 
 ascribed to my voice. (Laughter.) I am sure that if the supplies 
 gathered at Bennington to-day had been here in 1777 that struggle 
 would have been much more obstinate. (Laughter.) But, my fel- 
 low citizens, there is much in this occasion that is full of instruction 
 to the strangers, who, by your hospitable invitation, have the privi- 
 lege of meeting with you. Wherever men may have been born, 
 within this galaxy of great States which makes the greater Union, 
 there is respect and honor for the New England character. 
 
 It has been a source of strength to the Nation in its develop- 
 ment in material things. It has furnished to literature and to 
 invention some of the largest contributions ; but more than all this it 
 has done a great work for all the states, and especially those states 
 of the West and North-west, in which its enterprising sons have 
 found new homes, in establishing everywhere a love of social order 
 and patriotic devotion to the Union of States. (Applause.) If we 
 seek to find the institutions of New England that have formed the 
 character of its own people and have exercised a stronger moulding 
 influence than that of any other section upon our whole people, we 
 shall find them, I think, in their temples, in their schools, in their 
 town meetings, and in^their God-fearing homes. (Applause.) The 
 courage of those who fought at Bennington, at Concord, Lexington, 
 Bunker Hill, and Saratoga, was born of a high trust in God. They 
 were^men, who, fearing God, had naught else to fear. That devo- 
 tion to local self-government which originated and for so long 
 maintained the town meeting, establishing and perpetuating a true 
 democracy, an equal, full participation and responsibility in all 
 public afiiairs on the part of every citizen, was the cause of the 
 development of the love of social order and respect for law which 
 has characterized your communities, has made them safe and com- 
 fortable abodes for your people. These migrations between the 
 states have been to your loss, but there is now a turning back to 
 these States of New England and to some of its unused farms, 
 which I believe is to continue and increase. The migrations which 
 you have sent into the South to develop its industries, to open its 
 mines,Jto set up factories and furnaces, is doing marvellous work in 
 
THE BANQ UET EXER VISES. 107 
 
 unifying our people. (Applause.) As I journeyed recently across 
 the continent, this oneness of our people was strongly impressed 
 upon me. 1 think these Centennial observances, which have 
 crowded one upon another from Concord to the Centennial of the 
 adoption of the Constitution, and the organization of the Supreme 
 Court, have turned the thought of our people to the most inspiring 
 incident in our history, and have greatly intensified and developed 
 our love of the flag and the Constitution. (Applause.) 
 
 I do not believe there has been a time in our history when 
 there has been a deeper, fonder love for the unity of the States for 
 the flag that emblematizes this unity and for the Constitution which 
 cements it. (Applause.) 
 
 I believe we have come to a time when we may look out to 
 greater things. Secure in our own institutions, enriched almost 
 beyond calculation, I believe we have reached a time when we may 
 take a large part in the great transactions of the world. (Cheers.) 
 I believe our people are prepared now to insist that the American 
 flag shall be seen upon the sea (applause), and that our merchants 
 and manufacturers are ready to seize the golden opportunity that is 
 now offered for extending our commerce into the states of Central, 
 and South America. (Cheers.) I believe that conservative views 
 of finance will prevail in this country. (Applause.) I am sure dis- 
 content and temporary distress will not tempt our people to forsake 
 those safe lines of public administration in which commercial secur- 
 ity alone rests. (Applause.) As long as the General Government 
 furnishes the money of the people for their great business transac- 
 tions, I believe we will insist, as I have "said before, that every 
 dollar issued, whether paper or coin, shall be as good and be kept 
 as good as any other dollar that issues. (Cheers.) The purity, the 
 equality of what we call dollars must be preserved, or an element of 
 uncertainty and of bankruptcy will be introduced into all business 
 transactions. This I may say without crossing lines of division. 
 How this end is to be attained I will not attempt to sketch, but I 
 do not hesitate to say that I feel myself pledged, so far as in me 
 lies, to maintain that equality between our circulating money that 
 is essential to the perfect use of all. (Prolonged applause.) 
 
 I have gone beyond the promise of the President of the Day, 
 and have been betrayed by your friendliness into speaking two or 
 three words. May I, in closing, tender to these good women of Ver- 
 mont my thanks for the grace and sweetness which their services 
 and their presence have lent to this happy occasion. May I say to 
 them that the devoted services of their mothej-s, their courage and 
 patience and helpfulness shown by the women in their great strug- 
 
108 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 gle for liberty cannot be too highly appreciated. It was an easier 
 fate to march with bared breasts against the Hessian ramparts at 
 Bennington than to sit in the lonely homestead awaiting the issue, 
 with tearful eyes uplifted to God in prayer for those who perilled 
 their lives for the cause. All honor to the New England mother, 
 the queen of the New England home. (Applause.) There, in those 
 nurseries of virtue and truth, have been found the strongest influ- 
 ences that have moulded your people for good, and led your sons to 
 honor. (Great cheering.) 
 
 At the close of The President's remarks Judge John V. Carney, 
 President of the " Citizens Committee of Fifty," of Bennington, was 
 introduced to The President and presented him with a Souvenir 
 medal, of solid gold, of the official pattern. These medals were 
 struck in three metals, viz. : gold, one for President Harrison ; 
 bronze, for the President of the Day, the Executive Committees) 
 State guests, etc. ; silver, for the general public. The design 
 included a red, white and blue badge, one and one-half inches in 
 length, hanging from a milled-edge bar, one and one-half inches 
 long, upon which was the word "Bennington," in raised letters. 
 The centre- white had a bronze figure in Continental uniform, below 
 which, running across the tri-colored ribbon, was the date : August 
 19, 1891. Pendant from the badge and bar, attached by three links, 
 was the medal. This was the size of a silver dollar and bore upon 
 its face, in a centre-panel, the figure of the Monument. Upon 
 either side were the dates " 1777," " 1891." The circular inscription 
 read as follows : " Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monu- 
 ment." Obverse. — In an outer-circle which bore the words : 
 " Centennial Celebration of the Admission of Vermont as a State," 
 enclosed by a circle of stars, in a centre-field, was the State Coat-of- 
 Arms of Vermont, resting upon a cluster of fiags, supported by the 
 two cannon captured at Bennington battle, below them the dates, 
 " 1791-1891." The medal was a neat affair, creditable to its 
 designer, and a tasty personal decoration. 
 Peesentation of the Souvenir Gold Medal. — 
 
 Mr. President. — Allow me, sir, — as the humble representative 
 of your many friends in Bennington, who recognize in you the brave 
 and patriotic soldier, the honest and eminent statesman, and the 
 true Christian gentleman, — to present to you this Souvenir as a 
 token of the respect in which you are held by the people of our 
 historic town, trusting that, in future years, it may recall to your 
 mind pleasant memories of this Centennial occasion. 
 
 May the Great IJuler, Who holds the destiny of peoples and 
 Nations in his hands, grant you many happy years of usefulness, in 
 
THE BANQ UET EXEli CISES. 109 
 
 both public aDd private life. [The medal was pinned upon The 
 President's coat.] 
 
 President Harrison, apparently much affected, replied in these 
 words : " I thank you, sir, though a memorial was not needful to 
 preserve in my heart grateful memories of this day." 
 
 Governor Russell of Massachusetts was the next speaker. In 
 presenting him President Veazey referred to the fact that Massa- 
 chusetts was at Bennington upon the greatest occasion in its 
 history, in August 1777, and was, also, here at the great Centennial 
 Celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the battle, in August 
 1877; and that she was again here on this occasion, — in the person 
 of her young and eloquent Governor, and many other State officials, 
 and civil and military organizations, — to participate with Vermont, 
 and New Hampshire, in the observances of this day : 
 GovEKNOK Russell's Speech. — 
 
 It is always a pleasure and a privilege to give voice to the senti- 
 ment of friendship and of love that hallows and glorifies the Union 
 of our sisterhood of States in one great, powerful, and permanent 
 Nation. It adds to the pleasure when, as to-day, with this senti- 
 ment we can mingle our congratulations in recalling two great 
 epochs in the history of a State when courage, patriotism and per- 
 severance gave life aiid independence to her, greater safety and 
 strength to her sister States, and to our common country a bright 
 page in its glorious histoiy. 
 
 Gladly I bring to you from the old Bay State her congratula- 
 tions and her love, as the unanimous sentiment of her sturdy and 
 patriotic children. This sentiment is but the natural, spontaneous 
 feeling between States whose relations have always been those of 
 amity, good- will and support, from the early days when these green 
 hills had but begun to develop the life which a century ago 
 matured in a free and independent State. 
 
 In her struggle with her nearest neighbors, who loved her quite 
 too much to give her up, Vermont had all the sympathy Massachu- 
 setts could give without herself becoming embarrassed in her 
 family relations. Long before Ethan Allen bore to astonished 
 Ticonderoga the command of the " Continental Congress and the 
 great Jehovah," yes, even before the days of Wolfe and Montcalm, 
 Massachusetts looked to the brave sons of the Green Mountains as 
 an insuperable barrier between her and her foes, a barrier tried and 
 found true, a little later, in the victory we justly commemorate as 
 the turning point in the dark days of our Revolution ; and again 
 tried and again true, a generation later, in McDonough's gallant 
 victory on Lake Champlain. 
 
110 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Shoulder to shoulder stood Massachusetts and Vermont in 
 those days of struggle and suffering; hand in hand have they 
 walked since, sharing each other's joys and sorrows through the 
 sunshine and the clouds which have broken over our fair Republic. 
 
 Massachusetts has a deep interest in this commemorative Mon- 
 ument. It recalls the valor of her sons ; the union of all, heart and 
 hand, for the common weal; the sacrifices of the fathers, for the 
 liberty of the children ; the beginning of a great Nation ; the cour- 
 age, patriotism and struggle which wrought its independence and 
 founded free institutions that would insure to its people happiness 
 and prosperity, and lead the world to a truer, nobler life. So the 
 Mother States, as together they shared the labor of the victory, so 
 together, generously, gratefully, they erect this Monument, that the 
 struggle and victory may live forever. The acts of States, rather 
 than the words of man, are the fitting tribute to brave deeds bravely 
 done for love of country : 
 
 " Wut's -words to tliem whose faith an' truth 
 
 " On war's red techstone rang true metal ; 
 " Who ventured life an' love an' youth 
 
 " For the great prize of death in battle ?" 
 
 But to-day we commemorate not one event alone. A century 
 ago Vermont, first of the great incoming sisterhood, took her place 
 among what the poet calls the " stars of glory." Not large in terri- 
 tory, not significant in population, yet she has ever maintained in 
 our Union a position of stability, influence, patriotism and power 
 which have made her a potent factor in the well-being and progress 
 of our Continental Republic. 
 
 To-day we think of her not alone as the Vermont whom Stark 
 and Allen made famous, not alone as the pleasant land of hill and 
 valley, but as the greater Vermont who has sent her children forth 
 from ocean to ocean to build up the Nation, and to stamp upon it 
 the sterling virtues of sturdy New England life. 
 
 The statistican will tell us that Vermont is stationary, that her 
 population does not increase. Yes, she is stationary, as the family 
 home is stationary, because those who have been born into it have 
 gone forth from it, in obedience to the great law which God gave 
 man, to subdue and replenish the earth. Her children have made 
 her influence felt throughout the Union, because they have carried 
 forth from the home the mother's teaching, the courage, strength 
 and character which seem to be bone of her bone, and blood of her 
 blood. It is her life rather than her size, her virtues rather than 
 her riches, that have made her prominent and powerful. Here in 
 this rugged, typical New England State have been exemplified the 
 glowing words of our liberty -loving, undying, Lowell : 
 
 "Before man made us citizens, great Nature made us men." 
 
THE BAJSTQ UET EXER CI8ES. Ill 
 
 So, as we stand to-day beside the rushing river of our prosper- 
 ity, and strive to trace its sources, we find one of its clear and 
 sparkling fountains amid the green hills of Vermont. 
 
 In their life and work, their character and virtues, their pur- 
 poses and influence, Vermont and Massachusetts stand close 
 together. 
 
 With mutual love and esteem each for the other, Massachu- 
 setts has never failed in her interest in Vermont, and especially in 
 Bennington, from the day when Stark sent to our Commonwealth 
 the trophies of his victory (still reverently preserved), and in return 
 she voted him her thanks, a suit of clothes and a piece of linen, and 
 again a century later made her generous contribution to this, his 
 monument. 
 
 Our affection for our sister State is none the less if we do not 
 settle within her borders, but cling with filial love to the old Bay 
 State, and there, as here, enjoy the beauty, simplicity and vigor of 
 our New England life. 
 
 In 1782 when John Adams was minister at The Hague, his 
 wife in his absence purchased lands in Vermont and suggested a 
 removal there at some future time. Our gifted minister, broken in 
 health and worn in mind, wrote in despair : " What is to become 
 of the independent statesman, one who will bow the knee to no 
 idol, who will worship nothing as a divinity but truth, yirtue and 
 his country ? " And then he exclaims " Oh, peace, when wilt thou 
 permit me to visit Penn's hill, Milton hill, and all the Blue hills ? I 
 love every tree and every rock upon all those mountains. Roving 
 among these will be the amusement of my declining years. God 
 willing, I will not go to Vermont; I must be within scent of 
 the sea." 
 
 So to-day, as the children of Vermont cherish with special love 
 and reverence their native State, we, too, cannot forget our native 
 hills and valleys and rock-bound coast, our Greylock, our Wachu- 
 sett, our Berkshire and our Blue hills, around which are nestled so 
 much of comfort, prosperity and happiness, and to which we long- 
 ingly turn for rest and for peace. Much as we love and honor 
 Vermont, we must say with John Adams : God willing, we will not 
 go to Vermont ; we must be within scent of the sea. But there 
 it will be our pride and pleasure, as it is our blessed privilege, to do 
 whatsoever we may to sustain the life and the principles which 
 have made Vermont and Massachusetts alike the home of the happy 
 and the brave. 
 
 The next speaker presented was Governor Tuttle, of New 
 Hampshire, who spoke as follows : 
 
112 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 GovEKNOR Tuttle's Speech. 
 
 Responding to the call of Vermont, representatives of New 
 Hampsiiire appear here to-day to unite with those of other States, 
 and with those the National Government in the ceremonies of the 
 dedication of this magnificent memorial shaft, Bennington Battle 
 Monument, which shall stand before future generations in lofty 
 grandeur, a constant reminder of the brave deeds and virtues of the 
 men who fought for home and liberty on yonder hill, and of the 
 momentous victory which they won. 
 
 On occasions like this it is well to listen with grateful interest, 
 while the merits and sacrifices of our Revolutionary fathers are 
 recounted, though we have read of them and heard of them again 
 and again. 
 
 While white men have never fought with white men in war on 
 the soil of New Hampshire, her sons have always been willing and 
 prompt to march and to fight, whenever and wherever a State or 
 common defence required their support. Moved by patriotic prin- 
 ciple and profound sympathy for others, as well as by desire for 
 self-protection, the New Hampshire men advanced beyond their 
 frontier with no government control but their own, and assisted in 
 repelling invaders in two great Revolutionary battles in New 
 England. They chose not to defer action till forced to meet the 
 shock of battle and to defend themselves from the ravages of war at 
 home. When tidings of hostilities at Lexington, and Concord, 
 reached New Hampshire, a large number of her patriots, seizing 
 such arms as they possessed, rushed for the front. They marched 
 without orders and without invitation. Almost 2,000 had reached 
 the vicinity of Boston within the first three days. Two regiments 
 were soon organized from these men. John Stark was unanimously 
 chosen, by hand vote. Colonel of the First, and James Read became 
 Colonel of the Second. Nothing connected with the battle of 
 Bunker Hill appears from true historic record to be more definite, 
 decisive and important than the part enacted in that unique confiict 
 by these New Hampshire regiments, led, with entire independence 
 of superior orders, by Stark as senior officer. 
 
 During the first year of the War of the Revolution the Colonial 
 armies were mainly successful. But defeat, dissension, disease and 
 disaster so modified their operations in the second year that little 
 was gained to cheer the hearts of the friends of liberty and 
 independence. The people, too, began to feel more keenly the effects 
 of the war-draft on their resources. The daring, brilliant and vic- 
 torious attack on the Hessians at Trenton, where Colonel Stark led 
 the right wing of the advanced guard by the command of Washing- 
 
THE BA NQ UET EXEB OISES. 105 
 
 main tent, and four thousand pieces in the annex. There were five 
 thousand pieces of silver-ware. For the State table a special 
 dinner service of Sevres and old Delf-ware graced Tlie President's 
 seat. .Three hundred young women, clad in white, volunteers of 
 Bennington's daughters, acted as waitresses. Colored waiters 
 served the Presidential party. Inasmuch as there were over 3,500 
 persons seated at the banquet tables there were no dinner cards. 
 
 The menu served consisted of consomme glace, salad of lobster, 
 potatoes, sardines, dressed tomatoes, cold chicken, turkey, ham, 
 tongue, lamb, veal, rolls, crackers, etc., cheese, almonds, frozen 
 pudding ; ' vanilla, strawberry and chocolate creams, and a great 
 variety of fancy ices, tea and coffee. The Montpelier Military 
 orchestra rendered a choice programme during the gastronomical 
 part of the banquet. The music was much enjoyed by all present. 
 
 President Veazey, at 4.45, P. M., " rapped the tables to order," 
 after lunch had been thoroughly discussed, and opened the post- 
 prandial exercises by again introducing President Harrison, in the 
 following felicitous manner : The voice of the President of the 
 United States has, as you have had occasion to notice, been used up 
 in the service, to use a military phrase. It will be difficult for him 
 to use it any more to-day. It will be impossible for him to be 
 heard by this great audience unless the utmost silence is preserved 
 by all who are here present. He has kindly consented, notwith- 
 standing the dilapidated condition of his voice, to stand up and say 
 a single word to you this second time to-day, and I now have the 
 honor of presenting The President once more. (Applause.) After 
 the applause had subsided, and order had been restored. 
 The President, in Response, Spoke as Follows. — 
 
 Mr. President and Fellow Citizens. — Whatever temporary 
 injury my voice has suffered was not at the hands of Vermont. 
 (Laughter and applause.) New York is responsible. In Albany I 
 spoke in the rain to a large assemblage. Perhaps, if it were worth 
 while to trace this vocal infirmity further, I might find its origin at 
 Cape May (laughter), for I think I started upon this trip with the 
 elements of a cold, that has to some degree marred the pleasure 
 which I had anticipated to-day. But, notwithstanding what my 
 friend General Veazey has described as " the dilapidated condi- 
 tion " of my voice, I will respond to his request to say a word to 
 you. I knew that General Veazey has been put in charge of the 
 transportation lines of the country, but I did not expect to find 
 him in charge of what the boys used to call the " cracker line." 
 (Laughter.) It seems that his capacity for usefulness in the public 
 service is so great and so diversified that you have called upon him 
 
106 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 to conduct the exercises of this magnificent occasion. He is a most 
 excellent Interstate Commerce Commissioner (applause), an honor 
 to your State, and I have no criticism of him as President of the 
 Day, except that he calls too much attention to me. (Laughter and 
 applause.) 
 
 This scene, these tables so bountifully and so tastefully spread, 
 ■was one full of beauty when we entered, but it seems now to have 
 taken on some of that " dilapidation " which General Veazey 
 ascribed to my voice. (Laughter.) I am sure that if the supplies 
 gathered at Bennington to-day had been here in 1777 that struggle 
 would have been much more obstinate. (Laughter.) But, my fel- 
 low citizens, there is much in this occasion that is full of instruction 
 to the strangers, who, by your hospitable invitation, have the privi- 
 lege of meeting with you. Wherever men may have been born, 
 within this galaxy of great States which makes the greater Union, 
 there is respect and honor for the New England character. 
 
 It has been a source of strength to the Nation in its develop- 
 ment in material things. It has furnished to literature and to 
 invention some of the largest contributions ; but more than all this it 
 has done a great work for all the states, and especially those states 
 of the West and North-west, in which its enterprising sons have 
 found new homes, in establishing everywhere a love of social order 
 and patriotic devotion to the Union of States. (Applause.) If we 
 seek to find the institutions of New England that have formed the 
 character of its own people and have exercised a stronger moulding 
 influence than that of any other section upon our whole people, we 
 shall find them, I think, in their temples, in their schools, in their 
 town meetings, and in^their God-fearing homes. (Applause.) The 
 courage of those who fought at Bennington, at Concord, Lexington, 
 Bunker Hill, and Saratoga, was born of a high trust in God. They 
 were'men, who, fearing God, had naught else to fear. That devo- 
 tion to local self-government which originated and for so long 
 maintained the town meeting, establishing and perpetuating a true 
 democracy, an equal, full participation and responsibility in all 
 public affairs on the part of every citizen, was the cause of the 
 development of the love of social order and respect for law which 
 has characterized your communities, has made them safe and com- 
 fortable abodes for your people. These migrations between the 
 states have been to your loss, but there is now a turning back to 
 these States of New England and to some of its unused farms, 
 which I believe is to continue and increase. The migrations which 
 you have sent into the South to develop its industries, to open its 
 mines,Jto set up factories and furnaces, is doing marvellous work in 
 
THE BANQ UET EXER CISES. 107 
 
 unifying our people. (Applause.) As I journeyed recently across 
 the continent, this oneness of our people was strongly impressed 
 upon me. 1 think these Centennial observances, which have 
 crowded one upon another from Concord to the Centennial of the 
 adoption of the Constitution, and the organization of the Supreme 
 Court, have turned the thought of our people to the most inspiring 
 incident in our history, and have greatly intensified and developed 
 our love of the flag and the Constitution. (Applause.) 
 
 I do not believe there has been a time in our history when 
 there has been a deeper, fonder love for the unity of the States for 
 the flag that emblematizes this unity and for the Constitution which 
 cements it. (Applause.) 
 
 I believe we have come to a time when we may look out to 
 greater things. Secure in our own institutions, enriched almost 
 beyond calculation, I believe we have reached a time when we may 
 take a large part in the great transactions of the world. (Cheers.) 
 I believe our people are prepared now to insist that the American 
 flag shall be seen upon the sea (applause), and that our merchants 
 and manufacturers are ready to seize the golden opportunity that is 
 now ofEered for extending our commerce into the states of Central, 
 and South America. (Cheers.) I believe that conservative, views 
 of finance will prevail in this country. (Applause.) I am sure dis- 
 content and temporary distress will not tempt our people to forsake 
 those safe lines of public administration in which commercial secur- 
 ity alone rests. (Applause.) As long as the General Government 
 furnishes the money of the people for their great business transac- 
 tions, I believe we will insist, as 1 have said before, that every 
 dollar issued, whether paper or coin, shall be as good and be kept 
 as good as any other dollar that issues. (Cheers.) The purity, the 
 equality of what we call dollars must be preserved, or an element of 
 uncertainty and of bankruptcy wUl be introduced into all business 
 transactions. This I may say without crossing lines of division. 
 How this end is to be attained I will not attempt to sketch, but I 
 do not hesitate to say that I feel myself pledged, so far as in me 
 lies, to maintain that equality between our circulating money that 
 is essential to the perfect use of all. (Prolonged applause.) 
 
 I have gone beyond the promise of the President of the Day, 
 and have been betrayed by your friendliness into speaking two or 
 three words. May I, in closing, tender to these good women of Ver- 
 mont my thanks for the grace and sweetness which their services 
 and their presence have lent to this happy occasion. May I say to 
 them that the devoted services of their mothers, their courage and 
 patience and helpfulness shown by the women in their great strug- 
 
108 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 gle for liberty cannot be too highly appreciated. It was an easier 
 fate to march with bared breasts against the Hessian ramparts at 
 Bennington than to sit in the lonely homestead awaiting the issue, 
 with tearful eyes uplifted to God in prayer for those who perilled 
 their lives for the cause. All honor to the New England mother, 
 the queen of the New England home. (Applause.) There, in those 
 nurseries of virtue and truth, have been found the strongest influ- 
 ences that have moulded your people for good, and led your sons to 
 honor. (Great cheering.) 
 
 At the close of The President's remarks Judge John V. Carney, 
 President of the " Citizens Committee of Fifty," of Bennington, was 
 introduced to The President and presented him with a Souvenir 
 medal, of solid gold, of the official pattern. These medals were 
 struck in three metals, viz. : gold, one for President Harrison ; 
 bronze, for the President of the Day, the Executive Committees) 
 State guests, etc. ; silver, for the general public. The design 
 included a red, white and blue badge, one and one-half inches in 
 length, hanging from a milled-edge bar, one and one-half inches 
 long, upon which was the word "Bennington," in raised letters. 
 The centre-white had a bronze figure in Continental uniform, below 
 which, running across the tri-colored ribbon, was the date : August 
 19, 1891. Pendant from the badge and bar, attached by three links, 
 was the medal. This was the size of a silver dollar and bore upon 
 its face, in a centre-panel, the figure of the Monument. Upon 
 either side were the dates " 1777," " 1891." The circular inscription 
 read as follows : " Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monu- 
 ment." Obverse. — In an outer-circle which bore the words : 
 " Centennial Celebration of the Admission of Vermont as a State," 
 enclosed by a circle of stars, in a centre-field, was the State Coat-of- 
 Arms of Vermont, resting upon a cluster of flags, supported by the 
 two cannon captured at Bennington battle, below them the dates, 
 " 1791-1891." The medal was a neat affair, creditable to its 
 designer, and a tasty personal decoration. 
 Presentation of the Souvenir Gold Medal. — 
 
 Mr. President. — Allow me, sir, — as the humble representative 
 of your many friends in Bennington, who recognize in you the brave 
 and patriotic soldier, the honest and eminent statesman, and the 
 true Christian gentleman, — to present to you this Souvenir as a 
 token of the respect in which you are held by the people of our 
 historic town, trusting that, in future years, it may recall to your 
 mind pleasant memories of this Centennial occasion. 
 
 May the Great Ruler, Who holds the destiny of peoples and 
 Nations in his hands, grant you many happy years of usefulness, in 
 
TSE BANQUET EXERCISES. 109 
 
 both public and private life. [The medal was pinned upon The 
 President's coat. J 
 
 President Harrison, apparently much affected, replied in these 
 words : " I thank you, sir, though a memorial was not needful to 
 preserve in my heart grateful memories of this day." 
 
 Governor Russell of Massachusetts was the next speaker. In 
 presenting him President Veazey referred to the fact that Massa- 
 chusetts was at Bennington upon the greatest occasion in its 
 history, in August 1777, and was, also, here at the great Centennial 
 Celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the battle, in August 
 1877; and that she was again here on this occasion, — in the person 
 of her young and eloquent Governor, and many other State officials, 
 and civil and military organizations, — to participate with Vermont, 
 and New Hampshire, in the observances of this day : 
 GovEENOE Russell's Speech. — 
 
 It is always a pleasure and a privilege to give voice to the senti- 
 ment of friendship and of love that hallows and glorifies the Union 
 of our sisterhood of States in one great, powerful, and permanent 
 Nation. It adds to the pleasure when, as to-day, with this senti- 
 ment we can mingle our congratulations in recalling two great 
 epochs in the history of a State when courage, patriotism and per- 
 severance gave life and independence to her, greater safety and 
 strength to her sister States, and to our common country a bright 
 page in its glorious history. 
 
 Gladly I bring to you from the old Bay State her congratula- 
 tions and her love, as the unanimous sentiment of her sturdy and 
 patriotic children. This sentiment is but the natural, spontaneous 
 feeling between States whose relations have always been those of 
 amity, good- will and support, from the early days when these green 
 hills had but begun to develop the life ■ which a century ago 
 matured in a free and independent State. 
 
 In her struggle with her nearest neighbors, who loved her quite 
 too much to give her up, Vermont had all the sympathy Massachu- 
 setts could give without herself becoming embarrassed in her 
 family relations. Long before Ethan Allen bore to astonished 
 Ticonderoga the command of the " Continental Congress and the 
 great Jehovah," yes, even before the days of Wolfe and Montcalm, 
 Massachusetts looked to the brave sons of the Green Mountains as 
 an insuperable barrier between her and her foes, a barrier tried' and 
 found true, a little later, in the victory we justly commemorate as 
 the turning point in the dark days of our Revolution ; and again 
 tried and again true, a generation later, in McDonough's gallant 
 victory on Lake Champlain. 
 
110 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Shoulder to shoulder stood Massachusetts and Vermont in 
 those days of struggle and suffering; hand in hand have they 
 walked since, sharing each other's joys and sorrows through the 
 sunshine and the clouds which have broken over our fair Republic. 
 
 Massachusetts has a deep interest in this commemorative Mon- 
 ument. It recalls the valor of her sons ; the union of all, heart and 
 hand, for the common weal; the sacrifices of the fathers, for the 
 liberty of the children ; the beginning of a great Nation ; the cour- 
 age, patriotism and struggle which wrought its independence and 
 founded free institutions that would insure to its people happiness 
 and prosperity, and lead the world to a truer, nobler life. So the 
 Mother States, as together they shared the labor of the victory, so 
 together, generously, gratefully, they erect this Monument, that the 
 struggle and victory may live forever. The acts of States, rather 
 than the words of man, are the fitting tribute to brave deeds bravely 
 done for love of country : 
 
 " Wat's words to tliem whose faith an' truth 
 
 " On war's red techstone rang true metal ; 
 " Who ventured life an' love an' youth 
 
 " For the great prize of death in battle ?" 
 
 But to-day we commemorate not one event alone. A century 
 ago Vermont, first of the great incoming sisterhood, took her place 
 among what the poet calls the " stars of glory.'' Not large in terri- 
 toi-y, not significant in population, yet she has ever maintained in 
 oTir Union a position of stability, influence, patriotism and power 
 which have made her a potent factor in the well-being and progress 
 of our Continental Republic. 
 
 To-day we think of her not alone as the Vermont whom Stark 
 and Allen made famous, not alone as the pleasant land of hill and 
 valley, but as the greater Vermont who has sent her children forth 
 from ocean to ocean to build up the Nation, and to stamp upon it 
 the sterling virtues of sturdj' New England life. 
 
 The statistican will tell us that Vermont is stationary, that her 
 population does not increase. Yes, she is stationary, as the family 
 home is stationary, because those who have been born into it have 
 gone forth from it, in obedience to the great law which God gave 
 man, to subdue and replenish the earth. Her children have made 
 lier influence felt throughout the Union, because they have carried 
 forth from the home the mother's teaching, the courage, strength 
 and character which seem to be bone of her bone, and blood of her 
 blood. It is her life rather than her size, her virtues rather than 
 her riches, that have made her prominent and powerful. Here in 
 this rugged, typical New England State have been exemplified the 
 glowing words of our liberty-loving, undying, Lowell : 
 
 "Before man made us citizens, great Nature made us men." 
 
TSE BAJSTQ UET EXEB CISES. Ill 
 
 So, as we stand to-day beside the rushing river of our prosper- 
 ity, and strive to trace its sources, we find one of its clear and 
 sparkling fountains amid the green hills of Vermont. 
 
 In their life and work, their character and virtues, their pur- 
 poses and influence, Vermont and Massachusetts stand close 
 together. 
 
 With mutual love and esteem each for the other, Massachu- 
 setts has never failed in her interest in Vermont, and especially in 
 Bennington, from the day when Stark sent to our Commonwealth 
 the trophies of his victory (still reverently preserved), and in return 
 she voted him her thanks, a suit of clothes and a piece of linen, and 
 again a century later made her generous contribution to this, his 
 monument. 
 
 Our affection for our sister State is none the less if we do not 
 settle within her borders, but cling with filial love to the old Bay 
 State, and there, as here, enjoy the beauty, simplicity and vigor of 
 our New England life. 
 
 In 1782 when John Adams was minister at The Hague, his 
 wife in his absence purchased lands in Vermont and suggested a 
 removal there at some future time. Our gifted minister, broken in 
 health and worn in mind, wrote in despair : " What is to become 
 of the independent statesman, one who will bow the knee to no 
 idol, who will worship nothing as a divinity but truth, virtue and 
 his country ? " And then he exclaims " Oh, peace, when wilt thou 
 permit me to visit Penn's hill, Milton hill, and all the Blue hUls ? I 
 love every tree and every rock upon all those mountains. Roving 
 among these will be the amusement of my declining years. God 
 willing, I will not go to Vermont; I must be within scent of 
 the sea." 
 
 So to-day, as the children of Vermont cherish with special love 
 and reverence their native State, we, too, cannot forget our native 
 hills and valleys and rock-bound coast, our Greylock, our Wachu- 
 sett, our Berkshire and our Blue hills, around which are nestled so 
 much of comfort, prosperity and happiness, and to which we long- 
 ingly turn for rest and for peace. Much as we love and honor 
 Vermont, we must say with John Adams : God willing, we will not 
 go to Vermont ; we must be within ■ scent of the sea. But there 
 it will he our pride and pleasure, as it is our blessed privilege, to do 
 whatsoever we may to sustain the life and the principles which 
 have made Vermont and Massachusetts alike the home of the happy 
 and the brave. 
 
 The next speaker presented was Governor Tuttle, of New 
 Hampshire, who spoke as follows : 
 
112 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 GovEKNOR Tuttle's Speech. — 
 
 Responding to the call of Vermont, representatives of New 
 Hampshire appear here to-day to unite with those of other States, 
 and with those the National Government in the ceremonies of the 
 dedication of this magnificent memorial shaft, Bennington Battle 
 Monument, which shall stand before future generations in lofty 
 grandeur, a constant reminder of the brave deeds and virtues of the 
 men who fought for home and liberty on yonder hill, and of the 
 momentous victory which they won. 
 
 On occasions like this it is well to listen with grateful interest, 
 while the merits and sacrifices of our Revolutionary fathers are 
 recounted, though we have read of them and heard of them again 
 and again. 
 
 While white men have never fought with white men in war on 
 the soil of New Hampshire, her sons have always been willing and 
 prompt to march and to fight, whenever and wherever a State or 
 common defence required their support. Moved by patriotic prin- 
 ciple ana profound sympathy for others, as well as by desire for 
 self-protection, the New Hampshire men advanced beyond their 
 frontier with no government control but their own, and assisted in 
 repelling invaders in two great Revolutionary battles in New 
 England. They chose not to defer action till forced to meet the 
 shock of 'battle and to defend themselves from the ravages of war at 
 home. When tidings of hostilities at Lexington, and Concord, 
 reached New Hampshire, a large number of her patriots, seizing 
 such arms as they possessed, rushed for the front. They marched 
 without orders and without invitation. Alinost 2,000 had reached 
 the vicinity of Boston within the first three days. Two regiments 
 were soon organized from these men. John Stark was unanimously 
 chosen, by hand vote. Colonel of the First, and James Read became 
 Colonel of the Second. Nothing connected with the battle of 
 Bunker Hill appears from true historic record to be more definite, 
 decisive and important than the part enacted in that unique conflict 
 by these New Hampshire regiments, led, with entire independence 
 of superior orders, by Stark as senior officer. 
 
 During the first year of the War of the Revolution the Colonial 
 armies were mainly successful. But defeat,, dissension, disease and 
 disaster so modified their operations in the second year that little 
 was gained to cheer the hearts of'' the friends of liberty and 
 independence. The people, too, began to feel more keenly the effects 
 of the war-draft on their resources. The daring, brilliant and vic- 
 torious attack on the Hessians at Trenton, where Colonel Stark led 
 the right wing of the advanced guard by the command of Washing- 
 
}Sur^:i^^^ ~^.(U^^y(yU^~ 
 
THE BANQ UET EXER GISES. 113 
 
 ton, and the short, sharp and triumphant fight with the British at 
 Princeton, served for a time to revive the waning zeal of the people, 
 and to restore confidence in the army. 
 
 The continued depressing outlook, which confronted the Colo- 
 nists, in the summer of 1777, was greatly augmented by the near 
 approach of General Burgoyne, in his advance from Montreal to 
 Albany, in pursuance of the plan of separating New England from 
 other Colonies by military methods. The abandonment of our 
 largest fortress, Ticonderoga, July 6th, and the battle of. Hubbard- 
 ton on the following day, the quality of the invading army, made 
 up of British and Hessian veterans, Canadians, Tories, and Ameri- 
 can savages, the menacing proclamations of General Burgoyne, and 
 the wild rumors of Indian atrocities, notably the massacre of Jane 
 McCrea, spread consternation among the inhabitants of Eastern 
 New York, Vermont, and Western Massachusetts. The Council of 
 Safety, of the new State of Vermont, sent supplicatory letters to 
 Massachusetts, and also to New Hampshire. The latter reached 
 their destination just after the Legislature had adjourned. It was, 
 however, called together by the Committee of Safety, and favorably 
 considered the entreaty from Vermont that troops be sent to their 
 assistance. But New Hampshire was destitute of money and 
 means, having reached the limit of its resources, as it was supposed, 
 in furnishing troops. John Langdon, the patriotic merchant, then 
 pledged much of his private fortune to replenish the empty treas- 
 ury of the State, and the Legislature voted at once to raise and 
 forward a brigade for the defence of this and the neighboring 
 States, and appointed Colonel John Stark Brigadier-General to com- 
 mand it. Colonel Stark was at his home at this time, his sense of 
 honor having compelled him to resign his commission when a junior 
 officer was promoted over him to the rank of Brigadier-General, by 
 Congress, with the idea that he was self-willed. He accepted the 
 commission on condition that he should exercise his own judg- 
 ment in commanding his troops and be accountable to, and take 
 orders from, the authorities of New Hampshire and none other. He 
 was very soon sending forward from Charlestown, the men who 
 hastened to his standard, to Colonel Seth Warner, commanding the 
 troops of the new State at Manchester, where he in a short time 
 joined them. Here General Lincoln came with an order from 
 General Schuyler to conduct the militia to Stillwater. General 
 Stark, having explained to General Lincoln the relation of himself 
 and his command, determined that the order should not be 
 executed. For this action Congress censured him. Being informed 
 of the intention of the enemy to capture the stores at Bennington, 
 
114 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Stark, accompanied by Colonel Warner, marched his forces to that 
 town, having made arrangements for detachments to join him 
 there. On August l-tth the approach of the enemy was learned 
 from Lieutenant- Colonel Gregg, of New Hampshire, who was 
 detached with 200 men to discover him. General Stark immedi- 
 ately marched forth Ave miles and boldly offered battle, which was 
 evaded by the unknown foe. Abundant rain prevented movements 
 of the armies on the 15th, but troops arrived from Massachusetts, 
 and the British forces spent the day in intrenching. 
 
 On the memorable and beautiful day, August 16th, General 
 Stark, having made careful preparation and skilful disposition of 
 his troops, in open field, with a few bayonets and no cannon, 
 attacked and killed or captured or put to flight, in two engagements, 
 some of the best veteran troops of Great Britain and Germany, 
 thoroughly equipped and protected by cannon and breastworks. 
 They achieved a victory of unsurpassed brilliancy, which, by its 
 immediate and remote results, holds high place among the most 
 important events in the annals of our country. 
 
 Although Congress had slighted and censured General Stark, 
 within six months they made him a Brigadier-General in the army 
 of the United States, and presented their thanks to him and the 
 oflScers and troops under his command. Congress was compelled 
 to do this to keep up with the procession of the applauding people. 
 
 A hundred and fourteen years, with all their mutations, sepa- 
 rate us from those scenes. Lundy's Lane, and Jackson at New 
 Orleans, Buena Vista and Chepultepec, Vicksburg, and Appomat- 
 tox, and innumerable things, having exercised the interest, wonder 
 and admiration of intervening generations, now belong to the his- 
 toric past. But the influence of Bennington is still potent as the 
 vast concourse here assembled attests. 
 
 Under the title : " Bennington Troops, 1777," in Volume IT., of 
 " Revolution Rolls," of New Hampshire, edited from original rolls 
 with great care by the Official State Historian, are recorded the 
 names, rank, terms of service (general average being about two 
 months), with other details, of more than 1,500 New Hampshire 
 men. Colonel George C. Gilmore, who has been a Special Commis- 
 sioner to investigate such matters for the State, has published a 
 volume entitled : " New Hampshire Soldiers at Bennington," in 
 which he records the name, residence, regiment, rank, company, and 
 date of enlistment of each of the 1,467 New Hampshire men who 
 fought under Stark at Bennington. He omits from the official rolls 
 all who died or left before, or enlisted after August 16, 1777, the 
 date of the battle. 
 
(^C^(XH 
 
 
THE BANQUET EXERCISES. 115 
 
 Vermont has not a full official record of her troops, engaged in 
 the Battle of Bennington, as I learn through one of her intelligent 
 citizens. Estimates of their number must rest on the best informa- 
 tion obtainable. It is certain that Colonel Seth Warner was there as 
 a valued adviser of Stark. It is certain that Colonel Herrick was 
 there with his Rangers arrayed in green,, and it is certain that the 
 " Green Mountain Boys " put every possible man and every possible 
 musket into the fight. There is no doubt that the heroic clergyman 
 from Pittsfleld, Massachusetts, Rev. Thomas Allen, came early and 
 eager for the fight, and was effective therein, being accompanied by 
 all the men that he could induce to follow him. Other troops came 
 timely from Massachusetts to take part in the second engagement. 
 
 President Bartlett, in his Centennial address, says: "The 
 plunder taken at Bennington was divided between 2,250 men " : but 
 some troops arrived soon after the battle was over. 
 
 The Bennington fight of General John Stark and his men from 
 Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, with the motley 
 forces of Baum and Breyman, may seem to be of small moment 
 when compared with the tremendous struggles of the Great 
 Rebellion, but it was essential in establishing the existence of the 
 Nation, in its infancy, as the appalling battle of Gettysburg was 
 essential in maintaining the life and unity of the Nation in its 
 maturity. 
 
 New Hampshire congratulates the Government and people of 
 Vermont, ever among the foremost in liberality and zeal, in honoring 
 the memory of the. benefactors of our country, on the measure and 
 success of their efforts in effecting such a grand consummation of 
 this great work, which commemorates an event that reflects honor 
 on pur State through the valor of Stark and his brigade. 
 
 New Hampshire would express her profound and grateful 
 appreciation of the generous and persistent labors of the noble men 
 who have caused and guided the erection of this Monument, which 
 stands a memorial of the patriotism of the past, and represents 
 to-day the patriotic gratitude, not only of three States but of 
 the Nation. 
 
 Governor Hill was expected to be present, to respond in behalf 
 of the State of New York, but being unable to attend President 
 Veazey called upon Major-General Oliver Otis Howard, command- 
 ing the Department of the East, to speak for that State, his 
 headquarters being at that time in New York : 
 General Howard's Remarks. — 
 
 Mr. President, Zadies and Gentlemen. — A few moments ago 
 General Veazey crept around behind my chair and said : " The 
 
116 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Governor of New York is absent and we have no one to represent 
 him and we don't know what to do. As you are from that State 
 you will speak for Governor Hill, will you not ? " 
 
 It struck me as amusing in the extreme to make me a substi- 
 tute for the present Governor of the great State of New York, and 
 yet, there appears to be some fitness in it, for I do come from that 
 State, and belong to the City of New York ; to the First Ward of 
 the City, dwelling upon Governor's Island ; and though denominated 
 " a radical " I have always inclined to democratic in contradistinc- 
 tion to aristocratic ideas. 
 
 There has been a great deal said by the orator of the day and 
 others, against us New Yorkers on this occasion ; in short, it is 
 represented that there was formerly a controversy that almost 
 amounted to a war between the inhabitants of New York and the 
 dwellers upon the plantations in these regions, but so patriotic were 
 the " Green Mountain Boys " that they fought with ardor in the 
 Revolution, to the end of that struggle, reserving the settlement 
 with their New York enemies till the close of that war. In fact, 
 they had to make, all the time, a front fight, and withstand a flank 
 fire upon them. 
 
 Now a fair presentation of the matter will show that it was not 
 the people of New York at all, even in those days of a corrupt and 
 tyrannical Governor with avaricious surroundings, who, aided and 
 abetted by those surroundings, had coveted the Vermont planta- 
 tions or the " Hampshire Grants." 
 
 We would have the distinct understanding, and were Governor 
 Hill here to-day he would assure you of the fact, that since those 
 old days, things have greatly changed ; that there are no longer 
 tyrannical Governors, or avaricious surroundings; or if, perchance, 
 the people find upon such occasions an abnormal condition of 
 affairs at the capital of a State, the incumbents are soon after 
 speedily voted out of the place. 
 
 To show that matters are not so bad as history presents, take a 
 look at this magnificent, obelistic-like monument which Vermonters 
 and New Hampshire men have combined to erect. But where did 
 they get the substance of the structure itself, — the splendid stone 
 •of which it is made ? Why ! of course from the quarries within the 
 State of New York. What could give a better basis of Union and 
 settlement, gentlemen of the committee, *than for you to furnish the 
 money and New York the granite ; and this settlement certainly is 
 a little remarkable considering that New Hampshire itself and some 
 portions of Vermont are made of granite. But in these days there 
 is not only a common patriotism, but people make a common cause. 
 
THE BANQ UET EXER CISES. 117 
 
 and have a common interest, mutual agreements, and conspicuous 
 reciprocity. 
 
 Comrades of the Rebellion, for I see many of you before me 
 to-day, I have improved the opportunity of meeting very many 
 who are decrepit vsrith wounds or age, in your beautiful Soldiers' 
 Home. My mind and heart are full of reminiscences connected 
 with Vermont men. Lately, I was reminded at Gettysburg, during 
 the visit of the Count de Paris, of your work there, and was glad to 
 see that your General Stannard had the loftiest monument. Con- 
 cerning him, your representative in the President's cabinet, Mr. 
 Proctor, has given me, in addition to my own knowledge, bright and 
 interesting war stories; they two, are nobly associated in my 
 memory. 
 
 The Second Vermont formed a part of my first brigade, and 
 went with me into our first battle, that of Bull Run. It was a 
 superb regiment ; and I believe between the brave spirits that made 
 up its ranks and myself, was a mutual regard. For the non-com- 
 missioned officers just after we parted, through the changes of the 
 war-organizations, presented me a beautiful sword which I wore 
 during the remainder of the war, and which, refitted, with some of 
 its dents and scars and bends removed, I have worn on all parades. 
 State and National occasions. It is a perpetual reminder of the 
 patriotism and thoughtful kindness of Vermont men. No general 
 could ask for better soldiers than they were. 
 
 Oh ! " Bull Run," that was a failure ! writes the historian. 
 Perhaps so, but surely, there was a Providence in that battle. We 
 were not yet equipped, either in sentiment or in sacrifice or in 
 provision for the prolonged great struggle. 
 
 This is a patriotic day. It is a reminder of what our fathers 
 provided for us, our American Institutions. I am a thorough 
 believer in the practical oneness and genuine American life to which 
 President Harrison has so aptly and feelingly referred. 
 
 American Institutions, what are they ? I have been accus- 
 tomed of late to divide them into three classes : the home, the 
 sweet. Christian home, such homes as are not often found in other 
 lands ; the school, especially the common school, which brings the 
 springs of adequate knowledge to every child, which the enemies of 
 our liberty-loving country ardently wish to cripple or destroy ; and 
 then not the church, but the churches, those which our fathers 
 founded, where men can worship God according to the dictates of 
 their individual consciences without let or hindrance. These, to 
 my mind, are the fundamental institutions of the land ; they are, 
 indeed, what our fathers of the Revolution fought for; they are 
 
118 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 what in these later years Vermont soldiers had in mind. I nstitu- 
 tions which they and their comrades of other States have, thank 
 God, made universal ! These Institutions ! We are glad, now that 
 the flag of genuine freedom waves over every State, to commit 
 them to our children and children's children, who, we are confident, 
 will have the virtue, the patriotism and the Divine help to render 
 them perpetual. 
 
 The next speaker called upon was ex-Governor Russell A. 
 Alger, of Michigan. The President remarked that although General 
 Alger was not a native of "Vermont, or a resident of the State, he 
 had married a Vermont lady and was, therefore, assigned to speak 
 for the women of Vermont : 
 General Alger's Remarks. — 
 
 Mr. Chairman., Ladies and Gentlemen. — To me has been 
 assigned the very pleasing part in this programme, of responding to 
 the toast, "The Women of Vermont." I gratefully acknowledge my 
 debt to the Green Mountain State, referred to by General Veazey, 
 and am glad to testify that, in a very large measure, whatever of 
 .prosperity and happiness have come to me, is due to her who has 
 been my life-counsel, and who is proud to enroll herself as a 
 Daughter of Vermont. 
 
 AH who are attending these festivities, can well testify to the 
 lovely hospitality and gentle kindness of the women of this Com- 
 monwealth, and could you look in upon the happy home where we 
 are domiciled, you would readily see why a Vermont home is 
 my ideal. 
 
 What can I say of the women of Vermont? They are beyond 
 praise; and, like the women all over this country, whenever war has 
 been inflicted upon it, have been the strong right arm of the men in 
 the field, and by their courage, self-sacrifice and counsel, have 
 cheered and encouraged those who have had to meet the foe, and 
 thus have directly aided in the success that has always attended 
 our arrns. 
 
 One without experience might wonder why men have the cour- 
 age to go into battle, but it is easily explained when it is 
 remembered that besides their own sense of duty, their love' of 
 country and their own determination, a silent power impels them 
 on, and that power the fact that every man, in the field, had at 
 home his " Annie Laurie." 
 
 While we have been dedicating this great structure to the 
 heroes of the battle of Bennington I have been thinking, not only of 
 this, but of other monuments reared to the memory of men who 
 have served this country, which I have seen in the past few years. 
 
TSE BANQUET EXEliOISES. 119 
 
 and have thought how far they fall short of telling the whole story. 
 
 If behind, and around these structures there could be seen, 
 hovering, the forms of the women at home who cheered the men on, 
 and made them soldiers ; and if, still further, it was possible to 
 gather about them the anxieties, tears and sorrows, the long years 
 of painful watching for the sound of the foot-fall that was never 
 again to be heard crossing the threshold at home ; and also the 
 sufferings of the wounded in the field and hospital, far from home 
 and friends, that in a measure would represent war. But all this is 
 impossible, and while I gladly see this Monument erected to the 
 men in the field, I have thought what an impossible task it would 
 be to erect a fitting one to the women, — the greatest sufferers of 
 all wars ; because the dome of the skies would not be high enough 
 to receive its cope-stone. God bless the women ? 
 
 Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very glad indeed to 
 have had this opportunity to be with you to-day, and I wish to the 
 women of Vermont, every happiness that can come to mortals in 
 this life. 
 
 President Veazey next introduced the Hon. Eedfleld Proctor, 
 Secretary of War, who spoke briefly. [When Secretary of War 
 Proctor arose in his place beside The President, he was unable to 
 stand erect under the low roof of the tent, and two men with poles 
 held up the tent roof while he spoke. The incident furnished a good 
 deal of amusement, and Secretary Proctor turned it to account.] 
 He said : 
 Remarks of Rbdfield Peoctoe, Secebtaet of Wae. — 
 
 Mr. President., Ladies and Oentlemen. — I can this time at least, 
 honestly say and prove, that it was not intended to call upon me for 
 any response, for the tent is so pitched, that where I am, the head 
 of a man over six feet-one is lost in its folds. Many of our guests 
 from other States, and perhaps a very few native Vermonters, are 
 under that measure ; and the tent and platform were evidently 
 arranged by some envious person of low stature, to give that class 
 the monopoly of the speaking, and shut out the average Vermonter, 
 and for my part it is a matter of regret that your President has 
 undertaken to thwart his designs. 
 
 I am here in a two-fold capacity to-day. As a visitor, I am glad 
 to say that the exercises of this occasion have been of a higher order, 
 its general conduct and management better, than those of any simi- 
 lar occasion which it has been my good fortune to attend. As a 
 Vermonter, I am proud that The President and so many distin- 
 guished guests have had this opportunity to see our State and people, 
 and that they are honored by the presence of this grand assemblage. 
 
120 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Nowhere, within the bounds of this vast Nation, can its Chief 
 Magistrate find a people who, from the first struggle for independence, 
 from the time of Ticoiideroga, and Bennington, to Gettysburg, and 
 Appomattox, have been more loyal and devoted to the great princi- 
 ples there established and maintained, or more ready to do and dare 
 in their behalf. 
 
 We are glad to see and welcome our guests and thank them for 
 their presence. But I am sure they will acknowledge that they are 
 under greater obligation for the opportunity to be here to-day. 
 
 The next speaker introduced was Hon. William H. H. Miller, 
 Attorney-General of the United States : 
 Response by Attorney-Gbnekal Millee. — 
 
 The Editor of this volume, in reply to a request for a resume of 
 General Miller's remarks, received the following letter : 
 
 Office of the Attoeney-Geneeal, 
 
 Washington, D. C, Dec. 26, 1891. 
 H. L. Stillson, Esq., Chairman Committee on Printing, jBen- 
 nington, Vt. My Deae Sie. — Yours of December 12th, enclosing 
 a clipping in reference to my remarks at the dinner at Bennington, 
 is received. I have scarcely thought of the fact that I made any 
 remarks at the Bennington feast since the day of its occurrence. It 
 is, therefore, quite impossible for me to recall what was said. Upon 
 the supposition that possible a fuller report might be found, my 
 Private Secretary has been searching the files since your letter was 
 received, but without success. Anything 1 might send now would 
 be simply a new speech, not a recollection of the old one, and, 
 therefore, I must beg you to excuse me. 
 
 Very truly yours, W. H. H. Millee. 
 
 The newspaper report, referred to, is as follows : " Attorney- 
 General Miller said he had been most intensely interested in the 
 the day's exercises. ' I have never heard the story so well pre- 
 sented as by Vermont's peerless Orator of to-day, — a man who 
 always returns increase for the honor he has received.' He referred 
 briefly to the valor of the patriots of the Mohawk Valley and the 
 part they played in the War of the Revolution. Those yoemen in 
 that dreadful time showed themselves worthy of the men who had 
 fought under the banner of William the Silent. He rehearsed the 
 valiant relief of Fort Stanwix, a short time before the battle of Ben- 
 nington, where the ravages of the British and Indians were stopped 
 and the marauders sent flying back to Canada. As to the Battle of 
 Bennington, it had occurred to him that the readiness with which 
 the "Hessians surrendered may be taken as a sign of gallantry, for it 
 was his idea that almost anybody would surrender before taking 
 the chance of making Mollie Stark, or other good looking women, a 
 widow." 
 
_ .^ yj- .^y ^^ 
 
THE BA NQ UET EXER GI8ES. 121 
 
 General Alexander H. Webb, President of the College of the 
 City of New York, was next introduced. President Veazey spoke 
 of him as the gentleman who, probably, had a wider knowledge of 
 interesting incidents of the unpublished history of the War of the 
 Rebellion, than any other man now living; and, who, though dis- 
 tinguished throughout the war, was perhaps best known and most 
 honored for his eminent services in command of a brigade, in the 
 front line, at the so-called high-water-mark of Rebellion, on the field 
 of Gettysburg. Mr. Webb spoke as follows : 
 General Webb's Response to a Sudden Call. — 
 
 It is to me a new sensation to stand before an, audience so 
 thoroughly American, and to feel assured that when I speak the 
 American language, I can be understood by every member of this 
 vast assemblage. 
 
 Your presiding ofQcer has kindly referred to the services of my 
 command at the battle of Gettysburg, in your presence and in 
 the presence of his Excellency The President, Members of the Cabi- 
 net, Governors of States, representatives of the army and navy, and 
 invited guests, representing the highest interests of the Nation ; 
 and he has, also, presented me in a manner calculated to either 
 prevent one speaking at all before you, if he followed the dictates of 
 those feelings which ordinary modesty would arouse, or, on the other 
 hand, would be prompted to speak with earnestness, and in flattering 
 terms of the help given me by the very troops represented by the 
 chief men of your State, and the major portion of the old soldiers 
 now before me. I prefer to choose the latter course, and to pay wil- 
 ling tribute to the valor displayed by the organizations sent from 
 Vermont. 
 
 We who reached Washington at an early date, educated at 
 West Point, and serving 'from Minnesota to Florida, from the 
 Atlantic to the Pacific, were particularly interested in the solution 
 of the problem, which confronted our military leaders, when the 
 question arose involving the brigading of troops and the selection of 
 Brigadier-Generals to command them. Our views were especially 
 cosmopolitan, and we could not look with favor upon the continuance 
 of State organizations. Brigades of Massachusetts, and Vermont, 
 and Pennsylvania troops, commanded by general ofQcers appointed 
 to represent the States, were, in our opinion, organizations to be 
 looked upon with, to say the least, a want of approval. We were 
 greatly afraid that the tendency would be to preserve State distinc- 
 tions and State lines, in the very army which should appear to us to 
 be the most National, and the most free from these very State 
 distinctions. 
 
122 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. ■ 
 
 But your Generals Stannard and Wells, your Proctors, and 
 your Grants and Veazeys, your highest and your smallest, the great 
 leaders of your State organizations proved to us, in the end, that our 
 suspicions were unjust and our apprehensions uncalled for. No 
 man has more to say in favor of the Vermont Brigade organization 
 than he to whom the Vermont Brigade, under General George J. 
 Stannard, gave such memorable assistance on July 3, 1863. Never 
 have troops, handled with judgment and discretion, and moved with 
 celerity and dash, performed greater service and made more modest 
 claims to distinction or preferment. And, to-day, a living witness of 
 your gallant service on the field of Gettysburg, adds — to this small 
 tribute to the value of the services rendered by Stannard on July 3, 
 1863 — this further expression of his gratitude to Vermont Generals, 
 Vermont Governors, and Vermont soldiers, for the many exhibitions 
 of kindly feeling and respect which he has, for nearly thirty years, 
 received from his brother soldiers from Vermont, who on that 
 memorable field joined their forces with his own, and enabled him to 
 finally repel the rebel charge, which, unfortunately for the truth of 
 history, has given to a Union battle a rebel name. And it seems to 
 me now has forever fixed the public eye on a rebel assault, instead 
 of upon the Union repulse of it. 
 
 General John G. McCuUough of Bennington, was next introduced 
 as the selected representative to speak for the people of Bennington ; 
 and in behalf of the Bennington Battle Monument Association, 
 in which he had long been an officer and had rendered most valu- 
 able service : 
 Resume of General McCullough's Remarks. — 
 
 General John G. McCullough spoke for the Battle Monument 
 Association, and also for the people of Bennington. His remarks 
 were very happy. After some pleasantries, he reviewed the historic 
 incidents of the occasion, and, among other things, said : 
 
 " The Battle Monument Association needs no other advocate 
 than the shaft on yonder hill. The Monument speaks for itself. 
 The silent eloquence of its stately and shapely proportions, down the 
 ages, will ever be the best, as they will be the most enduring testi- 
 mony to the labors of the Association. 
 
 "And as for the people of Bennington, they would rather listen 
 than be heard. To-day is Bennington's opportunity, her privilege, 
 her gala-day. Like her ladies she is clothed in all the colors of 
 beaiity. At her humble board she is happy in entertaining the true 
 nobility of the land, from the peasant to the President. For the 
 second time in her history, she is proud to welcome the Chief Magis- 
 trate of the Nation, who has been ' so clear in his great office,' as 
 
THE BANQ UET EXER CISES. 123 
 
 also all these Governors, and Generals, and high dignitaries from all 
 the professions, around about me. She is glad to have heard over 
 again, from so many friendly lips, the old, old story that is ever 
 young, — the story of her heroic youth, of the sterling and stalwart 
 virtues of her early manhood, of the crowning glories of the fli-st 
 century of Vermont's Statehood. As the motto on yonder arch 
 says : ' The best legacy of Vermont's first century, is her sons and 
 her daughters.' And after listening to all this partial speech, you 
 will forgive the little Commonwealth for believing herself, to-day, 
 richer in all the essentials of true wealth, than the fabled garden of 
 the Hesperides ; and Bennington, you will pardon, after having 
 returned her thanks and extended a cordial invitation to all to come 
 to our future Oentennials, if to-night she falls asleep dreaming 
 herself, in all the elements of true beauty with her hills and her 
 valleys of the Battenkill and the Walloomsac, as fairer than the 
 classic vale of Tempe." 
 
 The next speaker was ex-Governor Rice of Massachusetts. In 
 introducing him President Veazey alluded to the fact of Governor 
 Rice having been the Governor of Massachusetts at the celebration 
 of the hundredth anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, which he 
 attended at Bennington, and also as having been a Director of the 
 Battle Monument Association for many years, and the sincere and 
 devoted friend of the project of erecting the Monument, which had 
 that day been dedicated. He spoke as follows : 
 Ex-GoVBEN^OR Rice's Address. — 
 
 Mr. President., Ladies and Gentlemen. — The utterance of an 
 apology is not likely to be altogether acceptable to a festive audi- 
 ence like this ; yet it is only due to myself to say that any estimate 
 of my own importance did not bring me within the possible scope of 
 those who would be invited to address you to-day. On the contrary, 
 such is my present state of health, that I should not have been per- 
 mitted to come here had my physician been on this side of the 
 Atlantic. In his absence I have yielded to my own predisposition 
 and to the cordial invitation and proffered hospitality of some of 
 your worthiest citizens to participate, so far as I could, in the 
 splendid demonstration which attends the celebration of this great 
 anniversary and the completion of this magnificent Monument. 
 
 Were men gifted with tenacious memories and endowed with 
 perpetual life, there would be little or no need of monuments to 
 commemorate notable events ; but inasmuch as they are not, and as 
 posterity needs the emphasis and inspiration of their forefathers as 
 stimulants to ambition and patriotism, monumental and heroic 
 structures have, in the ages, been found most conducive to these 
 
124 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 ends : and you have erected one upon these green hills, which, I am 
 sure, will never be among the insigniflcant. 
 
 There is a martial association about this anniversary which is 
 highly exhilerating ; not that we in the absti'act delight in war. I 
 do not believe that is the sentiment of the people of highly civilized 
 nations. We admire individual bravery and self-possession and 
 courage ; but with the present terribly destructive implements, war 
 is not only pitifully destructive of life, but it has become almost as 
 much a matter of engineering and skill in manoeuvre, as of courage. 
 I greatly admire the heroism of the officers and men of our late war, 
 and heartily join in all the gratitude that is felt toward Grant and 
 Sherman and Harrison and Veazey and Webb and their illustrious 
 compeers, and toward the heroic men of the rank and file, and I 
 would forever perpetuate their memory ; but, at the same time, I 
 hope we have seen the last of war in this country ; and henceforth 
 that the brains and heart of our Republic will exhaust every means, 
 in the reach of diplomacy, before there is another appeal to arms for 
 the settlement either of National or International disputes. 
 
 It is sometimes asked what New England, with a cold climate 
 and comparative sterility of soil, can produce ? and the reply, after 
 enumerating, " ice, codflsh, and timber," has sometimes added 
 " Men." Well, when I saw the Honorable Secretary of War 
 Proctor rise — honored, not only in his office, but in his life and his 
 nativity, and saw that his head went up rather naturally, I suppose, 
 into the folds of our National flag which decorates the border-top 
 of this tent, 1 was reminded of a story once told me by the late 
 Hon. Mr. Plunkett, of Adams, Massachusetts, a descendant, no 
 doubt, of the heroic men who came from Western Massachusetts to 
 the aid of Bennington in the hours which we now commemorate — 
 and who said that his business often called him to journey among 
 the hill-towns of Berkshire, before the hotel accommodations were 
 as ample or as sumptuous as yours appear to be. Well, Mr. 
 Plunkett was a man of extraordinary height, very tall, and some- 
 times was obliged to make as many self-denials as .does a public 
 functionary in our day : and one day, as he told me, he had a very 
 long ride and arrived at a mountain tavern late at night, tired and 
 very cold. To his application for accommodations for the night, the 
 landlord told him there was not an unoccupied bed in the house, 
 and he could only provide for him by putting him into bed with 
 another man. There was no choice and Mr. Plunkett consented to 
 that arrangement and was duly shown to a chamber with one bed, 
 and that already occupied by a stranger. The landlord bade him 
 " good night" and left, when Plunkett began to undress and prepare 
 
THE BANQUET EXERCISES. 125 
 
 to retire. When about ready, as he supposed, he stripped down the 
 bed clothes, but something "delayed his immediate getting into bed, 
 and the drowsy occupant, feeling the chill air and the cold limbs of 
 the new-comer, called out to him, saying, " For goodness sake, how 
 much more is there of you to come ? " Well, you observe that the 
 fellow in bed did not object to the Green Mountain boy who was 
 getting in, but only wanted to know howmuch more there was of him 
 to come. The Honorable Secretary of War has signified his desire 
 to retire from his high office; and the eyes of the country are 
 already upon several prominent Vermonters, some one of whom 
 may be his successor ; and the only public curiosity seems to be as to 
 how much more of such Vermont material there is to come ? 
 
 You have already heard from the the youthful and eloquent 
 Governor of Massachusetts, who has expressed in fitting terms the 
 cordial salutations of " The Old Bay State," in which I fully concur. 
 I am older than he is, but the unthinking would greatly err if they 
 hastily concluded that I had any acquaintance, whatever, with our 
 great ancestor, Adam. I desire, however, to speak resjjectfully of 
 Adam as the head of our family, though, according to accounts, he 
 did not behave altogether gallantly toward the trustful and intimi- 
 dated Eve. Adam's opportunities for observation were great and 
 he had the Wisest of Teachers. Our Governor of ^Massachusetts 
 resides at the seat of one of our great American Universities, yet 
 he said nothing of any classical traditions concerning Adam : and I, 
 myself, reside in the immediate vicinity of some of our greatest 
 libraries, and yet I have nowhere met with any of the literary 
 works of Adam. If he ever wrote about anything, there is no 
 doubt it was about the charms of the Garden of Eden. Well, I 
 have looked out at sunrise, at noon, and at sunset, upon this beauti- 
 ful landscape of Bennington and vicinity, bathed in the full glory of 
 Summer and the fresh blushes of Autumn, and giving out the air of 
 enchantment over its hills and valleys ; and I have been forced to 
 the conclusion that if Adam were now to attempt a description of 
 the beauties and glories of Eden, any Vermonter familiar with these 
 scenes, could " give him points " all the time. Probably the Garden 
 of Eden had some handsome plants and posies, and blossoming 
 shrubs, and we applaud the antique taste that could admire them ; 
 but what were they compared to the products of the soil of Ben- 
 nington, which appears to have made these bare poles (temporarily 
 stuck into it to uphold this tent), to burst out in festoons of radiant 
 and sweet-scented flowers? 
 
 Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, I shall henceforth ever 
 strive with you to cherish, in grateful remembrance, those heroes of 
 
126 DEBIOATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Benningtoia whose bravery bequeathed to us this charming Centen- 
 nial anniversary ! 
 
 Colonel Albert Clarke of Boston, Secretary of the Home Market 
 Club, was next introduced to speak for Vermonters outside of the 
 State ; " The Greater Vermont " : 
 Colonel Clajike's Response. — 
 
 Colonel Clarke said he was confident that every non-resident 
 Vermonter, who was here, had, to-day, enjoyed a substantial addition 
 to his already large stock of pride in his native State. He had seen 
 two monuments, — the majestic shaft which commemorated 
 the valor of our ancestors in a decisive battle, and a populace which 
 exemplified the glory of the institutions which the fathers founded. 
 Among all the thousands he had not seen a single ill-clad or misbe- 
 haved person, nor one who appeared to have partaken of intoxicating 
 liquors. The people and the village presented evidences of the 
 great and general beneficence of our political, industrial and social 
 system. He had that morning visited a factory, which, though not 
 running on account of the holiday, showed, with others in the vil- 
 lage, an opportunity for popular thrift which dates back and bears 
 relation to the struggle of our fathers, and to their wisdom in secur- 
 ing both the political and industrial independence of this country. 
 The Monument on yonder hill will stand unguarded. It is finished, 
 and it represents a completed event. But the laws and institutions, 
 under which the people enjoy prosperity and happiness, equalled by 
 no others in the world, need to be guarded every hour. They are 
 always menaced by aggressive interests from without, and endan- 
 gered by false teachings and insidious influences within. Let the 
 visible monument be a constant reminder of the invisible spirit of 
 patriotism, political equality, and social progress which formed the 
 great purpose of the Revolutionary heroes, and which must equally 
 animate the people of to-day and to-morrow, or the time will come 
 when the complexion of the multitude will change, and instead of 
 well-dressed throngs of strength and beauty, and peace and order, 
 there will be processions clamoring for bread, or raising the " red 
 flag of anarchy." Both the visible and the invisible are and must 
 remain National, — not sectional, nor cosmopolitan, but American. 
 The true Vermonter, though proud of his native State wherever he 
 goes, and turning to her always the eye of confidence and affection, 
 is yet not clannish nor provincial. Those who were born here, but 
 are not so fortunate as to live here, have been cordially greeted and 
 hospitably entertained in all the other States. Not only has their 
 nativity been a passport, but their habits of industry, enterprise, 
 economy, sobriety, and the moral and religious training which have 
 
^:&<(^ 0^kf^ 
 
THE BANQ UET EXER CISES. 127 
 
 ever been the crowing glory of the inhabitants of the lovely valleys 
 ■ and majestic hills, have often carried them to the front in the 
 affairs of business, of State and of humanity. Thus Vermont is 
 many times larger than her domain, and the influence of her Ben- 
 ningtons is multiplied. We, her wandering sons, bring to you to-day 
 our many times renewed tributes of affection and praise ; and the 
 highest possible compliment which we can pay to the States where 
 we are domiciled is to say, that we left with regret this paradise of 
 Vermont to go there to toil and dwell. 
 
 Elijah B. Sherman, LL.D., of Chicago, Illinois, was, also, called 
 to speak for non-resident Vermonters, and responded as follows : 
 Hon. E. B. Sherman's Remarks. — 
 
 Mr. President. — In further response to the sentiment, " The 
 Greater Vermont," I bring you greeting from the great City of the 
 Lakes, the magnificent situs of the coming World's Exposition. 
 With the modesty so characteristic of a typical denizen of Chicago, 
 I refuse to admit, even by implication, that there is anywhere what 
 may properly be said to constitute a " Greater Vermont " than is 
 found among these green hills and fertile valleys. Those who have 
 gone forth to cultivate new fields, and make new conquests, can 
 rightfully assume no superiority over those who remain in the 
 ancestral homes; We are brothers, and alike rejoice in the peer- 
 less grandeur, sincerity and simplicity of character of those who 
 founded this unique commonwealth. Absolute freedom and 
 equality were the Alpha and Omega of their politics, religion and 
 social habits. Sturdy independence marked their speech, conduct, 
 and opinions. Wresting a scanty livelihood from the sterile soil ; 
 strangers to luxury, despising effeminacy and ease ; obedient to law 
 because they made it ; truthful and frank almost to rudeness ; 
 scorning suavity of speech and the formulas of refined society, as 
 essentially insincere and hypocritical; economical almost to par- 
 simony, and yet generous almost to a fault; courageous, honest, 
 persistent, patriotic. God-fearing men, they laid the foundations of 
 a State as grand, as enduring, as picturesque as its mountains and 
 crags, as pure as the waters gushing from its thousand springs, as 
 beautiful as the hues of its Autumnal forests. They laid broad and 
 deep its foundations in public and private virtue. The town meeting, 
 the school house, the college, and the church, were its corner- 
 stones. There was an universal recognition of duty, obligation and 
 self-sacrifice which made of unlettered men and women, uncon- 
 scious heroes, for true heroism often finds its most congenial soil 
 and noblest growth among the common people. 
 
 From the narrow confines of this commonwealth, for more than 
 
128 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 half a century, there has been an exodus of vigorous and powerful 
 men. Their feet have trod every zone, they have explored every 
 clime, they have traded in every mart. They have filled every place 
 of power and authority ; their influence is felt in every employment 
 and every profession. In the Excutive mansion, in legislative halls ; 
 in college, seminary and professional school ; at the bar and on the 
 bench ; controlling the country and the metropolitan press, every- 
 where you find some Vermonter bearing cheerfully the public 
 burden, discharging well his duty — and, looking out for himself. 
 
 As for myself, I am not one of those who believe that our dear 
 old State has degenerated ; that "abandoned farms" constitute any 
 considerable part of her ancient heritage ; that her soil is impover- 
 ished ; her schools and academies going to decay, or her sons wanting 
 in energy, ambition and thrift. In all the essentials which constitute 
 a State, in the best and broadest sense, Vermont is &\KS\. facile princeps. 
 Her citizens never possessed so much wealth, so much intelli- 
 gence, so much enterprise. The State was never more potent, never 
 more progressive than to-day. True, she has given freely of her 
 sons. and her daughters to promote the growth, welfare and pros- 
 perity of every State, and every city of the great and growing West, 
 but in this she has only verified the truth of the ancient apothegm : 
 " There is that scattereth and yet increaseth." To us she gave some- 
 thing more valuable than classic lore or scientific knowledge, — the 
 memories that cluster around the homes where honor, and man- 
 hood, and thrift were in the very air we breathed. 
 
 And wherever the Vermonter goes, whatever be his lot, his 
 heart ever turns to the home of his childhood, and his memory 
 lingers lovingly around that most hallowed spot. For him there is 
 no scenery so enchanting, no verdure so pleasing, no skies over- 
 arching so grandly, or bending so gently down, no Autumn tints so 
 beautiful, no air so pure and bracing, no water so clear and spar- 
 kling, no song of birds so sweet, no flov^ers so fragrant as those of 
 the dear old place where he was born. Memory's rigid lines are 
 softened, and her pictures touched with pensive beauty, when 
 imagination waves her matchless wand about us and casts around 
 our earlier years the radiance that first streamed over Eden. 
 
 I bring you a cordial invitation to the World's Columbian 
 Exposition, doubtless to be the greatest convocation of peoples the 
 world has ever seen. Upon the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, 
 in the most marvellous city of ancient or modern times, will be wit- 
 nessed the grandest display upon which the sun has ever looked 
 •down. Thither the nations of the earth will bring the fruitage of 
 their varying civilizations, whether manifest in material form, or in 
 
THE BANQ UET EXER GISES. 129 
 
 the higher, broader, grander field of intellectual activity. Art, 
 science, invention and philanthropy will marshal their phalanxes in 
 resplendent array, and the disciples Brahma, Buddha, Confucius, 
 and Christ will join in friendly discussion of those mighty problems, 
 which, through all the ages, have stirred to its profoundest depth 
 every thoughtful and sensitive soul. In this magnificent, intellectuar 
 and moral symposium Vermont should bear an honorable part. ' 
 
 The next speaker was Major Charles H. Bartlett, Commander 
 of the Amoskeag Veterans, which organization was present on this 
 occasion, as it had been at the Centennial Celebration of the Battle 
 of Bennington in 1877. He said : 
 Major Baetlett's Address. — 
 
 Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen. — I appreciate, I trust, 
 the honor and the compliment involved in this invitation to address 
 so distinguished an assemblage, upon an occasion so rich in historic 
 association and fruitful of patriotic inspiration and suggestion. 
 
 I recognize the fact, however, that I am wholly indebted for 
 this distinction to the circumstance of my ofiicial relation to that 
 military organization, whose fame, I may be permitted to say, was 
 here before it, and whose presence, not only upon this, but upon a 
 former occasion of kindred significance, attests, I trust, its deep and 
 profound interest in the grand historic event commemorated, as also 
 that it is not wholly wanting in that National and liberty-loving 
 spirit whose altar-fires can never cease to glow within the shadow 
 of the Bennington Monument. 
 
 I should do great violence to my own feelings, no less than to 
 the manifest proprieties of the occasion, did I fail to embrace this 
 opportunity to tender to the authorities, having in charge this day's 
 magnificent demonstration, the profound acknowledgments of the 
 Amoskeag Veterans for the honor and consideration shown them in 
 their assignment to that honorable and conspicuous post of duty 
 which they have attempted to fill. 
 
 They come from the home of Stark, from the hills and the 
 river valleys where his many days ^ere numbered, and where his 
 ashes sleep in a patriot's honored grave ; and they seek, in their 
 humble way, to perpetuate something of the custom of his time and 
 to keep fresh and green, in the land of his descendants, the memory 
 of the sacrifices, the achievements and the patriotism, of the heroes 
 of the Revolutionary era. 
 
 The Vermont to which we come to-day, bears little resemblance 
 to that Vermont to which our ancestors came to join with yours in 
 striking so telling a blow for liberty and independence a century and 
 odd years at,^. The State was not here then, and it was a warmly 
 
130 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 and stubbornly debated question whether what was then designated 
 by the name, now so honored and widely famed, belonged to New 
 Hampshire, to Massachusetts, to New York, or really belonged to 
 herself. But the germ of a noble statehood was here, and its 
 development was so rapid, and aggressive, that her ambitious 
 'neighbors soon came, not only to recognize, but to respect her 
 individuality, as well as her identity. 
 
 But I confess, that I have always felt no little apprehension as 
 to what might ultimately be the fate of Vermont, in the final dis- 
 tribution of the glories of the Battle of Bennington. New York, in 
 one of her affectionate moods, long ago, threw her stalwart arm 
 around the old battle ground, and, with touching complacency, 
 tenderly drew it to her maternal bosom. 
 
 New Hampshire and Massachusetts claim to have done, sub- 
 stantially, all the fighting, although we do generously concede that a 
 man by the name of Warner, Seth, I believe, and some of his neigh- 
 bors, did call around late, and help " rake after." (Great laughter.) 
 
 And, in the same generous spirit, I believe that Vermont admits 
 that General Stark, and some of his friends were there and did some 
 business in their line in that vicinity. (Laughter and applause.) 
 She also admits, I suppose, that the old fighting parson of the 
 Berkshire hills, Thomas Allen, was there, and who got as near to 
 Heaven as a forest stump would take him, and devoutly prayed for 
 the conversion and salvation of the souls of his Tory neighbors, who 
 were concealed behind the British breastworks before him ; and 
 then, without giving the Lord an opportunity to consider his benev- 
 olent petition, seized his trusty old fiint-lock and blazed away at 
 them, thus showing his sublime faith that the Great Master whom 
 he served, could operate on a dead Tory just as well as upon a live 
 one. (Great applause and laughter.) 
 
 But the mills of the gods, which grind so slowly and so exceed- 
 ingly small, have clarified the atmosphere, at the end of a century, 
 and things doubtful are "made certain, and the obscure is made 
 plain, and, lo, and behold ! Vermont has the Monument ! And I 
 trust there is enough left of the doctrine of " State rights " to enable 
 her to keep it, henceforth and forever. 
 
 In conclusion, let me say, that we most cheerfully concede that 
 the fame, the renown and the glory of Vermont rests upon na such 
 uncertain and insecure tenure as her participation in any one ancient 
 conflict of arms, whatever its magnitude or significance. 
 
 Wherever, or whenever, in this land of our fathers. Liberty, 
 National independence or National unity have needed a defender, 
 Vermont has been there. Her dead sleep in the trenches of all her 
 

 
 Vo^/^/f- 
 
THE BANQUET EXERCISES. 131 
 
 country's battlefields. She has always stood for purity and honesty 
 in the government. Her hands are clean, her robes are white. The 
 breath of scandal has never come to her nor hers. Her statesman- 
 ship has exalted high places. It has added strength to Cabinets ; 
 it has made Senates famous. 
 
 Her school houses pour their swelling volume of recruits into 
 the ranks of every trade, industry and profession, equally and alike. 
 The educated and cultured brain goes with the busy, frugal hand of 
 honest toil everywhere within her borders. Mechanical and manu- 
 facturing skill and industry hover around her very water-falls, and 
 harness the elements in their service. An abounding harvest 
 smiles, not alone on field, and plain, and river valley, but proudly 
 waves its tinselled plume to the Harvest Moon, high up on her 
 mountain slopes. Her homes are the abodes of happiness, of plenty, 
 of culture, of refinement, of purity and virtue, and every domestic 
 felicity. 
 
 G-od bless the first>born of the Federal Union, the Old Green 
 Mountain State. 
 
 The last speaker was the Hon. Edwin S. Barrett, of Concord, 
 Mass., President of the Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the 
 American Revolution, who spoke briefly, extending the greetings of 
 that organization, and paying a handsome tribute to the ancestry its 
 members represent, as follows : 
 Mr. Bakebtt's Remarks. — 
 
 Mr. President. — The Societies of the Sons of the American 
 Revolution extend a cordial and hearty salutation on this notable 
 and interesting occasion. 
 
 Gathered from far and wide, these descendants of Revolutionary 
 ancestors have made this loving pilgrimage to join in the dedication 
 of this noble Monument. 
 
 In the ranks of our Massachusetts Society, are two *Sons, 
 whose fathers fought at Bennington, and, doubtless, there are others 
 here to-day who came to look upon the spot where their fathers 
 battled for Liberty. 
 
 May these monuments rise on every battlefield of the Revolution. 
 Lexington-Green, Concord-Bridge, — " Where the shot was fired 
 heard round the world," — and Bunker Hill, have already appropriate 
 shafts as remembrances of the battles on Massachusetts' soil ; and 
 may the good work go on, until all the memorable spots, made 
 famous by the American Revolution, shall have fitting and lasting 
 emblems of that great struggle for human liberty and the rights of 
 man, and stand as beacon-lights, for all the oppressed, to the last 
 syllable of recorded time. 
 
 *John MoClure, of Revere, Mass., arid Joseph Hill, of Hyde Park, Mass.; 
 
132 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 The other speakers on the list were United States Senators 
 Chandler, and Gallinger, of New Hampshire; and Edmunds, and 
 Morrill, of Vermont ; also, Hon. J. B. Erhardt, and L. E. Chittenden, 
 of New York ; ex-Governor Stewart, and Judge H. H. Powers, of 
 Vermont ; Colonel A. F. Walker, of Chicago ; Colonel H. W. Bruce, 
 President of the Kentucky Sons of the American Revolution, but 
 they were obliged to decline owing to the lateness of the hour. The 
 speaking closed at 7.30 o'clock, P. M. President Harrison left the 
 table before the postprandial was over, and was driven directly to 
 General McCuUough's. He was too fatigued to hold the reception, 
 planned for the evening, in the parlors of the Soldiers' Home, so that 
 the impromptu presentation of a few prominent guests and people 
 just before the banquet (during a pause), had to suffice for the more 
 extended reception referred to. 
 
 " From what has been said of the Oration, and Ceremonies of 
 Dedication," says a contemporary writer, " an idea may be had of 
 the character and beauty of every other feature, which will 
 take corresponding rank. The town was handsomely and elabor- 
 ately decorated, and was gay in her patriotic attire. The weather 
 was all that could be desired. The rain of the day before had set- 
 tled the dust and made marching easy. The generous hospitality 
 of the Bennington people was a matter of universal remark. If the 
 Green Mountain Boys, with their helpers, at the close of the 16th 
 day of August, 1777, could say, ' Behold Vermont, here she stands,' 
 Vermonters gathered at Bennington on the 19th of the present 
 month could, with pride, repeat, in the presence of their guests, the 
 same truth and with equal emphasis." 
 
Ol-un-i^-^'-J cJ Aj^/k a/r- e 
 
 /nr 
 
 ^ 
 
PART II. 
 
 Proceedings at Headquarters During the Bennington Centennial; 
 Sunday in " Camp Vermont" and in the Town during the Six- 
 teenth ; The Old First Church, and Historic Sermon by its Pastor. 
 Supplementary Committees ; The Presidents Arrival, and the Din- 
 ner at General John G. McCullough's ; The Presidential Party, 
 and Review of the Grand Procession ; The " Guard of Honor "/ 
 Prominent People at the Banquet. Auxiliary Events, and Docu- 
 mentary History. The Guests of Vermont, with an Account of the 
 Special Trains Conveying the Visitors to Bennington, and Return. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 GoVERNMElfT HbaDQUAETBRS, AND CBNTESTlSriAL SuNDAT. 
 
 Inteoductoet. — The Editor of this volume thought best, as 
 stated in the " Preface," to divide this work into an " Introduction," 
 Parts I., and II., and an Appendix, so that the reader of the body- 
 thereof should not be obliged to peruse a mass of detail with the 
 account of the ceremonies of dedication. Therefore, the story, in 
 extenso, has been reserved for this Part of the History. The Editor 
 has had the able assistance of the Adjutant-General in making up 
 the records that comprise the first three Chapters ; and has, also, 
 availed himself of the work of others in many important particulars 
 of subsequent Chapters, and the Appendix following. 
 
 Headquaetees Established. — Brigadier-General William H. 
 Gilmore, Quartermaster-General of Vermont, proceeded to Benning- 
 ton on Wednesday, August 12, 1891, with Captain Edward N. 
 Wright, Military Store-Keeper, and the camp equipage of the 
 National Guard of Vermont. 
 
 On the evening of August 15th (Saturday), his Excellency, 
 Carroll S. Page, the Governor and Commander-in-Chief; Brigadier- 
 General Theodore S. Peck, Adjutant and Inspector- General ; 
 Brigadier-General Frank E. Alfred, Judge Advocate-General; 
 Brigadier-General Jacob C. Rutherford, Surgeon-General ; Colonel 
 Herbert F. Brigham, A. D. C. ; Colonel William H. H. Slack, A. D. 
 C. ; Colonel Myron J. Horton, A. D. C. ; Colonel Lyman F. Abbott, 
 A. D. C. ; Colonel Henry R. Cutler, A. D. C. ; and Captain Herbert 
 S. Foster, 20th Infantry, U. S. A., Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen- 
 
134 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 eral, arrived, the Governor using the parlors of the Soldiers' Home 
 for his headquarters, and the Staff occupying the tents near by. 
 The Governor's flag vs^as raised the next morning, and the cannon 
 captured from Colonel Bautn on the 16th day of August, 1777, were 
 located in front of these Headquarters. 
 
 Centennial Sunday. — On Sunday morning, August 16th, upon 
 invitation of William E. Hawks, Esq., of Bennington, His Excel- 
 lency and Staff attended the Second Congregational Church, the 
 Rev. Charles R. Seymour preaching an historic sermon. 
 
 At three o'clock in the afternoon the Rev. Howard F. Hill, 
 Regimental Chaplain of the First Regiment, conducted Divine ser- 
 vice on the circle in front of the Soldiers' Home, his subject being : 
 " The triple value of a man, i. e., his uses for himself, for others and 
 for God." Music was furnished by a male quartette, assisted by 
 the First Regiment Band. The Governor of Vermont and distin- 
 guished guests were present. 
 
 Later, a union service was held, at the Old First Church at Ben- 
 nington Centre, which was attended by Governor Page, and many 
 prominent military visitors from abroad. As the church was the 
 one institution, above all others, that gave strength and moral tone 
 to the fathers, and inspired them with heroism and self-sacrifice for 
 their great achievement, it was fitting that the dedication of a 
 monument to their glory should begin with a commemorative ser- 
 vice in the house of God. Especially was this an appropriate 
 beginning because they prefaced their work of battle with a religious 
 service in their accustomed place of prayer, the Old First Church of 
 the illustration. The present edifice stands a little to the the East 
 of the site of the first building, and was built early in the century, 
 the great revival of 1803 giving the movement a great impulse. 
 
 The interior, on this occasion, was decorated, and the galleries 
 decked with the flags of all Nations and patriotic emblems. Above 
 the pulpit hung a large and beautiful silk flag, for many years 
 owned by Thomas Chittenden, Governor of Vermont from 1778 to 
 1797, except for the year 1789, when, there being no choice by the 
 people, Moses Robinson was elected Governor by the Legislature. 
 The flag's ground-work is of white silk, with a life-sized Eagle on 
 one side and a LTniou shield on the other. The pulpit was decorated 
 with a Continental flag of 1775, and the first State flag adopted by 
 Vermont. These two flags are the property of the Vermont Society 
 Sons of the American Revolution, and were loaned by that Society 
 for the occasion. The old Continental flag was used by Washing- 
 ton early in the Revolutionary War, and has seven red and six 
 white stripes, designating the Thirteen Original States, and a blue 
 
h (*, 
 
THE A UXILIAR T E VENTS. 135 
 
 field, with the crosses of St. Andrew and St. George. The Vermont 
 flag has seven red and six white stripes, and a blue field, with a 
 single white star, representing the Independent State of Vermont. 
 
 The services included an invocation by the Rev. C. H. Peck ; 
 reading of Scripture by the Rev. A. S. Gilbert, and a prayer by the 
 Rev. Z. Marten, — the historical sermon being by the pastor, the 
 Rev. M. L. Severance, who took for his text Psalms xxx., verse 12 : 
 " Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord, and the people whom 
 he hath chosen for his own inheritance." It was a discourse full of 
 determined thought, and contained much that was of historical 
 interest. The singing was by the regular church choir. 
 
 Historic and Memorial Sermon. — The following is a very 
 full abstract of the discourse : We have truly a goodly heritage. 
 For some wise and consistent reason God has blessed this great 
 Nation, and given her a name and prestige among the other nations 
 of the earth. All this concentration of wealth and power was 
 begun under Christian light, and has been carried forward by, 
 Divine guidance. 
 
 The hand of God was over the little band that in 1620 sailed 
 from the harbor of Delft-Haven, under the leadership of such men 
 as Robinson, and Brewster, and John Carv^er, to plant a colony on 
 the barren shores of a far-off land, that was destined, under God, to 
 change the civilization and government of the world. 
 
 There was no chance in the whole movement. The Divine plan 
 is seen in its inception, as well as in its progression and final execu- 
 tion. What a sifting God gave the few, who first promised to go, 
 before he sent them forth on their perilous undertaking. The 
 cowardly and false-hearted were sent back to their starting place, 
 and only those who had nerve and toughened sinews wrought into 
 their character dared a voyage over the trackless sea. There was a 
 providence in the stern necessity that drove them out of their 
 father-land, providence in the bribery and treachery that led them 
 to the most inhospitable of the New England shores. It was 
 through just this oppression and hardship that they were trained 
 and imbued with those great and divine principles, which pre- 
 eminently fitted them to be the founders of Government, and the 
 pioneers of Empire. 
 
 But it takes more than oppression to make men. Thousands 
 upon thousands were under the yoke of oppression, when the May- 
 flower and the Speedwell sailed out of port, who never rose to the 
 dignity of men. Europe and Asia are teeming, to-day, with servile 
 minds, only made more servile by the yokes put upon them. 
 
 The highest type of character is attained only by men who have 
 just views of God. Those who rule God out of their thoughts and 
 out of their lives, can never be imbued with the highest sense of 
 justice, can never rise to the highest conception of human freedom. 
 
 The Puritans were men who made a place for God in their 
 thoughts, in their creeds, and in their lives, and God made a place 
 for them in his universe. They trusted in God and went forward, 
 and the Divine Logos led them, with an outstretched hand, out of 
 
136 DEDIGATIOlSr AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 bondage and over the sea. Those were no ordinary men that 
 lengthened their cords, and drove their stakes on this continent, 
 and laid the foundations for American civilization, and greatness. 
 
 They made history, when they acted, and wrote it down, with 
 pens dipped in blood. 
 
 To-day is the 114th anniversary of the battle of Bennington. I 
 do not need to refresh your memories with the incidents of this 
 bloody conflict. They are already fresh in all our minds. We have 
 been enjoying the victory, for over a century, which our fathers 
 achieved for us, and the record of their valiant deeds is familiar to 
 every household. 
 
 The whole country was under a cloud. The reverses of our 
 arms had dispirited the soldiery, and the out-look was depressing 
 to our stout-hearted commanders. Burgoyne with a large force had 
 come in upon us from the North, and had easily triumphed over all 
 opposition, and was pressing his way on, successfully, to form a 
 junction with General Howe, at New York. The evacuation of 
 Fort Ticonderoga, was soon followed by the disaster at Hubbardton, 
 and Bennington seemed an easy prize to the victor, now halting for 
 supplies at Saratoga. A strong detachment was sent under Colonel 
 Baum to take the provisions, and other military stores, which were 
 held at Bennington. Confident of success, the British general 
 quietly awaited, with his main army at Saratoga, the bringing of 
 the expected supplies. But the distinguished Briton had reckoned 
 for once without his host. He did not know the temper of the steel 
 that he was to encounter. The battle fought was one of the most 
 persistent in the Revolution, as well as one of the most important. 
 It takes rank as one of the seventeen great battles of the world, 
 not because of the numbers engaged, but because of its influence in 
 determining the issues of the war. 
 
 When the smoke of this battlefield cleared away, the sun rose 
 with an assured healing in his beams. From the day of the battle 
 of Bennington, our American Freedom was a foregone conclusion. 
 The battle of Saratoga, and the capture of Burgoyne were made 
 certain when our sires conquered Colonel Baum, with his following 
 of Indians and Tories. The prestige of the hitherto conquering 
 army was broken, by this one well-directed blow. The spirit of 
 patriotism kindles in our hearts, to-day, as the imagination weaves 
 her fancies around the memories and heroic deeds which our fathers 
 bequeathed to us. We have a right to rejoice, and glory in their 
 work. Many of us are their direct descendants. We have heard 
 the story from their own lips. My own great-grandfather was act- 
 ing-captain in the battle, and two of his sons served under him. 
 We are not ashamed of the ancestral prowess that could rush upon 
 the enemy's guns and wrest them from their gunners ; that could 
 charge the enemy within his intrenchments and drive him from 
 them ; that could rally from the fatigue and plunder of one battle to 
 renew the flght, and win a victory in a second. 
 
 These were exceptional men that fought our battles for us, and 
 we do well to commemorate their virtues and deeds of valor. 
 
 The nations of the old world put into the most attractive and 
 imperishable form the important facts in their national history. 
 
/(f.S0t^^j^ 
 
THE A UXILIAB Y E VENTS. 137 
 
 Trajan's Column in Rome, tells the story of his wars, to-day, after 
 almost twenty centuries, as no page in history is telling it. The 
 Vendome in Paris is lifting up the exploits of Napoleon the First, 
 even after his empire is fallen, to the gaze of admiring beholders. 
 The histories of Florence and Venice are, in their great art-galleries, 
 on canvas and in marble, the attractions of the world to-day. 
 England could read her history in monuments, and commemorating 
 buildings, in statuary and painting, on her miles of historic canvas 
 in public halls, and museums, and galleries of art, if the works of 
 her Macaulay, and Knight, and Froude should all be blotted out. 
 Our Nation has not done enough hitherto in this direction. She is 
 too deficient in her historical paintings and historical works of art. 
 She has neglected quite too long these emblematic symbols that are 
 read at a glance of the eye. This battle has lain over a hundred 
 years without its memorial shaft, but at last it has found a fitting 
 monument to bespeak its greatness. 
 
 I am not sure but we all ought to be glad of the delay, for in 
 all these years its great conception has been maturing. For well 
 nigh a half century a few earnest and loyal hearts have been watch- 
 ing its inception, and planning for its consummation. At last we 
 have completed the highest single-shaft battle monument in the 
 world. There it stands on yonder hill to tell its grand historic 
 truths to the latest generations. It stands in beauty without a 
 peer. Like the works of the old masters, the Parthenon at Athens, 
 or the Cathedral at Pisa, every line is a line of beauty that is 
 wrought into it, and, like every true work of art, it grows upon you 
 the oftener you see it, and the longer you study its graceful 
 proportions. 
 
 But we must not think that these great results in conquest and 
 power, have been reached without the aid of the Church. The great 
 formative influence, in moulding the -character of the people and 
 giving stability and worth, has been the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
 
 The town was first settled by a Godly people. Those were no 
 ordinary men who, in 1761, planted the first colony in Bennington. 
 Having by purchase become proprietors of the soil, almost their first 
 work was to make provision for the building of a meeting house, and 
 the next year their church was organized. The whole town was 
 deeply interested in all that pertained to the religious welfare of the 
 community. Every man's property was laid under contribution to 
 support the preaching of the gospel. Their action in town meeting, 
 as evinced by their early records, shows as much care of the church 
 as of their secular interests, even to the decorum to be maintained 
 in the hours of worship. The church touched every interest of the 
 people. Its house of worship was the common property of all, 
 and it was used for all worthy purposes. On week-days the 
 children gathered in an upper room for their education. On the 
 Sabbath their fathers and mothers came with them for worship and 
 spiritual instruction. Here convened the Legislature, and after the 
 battle here were confined the prisoners that had surrendered in 
 the contest. 
 
 Who can tell the influence of this flrst church organized 
 within the limits of the State, before any form of government was 
 
138 DEDICATION ANB CENTENNIAL. 
 
 established over the territory? How much this Commonwealth is 
 indebted to this Institution of God? 
 
 It is the mother of seven churches, while it is doubtless the 
 grandmother of twice as many more. What threads of gold these 
 seven churches, and their descendants have wrought into the robe 
 of State ! How much real, genuine character they have dyed in the 
 wool, none can tell. They have kept the religious heart beating, 
 and the spiritual fires burning. When the old church has swarmed, 
 the off-shoot has not always found a Congregational hive to abide 
 in. But what matters it, so long as they all hold up Christ as the 
 Saviour of the world? and so long as they love one another, serving 
 the same Master ? These churches have helped to rear the men 
 that have given honor to the Nation. The Old Green Mountain 
 State has filled up her quota of men grandly, in every department of 
 industry, of government and of knowledge, and her churches are 
 what have made her men. We look out upon society, organized on 
 a Christian basis. The church has solved many of the puzzling 
 problems of the past, and it is her mission still to guard the morals 
 of the future. She moulds men, and then men mould the life of 
 the world. 
 
 But I must forbear to speak as I would, to-day : 
 
 " I hear the muffled tramp of years, 
 Come stealing up tlie slope of time, 
 They bear a train of smiles and tears, 
 Of burning bopes and dreams sublime." 
 
 The past is seen, the future must be prophesied. But prophecy has 
 its roots in the past. The things we have seen done, as we scan 
 the pages of history, give promise of the things that shall be done. 
 We are progressing toward universal freedom. The mind, as well 
 as the body is breaking its shackles. Social questions and moral 
 questions will eventually find their solution. 
 
 In reality the Chuich of Christ must sound the key-note of all 
 true reforms. For eighteen hundred years she has done it, and to 
 this glorious end she is leading the world to-day. 
 
 The Sabbath before our Fathers went forth to battle they 
 gathered in their church edifice to listen to a war sermon from their 
 pastor. They took their cause to the God of Battle, and he heard 
 their cry and gave them the victory. We do not know the 
 preacher's text. We can easily imagine that he chose the words of 
 JMoses, to be spoken by the priests to ancient Israel, when about to 
 go out to battle : " Hear O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle 
 against your enemies: let not your heart faint ; fear not and do not 
 tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them ; for the Lord your 
 •God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your 
 enemies." 
 
 They certainly fought as if under the inspiration of such words, 
 and victory crowned their faith and works, which in true Apostolic 
 fashion went together. 
 
 If the walls of the old church could speak to-day, what tales 
 they would tell ! But alas, the old edifice has disappeared, and the 
 men that worshiped in it are gone. Their forms have passed 
 silently, one by one, into the old church-yard and lie at rest. But 
 their strong personality is still with us. We feel the presence of 
 
THE A UXILIAR T E VENTS. 139 
 
 • 
 
 an invisible host, whose quiet dignity and matchless grace, whose 
 robust manhood and unflinching courage are the true inspiration of 
 the hour. 
 
 As we tread above their graves, and read the quaint inscrip- 
 tions, over which the mosses of a century have grown, we seem to 
 hear, in a kind of solemn under-tone, an exhortation to be faithful to 
 the trusts they have committed to us. Grander than the mountains 
 that encircle us, higher than the Monument that towers above us, 
 more enduring than the everlasting hills is the Church of Christ : 
 "Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord, and the people 
 whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance." 
 
 This service, held in this historic and grand old building, car- 
 ried with it a most patriotic and reverent feeling ; for, if one could 
 ever love his country and be proud of his native land, these services, 
 in this place and at this time, representing the Centennial of one of 
 the decisive battles of the Revolutionary War, must have had their 
 effect for patriotism and love of country. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Inteoductoet and Incidental Events. 
 
 Monday morning, August 17th, all was bustle and work at the 
 headquarters of the Governor of Vermont, the several committees 
 reporting to His Excellency, and the assignment of new committees 
 made. Distinguished guests were rapidly coming in from all parts 
 of the country ; and the issuing of invitations to the banquet and 
 grand reviewing stand, for these guests, were in charge of Colonels 
 Slack, Horton, Abbott and Cutler, Aides-de Camp on Governor 
 Page's StafiE; while Colonel Brigham, Senior Aide, received all 
 visitors at the Governor's tent, and Colonel Wm. Seward Webb was 
 detailed as Special Aide to escort the President of the United States. 
 Captain H. S. Poster, U. S. A., had charge of the headquarters of 
 the Adjutant-General of Vermont. 
 
 Quartermaster-General Gilmore was engaged in looking after 
 the welfare of the troops and those constantly arriving ; Surgeon- 
 General Rutherford, having charge of the hospital and sanitary 
 department, in which he was ably assisted by Surgeon Jenne, 
 Assistant-Surgeons Huntington and Lee, First Regiment, N. G. V. ; 
 Assistant-Surgeon Webster, Fuller Light Battery. 
 
 All through the day distinguished gentlemen called to pay their 
 respects to the Governor of Vermont. 
 
 On Tuesday, August 18th, the visiting military commenced to 
 arrive, as well as many distinguished guests, who paid their respects 
 to the Governor. During the morning, the Citizens Committee, 
 
140 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 appointed by Governor Page, July 20th (to co-operate with the local 
 Committee at Bennington, and with the Governor and Staff to look 
 after the arrival of distinguished guests from without the State and 
 to see that they did not lack courteous attention), met at the Sons of 
 the American Revolution headquarters, to make arrangements for 
 the next day's celebration. 
 
 This committee of distinguished gentlemen was constituted as 
 follows: Hon. Geo. F. Edmunds, Hon. J. S. Morrill, Hon. J. W. 
 Stewart, Hon. William W. Grout, Hon. H. Henry Powers, Hon. 
 Roswell Farnham, Hon. John L. Barstow, Hon. Samuel E. Pin- 
 gree, Hon. E. J. Ormsbee, Hon. Wm. P. Dillingham, Hon. Josiah 
 Grout, Hon. E. H. Powell, Hon. L. O. Greene, Hon. G. G. Benedict, 
 Hon. Frank Plumley, Hon. P. K. Gleed, Hon. U. A. Woodbury, 
 Hon. Wm. H. DuBois, Hon. J. K. Batchelder, Hon. W. H. H. Bing- 
 ham, Hon. Franklin Fairbanks, Hon. Henry Ballard, Hon. W. E. 
 Johnson, Hon. B. D. Harris, Hon. F. G. Field, Hon. H. D. Holton, 
 Hon. N. W. Fisk, General Wm. Y. W. Ripley, General J. G. McCul- 
 lough. General Wm. Wells, Colonel P. W. Clement, Colonel Alfred 
 A. Hall, Colonel E. C. Smith, Colonel F. D. Proctor, Colonel T. C. 
 Fletcher, Colonel B. B. Smalley, Colonel T. O. Seaver, Colonel Geo. 
 W. Hooker, Colonel R. J. Kimball, Colonel Z. M. Mansur, Rev. M. 
 H. Buckham, Messrs. S. C. Shurtleff, Hiram Atkins, C. A. Prouty, 
 
 C. M. Wilds, C. H. Davenport, W. W. Stickney, H. M. Arms, L. 
 Bart Cross, A. J. Sibley. 
 
 The following sub-committees were named : 
 
 On Exercises. — Colonel Geo. W. Hooker, Brattleboro; Colonel 
 R. J. Kimball, West Rtindolph; ex-Governor E. J. Ormsbee, Bran- 
 don ; Hon. J. K. Batchelder, Arlington ; Hon. Frank Plumley, 
 Northfield. 
 
 On Reviewing Stand. — Major-General Wm. Wells, Burlington; 
 ex-Governor S. E. Pingree, Hartford ; General Thomas O. Seaver, 
 Woodstock ; Colonel Z. M. Mansur, Island Pond ; Hon. P. K. Gleed, 
 Morrisville. 
 
 On Banquet. — Colonel Luther O. Greene, Woodstock ; Hon. F. 
 G. Field, Rutland; Hon. E. H. Powell, St. Albans; Hon. B. D. 
 Harris, Brattleboro; Hon. Wm. H. DuBois, West Randolph. 
 
 On Ladies. — Ex-Governor Roswell Farnham, Bradford; Hon. 
 H. H. Powers, M. C, Morrisville ; Hon. H. M. Arms, Springfield ; 
 Hon. H. D. Holton, Brattleboro; Hon. L. O. Hazen, St. Johnsbury. 
 
 On Grand Stand. — Ex-Lieutenant-Governor U. A. Woodbury, 
 Burlington ; Colonel G. W. Hooker, Brattleboro ; Colonel Fletcher 
 
 D. Proctor, Proctor ; Colonel Bradley B. Smalley, Burlington ; Hon. 
 L. Bart Cross, Montpelier. 
 
 On the arrival of the afternoon train. General Alfred and 
 Colonel Abbott, of Governor Page's Staff, met Governor Tuttle of 
 New Hampshire, who was attended by Major-General A. D. Ayling, 
 
(^djl^toMt UuijU^^xl^- 
 
THE A UXILIAB Y E VENTS. 141 
 
 Adjutant-General, and other members of his Staff, also distinguished 
 guests, and escorted them to the quarters assigned them in town. 
 
 At midnight General Alfred, Colonels Brigham, and Slack, met 
 Governor Russell, of Massachusetts, with Major-General Samuel 
 Dalton, Adjutant-General, and other members of his Staff, who 
 arrived on their train, which was special, and was used by His 
 Excellency, and the members of the Massachusetts delegation, 
 during the Centennial Celebration. 
 
 Arrival of The President. -^Colonel Wm. Seward Webb, 
 Aide-de-Camp on the Staff of the Governor of Vermont, had pro- 
 ceeded to State Line to meet the President of the United States, 
 and his distinguished party, and, at 8.15, a special train of cars, 
 over the Pitchburg line, rolled into North Bennington station. The 
 President was escorted to his carriage by General John G. McCul- 
 lough, whose guest he was to be during the Centennial Celebration. 
 Colonel George W. Hooker called for three cheers as he passed, 
 which were given with genuine, true Vermont enthusiasm. Colonel 
 Wm. Seward Webb escorted Secretary Proctor to the same car- 
 riage, which was in waiting to conduct them to the residence of 
 General McCuUough, about a quarter of a mile distant. The Presi- 
 dent, with Gen. McCullough, occupied the rear seat, and Colonel 
 Webb, with Secretary Proctor, the front seat of a handsome vic- 
 toria drawn by two large bay horses. 
 
 The other carriages contained Attorney-General Miller, Hon. 
 Edward J. Phelps, Russell B. Harrison, Secretary Halford, Messrs. 
 Kale, Tibbitts and Loomis, General Russell A. Alger, General Whee- 
 lock G. Veazey, Colonel -Aldace F. Walker, Colonel Bradley B. 
 Smalley ; ex-Governor Alexander H. Rice, of Massachusetts ; Major- 
 General Alexander S. Webb, of New York, and ex-Governor John 
 W. Stewart, of Vermont. 
 
 About 8.30, P. M., Governor Page, accompanied by Adjutant- 
 General Theodore S. Peck, called upon Governor Tuttle at his 
 quarters, and then drove to the residence of General John G. McCul- 
 lough, at North Bennington, to bid The President a hearty welcome 
 to the Green Mountain State, and to arrange details for the exercises 
 • of the following day. 
 
 The Dinner at General McCullough's. — After the courte- 
 sies of the occasion had been performed. General McCullough 
 entertained the distinguished party at dinner. At 9 o'clock they 
 sat down to the table. President Harrison and Mrs. McCullough 
 leading the way. The hostess is a stately woman of more than 
 ordinary beauty, and, in the large dining-hall where her father, the 
 late Hon. Trenor W. Park, entertained so many famous people, she 
 
142 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 presides with gracious dignity. The dinner party, of the 18th, was 
 composed as follows : President Harrison and Mrs. McCullough, 
 Governor Page and Mrs. E. J. Phelps, Hon. E. J. Phelps and Mrs. 
 General Baxter, Senator Morrill and Mrs. John King, Secretary 
 Proctor and Miss McCullough, Attorney-General Miller and Miss 
 King, Mr. John King and Miss Lewis, Doctor Win. Seward Webb 
 and Mrs. Loomis, Private Secretary Halford -and Miss Ella McCul- 
 lough, Adjutant-General Peck, Mr. Russell B. Harrison, Mr. Loomis 
 and Mr. Charles Phelps, Mr. Hall P. McCullough, General McCul- 
 lough and Mrs. Miller. It may be of interest to state that the same 
 party sat down to dinner on the evening of the 19th, supplemented, 
 however, by Senator Edmunds and General Wm. Wells. 
 
 On the 18th, also, at the same time, Mr. F. B. Jennings enter- 
 tained General and Mrs. Russell A. Alger, General and Mrs. 
 Wheelock G. Veazey, Colonel and Mrs. Aldace F. Walker, Colonel 
 and Mrs. Bradley B. Smalley, ex-Governor Rice, of Massachusetts, 
 Major-General Alexander S. Webb, ex-Governor Stewart and others. 
 
 The Presidential Party, the Mounted Escort, and Guard 
 OP Honor. — Early Wednesday morning, the John A. Logan Post^ 
 Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Vermont (the only 
 mounted Veteran Post in the United States), of Orwell, Captain 
 H. G. Hibbard, commanding, marched to North Bennington, as 
 special escort to President Harrison and his party, with orders to 
 conduct them to the Soldiers' Home. This was performed in good 
 style, the column arriving at precisely 9.45, A. M. The President's 
 party was received with great cheers. After a few minutes spent in 
 hand-shaking, the carriages were loaded as follows : The President 
 of the United States, Governor Carroll S. Page, of Vermont, and 
 Colonel William Seward Webb, Aide-de-Camp, riding in a beautiful 
 victoria drawn by four white horses. 
 
 A Guard of Honor composed of Vermont soldiers, veterans of 
 of the War of the Rebellion, formed a hollow square around the 
 carriage of President Harrison, and performed escort duty during 
 the entire march. They were all large, stalwart men, and were 
 ably commanded by Major John S. Drennan (11th Vermont Volun- 
 teers), of Hardwick, Vermont. Their names are : J. S. Drennan, - 
 of Hardwick ; Abel E. Leavenworth, of Castleton ; Charles Gokey, of 
 Northfleld ; A. P. Dodge, of Barre ; Geo. P. Blair, of Barnet ; H. L. 
 Barnard, of West Rutland ; C. H. Wheeler, of Irasburgh ; C. A. 
 Powell, of Richford ; A. M. Haskell, of Brattleboro ; A. P. Sheldon,, 
 of West Rutland; D. E. Boyden, of West Townshend; E. M. 
 Haynes, of Rutland ; E. W. Rolfe, of Tunbridge ; H. E. Taylor, of 
 Brattleboro, and J. E. Post, of Rutland. 
 
THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 143 
 
 Second Carriage. — Ex-Governor Prescott, of New Hampshire, _ 
 President of the Battle Monument Association; General Wheelock' 
 G. Veazey, President of the Day ; ex-United States Minister Edward 
 J. Phelps, Orator of the Day; Brigadier-General Theodore S. Peck, 
 Adjutant-General, of Vermont. 
 
 Third Carriage. — Hon. Redfleld Proctor, Secretary of War 
 the Rev. Charles Parkhurst, D.D., Chaplain of the Day ■ Hon. Wil- 
 liam H. H. Miller, Attorney-General ; Brigadier- General William H. 
 Gilmore, Quartermaster-General, of Vermont. 
 
 Fourth Carriage. — Governor Hiram A. Tuttle, of New Hamp- 
 shire; United States Senator J. D. Gallinger; Major-General A. D. 
 Ayling, Adjutant-General, of New Hampshire. 
 
 Fifth Carriage. — Governor William E. Russell, of Massa- 
 chusetts ; Lieutenant-Governor William H. Haile ; Major-General 
 Samuel Dalton, Adjutant-General, §f Massachusetts. 
 
 Sixth Carriage. — Major-General Russell A. Alger, of Michi- 
 gan ; General John G. McCuUough ; Hon. John King, of New York ; 
 Brigadier-General Frank E. Alfred, Judge Advocate-General, of 
 Vermont. 
 
 Seventh Carriage. — Hon. 'George F. Edmunds, United States 
 Senator from Vermont ; Hon. Justin S. Morrill, United States Sena- 
 tor from Vermont ; Major-General Alex. S. Webb, of New York ; 
 Brigadier-General J. C. Rutherford, Surgeon-General, of Vermont. 
 
 Eighth Carriage. — Major-General Oliver Otis Howard, U. S. 
 A. ; Brigadier-General R. N. Batchelder, U. S. A. ; Hon. George 
 Grenville Benedict; Colonel Herbert F. Brigham, A. D. C, of 
 Vermont. 
 
 Ninth Carriage. — Ex-Governor John W. Stewart; General 
 William W. Grout, M. C. ; Hon. H. H. Powers, M. 0. ; Colonel W. 
 H. H. Slack, A. D. C, of Vermont. 
 
 Tenth Carriage. — Ex-Governor Roswell Farnham, ex-Governor 
 Ebenezer J. Ormsbee, ex-Governor Samuel E. Pingree, ex-Governor 
 John L. Barstow. 
 
 Eleventh Carriage. — Ex-Governor Greene, of New Jersey; 
 Hon. L. L. Tarbell, of Boston, Mass., Registrar-General S. A. R. ; 
 Hon. Henry Hall, of New York ; Major-General Wm. S. Stryker, 
 Adjutant-General, of New Jersey. 
 
 Twelfth Carriage. — Hon. William. E. Chandler, United States 
 Senator from New Hampshire ; Collector A. W. Beaird, of Massa- 
 chusetts; Senator Dawes, of Massachusetts; Colonel Myron J. 
 Horton, A. D. C, of Vermont. 
 
 Thirteenth Carriage. — Ex-Governor Alex. H, Rice, of Massa- 
 chusetts ; Mr. H. Walter Webb, of New York ; Hon. E. W. Halford, 
 Private Secretary to President Harrison ; Colonel Lyman F. Abbott, 
 A. D. C, of Vermont. 
 
 Fourteenth Carriage. — Judge Blatchford, of the United States 
 Supreme Court ; Mr. Frederick B. Jennings ; Hon. A. F. Walker ; 
 Colonel Henry R. Cutler, A. D. C, of Vermont. 
 
 Fifteenth Cjirriage. — Major-General William Wells, of Bur- 
 lington; Major-General Joseph E. Carr, of Albany; General James 
 M. Warner, of Albany ; ex- Lieutenant-Governor Urban A. Wood- 
 bury, of Burlington. 
 
144 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Sixteenth Carriage. — Colonel L. L. Langdon, First Artillery^ 
 "U. S. A.; Commander E. T. Woodward, U. S. N. ; Major F. C. 
 Ainsworth, Surgeon, TJ. S. A. ; Captain Emerson H. Liscum, 19th 
 Infantry, IT. S. A. 
 
 Seventeenth Carriage. — Mr. Russell B. Harrison, of Montana ; 
 Lieutenant Treate, U. S. A. ; Colonel Robert J. Kimball, of Ver- 
 mont ; Mr. Kale, of Indiana. 
 
 Eighteenth Carriage. — General F. G. Butterfleld, and Colonel 
 John R. Thompson, of Washington, D. C. ; Colonel Geo. W. Hooker,, 
 and Hon. John W. Cramton. 
 
 Nineteenth Carriage. — Captain A. C. Taylor, U. S. A. ; Captain 
 Taylor, commanding the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Com- 
 pany, of Boston ; Major-General Schuyler Hamilton, of New York ; 
 Lieutenant William H. Humphrey, of Vermont. 
 
 The supply of carriages, nat only for the Presidential party, 
 above, but, also, for the State guests, in Division Third of the Grand 
 Procession, was ample, and the arrangement faultless, reflecting 
 great credit upon Chairman Gibson, and his associates, of the Com- 
 mittee on Carriages. 
 
 The Review, and Subsequent Exercises. — At precisely ten 
 o'clock, the Division of carriages, led by the President of the United 
 States, moved to its position in line, whereupon General William L. 
 Greenleaf, Chief Marshal, started the column. On the line of march 
 from the Soldiers' Home to the President's reviewing stand, it was 
 one continuous ovation. 
 
 Upon arriving at the reviewing stand. President Harrison was 
 received by the Reception Committee (Major-General Wm. Wells, 
 Chairman), and escorted to his position at the front of the stand. 
 Governor Page stood at his right ; Secretary of War, Proctor ;. 
 Attorney-General Miller ; Governor Tuttle, of New Hampshire, with 
 Adjutant-General Ayling ; Governor Russell, of Massachusetts, with 
 Adjutant General Dalton ; Major-General Howard, of the United 
 States Army ; ex-Governor Prescott, of New Hampshire ; ex-Gov- 
 ernor Greene, of New Jersey ; Hon. Wheelock G. Veazey, President 
 of the Day ; Hon. Edward J. Phelps, Orator of the Day ; the Rev. Dr.. 
 Parkhurst, Chaplain of the Day, and Adjutant-General Theodore S. 
 Peck stood in their rear. The other distinguished guests, who rod& 
 in the carriages of the President's Division, occupied seats on the 
 reviewing stand, while the grand stand opposite was filled with 
 lovely ladies from Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New 
 York, and all parts of the country. 
 
 Immediately as the troops commenced the march, passing the 
 Chief Executive of the United States and the Governor of Vermont,, 
 all the bands and drum corps played " The President's March, " the 
 officers and colors saluted, amid the rousing cheers from the 
 
\ <^. 
 
 -^ // ' 
 
THE A UXILIAB Y E VENTS. 145 
 
 people, and those who lined the sidewalks and the Grand Stand 
 opposite waved their handkerchiefs. While all the organizations 
 passed in splendid form, it will be no disparagement to any of them 
 to say, that the marching of the West Point Cadets ; Major Cush- 
 ing's Light Battery (4th United States Artillery) ; the Battalion 
 National Guard of New Hampshire ; the Separate Companies of 
 Infantry, National Guard State of New York, and the Vermont 
 National Guard were particularly fine. The Mounted Post, Grand 
 Army of the Republic ; the Grand Army Posts ; Sons of Veterans ; 
 Sons of the American Revolution, with the Continental flags at their 
 head (rear-guard of the two cannon captured from Colonel Baum 
 in the Bennington Battle August 16, 1777) ; the Knights Templars ; 
 Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. P. ; Knights of Pythias, etc., ail made 
 a grand and imposing spectacle, and their soldierly bearing, and 
 magnificent marching, will long be remembered by a happy people. 
 
 After the President's party had taken their carriages, they led 
 the Third or Carriage Division to the Monument. Upon arrival 
 there, The President was met by the Committee, under the leader- 
 ship of ex-Lieutenant-Governor Urban A. Woodbury, — ^ who, with 
 his empty sleeve, made a stirring picture, and a strong reminder of 
 the days of 1861-'65, — and escorted to his seat amid loud cheers. 
 
 A retrospect of this occasion emphasizes the probability that 
 this was Bennington's last great day of this generation, and also, 
 that it was the greatest of the series. Another century must pass 
 away before it can be equalled — but we will not trouble ourselves 
 about that. The Bennington of the present covered herself with 
 glory, in the spirit with which her citizens entered into the great 
 entertainment and assisted in carrying out its details. What will 
 strike the interested reader of this volume with peculiar force is the 
 rich variety of its features and their being brought together into one 
 grand system — the plan and its thorough and easy execution. 
 There w;ere large forces of representative militia from several states, 
 all welded together and brought into active service as readily as 
 organized troops in the field. Working in entire harmony, were 
 large delegations from the leading civic, or semi-military societies of 
 Knights Templars of Freemasonry, and Patriarchs Militant of Odd 
 Fellowship, each vieing with the other in the size of their columns, 
 military appearance and attractiveness of uniforms. To these 
 organizations are to be added the Soldier Veterans, Sons of Veter- 
 ans, Sons of the American Revolution (with the Continental, and 
 Vermont fiags of 1775, carried by Mr. Daniel W. Robinson and 
 Colonel Wm. A. Crombie, of Burlington, both large, and splendid 
 looking gentlemen, members of the Vermont Society), Vermont 
 
146 
 
 BEDIGA TION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Legislators, visitors in carriages, and — for how many more, the 
 reader is referred to pages 70-74. Woven in the fabric, also, were 
 the literary exercises and the banquet. 
 
 The Committee on Music. — This committee, of which Secre- 
 tary Bates was Chairman (page 66), early determined that in the 
 absence of a poem, an original ode was the least that could be sub- 
 mitted on the Dedication occasion. The following was, therefore, 
 prepared and finely rendered in its order as stated : 
 
 Sennimjlon, Vl., Augmt 19, 1891. 
 
 VERMONT CENTENNIAL ODE. 
 
 Words by EMMET B. DALEY. 
 
 Maestoso. 
 
 (vide pea) 
 
 Muslc by RUDOLPH GOLDSMITH. 
 
 1. Our Com-moD wealth's 6ret huD - died years. This meed of song may claim, 
 
 2. A - cross the years we look to - day To where of yore ye stood, . 
 
 3. This mon - u - men - tal shaft we raise In Free-dom's sa - cred name, . 
 
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 bless 
 
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 name, 
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 May peace on her 
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 mountains high. Peace 'mong her- val - leys lie; Com 
 
 worn- en, true Free - dom we owe to yon; And on 
 
 sto-iy'a told, Num - b'riog brave deeds of old. Thy name, 
 
 ^ I I ! I N I i-^J 
 
 love be dwell - era 
 us all yc ]nakc a 
 Ver - moTii, shall ev er 
 
 in hei' ev 'ry home 
 just and right-^ous claim 
 proud - ly shine on • high, 
 
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 With 
 To 
 
 her bound - a - lies 'neath henv'n's blue 
 
 keep the old State free and pure from blame. 
 Like this fair mon - u - ment, pierc - ing the sky. 
 
THE A UXILIAR T E VENTS 147 
 
 At the conclusion of the dedicatory exercises, the guests took 
 their carriages and moved to the front of the procession, returning 
 to the Soldiers' Home, where they found the troops drawn up in 
 line, and as The President passed along in front of the many organi- 
 zations he was received with arms presented and colors drooping, 
 the drums beating "The President's March." 
 
 CHAPTER in. 
 
 Details of the Banquet, and the Pteotbchnics. 
 
 ITpon arrival at the Soldiers' Home, preparations were imme- 
 diately made to repair to the Banquet-tent, which had been placed 
 in readiness by the Committee on Banquet and Tents, Judge Carney, 
 chairman. The sale of tickets to dinner had been so managed by 
 Secretary Bates, of the Citizens Committee of Fifty, that everybody 
 was ready, ticket in hand. This left little for the military guard to 
 do, but to place the awaiting people in line, and the door-keepers to 
 take up the vouchers. After the slight pause at the Soldiers' 
 Home parlors, during which a number were presented to The Presi- 
 dent, as above stated, the Nation's Chief Executive and Governor 
 Page led the way to dinner, the Staff of the Governor of Vermont 
 acting as a guard of honor, forming a square around The President, 
 Cabinet officers, the officials of the Day, and guests, as they walked 
 to the pavilion, — the First Regiment band playing, " Hail to the 
 Chief," as they entered. The people, who had previously assembled 
 in the banquet-room, remained standing with uncovered heads, until 
 the distinguished guests were seated. Each member of the Presi- 
 dent's party were assigned to seats on a raised platform. General 
 Wheelock G. Veazey, President of the Day, occupied the centre of 
 the table. President Harrison was seated at his right, with Gov- 
 ernor Page at his left, and Secretary of War Proctor at his right. 
 
 To the right of Secretary Proctor were seated : Attorney-General 
 Miller ; Senators Edmunds and Morrill, of Yermont ; Senator Gallin- 
 ger, of New Hampshire; ex-Governor Rice, of Massachusetts; 
 Colonel Albert Clarke, of Boston ; Hon. Wm. W. Grout, M. C, from 
 Vermont ; General J. M. Warner, and Major-General Jos. B. Carr, of 
 Albany, N. Y. ; Hon. John King, General J. G. McCullough, Colonel 
 Wm. Seward Webb, Mr. H. Walter Webb, Colonel B. B. Smalley, 
 Colonel Herbert F. Brigham, A. D. C. ; President Barrett, of the 
 Sons of the American Revolution ; Colonel William A. Crombie ; 
 Colonel George W. Hooker; Hon. Daniel Roberts, of Burlington; 
 Colonel H. R. Cutler, A. D. C. ; General F. E. Alfred, Judge Advo- 
 
148 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 cate-General of Vermont ; Colonel Lyman F. Abbott, A. D. C. ; 
 Captain Herbert S. Foster, U. S. A. ; Captain R. W. Hoyt, U. S. A. ; 
 Colonel L. L. Langdon, U. S. A. ; ex-Governor Barstow, of Ver- 
 mont ; Hon. L. L. Tarbell, Registrar-General, S. A. R. ; Lieutenant 
 Treate, U. S. A. ; Major F. C. Ainsworth, Surgeon, U. S. A. ; Hon. 
 William H. Bruce, of Kentucky; Colonel MacDonald, of Wash- 
 ington, D. C. ; General William L. Greenleaf, commanding Brigade, 
 V. N. G. ; Colonel M. D. Greene, Assistant Adjutant-General ; 
 Colonel William Smith, Assistant Quartermaster-General; Major 
 R. J. Coffey, Provost-Marshal; Major C. E. Nelson, Inspector of 
 Rifle Practice ; Captain Max. L. Powell, A. D. C, and Captain A. H. 
 Sabin, A. D. C. 
 
 To the left of General Veazey were seated : Hon. Edward J. 
 Phelps, Orator of the Day; Rev. Charles Parkhiarst, D.D., Chaplain 
 of the Day ; ex-Governor B. F. Prescott, of New Hampshire ; Gov- 
 ernor Tuttle, and Adjutant-General Ayling, of New Hampshire; 
 Governor Russell, and Adjutant-General Dalton, of Massachusetts ; 
 Major-General O. O. Howard, U. S. A. ; General Russell A. Alger, 
 of Michigan; ex-Governor R. S. Greene, of New Jersey; General R. 
 N. Batchelder, Ui- S. A. ; Hon. E. W. Halford, Private Secretary to 
 President Harrison; Mr. ■R.ussell B; Harrison; Commander E. T. 
 Woodward, TJ. S.*N. ; Hon. H. H. Powers, M. C. ; Major-General 
 Wm. Wells ; Hon. Albert E Richardson ; ex-Lieutenant-Governor 
 Urban A. Woodbury; Major-General Alexander S.- Webb, of New 
 York; General L. G. Kingsley, Major Hugh H. Baxter, of Rutland; 
 Hon. George Grenville Benedict, Mr. Daniel W. Robinson, of Bur- 
 lington ; Adjutant-General Theodore S. Peck ; Major E. H. Liscum, 
 TJ. S. A. ; Hon. Luther O. Greene, ex-Governor Roswell Farnham, of 
 Vermont ; Hon. A. F. Walker, of Chicago ; ex-Governor Ebenezer 
 J. Orsmbee, of Vermont; Hon. W. E. Barrett, Speaker of the 
 House, of Massachusetts ; Hon. Robert Roberts, of Burlington ; 
 Surgeon-General J. C. Rutherford; Colonel M. J. Horton, A. D. C. ; 
 Colonel W. H. H. Slack, A. D. C. ; ex-Lieutenant-Governor Levi K. 
 Fuller, commanding Fuller's Light Battery, V. N. G. ; Major Henry 
 C. Gushing, U. S. A., commanding Light Battery, 4th Artillery ; 
 Colonel Julius J. Estey, commanding First Regiment, V. N. G. ; 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Charles C. Kinsman, Major George H. Bond, 
 Major John H. Watson, Major C. W. Evans, and others. 
 
 Among the ladies who were present at the banquet, were Mrs. 
 Attorney-General Miller, Mrs. Edward J. Phelps, Mrs. General 
 Alger, Mrs. General H. Henry Biaxter, Mrs. Colonel Aldace F. 
 Walker, Mrs. Horatio Loomis, Mrs. General Wheelock G. Veazey 
 Mrs. ex-Governor Ormsbee, Mrs. General Levi G. Kingsley; Mrs. 
 
^^aivn^C'SjracaseVy 
 
THE A UXILIAB T E VENTS. 149 
 
 Albert E. Richardson, of Burlington; Miss May Roberts, of Rut- 
 land ; Miss Fifleld, of Montpelier ; Miss Brown, Miss Ormsbee, Mrs. 
 Governor Fuller, Mrs. Colonel Estey, Mrs. Colonel Hooker, Mrs. 
 Senator Morrill, Mrs. Colonel Smalley, Mrs. ex-Governor Farnham, 
 Mrs. ex-Governor Pingree, Mrs. Colonel Powell, Mrs. General James 
 S. Peck, Mrs. General Theodore S. Peck, Miss Shattuck, Miss Mary 
 Agnes Peck ; Mrs. John King, Miss King, of New York ; Mrs. Gen- 
 eral J. G. McCuUough, Mrs. Jennings, the Misses McCullough ; Mrs. 
 Governor Tuttle, of New Hampshire; Mrs. General Ay ling; Mrs. 
 Dr. Jenney ; Mrs. Colonel Kopper, of New York ; Mrs. Captain R. 
 W. Hoyt, Mrs. Captain Childs, Mrs. Judge Henry, Miss Wood, 
 Miss Brush, Miss Stacy, Miss Staniford, Mrs. General Alfred, Miss 
 Gilmore, Miss Lowell, Mrs. Colonel Horton ; Miss Mary Roberts and 
 Miss Caroline M. Roberts, of Burlington ; Mrs. "W. E. Hawks, the 
 Misses Hawks, Mrs. Colonel Abbott, Mrs. Colonel E. D. Bennett, 
 Mrs. Major R. J. Coffey, Mrs. Colonel Scott, Mrs. Major Valentine, 
 Miss Valentine, Miss Agnes Robinson and others. The arrange- 
 ment of seats is outlined on page 104, which see. 
 
 The Banquet as Spread. — It may be of interest to know the 
 amount of food served, and the manner in which the great quantity 
 was placed on the attractive tables, and other details of the work. 
 The list of food, as written out by the caterer, is as follows: 2,950 
 pounds of meats, 1,100 pounds of lobster, 200 dishes of potato salad, 
 175 dishes of sardine salad, 700 quarts of Saratoga chips, 4,225 
 rolls, 225 pounds of table butter, 350 dishes of wine jelly, 500 
 pounds of cake, 1,150 quarts of ice-cream, sherbets, etc., 50 gallons 
 of spun sugar, 325 melons, 2,250 bananas, 2 barrels of apples, 700 
 pounds of grapes, 15 bushels of pears, 400 cucumbers, 30 gallons of 
 pickles, 16 gallons of olives, 8 bushels of tomatoes, 500 pounds of 
 sugar, 225 gallons of coffee, 120 gallons of tea, 200 gallons of cream. 
 
 To spread the tables there were used 1,400 yards of linen, 4,000 
 napkins, 250 towels, 36,185 pieces of china, 17,500 pieces of silver. 
 
 The transportation from Boston pressed into service three 
 freight cars and one refrigerator car, containing all the provisions, 
 which the Fitchburg railroad, through strict orders to the train 
 despatcher, " watched " from time of starting until their safe arrival 
 in Bennington ; with instructions in case of accident to notify the 
 caterer at once. A carriage was kept at call, in order that the dam- 
 age, if any occurred, could be repaired; and much credit is due 
 General Superintendent Adams for the facilities supplied, — all of 
 which contributed to the success of the dinner. 
 
 The caterer, further, says : Ten men were employed upon the 
 camp-ground for ten days, in unpacking and preparing the wares, 
 also in clearing up and packing for return; sixty waiters setting 
 the tables, besides cooks, ice-cream men and others. They were 
 assisted in the service of the dinner by 350 young ladies, and 
 gentlemen, of Bennington. 
 
 The Peesidbnt's Depaetuke. — Toward the close of the ban- 
 
150 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 quet, The President was driven to General McCullough's residence 
 at jSTorth Bennington, and his party followed afterward. It was a 
 source of regret that these distinguished guests could not be present 
 at the Pyrotechnic display of the evening, under the management of 
 the Committee, of whom A. P. Childs was chairman. President 
 Harrison left Bennington for Saratoga, N. Y., Thursday morning, 
 August 20th. Before leaving he said to a reporter : " I have been 
 much pleased with my visit, and the people of Vermont may well 
 be delighted with yesterday's celebration." 
 
 Personal and Complimentary. — Too much praise cannot be 
 accorded His Excellency, Governor Carroll S. Page and Staff ; the 
 members of the Centennial Commission; to Brigadier-General Wm. 
 L. Greenleaf, Chief Marshal, and Staff ; the State, and Bennington 
 Committees, and all members of the different organizations, in 
 the preparation and execution of the ceremonies connected with the 
 grand Celebration and Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monu- 
 ment on the 19th of August, 1891. From the beginning to the end, 
 everything moved along without a hitch or jar, an occurrence rarely 
 known, and worthy of record, the entire management showing care- 
 ful thought, wonderful executive ability and attention to details. 
 
 Governor Page, and each member of his Staff, will always 
 remember with great pleasure the kindly assistance tendered them 
 by the members of the different committees. President Hugh Henry 
 of the Board of Trustees, and Major and Mrs. Robert J. Coffey of 
 the Vermont Soldiers' Home, as well as by the citizens of Benning- 
 ton, and thank them one and all for the assistance rendered, the 
 result of which was the grand and most successful celebration ever 
 witnessed in Vermont. 
 
 The Pyrotechnic Display. — This, the closing part of the 
 , celebration for the people generally, was arranged upon a plan in 
 harmony with other portions of the exercises. The display was 
 colossal in its proportions, and thousands witnessed it, seated upon 
 the spacious grounds to the North of the Soldiers' Home. It was 
 presented in four sections, and consisted : First, of the prelusive dis- 
 play of general firework designs, devices and set pieces. Second, 
 the facsimile of the Monument, in lines of fire. Third, the tribute 
 to Vermont's Centennial. Fourth, the grand historical pageant, or 
 fire pictures, representing the heroic scenes of Vermont's past his- 
 tory. Preceding the opening of the evening's exhibit, a grand 
 illumination of the exhibition grounds occurred, producing a lus- 
 trous glow, extending the length and breadth of the enclosure, and, 
 while burning, revealed the various designs, devices, mottoes and 
 special features prepared for the occasion. 
 
/ ' '"' I 
 
 /t_ 
 
THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 151 
 
 The exhibition, proper, began with a National salute from 
 marooned bombs, echoing from hill to hill, in honor of the day 
 and occasion. This was followed by a magnificent display of serial 
 fireworks, consisting of 12, 18, and 30-inch shells, from mortar guns, 
 showing examples of stellular gerbs, meteoric showers, gyral 
 rosettes, dragons, chain- lights, whirling globes, aerolites, sparkling 
 prisms, cometic shells, saucissions, floral bouquets, etc. ; continued 
 by flights of rockets employed to exhibit all the best varieties lately 
 introduced ; displaying groups of floral wreaths, star bouquets, 
 sun-flre showers, electric flames, Japanese wheels, willow trees, 
 exploding and contorting serpents, floating star-signals, changeable 
 and magnesium lights, in great variety ; continued with heavy bat- 
 teries of Roman candles, massed in groups and sections about the 
 grounds, and displaying great wheat-sheafs of colored star-clouds 
 and silver mists, followed by golden fountains of the largest size, 
 fired in unison, and producing the effect of living geysers of fire, or 
 sparkling scintillations, spouting upwards from 20 to thirty feet 
 high ; and continued with spiral wheels or magic rings, displayed in 
 groups of three, five and seven, which fiew upward and exhibited 
 fioral centres, after which, the First Section of the exhibit was pre- 
 sented, consisting of the following seven original designs : 
 
 The Star of America. — A magnificent star design, composed of 
 mystic bands of sapphire fiame, moved in swift rotation, mutating to 
 surrounding zones, encircling crimson and emerald fires, fiashing in 
 sheeny splendor; changed to the " Star of America," comprising 
 star-points, shining in a still expanse of unbroken rays, of incan- 
 descent flame, terminating with a copious shower of reflective 
 rayonnants heavily charged with marooned gerbs. 
 
 Bands of Orion. — This superb piece commenced with a radiant 
 sun of Chinese fires, with a centre of dazzling fiame, shooting out 
 rays of brilliant light, mutating to a representation of " Bands of 
 Orion," composed of a large array of richly colored saxons, rotating 
 around a common centre, and gerbs of powerful calibre, discharg- 
 ing sparkling circles of scintillating light, that extended over an 
 immense surface, ending with a grand marooned explosion. 
 
 The Kaleidoscope. — This revolving piece opened with a display 
 of contra rotating belts of Chinese and Japanese fires, which, by a 
 sudden transformation became the arena for rapid evolutions of 
 countless angles of amethyst, ruby, azure and agate jets, and combi- 
 nations of beautiful colors. 
 
 The Pleiades. — A revolving belt of jessamine fires, encircling 
 in rapid evolutions an opaque centre, which was suddenly filled with 
 a scroll formed of crimson and emerald lance-work, mutating to 
 
152 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 " The Pleiades," composed of a circle of seven stars in red, white and 
 blue fires, enclosing a central star wrought in appropriate colors. 
 
 The Magic Rings. — Circles of sparkling flame waving rapidly 
 around opaque centres, which were suddenly filled with belts of 
 interchanging fires, decorated with richly colored jets and alternate 
 rosettes. 
 
 The Iriscope. — Double revolving belts of brilliant and jessa- 
 mine fires, rotating in contra directions, leaving a dark and opaque 
 centre. Suddenly from this centre radiated bright lines of crimson, 
 azure, emerald and amethystine hues, traversing the entire surface 
 of the design in every direction, and in rapid succession, yet so 
 arranged that every color appeared separate and distinct. 
 
 Arthusian Fountain. — An imitation of rushing waters, whose 
 silver cadences breathed a murmur, laugh and ring, amid a wealth 
 of ciliated spur-fires. 
 
 Preceding the Second Division of the exhibit a general display 
 of heavy bomb-shells was fired from mortar guns, showing beautiful 
 combinations and groupings of colors and designs, followed by the 
 " Design of the Battle Monument," or a pyrotechnic representation 
 of the Battle Monument, about 35 feet in height. 
 
 ■ A display of exhibition rockets, parachute, balloon signals, etc., 
 preceded the Third Section of the exhibit, or tribute to Vermont's 
 Centennial. This composition was designed and dedicated to the 
 Centennial of Vermont's history as a State of the great Republic. 
 An American Eagle with extended pinions clasped in its talons the 
 Olive-branch of Peace and the Shield of the Union. Around a border 
 of artistic design glowed and scintillated, in variegated pyrotechnic 
 hues of diamond and protean lance- work, the motto : " In the Sister- 
 hood of the States." Below, on a vertical base, appeared the 
 legend : " Vermont, March 4, 1791." Above the whole shone an arc 
 of thirteen stars, emblematic of the Original Thirteen States, while 
 in clear field, springing from the head of the eagle, and flashing in 
 the silvery majesty of a dazzling electric glory, appeared the four- 
 teenth star. 
 
 Preceding the Fourth Section of this display, a superb magnetic 
 illumination took place from an extended arc of hanging prismatic 
 lights. A line of 500 feet in length produced a rainbow of change- 
 able colors of long duration and magniflcent effect, and as it expired 
 star-sown bombs turned the darkness of night into a blaze of royal 
 splendor, introducing the grand climax of the Centennial Celebra- 
 tion : " An Historical Pageant." 
 
 On the canvas of night rose the green hills and the forest 
 primeval, while rolling down from the mountains, rippled and 
 
THE A UXILIAR T E VENTS. 153 
 
 laughed a crystal stream meandering through the lowlands, and 
 over its waves glided a canoe, paddled by an Indian whose war- 
 paint was distinctly seen as he rowed his bark through the foaming 
 rapids. Then appeared the tableau of Ethan Allen, as he stood 
 with his Green Mountain Boys at the gates of the citadel of Ticon- 
 deroga. Then followed the motto: "May 10, 1775," where the 
 renowned warrior was portrayed in that critical moment when 
 Captain Delaplace demanded : " By whose authority do you call 
 upon me to surrender ? " Allen was represented in the act.of rais- 
 ing his sword as if to strike, while he replied in the words of the 
 accompanying legend : " In the name of the Great Jehovah and the 
 Continental Congress." The next scene enacted, in the pageant, was 
 a colossal likeness of " Parson Allen," the fighting parson of the 
 Revolution, in Continental costume. The scene represented was 
 the Parson's famous appeal to the enemy. (See page 130.) Then 
 appeared General Stark pointing to the distant foe, while with 
 stentorian voice he cried : " You see the Red Coats, they are ours, 
 or Molly Stark sleeps a widow to-night." (See page 76.) Then 
 instantly followed the fierce cannonading of the Battle of Benning- 
 ton, August 16, 1777, of which Stark said, in his oflScial report, "It 
 was the hottest I ever saw." Then salvos on salvos of artillery 
 announced the victory, and out of this serenely shone a facsimile of 
 the State seal of Vermont, with the legend, "Vermont, Freedom 
 and Unity." 
 
 This grand finale consisted of twelve separate and distinct 
 pieces, any one of which would adorn the proudest festival. 
 
 Going Home. — The assemblage dispersed after the fireworks, 
 and a large number of the visiting organizations and individuals, 
 irom all parts of the State, left on the late evening and the early 
 morning trains. 
 
 The Nbwspapek Fobce. — It was a large and lively corps of 
 newspaper correspondents that appeared for duty at the Centennial, 
 and an extensive collection of news matter was sent out, both by 
 wire and through the mails. The State press was represented, on 
 the active working force, by Messrs. Perkins, McGuirk, Dodge and 
 Thomas, of the Rutland Herald; Messrs. Gates and Kilbourn, of 
 the Burlington Free Press ; Greene, of the St. Albans Messenger ; 
 the New England Associated Press was represented by Messrs. 
 • Stillson, Smith and Sault ; the United Press, by Bain, of Washing- 
 ton ; the New York Associated Press, by Tyson, of the Tribune ; 
 the Boston Herald by Perry ; the Boston Traveller by French ; the 
 Boston Journal by Forbes, Ingalls and Beals ; the Boston Globe by 
 Mrs. McGuirk ; the New York Herald by Krotel ; the New York 
 
154 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Press by Captain Clay ; the Illinois State Journxd by E. S. Walker ; 
 the Troy Times by Allen, and Parker ; the Troy Press by Ryan, 
 and Cooley ; the Troy Telegram by Lord ; the New England Maga- 
 zine by Wood ; the Springfield Republican by Cooke ; the Holyoke 
 Transcript by J. H. Skinner ; George S. Fisk of The Bennington 
 Banner staff, and Bennington Reformer by J. H. Livingston. Two 
 or three other papers were, doubtless, represented, but the names of 
 their workers we did not learn. The Bennington Banner office was 
 the press headquarters, and the newspaper men worked together 
 most harmoniously. There was an abundance of work, and head- 
 quarters was a busy place till far into " the wee sma' hours " daily. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 AuxiLiAET Events, and Documbntaet History. 
 
 The Organizations Participating. — The harmonious blend- 
 ing of the military and the civic societies, noted in the preceding 
 chapter, calls for especial mention. The expense, be it remembered 
 of their participation, was borne by themselves, and cheerfully paid, 
 too, because of a dominant public-spirit that pervades the respec- 
 tive memberships. Manifestly, therefore, no history of the great 
 celebration would be complete which did not include a sketch of the 
 preparatory proceedings of the Commands that added so much to 
 the spectacular effect of the Grand Procession. 
 
 The Knights Templars. — R.-. E.-. Will F. Lewis, Grand Com- 
 mander of the Knights Templars of Vermont, in his annual address 
 before the Grand Conclave June 9, A.O., 773, said: " On May 24th I 
 received from the Governor of the State, a cordial invitation to the 
 Knights Templars of Vermont, to unite with other military and 
 civic organizations in celebrating the hundredth anniversarj'' of the 
 admission of Vermont into the Union, and to dedicate the Battle 
 Monument at Bennington. # * # j acknowledged the 
 receipt of the invitation, and stated that I would lay the matter 
 before this Body at this time, and that the decision would be at once 
 communicated. I therefore recommend that action be taken upon 
 the invitation, and a suitable answer returned." 
 
 This was referred, on motion of R.-. E.-. Alfred A. Hall, to a 
 committee consisting of the first four officers of the Grand Com- 
 mandery, who reported : " The Committee to whom was referred 
 the R.-. E.-. Grand Commander's address, relating to the invitation 
 of the Governor to attend and participate in the parade at Benning- 
 ton, August 19th, beg leave to report : ' That they have considered 
 
THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 155 
 
 the matter and have as far as possible obtained the opinion of Tem- 
 plars from the various portions of the State, * * * and 
 recommend that the invitation be accepted.' " 
 
 This report was signed by Will F. Lewis, Marsh O. Perkins and 
 George W. Squier. After discussion, on motion of Past Grand Com- 
 mander Bacon, the Governor's invitation was unanimously accepted. 
 The following resolution was, also, unanimously adopted : 
 
 " Resolved, That the first four officers to be elected to-day be a 
 committee to ascertain the number of Sir Knights who will attend 
 the exercises at Bennington, August 19th, next, and to make 
 arrangements for transportation, and all other arrangements that 
 may be necessary to make the trip a success." 
 
 The committee, thus constituted, consisted of Sir Kittredge 
 Haskins, R.-. E.-. Grand Commander ; Sir Marsh O. Perkins, R.-. 
 E.-. Deputy Grand Commander ; Sir George W. Squier, E.-. Grand 
 Generalissimo; Sir Robert J. Wright, E.-. Grand Captain-General. 
 Several " General Orders " were promulgated to promote the attend- 
 ance in full ranks at Bennington, and, among other things, the 
 Grand Commander said : " It is of the utmost importance that we 
 make a highly creditable appearance in the parade. We owe this to 
 ourselves, as an organization of Templars, and to our State." 
 
 On page 72, of this volume, will be found the Commanderies 
 that responded, classified in order of rank. It was a handsome 
 showing that the Vermont Knights Templars made in the parade, 
 and they fully deserved the applause with which they were greeted 
 along the' line of march. Every Commandery in the State was 
 represented, and the magnificent uniforms and Knightly bearing of 
 the wearers added attractiveness and dignity to the moving column. 
 During the march, the Templars formed crosses, triangles and other 
 fancy figures. A mounted Command escorted the Grand Com- 
 mandery, while the other Knights escorted (in conjunction with the 
 Putnam Phalanx), the old Baum cannon. 
 
 The transportation arrangements were early placed in charge 
 of Sir Silas W. Cummings, of the Central Vermont Railroad, E.-. 
 Grandi Sword-Bearer, and the cars brought together, as below 
 stated, were known as " The K. T. Train." The elegantly appointed 
 vestibuled train attracted much attention, being designated and 
 decorated as such, in an attractive manner. The following story 
 of " The K. T. Train " has been prepared, especially for this volume, 
 by Prater Cummings, at the request of the Editor : 
 
 As soon as the vote of the Grand Commandery of the Knights 
 Templars of Vermont, taken at its Annual Conclave in June, 1891, 
 deciding as a body to attend the Bennington Battle Monument 
 
156 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Dedication, was made linown, the applications for transportation 
 disclosed the necessity for an unusual effort to provide the proper 
 facilities. The only feasible plan, which presented itself, was to 
 charter sleeping cars, therefore, negotiations were opened with the 
 Wagner Palace Car Company, resulting in chartering, to meet the 
 requirements, eighteen fine sleeping cars to carry both the Knights 
 Templars, and the Cantons of Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F. 
 
 A schedule was prepared for a special train to run as follows : 
 Leaving St. Albans at 8.30, P. M., Tuesday, August 18th, from 
 which point the pilgrimage started with Lafayette Commandery, 
 No. 3, K. T., accompanied by the St. Albans Brigade Band, and 
 Canton Franklin, P. M. At Burlington there was added to the 
 train Burlington Commandery, No. 2, with its commissary car, and 
 Canton Lafayette, with the Sherman Band. Also, joining here, 
 were the following Commauderies of K. T. : Malta, No. 10, from, 
 Newport ; Mount Zion, No. 9, from Montpelier, and Palestine, No. 
 5, from St. Johnsbury, with their commissary cars. At Middlebury,. 
 Mt. Calvary Commandery, No. 1, [mounted Command], joined the 
 train with their sleeping car. 
 
 On arrival at Rutland the above train, consisting of twelve 
 sleeping cars and three commissary cars, was run through to Ben- 
 nington, as the first section; followed by the other bodies which 
 had massed at Rutland, comprising the following : Beauseant 
 Commandery, No. 7, K. T., of Brattleboro, escorting the Grand 
 Commander, R.-. E.-. Sir Kittredge Haskins, with the Brattleboro 
 Band; Canton Palestine, of Patriarchs Militant, of Brattleboro; 
 Vermont Commandery, No. 4, K. T., of Windsor, with Drum Corps,^ 
 and Killington Commandery, No. 6, K. T., of Rutland. This was 
 the second section, and consisted of six sleeping cars and one com- 
 missary car. Canton Montpelier, Patriarchs Militant, went in a 
 sleeping car, on the regular trains to Bennington, during the night 
 of the 17th. 
 
 After the ceremonies of the 19th, and the fireworks that even- 
 ing, the train carrying the above bodies was run in two sections to 
 Rutland ; there dividing, those going East from Rutland, stopping 
 over one train for rest and refreshment, and those going North 
 moving forward immediately toward their respective destinations. 
 
 There were moved, as described above, nine Commanderies of 
 Knights Templars, four Cantons of Patriarchs Militant, three bands, 
 and one drum corps, on time and without injury to any one. 
 
 A General Order was issued tendering the thanks of the Grand 
 Commander, R.-. E.-. Sir Kittredge Haskins, to the several railroads^ 
 in the State; and the diflt'erent bodies, named above, also, passed 
 
THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 157 
 
 resolutions of thanks for courtesies received, and highly eulogized 
 the officials of the different railroads for the excellent means of 
 transportation provided. The General Superintendent of the Wag- 
 ner Palace Car Company, Mr. C. D. Flagg, and his able assistants, 
 Messrs. Yager, and Wagner, were at Bennington, and gave their 
 personal attention to the care of their sleeping cars, and the comfort 
 of the occupants 
 
 Too much praise cannot be awarded to the officials, and the 
 employes, of the Bennington & Rutland Railway, for the masterly 
 manner in which they handled their trains, on a one-track road, 
 with no accident or injury to a single passenger. In the railroad 
 history of this country there have been few, if any, parallel cases, 
 where, laboring under such disadvantages, so many trains have 
 been moved successfully and all in perfect safety. 
 
 Such is the history of " The K. T. Train," and we close in the 
 congratulatory words of the Grand Commander's " General Orders, 
 No. 2," referred to above: "The Grand Commander takes this 
 method of thanking the officers and members of the Grand Com- 
 mandery and of the Subordinate Commanderies, who, in response to 
 his order, assembled at Bennington on the 19th, inst. * * 
 He congratulates the several Commanderies upon their proficiency 
 in drill, their soldierly bearing, their magnificent appearance and 
 Knightly conduct. The generous applause that greeted them along 
 the line of march was most deservedly bestowed. Never before 
 have the Templars of Vermont, convened in so large numbers ; it 
 was an occasion that will be long remembered and never regretted 
 by any one of the Sir Knights who were present in uniform and 
 participated therein." 
 
 The Patriarchs Militant. — An invitation, from the Governor 
 of Vermont, having been issued to General John C. Underwood, 
 Commander of the Army, Patriarchs Militant, the uniformed branch 
 of the I. O. O. F., and accepted, a large gathering of Odd Fellows 
 took action thereon at Montpelier, June 3d. The occasion was the 
 annual sessions of the Grand Bodies of the Order, and the object of 
 the meeting was stated to be the proper reception of Past Grand 
 Sire Underwood, and the Order's relation to the Vermont Cen- 
 tennial, at Bennington, August 19th. Colonel Norman M. Putter, 
 Department Commander of the Patriarchs Militant, presided. 
 
 The Editor of this volume is on record as suggesting an organi- 
 zation, consisting of prominent and influential members of the 
 Order, to ensure a full attendance in uniform, and a reception to 
 ex-Governor Underwood, that should be at once a credit to the Order 
 and an honor to the State. Henry Clark, P. G. M., stated, as his 
 
158 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 opinion, that it was the most important event that had ever fallen 
 to the lot of the Order in Vermont (it being the first time, in its his- 
 tory, that so distinguished an official of the Order had visited the 
 State), and that it was incumbent to receive the honored guest, in 
 such a manner, as comports with the dignity of the occasion. 
 Grand Representative William D. Wilson, Past Grand Master N. 
 
 C. Hyde, Grand Representative Henry W. Hall and Major L. C. 
 Grant followed in endorsement ; and, on motion of William D. Wil- 
 son, a committee was created as follows, to constitute a board of 
 reception and entertainment, to be known as the " Centennial Com- 
 mission": Norman M. Puffer, Bennington, Chairman; Henry W. 
 Hall, Burlington ; Henry Clark, Rutland ; Hugh Henry, Chester ; 
 Nelson C. Hyde, Poultney ; Wm. D. Wilson, St. Albans ; Henry L. 
 Stillson, Bennington ; L. C. Grant, Burlington ; N. P. Bowman, St. 
 Johnsbury ; Myron J. Horton, Poultney ; J. W. Goodell, Burling- 
 ton ; Rev. A. J. Hough, Montpelier ; Henry E. Parker, Bradford ; 
 W. D. Chandler, St. Albans ; D. G. Furman, Swantoh ; P. E. Alfred, 
 Newport ; L. R. Robinson, Derby Line ; Henry E. Randall, Island 
 Pond ; L. V. Green, Rutland ; Julian H. Jones, Bradford ; J. G. 
 Harvey, White River Junction; B. L. Lockwood, Springfield; S. 
 
 D. McLeod, Bellows Falls ; J. H. Jackson, Barre ; D. E. Tasker, 
 Brattleboro ; G. W. Knights, Lyndonville ; Joseph K. Egerton, 
 Northfield ; C. R. Bagley, Montpelier. 
 
 Under date of July 10, 1891, Colonel Puffer, in General Orders, 
 No. 10, said : " It is expected that all Field, Staff, and Line OfiQcers, 
 will exert their influence in calling together the whole Command at 
 Bennington, the coming August. Everything bids fair for a fine 
 display in all the branches of our Order. I desire the Command- 
 ants of Cantons to report to me the number of swords that will be 
 in line, as early as August 1st. * * * j^gj; j^g g^y^ \^ 
 closing, that the responsibility of the success of our part of the Cen- 
 tennial depends largely on you, and I expect you to treat it with 
 enthusiasm." 
 
 Meantime, the regiments in Massachusetts and New York, 
 contiguous, had been invited by the Odd Fellows Centennial Com- 
 mission to participate in the parade and festivities of the occasion. 
 The Underwood Hussars, of Boston, a mounted Troop, tendered 
 their services as special escort to the Commander of Patriarchs 
 Militant, and Bennington Odd Fellows made preparation to receive 
 their guests. The result is shown in pages 73, 74. In the Grand 
 Parade the Patriarchs Militant, acted as escort to the distinguished 
 guests in the carriages of the Third Division (including the Presi- 
 dential Review party from the Reviewing Stand to the Monument), 
 
THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 1 59 
 
 and received many ovations for their soldierly bearing and fine mili- 
 tary appearance. 
 
 The Odd Fellows' Reception. — Odd Fellows Hall was filled 
 Tuesday evening, the 18th, to welcome Hon. John C. Underwood, 
 Past Grand Sire, and other distinguished members of the Order. 
 The Daughters of Rebekah took an important part in the exercises. 
 Among the more prominent visitors, we note : John W. Bourlet, 
 Grand Master, New Hampshire ; Jay B. Crawford, Grand Master, 
 Massachusetts; Peter J. Trumpler, Grand Master, Rhode Island ; 
 George H. Cowell, Grand Master, Connecticut ; E. W". Jester Grand 
 Master, Delaware. Grand Master J. W. Goodell, of Vermont, pre 
 sided. The address of the evening was delivered by General 
 Underwood, who was followed by the five Grand Masters aforesaid. 
 This was General Underwood's first visit to Vermont, his impres- 
 sions of the people, and particularly the members of the Order, in 
 all its branches, were "certainly very good and flattering," and it 
 had never before been his pleasure to address an audience com- 
 prising, within its numbers, five active Grand Masters. The hall 
 was elaborately decorated for the occasion. 
 
 The DEcoEATioisr of Chivalry. — One of the principal features 
 of the Centennial for Odd Fellows, aside from their participation in 
 the Grand Procession, was the conferring of the Grand Decoration 
 of Chivalry, at five o'clock, P. M., of Wednesday. This occurred on 
 the grounds of the Soldiers' Home, and would have been witnessed 
 by thousands had the fact been generally known. This is a decora- 
 tion of honor conferred only upon those who by some meritorious 
 service in the Order, or by reason of age and official rank are 
 entitled to a special mark of distinction. A full ceremonial requires 
 the presence of four Cantons, a number of Assistants, Maids of 
 Honor, the Commander and Staff. Owing to the limited time on 
 this occasion the field movements were omitted. The Decoration 
 was conferred by General Underwood in person. The Assistants 
 were : Misses Tena Swift, P^rances E. Stillson, Ella Daley, Bertha 
 Griswold ; with little Bessie Sibley as Maid of Honor, who affixed 
 the decorations. Colonel Wm. H. Ralph (Second Massachusetts 
 Regiment), acted as Adjutant-General; Lieutenant- Colonel W. D. 
 Wilson, A. D. C, and Lieutenant-Colonel H. W. Hall, Chaplain- 
 General. The military floor-work was enacted by the Underwood 
 Hussars, of Boston (who won so much eclat as escort to the Com- 
 mander of the Army, Patriarchs Militant, during the procession), 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Charles M. Campbell, commanding. The two 
 flanking Cantons were composed of Chevaliers selected from the 
 several Cantons comprising the First Regiment of Vermont, Colonel 
 
160 DEDIQATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 2Sr. M. Puffer, commanding. They were assisted by the large and 
 handsomely uniformed Staff, together with the various Bannerets, 
 Standard Bearers, Trumpeters, Heralds, Guards and Sentinels, with 
 attendant colors and magnificent banners, constituting a military 
 pageant which is seldom seen in a fraternity ceremonial. Sher- 
 man's Military Band, of Burlington, made complete the martial 
 tableau, on the picturesque field of " cloth and gold," in the beauti- 
 ful valley of the Walloomsac, under the shadow of the Green 
 Mountains, with the Battle Monument, they had just assisted in 
 dedicating, standing as a sentinel to the west of the line. (See 
 illustration : " Camp Vermont, with Battle Monument in the Dis- 
 tance." ) The following ladies were decorated : Mrs. N. M. Puffer, 
 Mrs. H. L. Stillson, Mrs. J. W. Goodell, Mrs. H. W. Hall, Mrs. J. H. 
 Ayres, Mrs. Geo. H. Harwood, Mrs. S. E. Morris. The Chevaliers 
 receiving the Grand Decoration of Chivalry were: Colonel N. M. 
 Puffer ; Lieutenant-Colonel, L. C. Grant, and Grand Master Good- 
 ell ; Captain J. C. Timpson, Sergeant John H. Ayres. This is 
 the only Degree of Odd Fellowship that is given in public, and 
 since its adoption by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, in 1887, has been 
 a marked feature of Cantonments, State and National. 
 
 Reunion of the Ninth Vermont Regiment. — General T. S. 
 Peck's old command, the 9th Vermont Regiment, held its annual 
 reunion at General Peck's headquarters-tent, on the grounds of 
 " Camp Vermont," Tuesday afternoon, August 18, 1891. There 
 were over one hundred members of the regiment present, as well as 
 veterans from Vermont, and other regiments present in Bennington. 
 
 Among the distinguished guests, who attended this reunion, 
 were Governor Page, of Vermont ; ex-Governors Ormsbee, Parnham, 
 and Pingree ; IJeutenant-Governor Henry A. Fletcher ; ex-Lieuten 
 ant-Governor U. A. Woodbury ; Major-General Alexander S. Webb, 
 of New York ; General James M. Warner (11th Vermont ) ; Major- 
 General Joseph B. Carr, of Albany, N. Y. ; Colonel G. G. Benedict, 
 of Burlington ; Colonel Geo. W. Hooker, of Brattleboro ; Colonel 
 Joel C. Baker, of Rutland, and others. 
 
 The roll of the Regimental Society was called, and several 
 members of the Old Ninth were found to have passed "Over the 
 river to the silent majority " since the last meeting. 
 
 Governor Page welcomed the veterans to his headquarters, and 
 the Bennington Centennial. Colonel Benedict spoke most feelingly 
 of Major-General George J. Stannard, first Colonel of the 9th Ver- 
 mont, upon whose Staff he and Colonel Hooker served so faithfully 
 and well at Gettysburg. Colonel Andross, the second Colonel of the 
 regiment, also, alluded affectionately to General Stannard. Remarks 
 
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THE A UXILIAB, T E VENTS. 1 61 
 
 were made by General Peck, Major Branch, Hon. Joel C. Baker, and 
 others. The Society then proceeded to the election of oflQcers, 
 which are as follows : President, Colonel Dudley K. Andross, Brad- 
 ford, Vt. ; First Vice-President, General Theo. S. Peck, Burlington, 
 Vt. ; Second Vice-President, Sergeant George M. Lane, Springfield, 
 Mass. ; Secretary and Treasurer, Lieutenant Richard F. Parker, 
 Coventry, Vt. Executive Committee : Major Charles F. Branch, M. 
 D., Newport, Vt. ; Captain Samuel H. Kelley, West Salisbury, Vt. ; 
 Captain Chas. W. Haskell, Westmoreland, N. H. ; Private Myron 
 Corbitt, Bennington, Vt. ; Private A. W. Turner, Gardner, Mass. 
 
 The election of Colonel Andross to the Presidency, was an 
 ofSce to be permanent through life, the highest honor the members, 
 of the Old Ninth Vermont, believe it in their power to bestow upon 
 one who was so faithful to them during the war, and who has the 
 good-will of the Society, and all who know him. The Secretary 
 and Treasurer, Lieutenant R. F. Parker, was absent on account of 
 sickness, much to the regret of those present, for it is by his 
 patriotic and untiring work that the Ninth Regimental Society was 
 started, and is so prosperous. 
 
 The Band of the First Regiment, National Guard, rendered 
 excellent music during the Reunion. After the speech-making 
 there was a general good time, telling stories and shaking hands, 
 such as only those who have stood shoulder to shoulder, in " days 
 that tried men's souls," have any idea of. 
 
 The Society adjourned, to meet again wherever the National 
 Guard are encamped, for General Peck assured one and all that 
 whenever he had a tent, or wherever he was in camp, the 9th Ver- 
 mont Regiment were welcome to use his quarters for reunions. 
 
 The members of the Regiment met at this tent at six o'clock, 
 and marched in a body to witness the dress parade of the National 
 Guard of Vermont, which they enjoyed immensely, and the sight of 
 which brought back many reminiscences of the war times with 
 which they were so familiar. 
 
 John A. Logan Mounted Post. — A Comrade of this Com- 
 mand (J. O. W. ), contributes the following: John A. Logan 
 Mounted Post left North Orwell, at 9 o'clock, A. M., August 18th, 
 with two car-loads of horses, and reached Bennington about 2 
 o'clock, P. M. Quarters were assigned them in the new annex to 
 the Soldiers' Home, with the horses picketefl in an adjacent grove. 
 Commander Hibbard received orders to report to General Greenleaf 
 for duty, at 7 o'clock, the next morning. At that hour the Post was 
 sent, mounted, to the residence of General McCuUough, at North 
 Bennington, to escort The President and party to the Soldiers* 
 
162 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Home, with strict orders to have him there at 10 o'clock, sharp. 
 At 8.30 o'clock. The President had not -breakfasted. At 9 o'clock, 
 none of the teams were ready, and Commander Hibbard began to 
 stir things up, and at 9.15 o'clock, the Troop moved out by fours, 
 followed by the President's carriage, drawn by four white horses, 
 accompanied by several carriages with other distinguished guests. 
 After getting the column fairly into the street, the order was given 
 to trot, and then commenced such a ride as none of us had seen 
 since "Early went flying up the Valley." The boys appreciated 
 their opportunity, and were determined to show Comrade Harri- 
 son that the days of '61 and '65 were not entirely forgotten. No 
 halts were allowed, and, promptly at 9.45 o'clock, the boys landed 
 the Presidential party at the Home, with every horse smoking and 
 nobody hurt. Twenty-eight mounted men and six carriages, five 
 miles in thirty minutes, over a country road, — we had saved our 
 reputation and our "wagon train," and had a repetition of old 
 ■experiences, that many of us will not again enjoy, and none of 
 us will forget. 
 
 The Post was immediately placed in the column as escort for 
 •General Greenleaf, commanding the parade, and held that position 
 during the march, receiving a smile of recognition, and a bow from 
 The President while passing the Grand Stand. 
 
 This Centennial occasion will long be remembered, as a " red- 
 letter day," by the Comrades of John A. Logan Post. 
 
 Grand Aemy of thb Republic. — Manifestly a celebration that 
 ■did not include the G. A. R., would have been an anomaly in his- 
 tory. The Revolutionary Fathers founded the Republic, and the 
 Union Army saved it from destruction. An early invitation was 
 forwarded to the Department of Vermont, and the Order was 
 further honored in that its Commander-in-Chief, General Wheelock 
 G. Veazey, was selected for President of the Day. Department 
 ■Commander D. L. Morgan issued the following : 
 
 Geand Aemt of the Republic, 
 Hbadquaetbes, Depaetment of Veemont, 
 Rutland, July 24, 1891. 
 General Order Number Nine. 
 
 A cordial invitation to participate in the parade at Benning- 
 ton, August 19th, at the celebration of the hundredth anniversary 
 of Vermont's Admission to the Union and the Dedication of" the 
 Bennington Battle Monument, havipg been extended by His Excel- 
 lency, Governor Carroll S. Page, and accepted for the Department 
 by the Commander, it is therefore earnestly requested of the Officers 
 and Comrades of the various Posts that they at once begin prepara- 
 tion to be present on that occasion with full ranks. 
 
 Every Comrade possible should appear in the Grand Army of 
 
THE A UXILIAli Y E VENTS. 165 
 
 the Republic uniform of blue, with hat and cord, white gloves,, 
 wearing his badge upon his breast and a sprig of cedar in his hat. 
 
 It is suggested where Posts can send delegates only that they 
 be consolidated with adjacent Posts, but in every case they should 
 bring the colors. * # * 
 
 The Aides-de-Camp, on the Department Staff, except such as 
 may be specified for duty with the column, are hereby detailed as a 
 Body Guard to our Comrade, President Benjamin Harrison, and 
 will report as soon as possible to Comrade John S. Drennan, Chief 
 of Staff, Hardwick, Vt., stating whether they will be present and in 
 full uniform or not. * * * 
 By Command of 
 
 D. L. Morgan, Departmen.t Commander. 
 (Official.) 
 
 C. C. Kinsman, Assistant- Adjutant- General. 
 
 The response to this order was one of enthusiasm, as .the reader 
 will note by the mention made of Veterans throughout this volume. 
 While a large proportion of the 625 who participated in the Grand 
 Procession came to town on early trains the 19th, yet over 200 were 
 here, arriving Monday and Tuesday, remaining until Thursday. 
 Department Commander Morgan established headquarters on the 
 Soldiers' Home grounds, and the Veteran Encampment occupied 
 the attractive street of tents situated to the North of the Home,, 
 near the site of the Pyrotechnic display. The large body of Union 
 Veterans, participating in the parade, attracted marked attention,, 
 and, with their Mounted Post (above), stood second in interest to- 
 none other organization represented. 
 
 Sons OP THE American Revolution. — One of the most nota- 
 ble gatherings in Bennington, during Centennial Week, was the 
 Annual Meeting of the Vermont Society of the Sons of the American 
 Revolution, Tuesday afternoon, August 18th. This Society took a 
 prominent part in the Celebration of Vermont, and, also, in the 
 Dedication of the Battle Monument. The State Society established 
 headquarters on the Soldiers' Home grounds, Monday, in a canvas- 
 pavilion, 25x50 feet in size, furnished with chairs, tables, and cots, 
 and it was frequently resorted to by the visiting Sons. The main 
 entrance was handsomely decorated with the National S. A. R. 
 Coat-of-Arms ; above it the words : " Vermont Society," while below 
 was " a banner bearing the title : " Sons of the American Revolu- 
 tion." Before the tent, daily, were displayed the flags belonging to 
 the Society, and described more fully on pages 134, 135. These 
 headquarters were established Monday, as stated, and continued 
 through the week. The site assigned was in front of the Home 
 building, near the fountain, and contiguous to the Government 
 headquarters. It served the intended purpose admirably. 
 
164 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 The officers, and most of the members of the Vermont Society, 
 ■were in Bennington on August 19th. The National Society was 
 represented by President-General William Seward "Webb, and other 
 officers, and by many officers and members of State Societies. This 
 is shown more fully by the Roster below. This Society was highly 
 honored in that its President-General was selected, as special Aide- 
 de-Camp, to attend President Harrison, and the Vermont Society by 
 the fact that he was a member thereof. The Society of the Sons of 
 the American Revolution was fittingly recognized, by the Centen- 
 nial Commission, in the exercises of the Celebration. The visiting 
 members, to the number of 75, formed a separate division, and were 
 assigned by General Greenleaf, Chief Marshal, to a position of 
 honor in the Grand Procession, — marching as a part of the escort 
 to the captured British cannon. The S. A. R. division colors were 
 borne by Colonel Wm. A. Crombie, and Mr. Daniel W. Robinson, of 
 Burlington, who carried the two new, and beautiful silk flags of the 
 Vermont Society, at the head of its line. (See pages 72, and 145.) 
 
 The Annual Meeting of the Vermont Society was called to 
 order by Major A. B. Valentine, who, in a brief speech, welcomed 
 the representatives of the National Society. He stated the plans of 
 the State Society, regarding parade and banquet, and tendered 
 all the freedom of the headquarters. The State Society then elected 
 the following officers for the ensuing year : President, John G. 
 McCullough, North Bennington ; Vice-President, H. Henry Powers, 
 Morrisville ; Secretary, Charles S. Forbes, St. Albans ; Treasurer, 
 Milton K. Paine, Windsor ; Registrar, Henry L. Stillson, Benning- 
 ton; Historian, G. Grenville Benedict, Burlington; Chaplain, Rev. 
 Lucius M. Hardy, Burlington ; Ex- Lieu tenant- Governor Urban A. 
 Woodbury, of Burlington, Chairman Board of Managers, seven in 
 number. 
 
 It will be noted, below, that ex- Vice- President-General Wm. O. 
 McDowell, of the National Society (accompanied by his daughter), 
 vras present during the 19th, and participated in the parade. Mr. 
 McDowell was chairman of the committee that " nationalized " the 
 work in connection with the " Statue of Liberty Enlightening the 
 World," in New York harbor, and afterward invited a few of his 
 fellow laborers to come together and organize a_New Jersey Society. 
 At this meeting a resolution was introduced inviting the associa- 
 tions in New York and Philadelphia to join them in an organization 
 (of the descendants of the men who served in the War of the 
 American Revolution), to send delegates to a meeting to be held in 
 the " Long Room of Fraunces's Tavern," on the Centennial Day of 
 the inauguration of George Washington, as the First President of 
 
THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 165 
 
 the United States. In sending this invitation Mr. McDowell wrote 
 to the Governor of every State, asking the use of the Senate Cham- 
 ber as the meeting place for the organization of societies made up of 
 such descendants. The Governor of Vermont responded, at once, 
 by the appointment of a committee, of which Adjutant-General 
 Peck was one, to wait upon Mr. McDowell for instructions. They 
 did, and the result was an organization of the Vermont Society of 
 the Sons of the American Revolution. This historic statement may 
 be of interest in connection with the Vermont Society's reception 
 and entertainment of the gentlemen named below. 
 
 The Sons of the American Revolution showed up finely in the 
 parade, with Major A. B. Valentine as Chief Marshal, and Colonel 
 Scott, Captain SafEord, and Colonel Paine, as Aides. Colonel Scott 
 formed the column at " Camp Vermont," previous to the start, the 
 " Sons " numbering 100 (including the officers of the National 
 organization, and representatives from Rhode Island, New Hamp- 
 shire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut who rode in carriages). The 
 venerable Colonel Pierce, of Rhode Island, who personally knew 
 and remembered General Stark, was present and had with him, on 
 this occasion, a powder-horn, which his father captured from a 
 Hessian whom he had shot at the Battle of Bennington. 
 
 The representatives of the several State Societies, Sons of 
 the American Revolution, met at the Soldiers' Home after the cere- 
 monies, and Hon. Edwin S. Barrett, of Massachusetts, was elected 
 President, and Hon. Luther L. Tarbell, of the Massachusetts Society, 
 Secretary. The meeting voted to prepare a testimonial to be pre- 
 sented the Vermont Society for the hospitality extended during 
 their visit. 
 
 This volume, in this department, is enriched by the contribu- 
 tions of the Hon. Charles E. Staniels, of Concord, N. H. ; the Hon. 
 Edwin S. Barrett, of Concord, Mass., and Hon. Henry Hall, of New 
 York, Historian-General. The valuable papers of the first two, relat- 
 ing to their respective States, and the complete Roster, given by the 
 latter, are of permanent interest, and, as such, will be highly 
 appreciated' by the reader, as follows : 
 
 The New Hampshire Society at Bennington. — New Hamphire's 
 second historical participation at Bennington, was in strong contrast 
 to the conditions and circumstances surrounding and influencing 
 that body, of sturdy pioneers, whose patriotism under their chosen 
 leader, the gallant and independent Stark, led to results which, it is 
 conceded, would have been materially changed had Burgoyne's 
 attempt to capture the stores at Bennington been met by less 
 vigorous measures, in 1777. 
 
 The representation of New Hampshire at Bennington, in 1891, 
 was of peaceful import, and was the result of an invitation issued by 
 
166 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 the State of Vermont, through her Chief Magistrate, Governor 
 Carroll S. Page, to join in the dedicatory ceremonies, by which the 
 Bennington Battle Monument was to become the property of the 
 State of Vermont, through the loyal officers of an Association, of 
 which ex-Governor Benjamin F. Prescott, one of New Hampshire's 
 honored sons, was President. Of the various New Hampshire 
 organizations, represented, the Sons of the American Revolution, of 
 this State, have reason to be proud of their participation in the 
 attendant ceremonies, not only as recognized lineal descendants of 
 the heroes of one of the decisive battles of the American Revolu- 
 tion, but from the fact that of the delegation, present, were the 
 nearest living relatives of the noted leader, whose loyalty to his 
 country was second to none, and whose sturdy patriotism, r^ogiz- 
 ing no obstacle, inspired his followers to deeds of heroism. One of 
 the important duties, devolving upon the New Hampshire Society, 
 was the escort of a portrait of General Stark, by Tenney, which by 
 the indefatigable eilorts of its President, Hon. George C. Gilmore, 
 had been secured for the occasion, from the original sketch, by Miss 
 Hannah Crowninshield, of Salem, Mass., in 1810. This portrait was 
 procured by the Sate of New Hampshire, being provided for by a 
 special appropriation of the I^egislature, and placed in charge of 
 ex-Governor Benjamin F. Prescott and Hon. George C. Gilmore, as 
 an authorized committee, by the Governor and Council. (A fine 
 reproduction of this painting is one of the illustrations of this 
 volume.) With this party, also, was, perhaps, the most cherished 
 relic of the day, a portion of the battle-flag of Stark, that he had 
 used upon the battlefield, which the Monument overlooks, one 
 hundred and fourteen years before, and which is now in the pos- 
 session of his descendants. 
 
 The New Hampshire Society, upon receiving a general invita- 
 tion from the State of Vermont, took early action, by appointing a 
 committee consisting of Charles E. Staniels, John C. Ordway and 
 Rev. C. L. Tappan, the Secretary, to perfect an organized represen- 
 tation at the coming celebration. The labors of this committee 
 were materially lessened by the courtesy of the Governor of Ver- 
 mont, who honored the Society with a special invitation to avail 
 themselves of " Special privileges as the descendants of the men 
 who fought with Stark." 
 
 Among the delegation of thirty, occupying a commodious Wag- 
 ner car, were Hon. George C. Gilmore, of Manchester, who has done 
 more than any other historian to assert, and substantiate the claims 
 of New Hampshire at Bunker Hill and Bennington ; Mr. Augustus 
 H. Stark, Miss Elisabeth P. Stark, Miss Eleanor Gamble, great- 
 grand-children of General Stark, Mrs. Jennie A. Osborne, a great- 
 great-grandchild of the General, and Hon. H. K. Slayton, all of 
 Manchester; Hon. John Kimball, Hon. John C. Linnehan, Hon. 
 John C. Ordway, Rev. C. L. Tappan, Chas. E. Staniels, and Miss 
 Mabel R. Staniels, of Concord ; Hon. Alvin Burleigh, of Plymouth ; 
 General H. B. Titus, of New York City, and Dr. J. C. Eastman, of 
 Hampstead, N. H. During the stay of the delegation at Benning- 
 ton, every courtesy was extended, and every facility furnished to 
 make the visit as pleasant as possible, and the Society is under last- 
 
THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 167 
 
 ing obligations to Governor Page, Adjutant-General Peck, and 
 others of the Staff, for their unwearying exertions in its behalf. 
 
 The Massachusetts Society. — The Massachusetts Society of the 
 Sons of the American Revolution, were represented at Bennington 
 August 19th, last, on the occasion of the Dedication of the Battle 
 Monument, by its President, Edwin S. Barrett, of Concord, and 
 about forty members, including two men whose fathers fought at 
 Bennington, viz. : John McClure, of Revere, and Joseph Hill, of 
 Hyde Park, and both of these gentlemen were in their eighty-ninth 
 year. Still another veteran was Dr. David Thayer, of Boston, with 
 seventy-eight years to his credit ; also, our Registrar, Luther L. Tar- 
 bell, of Marlboro, whose father experienced the sufferings at Valley 
 Forge with Washington. These own Sons of the Revolution (this 
 State Society has 27 such in membership), came with special pride 
 to Bennington, to take part in the Dedication of the noble Monu- 
 ment, and with 'hearty zeal made the all-night journey, not fearing 
 fatigue or sickness, impelled by the tender recollections of the past, 
 and the patriotism of a ripe old age. President Barrett is the great- 
 great-grandson of Colonel James Barrett, who commanded the 
 Americans at Concord-Fight April 19, 1775, " When was made the 
 first forcible resistance to British aggression," and his home in Con- 
 cord is on the original battlefield where his grandfather commanded. 
 
 Among our number were lineal descendants of the Pilgrims 
 and the Puritans, whose instincts were on the side of liberty of con- 
 science, and against personal oppression. There were, also, sons 
 and grandsons of the Minute-Men of Lexington, and Concord- 
 Bridge, the latter place immortalized by Emerson, as the spot, 
 — " Where the shot was fired heard round the world." 
 
 The Sons of the American Revolution have a special work to 
 perform, that of urging, upon the Original Thirteen States, the duty 
 of commemorating, by suitable monuments or tablets, the various 
 battlefields of the Revolution, which will remain a lasting tribute to 
 the participants therein, and a liberty-loving education to the youth 
 of our land. 
 
 The Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolu- 
 tion was founded April 19, 1889, and has upon its rolls the names 
 of more than five hundred members, with constant accessions. 
 The annual meeting is held on the 19th of April, and the Fall field 
 day on the 19th of October, the anniversary of the beginning, and 
 the ending of the Revolutionary War. After the first conflict, 
 Massachusetts soon rid herself of the English soldiery, and on the 
 17th of March, 1776, — about eleven months after Lexington and 
 Concord, — the British fleet sailed out of Boston harbor, and Massa- 
 chusetts' soil was free forever from the heel of the oppressor. But 
 her sons were on every battlefield of the Revolution, and, through 
 seven long and weary years, she gave her men, and her money with 
 patriotic devotion to the cause of liberty. 
 
 It is a matter of public interest to know the number of troops 
 enlisted during the Revolutionary War, 1775 to 1783, including 
 Continental soldiers and militia from the Original Thirteen States, 
 as compiled from the report of the Secretary of War May 10, 1790. 
 It will be remarked that the figures, showing " population and per- 
 
168 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 centage," are based on the census of 1790, seven years after the 
 close of the war, but this was the first census taken that is relia- 
 ble for data., and the relative change in the population during these 
 seven years would not affect the computation : 
 
 Soldiers Per ct. of Popu- 
 State. Population. Furnished, lation as Soldiers. 
 
 1. Massachusetts 378,787. 92,562. 24. 
 
 2. Virginia . 747,610. 52,715. 7. 
 
 3. Connecticut... .237,946. 42,831. 18. 
 
 4. Pennsylvania 434,373. 34,965. 8. 
 
 5. South Carolina 249,043. 31,358. 12. 
 
 6. New York . ... 340,120. 29,843. 8. 
 
 7. Maryland 319,728. 23,476. 7. 
 
 8. North Carolina 393,751. 21,969. 5. 
 
 9. New Jersey 184,139. 19,282. 10. 
 
 10. New Hampshire 141,885. 18,289. 12. 
 
 11. Georgia 82,548. 12,5/9. 15. 
 
 12. Rhode Island 68,825. 11,692. 16. 
 
 13. Delaware... ...59,096. 3,763. 6. 
 
 The Roster of Accredited Representatives. — From the National 
 
 Society, Sons of the American Revolution. — Dr. William Seward 
 Webb, President-General, of Shelburne, Vermont ; General John G. 
 McCullough, of North Bennington, Vermont ; Hon. Lucius P. Dem- 
 ing, of New Haven, Connecticut; Hon. Henry M. Shepard, of 
 Chicago, Illinois ; Alfred Stone, of Providence, Rhode Island ; Gen- 
 eral Bradley T. Johnson, and Captain H. P. Goddard, of Baltimore, 
 Maryland ; Hon. Albert Edgerton, of St. Paul, Minnesota ; John E. 
 DeWitt, of Portland, Maine ; Hon. Robert S. Green, of Elizabeth, 
 and Josiah C. Pumpelly, of Morristown, New Jersey ; W. H. 
 Brearley, of Detroit, Michigan ; Hon. Edwin S. Barrett, of Concord, 
 Massachusetts ; Hon. H. W. Bruce, of Louisville, Kentucky ; George 
 C. Gilmore, of Manchester, New Hampshire; A. J. Woodman, of 
 Wilmington, Delaware ; Rear-Admiral John L. Worden, U. S. N., 
 of Washington, District of Columbia ; Hon. Wm. Wirt Henry, of 
 Richmond, Virginia ; Colonel Thomas M. Anderson, TJ. S. A., of 
 Oregon ; General Alexander S. Webb, and Henry Hall, of New York 
 City ; Colonel Samuel W. Williams, of Little Rock, Arkansas ; 
 Major-General Alexander S. Webb, Alexander S. Webb, Jr., and 
 William Remsen Webb, of New York. 
 
 From the New Jersey Society, Sons of the American Revolu- 
 tion. —Peter B. Fairchild, Henry E. Hatfield, Major William W. 
 Morris, J. Lawrence Boggs, Jr., General William S. Stryker, George 
 Wolcott Hubbell, Rev. Henry G. Smith, Clifford Stanley Sims, Dr. 
 E. Hammond Doty, Hon. George A. Halsey, Appleton Morgan, Paul 
 Revere, Colonel H. R. McEUiott, General James F. Rusling, and 
 Mr. Wm. O. McDowell (the latter was 'accompanied by his daugh- 
 ter, of the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution). 
 
THE A UXILIAli T E VENTS. 169 
 
 From the District of Columbia Society, Sons of tiie American 
 Revolution.— Levi P. Morton, Vice-President of the United States ; 
 Hon. Redfleld Proctor, Secretary of War; General F. G. Butterfleld, 
 General H. V. Boynton, Genei-al J. C. Breckinridge, Colonel Mar- 
 shall McDonald, Colonel Myron M. Parker, Dr. Geo. Brown Goode, 
 and A. Howard Clarke. 
 
 From the California Society, Sons of the American Revolution. 
 — Captain Frank K. Upham, U. S. A. 
 
 From the Indiana Society, Sons of the American Revolution. — 
 Hon. William H. English, of Indianapolis, and Newland T. dePauw, 
 of New Albany. 
 
 From the Massachusetts Society, Sons of the American Revo- 
 lution. — Hon. Edwin S. Barrett, of Concord ; Charles M. Green, M. 
 D., of Boston ; S. D. Salmon, of Somerville ; Captain Nathan Apple- 
 ton, H. D. Warren, H. V. Thayer, W. M. BufEum, and Edward S. 
 Newton, of Boston; H. M. Chase, of Dorchester; B. S. Moulton, 
 of Charlestown ; Moses P. Palmer, of Groton ; Charles H. Buss, 
 of Woburn ; F. W. Hale, of Rockbottom; Irving Hall, George O. 
 Smith, and Nathan D. Harrington, of Somerville ; George H. Cot- 
 ting, Hudson; Luther L. Tarbell, of Marlboro; J. S. Orne, and 
 John C. Hovey, Cambridge ; R. L. Reed, Acton ; N. L. Kendall, 
 Boylston ; John McClure, 88 years of age, son of a soldier who 
 fought at Bennington ; Joseph Hill, Hyde Park, 88 years of age, 
 son of a soldier who fought at Bennington ; John M. Rawson, East 
 Douglas ; Robert Elliott, of Somerville ; Waldo Tuttle, of Acton ; 
 and David Thayer, M. D., Boston. 
 
 From the Rhode Island Society, Sons of the American Revo- 
 lution. — Alfred Stone, President ; Hon. Amasa M. Eaton, the Rev. 
 Edward O. Bartlett, and George Humphrey. 
 
 The following members of the Vermont Society, Sons of the 
 American Revolution, were present at the celebration : Hon. Red- 
 fleld Proctor, Secretary of War of the United States, President; 
 General John G. McCuUough, of North Bennington, Vice-President ; 
 Colonel Charles S. Forbes, of St. Albans, Secretary ; Colonel Milton 
 K. Paine, Windsor, Treasurer ; Henry Leonard Stillson, Benning. 
 ton. Registrar; Hon. George G. Benedict, Burlington, Historian; 
 Rev. Lucius M. Hardy, Burlington, Chaplain ; Hon. Carroll S. Page, 
 Governv," of Vermont ; Hon. Theodore S. Peck, Adjutant-General 
 of Vermont ; General William Wells, ex- Lieutenant-Governor U. A. 
 Woodbury, D. W. Robinson, Colonel B. B. Smalley, Colonel Wil- 
 liam A. Crombie, A. E. Richardson, Hon. C. W. Brownell, Jr., 
 Gfeneral William W. Henry, J. S. Pierson, Prof. S. W. Landon, Hon. 
 Robert Roberts, Henry W. Hall, H. L. Walker, and E. B. Taft, of 
 
170 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Burlington; Hon. B. F. Fifield, Hon. H. A. Huse, T. C. Phinney, 
 Captain D. F. Long, Thomas L. Wood, S. D. Clark, of Montpelier ; 
 Hon. J. W. Stewart, ex-Member of Congress, Henry L. Sheldon, of 
 Middlebury ; Hon. W. H. DuBois, Colonel R. J. Kimball, of West 
 Randolph ; ex-Governor Roswell Farnham, of Bradford ; General 
 William W. Grout, Member of Congress ; E. W. Thompson, of Bar- 
 ton; Major H. H. Baxter, S. H. Kellogg, and Rockwood Barrett, of 
 Rutland ; Hon. H. H. Powers, Member of Congress, of Morrisville ; 
 A. S. Burbank, of Cavendish ; Hon. Cassius Peck, of Brookfleld ; 
 Colonel F. D. Proctor, of Proctor ; Major A. B. Valentine, Dr. J. 
 T. Shurtleff, Colonel Olin Scott, H. D. Fillmore, Hon. G. W. Harman, 
 William E. Hawks, A. J. Dewey, George A. Robinson, E. J. Hall, H. 
 S. Bingham, E. L. Bates, H. T. Cushman, E. L. Norton, William B. 
 Sheldon, Hon. L. P. Norton, Rev. M. L. Severance, Colonel L. F. 
 Abbott, C. H. Cone, Rev. Wm. B. Walker, Rev. Chas. R. Seymour, 
 Alfred Robinson, Hon. Henry G. Root, Hon. John V. Carney, and 
 Dr. E. B. Daley, of Bennington ; Colonel H. F. Brigham, of Bakers- 
 field ; Colonel L. O. Greene, of Woodstock ; ex-Lieutenant-Governor 
 L. K. Fuller, Colonel H. E. Taylor, George A. Hines, and Colonel 
 Julius J. Estey, of Brattleboro ; Colonel Z. M. Man^ur, of Island 
 Pond ; Colonel H. O. Clark, of Milton ; General F. E. Alfred, of 
 Newport; R. M. Colburn, of Springfield; Hon. M. H. Deming, and 
 E. C. Woodworth, of Arlington ; P. B. Jennings, and Henry D. 
 Hall, of North Bennington; Colonel E. A. Chittenden, Colonel 
 Alfred A. Hall, and Frank L. Greene, of St. Albans ; Captain H. S. 
 Foster, U. S. A., of North Calais ; Hon. N. W. Fiske, of Isle 
 laMotte ; Hon. H. G. Hibbard, of Orwell ; Surgeon Henry Janes, of 
 Waterbury ; Colonel E. Henry Powell, of Richf ord ; Justin Kellogg, 
 of Troy, N. Y. ; E. W. Jewett, of S wanton ; Eben P. Colton, of 
 Irasburgh; John L. Burdette, of New York City; Rev. E. J. 
 Walker, of Springfield, Illinois ; Colonel M. J. Horton, of Poultney, 
 and J. B. HoUister, of Pittsford. 
 
 From the New Hampshire Society, Sons of the American Revo- 
 lution. — Geo. C. Gilmore, of Manchester, President ; John Ballard, 
 Reuben C. Danforth, Sumner A. Dow, David Webster, John C. 
 Ordway, Charles E. Staniels, Mabel R. Staniels, John Kimball, 
 Clarkson Dearborn, Charles Langdon Tappan, of Concord ; James 
 Mitchell, Augustus H. Stark, Edith Furbish Stark, Elisabeth P. B. 
 Stark, Eleanor Gamble (a Stark), and Hon. Hiram K. Slay ton, of 
 Manchester ; Orlando Bowman, of Cambridgeport, Mass. ; Josiah C. 
 Eastman, of Hampstead ; and, as guests of the Society, the follow- 
 ing : Charles Nutting, and Hon. John C. Linnehan, of Concord ; 
 General Herbert B. Titus, of New York City ; Joseph Rowell, and 
 
THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 171 
 
 Jennie A. Osborne (the latter a Stark), of Manchester ; Hon. Alvah 
 B. Burleigh, and D. Paul Burleigh, of Plymouth ; Rev. R. C. Drisko, 
 of East Derry, and H. W. Forbush, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
 
 MooDus Drum Corps. — Considerable attention was attracted 
 by the Moodus Drum Corps, of Hartford, Conn., during the Centen- 
 nial. They vt^ere in Continental dress, and their drums were of the 
 ancient, deep pattern, every one about as large as the bass drum of 
 to-day. The bass drums were played with two sticks. There were 
 fifteen in the corps, and as they marched down the street the com- 
 plimentary remarks were many. Their music could be plainly 
 heard for a long distance, and would have aroused martial sensations 
 in a stone post. If this was a fair sample, the Continental army 
 marched to inspiring music. 
 
 New Hampshire at the Centennial. — Governor Tuttle was 
 most liberal in the preparation for the representatives of his State 
 at the Celebration. In addition to the detail of three companies of 
 the New Hampshire National Guard, one from each regiment, and 
 the Governor's special escort, the Amoskeag Veterans, over a hun- 
 dred strong, invitations were issued by him to many prominent 
 gentlemen throughout the State, the following being accepted : 
 Hon. James Farrington, Hon. Henry B. Quimby, Hon. George A. 
 Ramsdell, Hon. John M. Whipple, and Hon. Edwin C. Lewis, who 
 compose the Governor's Executive Council ; Hon. Jacob D. Gallin- 
 ger. United States Senator; Hon. Ezra Stearns, Secretary of State; 
 Hon. Solon A. Carter, State Treasurer ; Orrin W. Tebbetts, Esq., — 
 and the following named members of the Board of Managers of the 
 New Hampshire Soldiers' Home : Colonel Daniel Hall, Colonel 
 Thomas P. Cheney, Everett B. Huse, Rev. James K. Ewer. Repre- 
 sentatives of some of the leading newspapers, also, accompanied 
 the party. 
 
 Brigadier-General Joab N. Patterson, commanding First Brig- 
 ade, New Hampshire National Guard, and Staff, were invited to 
 accompany the Governor's party, and the names of those present 
 appear in the roster of the military from the State. Governor Tut- 
 tle, nearly all the members of his Staff, and the gentlemen of the 
 Governor's Council, were accompanied by ladies. 
 
 Some thirty members of the New Hampshire Society, of the 
 Sons of the American Revolution, were present, having chartered a 
 special car, which was attached to the Governor's train. 
 
 The entire delegation, from New Hampshire, numbered about 
 four hundred. This was one of the first to arrive in Bennington. 
 The story of the trip is told, by a newspaper correspondent, in 
 these words : 
 
172 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 " The New Hampshire delegation left Concord at 9.30 o'clock, 
 A. M., the 18th, in a special train consisting of 15 cars, including the 
 drawing room and Wagner coaches. The Staff of the First Brigade 
 and the Third Regiment Band escorted Captain Trenoweth's Com- 
 pany of the State National Guard, from their headquarters to the 
 railway station. Much interest was manifested in the Capital City, 
 in relation to the excursion to Bennington, and a large number of 
 people gathered at the station to witness their departure. A quick 
 run was made to Manchester, where the military from that city, 
 selected to go to Bennington, were in readiness to go on board. The 
 grave of General Stark, in the Northerly part of Manchester, was 
 plainly visible from the train and attracted the attention of those on 
 board. The plain monument could be seen, and above it waved, 
 from a staff, the American colors. The Lafayette Guards, of Man- 
 chester, were escorted to the station by the Amoskeag Veterans, 
 who were accompanied by Rublee's Band, of Lake Village. The 
 march of these companies to the station elicited much enthusiasm, 
 the sidewalks being filled with spectators, and a large crowd assem- 
 bled about the depot. The justly celebrated Amoskeag Veteran.^ 
 turned out with full ranks, and never before made so fine an appear- 
 ance. They received an almost continuous ovation on their way 
 from their headquarters to the station. Their Commander, Major 
 Charles H. Bartlett, who also has the rank of Brigadier-General on 
 the Staff of Governor Tuttle, before stepping into the train received 
 many personal compliments for the fine showing and excellent 
 marching of his command. One of the cars taken by the Veterans, 
 bore on a large canvas streamer this inscription, in large black let- 
 ters : ' Amoskeag Veterans on their way to Bennington.' 
 
 " At Manchester, Governor Tuttle and wife, and a large number 
 of distinguished military and civilians joined the party. 
 
 " The train then proceeded to Nashua, where it was divided 
 into two sections, one following the other within ten minutes. The 
 route was by the Acton Line, the Fitchburg and Hoosac Tunnel. 
 The first section carried the Amoskeag Veterans, and the New 
 Hampshire Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. The 
 train made but few stops, but at nearly all of them there were 
 crowds assembled, and in several instances there were calls for Gov- 
 ernor Tuttle, who, however, did not speak, but bowed his acknowl- 
 edgments. Dinner was served on the train. The larger portion of 
 the trip was made interesting by the approach toward the historic 
 ground of Bennington. After leaving White Creek all were anxious 
 to obtain, as soon as possible, a glimpse of the Monument. The two 
 sections of the train arrived about 7 o'clock, in the evening. When 
 the second section stopped in front of Camp Vermont, the Amoskeag 
 Veterans were drawn up in line with arms presented, and, as Gov- 
 ernor Tuttle stepped from his car, Rublee's Band played : ' Hail to 
 the Chief.' Governor Tuttle was escorted to his headquarters, 
 where he held an informal reception during the evening." 
 
 Massachusetts Delegation's Arrival. — The Boston special, 
 over the Fitchburg Line, arrived in Benningt6n about one hour late. 
 The party consisted of His Excellency, Wm. E. Russell, Governor of- 
 the Commonwealth, and the officials named on page 65. They left 
 
GENERAL STARK. 
 The Statue erected at Concord, by the State of New Hampshire, in honor of the hero of Bennington Battle. 
 
THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 173 
 
 Boston, in a vestibuled train of palace coaches, with commissary car 
 attached, at 5.30 P. M., August 18th. Crowds gathered at several 
 stations, along the route, to see Governor Russell and the other 
 representatives of Massachusetts. At Fitchbur.g, Athol, and North 
 Adams, the Governor, in response to the cheers of the assembled 
 crowds, appeared on the platform of his car, and shook hands with 
 the people. He made brief addresses at those places. The train 
 rolled into Bennington shortly after midnight, and was run on to a 
 siding near the Soldiers' Home grounds, and adjacent to the tracks 
 occupied by the cars containing the New Hampshire military and 
 civic contingent, and " The K. T. Train." When these palace car 
 trains were all in position, that part of the town was a " small city " 
 of coaches ; and formed no inconsiderable portion of the '■'■four 
 solid miles of passenger coaches," massed in and about Bennington 
 station. 
 
 Exchange of Cotjetbsies. — Under the title of " The Camp- 
 Fire Blazed," a correspondent, who accompanied the Massachusetts 
 party, gave the following account at the time : 
 
 The banquet, in the two tents near the Soldiers' Home, was the 
 only occasion during the Celebration when Governor Russell spoke 
 in his oiflcial capacity as a representative of Massachusetts, and the 
 verdict of his auditors was that he was a fitting representative for 
 the Commonwealth. He spoke in his happiest vein and was enthu- 
 siastically received. 
 
 When the carriages returned from the exercises at the Monu- 
 ment, they were driven to the Soldiers' Home, which was used as 
 headquarters, and an opportunity was then given for an exchange 
 of courtesies between the Massachusetts and New Hampshire delega- 
 tions, and President Harrison and Governor Page. This was of an 
 informal nature and lasted but a few minutes. 
 
 The rest of the day and evening, after the banquet, the mem- 
 bers of the delegation, in small parties, passed in sight-seeing and 
 calling on the acquaintances that were found everywhere. 
 
 The Vermont Veterans of Boston, came in for a good share of 
 attention, and the Amoskeag Veterans were hospitality itself. 
 
 The Executive Council, that supposedly sedate and dignified 
 body, indulged in a good deal of good-natured chaff. Councillor 
 Plynn, the lone Roman of that body of the Governor's advisers, was 
 made the target while the parade was passing on Main street. 
 
 A broad lawn, near whiere the carriages were stationed in wait- 
 ing, seemed to offer a chance for sight-seeing, and Governor Russell 
 received from the owner an invitation to occupy it furnishing chairs 
 for most of the party. The Council was seated in a row, with Mr. 
 Flynn, by accident, on the extreme left, when a voice came from the 
 other end of the line : 
 
 "That's very appropriate, Flynn, you generally are left." 
 
 His answer turned the laugh, as he said : 
 
 " Perhaps so ; I am generally right and generally left, both." 
 
174 BEDIGATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Governor Russell after supper paid a few calls, Governor Page 
 being the first one visited. Then he called upon a number of the 
 Vermont National Guard officers. 
 
 A little later in the evening, an interesting group v^as formed 
 in front of the tent of the commanding officer of the battery of the 
 4th United States Artillery. Major Gushing, its commander, had 
 a bright camp-fire blazing, and here six or eight were gathered 
 with his lieutenant, Mr. Anderson, Adjutant-General Dalton and 
 others of the Massachusetts Staff officers. 
 
 The moon had just risen at their backs, and the evening was 
 as perfect as could be desired, just cool enough to make the warmth 
 from the fire welcome. 
 
 As soon as Governor Russell arrived, the circle was widened, 
 and some more logs thrown on the fire. For half an hour stories 
 were in order, and then the Governor was called away. 
 
 Just then General Corcoran appeared, and a new round of 
 story-telling was begun. 
 
 The Amoskeag Veterans were bent upon giving Governor 
 Russell a send off, and for an hour tried to get their band together. 
 But it was nearly midnight before they were ready, and then, when 
 it was proposed to give a serenade, in front of the Massachusetts 
 train, it was decided that, as half of its occupants had already 
 retired, it had best be given up. 
 
 The Massachusetts train started for home at 3.15 o'clock, A. M., 
 of the 20th. 
 
 Pkesbntation in Camp Vbkmont. — Monday evening was 
 marked by a presentation by Company F, of Northfield, winners in 
 the morning rifle contest, on the 17th, of a gold star badge, G. A. R., 
 to Generals Greenleaf and Peck. They were escorted to the mess, 
 and after grace by the Chaplain and the banquet disposed of, these 
 tokens of respect were presented by Chaplain Hill in a congratula- 
 tory speech. He characterized these gentlemen as grandfathers of 
 the National Guard, because of their long and faithful service in the 
 militia of this State. The speaker referred to General Peck's well 
 known popularity and efficient services as a State Officer. He 
 wittily spoke of General Greenleaf as having been Colonel of a 
 regiment that was now " whole cob," and that it was a great con- 
 venience to be in camp with so many ex-Governors as were present 
 on this occasion. He spoke particularly of General Greenleaf as 
 Commander of the National Guard of Vermont; and, voicing the 
 sentiment of the whole regiment, he emphasized the feeling of regard 
 held for both officers, in the presentation of these badges. Suitable 
 replies were made by the two gentlemen, in their well known and 
 happy manner. The Estey Guard, also, gave an exhibition of fire- 
 works, which was viewed by a large number of people. 
 
 Hospitality Extended. — Lunch was served free in Masonic 
 Hall, after the Grand Procession arrived at the Monument, to the 
 
//, / ^,ppa^t-^^^^-^^'^~ 
 
THE A UXILIAR T E VENTS. 175 
 
 entire command of Knights Templars, and other Freemasons. 
 Nearly 1,000 partook of the hospitality thus courteously extended, 
 and did full justice to the bounteous fare, prepared by the Benning- 
 ton Fraternity, under the direction of a local Committee of whom 
 Past E.-. C.-. G. B. Sibley was Chairman. A Grand Conclave 
 of the Grand Commandery of Vermont was opened and closed, 
 R.-. E.-. Grand Commander Kittredge Haskins, presiding. While 
 this was in progress the Amoskeag Veterans dispensed an abundant 
 lunch to a crowd of hungry newspaper men. This courtesy was 
 highly appreciated by this hard-worked force. In the evening 
 Governor Russell gave them a generous collation, which was, also, 
 highly enjoyed. 
 
 The total expense of the Celebration, to the State, was about 
 $15,000, in round numbers. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 OtjK Guests at the Centennial. 
 
 Roll of Guests. — The list, following, of the guests of Ver- 
 mont present at the Centennial, does not claim to be inclusive of 
 all who came, but the names are such as the Committee on Enter- 
 tainment, Henry T. Cushman, Chairman, 2nd, gave out for publication 
 at the time, and have since been revised by them for this volume : 
 
 President Harrison ; Secretary Proctor ; General A. S. Webb, 
 New York ; Commander E. T. Woodward, Saratoga, N. Y. ; General 
 R. A. Alger, Michigan ; General H. A. Barnum, New York ; Gen- 
 eral J. B. Carr, Troy, N. Y. ; Major-General O. O. Howard, U. S. A. ; 
 Senator Morrill ; Attorney- General Miller ; General C. W. Stevens, 
 and F. A. Stillings, New Hampshire ; ex- Minister Phelps, Orator of 
 the Day ; Colonel Veazey, President of the Day ; Governor Wm. E. 
 Russell, Massachusetts ; Hons. J. M. Whipple, and J. D. Walker, 
 New Hampshire; Governor H. A. Tuttle, New Hampshire; General 
 J. C. Underwood, Commander Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. P. ; Hon. 
 Rodney Wallace, Fitchburg, Mass. ; Colonel Wm. Seward Webb, 
 New York ; Colonel D. J. Safford, Augusta, Me. ; Collector Beaird, 
 Boston, Mass. ; Hod. Geo. A. Ramsdell, New Hampshire; Prof. A. 
 J. Huntington, Saratoga, N. Y. ; Hon. B. H. Hall, Troy, N. Y. ; E. 
 W. Jester, Delaware; Colonel L. L. Laagdon, H. S. A.; Private 
 Secretary Halford ; ex-Collector Erhardt, New York ; J. H. Plagg, 
 Washington, D. C. ; Colonel Albert Clarke, Secretary Home Market 
 Club; Hon. L. E. Chittenden, New York; John Stark Colby, 
 Lowell, Mass. ; Major H. C. Gushing, Newport, R. I. ; Hon. M. W. 
 Cooper, New York ; Hon. J. B. Crawford, Boston, Mass. ; President 
 Carter, Williams College ; Colonel R. L. Elwell, New Hampshire ; 
 Hon. F. H. Fleming, North Adams, Mass.; H. C. Fiske, United 
 States Consul to St. Johns, Province of Quebec ; Hon. James Far- 
 rington, and Senator Gallinger, New Hampshire; Geo. C. Gilmore, 
 
176 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 New Hampshire; Hon. E. S. Isham, Chicago ; Lieutenant Johnson, 
 West Point, N. Y. ; General John King, President Erie Kailroad ; 
 ex-Governor Stewart, Middlebury, Vt. ; ex-Governor Rice, Boston, 
 Mass.; Rev. W. H. Parmly, D.D., Saratoga, N. Y. ; Dr. Charles 
 Parkhurst, Chaplain of the Day, Boston, Mass. ; J. Philipp Rinn, 
 Architect of the Monument, Boston, Mass. ; Hon. C. S. Randall, 
 Massachusetts ; Colonel B. B. Smalley, Hon. A. F. Walker, Vermont ; 
 Hon. J. M. Warner, Albany, N. Y. ; ex-Lieutenant-Governor Wood- 
 bury, Vermont ; General William Wells, Burlington, Vt. ; General 
 W. Y. W. Ripley, Rutland, Vt. ; Hon. N. T. Sprague, Brooklyn, N. 
 Y. ; Judges Henry R. Start, and Loveland Munson, Vermont ; Hon. 
 A. W. Metcalf, Keene, N. H. ; Congressman Powers, Morrisville, 
 Vt. ; ex-Governor Pingree, Hartford, Vt. ; State Auditor Powell, 
 Richford, Vt. ; ex-Governor Ormsbee, Brandon, Vt. ; Colonel Alfred 
 A. Hall, P. G. M. of Masons, who laid the Corner-stone of the Monu- 
 ment; (Colonel Kittredge Haskins, Grand Commander, K. T., of 
 Vermont ; General W. W. Henry, and Collector Benedict, Vermont ; 
 Hiram Atkins, Montpelier, Vt. ; F. E. Alfred, Judge Advocate-Gen- 
 eral, Vermont; ex-Governor Barstow, Colonel D. K. Andross, 
 Vermont ; Hon. Wm. H. H. Bingham, Stowe, Vt. ; Hon. Henry 
 Ballard, Burlington, Vt. ; Dr. C. F. Branch, Newport, Vt. ; H. M. 
 Arms, Springfield, Vt. ; Colonel P. W. Clement, Rutland, Vt. ; 
 Colonel A. E. Clarke, New Hampshire ; ex-Governor Dillingham, 
 Vermont ; General A. N. Dow, New Hampshire ; ex-Governor Farn- 
 ham, Vermont; Colonel Franklin Fairbanks, Vermont; Hon. N. W. 
 Fiske, Isle laMotte, Vt. ; Colonel T. C. Fletcher, St. Johnsbury, Vt. ; 
 Congressman Grout, Vermont ; Hon. Josiah Grout, Newport, Vt. ; 
 Hon. P. K. Gleed, Morrisville, Vt. ; Hon. B. D. Harris, Brattleboro, 
 Vt.; Hon. F. G. Field, North Springfield, Vt.; Colonel Geo. W. 
 Hooker, Brattleboro, Vt. ; Hon. E. C. Lewis, New Hampshire ; 
 Colonel Mansur, Island Pond, Vt.; State Librarian Huse, Mont- 
 pelier, Vt. ; Captain H. G. Hibbard, Orwell, Vt. ; Department 
 Commander Morgan, G. A. R., Rutland, Vt. ; Hon. L. F. McKinney, 
 Colonel F. W. Maynard, Hon. O. C. Moore, New Hampshire ; 
 United States District Attorney Plumley, Vermont ; Colonel J. E. 
 Pecker, ex-Governor Prescott, President of the Battle Monument 
 Association, and Hon. H. A. Quimby, New Hampshire; Hons. C. 
 A. Pouty, Newport, Daniel Roberts, and Robert Roberts, Bur- 
 lington, Vt. ; Colonel W. R. Rowell, Massachusetts ; Hon. S. C. 
 Shurtleff, and Editor Ropes, Montpelier, Vt. ; Editor Whitney, 
 Burlington, Vt. ; Colonel T. O. Seaver, Woodstock, and Hon. W. W. 
 Stickney, Ludlow, Vt. ; Colonel G. A. Saunders, New Hampshire ; 
 Secretary Watson, of the Vermont Railroad Commission ; Hon. C. 
 M. Wilds, Middlebury, Vt.; Hon. O. W. Tebbetts, New Hamp- 
 shire ; P. J. Trumpler, Providence, R. I. ; Hon. James T. Robinson, 
 North Adams, Mass., and others whose names the Committee did 
 not learn. 
 
 Extracts from Lettbes of Regret, and Acceptance. — From 
 a large number of prominent gentlemen, who could not come to 
 Bennington ; and, also, from others who were in attendance. Gov- 
 ernor Page received congratulatory letters. With the former 
 
THE A UXILIAli Y E VENTS. 177 
 
 regrets were expressed, while in ttie latter cordial acceptances were 
 given. In completion of our record we give extracts from several 
 letters as follows : 
 
 From Vice-President Morton. — I regret to find that I shall be 
 unable to avail myself of the invitation, with which I have been 
 honored, to be present on so interesting an occasion as that of the 
 Dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument, on the 19th, 
 instant ; and of the Centennial Celebration of the Admission of my 
 native State into the Union. 
 
 From President Bartlett of Dartmouth College. — I regret to say 
 that other engagements will render me unable to be present on that 
 occasion, so related to the history of Vermont and of the country. 
 
 From Governor Burhe of North Dakota. — It would have 
 afforded me a great deal of pleasure to be permitted to witness the 
 ceremonies of the Centennial Celebration of your State, but the fact 
 that the annual session of the Equalization Board of this State (of 
 which I am president), begins on the 18th of August, and makes it 
 impossible for me to leave the State at that time. 
 
 From, Governor Mulhley of Connecticut. — I cannot definitely 
 promise, at this time, to be present with you at the Dedication of 
 the Bennington Battle Monument. * # * j -wS!^, how- 
 ever, communicate with you later. 
 
 From Hon. Reiiben C. Benton of Minneapolis. — It would have 
 given me great pleasure to attend a Centennial of Vermont. My 
 long absence from the State has increased my regard for it, and has 
 given me a larger appreciation of the reputation and character of 
 her people. It would have given me special pleasure to attend a 
 celebration at Bennington ; for recent investigations have led me 
 to accord to that town a rank among the foremost, if not the very 
 first, to engage in the struggle for Independence. I regard the con- 
 test between the settlers of Vermont, and the ring that surrounded 
 the Royal Governor of New York, as the commencement of the 
 Revolution. There never was any contest between the settlers and 
 the people of New York. When the men of Bennington, under the 
 lead of the minister of the parish, drove away the commissioners 
 sent to make partition of the farm of their neighbor, they com- 
 menced a struggle the result of which was the establishment of a 
 great Republic. I haA^e come to regard the almost forgotten 
 occurrences of that Autumnal day as not only the genesis of a 
 State, but the initial contest of the American Revolution. I have 
 great regard for the sturdy clergyman whose name stands next to 
 the owner of the farm, in the -indictment, for what was termed 
 the riot of that day. Could I have been present at your celebra- 
 tion, I would have been glad to have paid tribute to the memory of 
 the Reverend Jedediah Dewey. 
 
 From Governor Boies of Iowa. — I assure you it would give me 
 very great pleasure to accept your cordial request, if circumstances 
 would permit. I am, however, compelled to forego this pleasure. 
 
 From Governor Burleigh of Maine. — It would give me great 
 pleasure to be in attendance upon an occasion so fraught with his- 
 toric interest, but the Maine State muster, which occurs at the 
 same time, will prevent me from doing so. 
 
178 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 From Governor Fleming of Florida. — I fully appreciate the 
 propriety and benefit of thus perpetuating the memory of the gallant 
 deeds of the heroes of the Revolution, and impressing upon pos- 
 terity the noble example of heroism furnished by their ancestors, to 
 be cherished as a sacred heritage. I wish, indeed, it were possible 
 for me to be present at the ceremonies, which I would enjoy exceed- 
 ingly, besides the pleasure of meeting you and other distinguished 
 persons who will be there; but I regret to say that my public 
 duties will deprive me of that pleasure. 
 
 From Governor Fifer of Illinois. — I have promised to visit 
 Gettysburg on the 1st of September, next, and take part in the 
 dedication of the Illinois monuments on that battlefield. This 
 engagement will prevent an acceptance of your invitation, as my 
 time will not permit of two trips to the East so near together. 
 
 From Chief Justice Fuller of the United States Supreme Court. 
 — I beg to acknowledge the invitation to attend the Dedication of 
 the Bennington Monument, and the Centennial Celebration of the 
 Admission of Vermont, at Bennington, on the 19th, which I have 
 just found on my return from the West, and to express my sincere 
 regret at my inability to be present on that interesting occasion. 
 
 From Governor Eagle of Arkansas. — I assure you that the 
 invitation is fully appreciated, and I wish it were possible for me to 
 accept ; but have just returned from a week's visit in Kentucky, 
 and official duties will prevent my being from home again at as 
 early a date as August 19th. 
 
 From General Charles W. Darling. — The Oneida, [N. Y.], 
 Historical Society sends patriotic greetings to the descendants of 
 the " Green Mountain Boys," and wish their celebration, to-morrow, 
 all the enthusiasm and majestic proportions possible. The celebra- 
 tion is a double one, for the stirring events of August 16, 1777, 
 occurred just the day before General Herkimer died at his home in 
 Danube, from the wound he received at the battle of Oriskany. 
 Bennington and Oriskany changed the entire front of a situation 
 that was growing very dark for the American cause. Burgoyne 
 never reached Howe, and in a few weeks more he was forced to sur- 
 render. The capture of Ticonderoga by General Burgoyne, did not 
 enable him to cut off New England from the rest of the Colonies by 
 uniting with Lord Howe on the Lower Hudson. When he sent 
 Colonel Baum with 1,000 Hessians, to capture a military store-house 
 on the very site of the Monument, which is now unveiled and dedi- 
 cated, they were met by Stark before they reached the Vermont 
 line. As they drew up in line of battle, this Yankee General 
 mounted a rail fence, and shouted : " We must whip the enemy 
 before sun-down, or Molly Stark sleeps a widow." These historic 
 words are very appropriate to inscribe upon one of the tablets in 
 the Monument. Then followed one of the most brilliant actions of 
 the Revolutionary War ; the Vermonters were victorious, 300 of the 
 Hessians, including their Colonel, were laid low, and nearly 700 of 
 them were taken prisoners. Their own loss was only 14 killed and 
 42 wounded. While the victorious troops were securing the prison- 
 ers and gathering the spoils, Colonel Breyman appeared with 
 reinforcements from Burgoyne's camp. A fresh regiment under 
 
THE A UXILIAR Y E VENTS. 179 
 
 Colonel Seth Warner met him, and before the surprised British 
 could be properly formed to resist, they were driven back and 
 slaughtered along the road for a long distance. Oriskany and the 
 Mohawk Valley, therefore, in the name of The Oneida Historical 
 Society, send greetings to the people of Vermont in this their great 
 celebration. 
 
 From Hon. Dudley C. Denison. — While the Nation exists 
 (which God grant may be forever), the events you celebrate shall 
 live in the memory of every patriotic citizen. 
 
 From Secretary Jilaine. — Secretary Blaine instructs me to 
 acknowledge, with his thanks, the receipt of your kind invitation. 
 
 * * * And to convey to you his expression of sincere 
 regret that he cannot be with you on that interesting occasion. 
 (Signed.) Louis A. Dent, Private Secretary. 
 
 From, Major Charles Colville, Secretary to the Governor- General 
 of Canada. — I am desired by His Excellency, the Governor-General, 
 to acknowledge with thanks the kind invitation of the Bennington 
 Battle Monument Committee to be present at the Dedication of the 
 Monument, and to express His Excellency's regret that engage- 
 ments in the Dominion will prevent him availing himself of it. 
 
 From ex-President Cleveland. — I very much regret that my 
 plans and engagements will not permit me to be with you on this 
 most interesting occasion. 
 
 From ex- Governor Heaver of Pennsylvania. — Time, place and 
 circumstances combine to make the occasion one of great interest, 
 and if I was able to do so, I would gladly attend. 
 
 From, Doctor P. CM. Edson of Roxbury, Mass. — It will be an 
 occasion to stir the pulse of every Vermonter, for every one born 
 upon the soil of Vermont is proud of its history. 
 
 From Secretary Noble. — It would gratify me very much to be 
 present, but I cannot promise myself that pleasure. Please accept 
 yourself, and extend to the committee, my sincere thanks for the 
 very complimentary invitation, and my wishes for a most enjoyable 
 and memorable occasion. 
 
 From General B. D. Mussey. — It would have given me the 
 greatest pleasure to have testified, by my presence, my appreciation 
 of the high military genius shown on your soil by the son of the 
 State in which I had the honor to be born. With some little 
 acquaintance with military history, I can at this moment recall 
 nothing that in its results surpasses the record of the Battle of Ben- 
 nington. A loss of 800 inflicted upon the enemy and the capture of 
 1,000 stand of arms by a force which lost in killed and wounded only 
 56, is something almost if not quite unprecedented. This was not 
 a vaBv& fortune of war ; it was generalship of the highest character, 
 and the effect of that battle, at that time upon the struggling 
 Colonies, was as potent and beneficent as the sacrifice of life that 
 produced it was startling in its paucity. I know well, however, that 
 the significance of this battle, and the valor of the men, and the 
 greatness of the general that won it, will be portrayed infinitely 
 better than any poor words of mine could do. It was a happy 
 thought to combine the erection of this Monument with the Cele- 
 bration of the Centenary of the Statehood of the first-born State 
 
180 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 that added a star to a flag, emblazoned with the stellar represent- 
 atives of the Thirteen Original Colonies and States. The legend 
 of your State, " Freedom and Unity," is one of those phrases which 
 is, as somebody has said of certain words, not " half a battle " but a 
 whole campaign. It is a declaration that freedom alone can be 
 secured by unity, and that unity can only be conserved by freedom. 
 When one calls the roll of the statesmen Vermont has produced, 
 and their loyalty to this idea of Freedom and Unity, it is not 
 difficult to see why it is that Vermont, though a small State, com- 
 pared with the vast expanse of area, and the vast numbers of 
 population that go to make up other States in the Union, has 
 always maintained a foremost place in the councils and policy of 
 the Nation. It were invidious to speak of your living Senators, for 
 instance, whose reputation is as broad as the Union, they are but 
 worthy successors of worthy predecessors ; whether in the halls of 
 Congress, the Executive Departments, or in the various activities of 
 National life, Vermont has always held a foremost rank. I remem- 
 iDer years ago, to have read that in your State there was not an 
 incorporated city, nor a military company, nor a man worth a 
 million dollars. Time may have changed that, to some extent, at 
 least, but no change of time has sapped the vigor or diverted the 
 current of the patriotic independence, and nobility of thought and 
 purpose, and activity of life, that are as conspicuous as the moun- 
 tain chain from which your State derives its name. Your zealous 
 adherence to the fundamental law of State, your provision, — I 
 believe it still exists, — for Censors, who shall from "time to time, 
 see that the Constitution has been free from infraction, and your 
 other provisions for the maintenance of just and equal and well 
 considered law, well deserves the encomium which some student of 
 our American system has passed upon Vermont, to wit : that there 
 are to be found in Vermont more democratic features than in any 
 other State. You have realized that eternal vigilance is the price of 
 liberty in peace as well as in war. It was to have been e:j]pected of 
 a State that has your watch-word, of " Freedom and Unity," that 
 when disunion and slavery combined, armed men should spring 
 from every mountain and valley in your State, to defend the princi- 
 ple which your legend embodies. When I think what Vermont did 
 in the field during the last war and in Congress, I am full of admira- 
 tion for its record. It was the steadfast " Vermont Brigade " 
 (whose achievements have been so charmingly told by Colonel 
 Walker), upon which Sheridan riding from Winchester, after the 
 Tout, aligned his army, and moved forward to snatch overwhelming 
 victory from terrible disaster, and send the Rebels " whirling up the 
 valley." It were difficult to discriminate between the achievements 
 of the 60,000 and more men, who fought at Gettysburg and won that 
 great battle for the Union, but the student of military history can 
 never forget how Stannard's Nine Months' Brigade, at a critical 
 point of that engagement, stood flre like veterans, and broke the 
 heroic charge of Pickett, with a heroism and a discretion rare even 
 in a war that abounded in acts of heroism and deeds of valor, and 
 -captured by successive wheels, to the right and left, the advancing 
 ioe. If Vermont had done nothing else than to furnish, in the last 
 
THE A UXILIAR T E VENTS. 181 
 
 war, these two instances of what a free man fighting for the Union 
 can do, its contribution would liave been of the highest. As a 
 participant in that great struggle, and as a student of its military- 
 lessons, I cannot but pay my respect, and my sincere tribute to 
 these great achievements. Born on the banks of the Connecticut, 
 with the White Hills on the one side of me, and the Green Moun- 
 tains on the other, I feel that, though in one sense a river divides 
 New Hampshire from Vermont, it should rather be said that 
 the river unites the two States than separates them. It is the 
 lesson of the day that each shall feel for all, and all shall feel for 
 each and that unity and freedom shall be, while human institutions 
 exist, the complements of one another. 
 
 From Senator Manderson. — I regret exceedingly, that I cannot 
 be present on this most interesting occasion. It is an historic event, 
 not only of importance to the noble State, whose sons have always 
 been in the front rank of patriotism, but to the whole Republic. 
 " Freedom and Unity " receive new baptism by appropriate celebra- 
 tion of events so momentous. 
 
 From Governor Hill of Neio Yorh. — I should be pleased to 
 accept the invitation, both on account of the historic interest of the 
 occasion, and on account of the pleasure which it would give me to 
 meet President Harrison and the members of his Cabinet at the 
 exercises, but I have already made engagements for that day which 
 will preclude the possibility of my being present. 
 
 From ex-President Hayes. — I beg you to receive my thanks 
 for the invitation to attend the Dedication of the Bennington Battle 
 Monument. Both of my parents were natives of Vermont. I 
 visited the State often in my childhood, and have inherited a love 
 for its mountains, its historj' and its people. It grieves me to find 
 that I cannot be present at the ceremonies attendant upon the com- 
 pletion of a monument erected on Vermont soil in memory of one of 
 the most inspiring events in our country's history. 
 
 From Governor Buckner of Kentucky. — Allow me to assure you 
 that while official duties will preclude the possibility of my attend- 
 ance, I look with pleasure upon every effort made to commemorate 
 the heroic deeds of our fathers, and to keep alive in our posterity 
 the patriotic fire. 
 
 From Postmaster-General Wanamaker. — I regret to say that 
 Mrs. Wanamaker, whom you kindly include, is in Europe and 
 would not be able to come, and that I fear my engagements for 
 August will not permit me the pleasure which your invitation holds 
 out. If at a later moment I can find any way to accept I will be 
 prompt to apprise you. 
 
 From ex-Post}7iaster- General Vilas. — As the State of my birth 
 and childhood's years, where still reside so many to whom I am 
 attached by ties of kindred and of friendship, every event which 
 gives her illustration is peculiarly interesting to me, and the par- 
 ticular anniversary which recalls her entrance to the Union, as the 
 first of new States, though in good truth but the acknowledgment 
 of her rightful place as one among those who gained their inde- 
 pendence by the Revolution, is especially calculated to touch the 
 sensibilities of every Vermonter. 
 
182 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 From General Wm. F. {'■'■ Baldy ") Smith of Delaware. — It 
 would give me the greatest pleasure to assist in the ceremonies, for 
 my lineal ancestors, the Robinsons and Saffords, were in the bat- 
 tle, and aided in securing the admission of Vermont into the Union 
 as a separate State. I hope it will not be forgotten, by those pres- 
 ent, that to Alexander Hamilton is due a debt of gratitude for his 
 services in her cause. I regret that my engagements will render it 
 impossible for me to accept the kind invitation, for I am always a 
 Vermonter as are my children. 
 
 From Secretary Busk. — I had confidently expected to be present 
 at these interesting exercises, and had partially promised Secre- 
 tary Proctor to visit your State at that time, but am obliged to deny 
 myself this pleasure on account of ofQcial duties and other matters. 
 I assure you that I greatly regret this, and ask that you will accept 
 the thanks of both Mrs. Rusk and myself for your kind invitation. 
 
 From Governor Nichols of Louisiana. — Nothing would give 
 me more pleasure than to be with you on that occasion, but the 
 lieutenant-Governor is sick at Saratoga, and the law has provided 
 no other person to replace the Executive when temporarily absent. 
 I have very pleasant recollections of Vermont, having spent some 
 time there in 1856, with Colonel Colburn, of McClellan's Staff, who 
 was a most intimate friend and classmate of mine at West Point. 
 
 Many other letters were received from invited guests, and 
 among them, we mention those from the following gentlemen : 
 Rev. Charles Parkhurst, D.D., of Boston ; Justices Blatchford, 
 Bradley, and Brewer, of the United States Supreme Court; General 
 Russell A. Alger, of Michigan; Hon. A. Alford, of Brooklyn; 
 Colonel Truman C. Fletcher, of St. Johnsbury, Vt. ; Governor 
 David R. Francis, of Missouri ; Hon. Whitman G. Ferrin, of Mont- 
 pelier, Vt. ; Hon. J. K. Darling, of Chelsea, Vt. ; Senator W. E. 
 Chandler, of New Hampshire ; Hon. T. F. Maynard, of Wilmington, 
 Delaware ; Governor A. C. Mellette, of South Dakota ; General 
 Nelson A. Miles, U. S. A. ; Justice J. Q. C. Lamar, of the United 
 States Supreme Court ; Governor Ladd, of Rhode Island ; Hon. J. 
 R. Lewis, of Atlanta, Ga. ; Congressman Lodge, of Massachusetts ; 
 Hon. James R. Langdon (writing from Block Island) ; Superin- 
 tendent Hammond of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company; 
 Hon. Sherman Hoar, of Waltham, Mass. ; Hon. Wm. C. Holbrook, 
 of New York City ; Hon. H. N. Hibbard, of Chicago ; Governor 
 Holt, of North Carolina ; Governor Tillman, of South Carolina ; 
 Colonel P. D. Blodgett, of St. Johnsbury, Vt.; Hon. Hoyt H. 
 Wheeler, Judge, United States Circuit Court ; Governor Winans, of 
 Michigan ; Hon. James H. Williams, of Bellows Falls, Vt. ; Gov- 
 ernor Pattison, of Pennsylvania ; Treasurer Wm. P. Shreve, of 
 Massachusetts, Military Order of the Loyal Legion, U. S. A. ; Presi- 
 dent Low, of Columbia College ; Senator Sawyer, of Wisconsin ; 
 Hon. M. T. Stevens, of North Andover, Mass. ; Hon. John H. 
 Starin, of New York City ; Hon. P. Stewart Stranahan, of St. 
 Albans, Vt. ; Governor Routt, of Colorado; ex-Governor Rice, of 
 Massachusetts; Hon. Jonathan Ross, Judge, Vermont Supreme 
 Court ; ex-Senator Edmunds, of Vermont ; Governor Merriman, of 
 Minnesota ; Secretary of the Navy Tracy ; Governor L. Bradford 
 Prince, of New Mexico ; Governor Nichols, of Louisiana, and others. 
 
5 i 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 The City of Tents ; " Camp Vermont " ; The National Guard at 
 Bennington Dwrmg the Week of the Dedication of the Monument. 
 Rosters of Visiting Military, and Vermont s N. G. V. ; Delega- 
 tions not Heretofore Mentioned, and Closing Particulars. 
 
 The City op Tents. 
 
 The illustration : " Camp Vermont, with Battle Monument in 
 the Distance," does not give a clear idea of the immensity, so to 
 speak, of the Encampment on the Soldiers' Home grounds, in 
 August, 1891. If the reader will allow imagination full play, and 
 observe that one hundred acres of meadow-land were laid under trib- 
 ute as a site for the camp, the banquet-tents and fireworks' plain, 
 a fair realization of the large plan of the grounds may be inferred 
 from a view, in the illustration, aforesaid, of the South-east corner 
 of " The City of Tents." The tents there visible are those of the 
 National Guard of Vermont. In this part of the " city," the various 
 company streets, officers' headquarters, etc., the amount of canvas 
 used was about 28,000 square yards. This was supplemented by 
 the Government committees so that the total was over 51,500 square 
 yards, — verily a "city of tents." In this connection we append an 
 extract from a letter, written by General R. M. Yale, of the firm 
 who furnished about 15,400 square yards of the canvas, who says : 
 
 I was somewhat interested, in looking over my old books, to see 
 what I have done for the State of Vermont. In 1857, 1858, and 
 1859, 1 furnished tents for fairs in different places in your State, 
 and have continued to do so up to September, 1891. In August 
 1860, they had a gathering of all the troops in the State, and I 
 furnished tents for the officers and men at Montpelier. Later, in 
 December of that year, I made them fifteen hundred dollars' worth 
 of new tents. These were all the State had at the time the war 
 broke out, and the first regiment that went to the front took them 
 with them. In 1861, and 1862, I made some sixteen thousand dol- 
 lars' worth of tents for the different regiments that left your State 
 for the seat of war, and in 1877, 1 made 161 new tents with flies for 
 the State. These were set for the first time at Bennington, on the 
 occasion of your Centennial Celebration that year. I, also, furnished 
 nine large and smaller sized tents for that celebration ; which, with 
 several smaller celebrations in different parts of the State, brings 
 me down to the last occasion, which was the crowning event of 
 
184 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 them all. It is a pleasant reflection to me, to think that after serv- 
 ing the State so many years, that I was able to serve them again on 
 that last great occasion, and I shall ever feel grateful to you for 
 giving me an opportunity to do so. 
 
 The National Guard played so conspicuous a part in the exer- 
 cises of the Centennial that a permanent record of their acts in the 
 great event should go down in history. We therefore give, as an 
 introduction to the Rosters, the Reports of Officers, as follows : 
 Brigade Report or the Encampment. — 
 
 Headquarters First Brigade, 
 Vermont National Guard, 
 Burlington, Vt., October 12, 1891. 
 Brigadier- General Theodore 8. Peck., Adjutant- General. 
 
 Sir: — I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 Annual Encampment of this Brigade, held at Bennington, Vt., 
 August 14, to 21, 1891, inclusive. 
 
 The Encampment was located on the grounds of the Soldiers' 
 Home, and was named " Camp Vermont " in honor of the Centen- 
 nial of the Admission of the State into the Union, which event was 
 appropriately celebrated during the week. 
 
 In obedience to General Orders, No. 8, A. G. 0., dated June 22, 
 1891, the several organizations of the First Regiment left their home 
 stations at the hours named in Circular, No. 2, from the Quarter- 
 master-General's office, Friday, August 14th, and arrived in camp 
 by special trains as follows : Company K, at 8.00 A. M. ; Company 
 A, at 8.30 A. M. ; Companies B, C, E, F, H, M, and band, at 2.00 P. 
 M. ; Companies D, L, and G, at 4.00 P. M. ; Company I, which 
 crossed the mountains from Brattleboro by team, at 5.20 P. M. 
 Owing to the fatigue of the long ride, and the late hour at which 
 some of the companies arrived in camp, no military duties, except 
 guard-mount and dress parade, were performed on the first day, the 
 few remainmg hours of daylight being devoted to getting settled in 
 quarters. 
 
 Fuller's Battery, accompanied by Battery B, 4th Artillery, 
 U. S. A., Brevet-Major Henry C. Gushing, commanding, arrived in 
 camp at 2.15 P. M., on Saturday the 15th, having marched over the 
 mountains from Brattleboro. The regular battery being on its 
 annual summer outing, had previously marched, from its station at 
 Newport, R. I., to Brattleboro, where it arrived on the 13th. The 
 two batteries left Brattleboro at 6.00 A. M., on the morning of the 
 14th, and reached the camp thoroughly drenched, from the pouring 
 rain of the previous night, but with men and horses in good condi- 
 tion. The distance of forty-three miles was covered in seventeen 
 and one-half hours, marching time. The; march was conducted in a 
 
THE CITY OF TE^TS. 185 
 
 strictly military manner; and, so far as I am aware, is the first 
 instance in whicli regular and volunteer batteries have campaigned 
 together since the close of the Kebellion. 
 
 The time of the Encampment was largely devoted to skirmish 
 drill, with such battalion movements as were made necessary in the 
 proper handling of the reserves. During the forenoons, the battal- 
 ions were each commanded by their respective Majors, and in the 
 afternoons were united under command of the Colonel. By this 
 method instruction iu a much larger number of movements was 
 made possible. It was intended to give the command some practi- 
 cal instruction in out-post duty ; but, owing to the amount of other 
 work to be performed, the idea was abandoned as impracticable. 
 
 A critical inspection of the troops in quarters was made during 
 the forenoon of Sunday, in which I was accompanied by Captain 
 Ralph W. Hoyt, U. S. A., who had been detailed by the War 
 Department to inspect and report upon the Encampment. The 
 camp was found to be in excellent shape, and the sanitary condition 
 the best of any encampment we have ever held. 
 
 During the forenoon of Monday, the 17th, teams of five men 
 from each company of infantry were at the range, competing for 
 the Centennial Trophy, which was won by Company F, of North- 
 field, with the following score at 200 yards, standing position : 
 
 Private J. T. Celley, ...4 4 4 4 4 20 
 
 Private W. P. Sprmger, . 4 4 5 5 3 21 
 
 Private F. B. Downing,.. 3 3 4 3 4 17 
 
 Private©. N.Tilden,.. 4 4 4 3 3 18 
 
 Private S. E. Locklin, . . .'' 5 4 4 5 4 22 
 
 Aggregate, 98 
 
 In the afternoon the range was occupied by individual com- 
 petitors, for the Webb badges, consisting of a gold, diamond studded 
 medal ; a silver medal with gold target, and a silver medal, pre- 
 sented by Colonel Wm. Seward Webb, Inspector of Rifle Practice 
 on the Staff of His Excellency, Governor Page, for the three best 
 individual scores from five shots at 200 yards. The competition 
 was limited to members of the command who had made a record of 
 sixty out of a possible seventy-five, during the present practice sea- 
 son. Forty contestants presented themselves at the firing-point, 
 and the first prize was won by Lieutenant W. B. Locklin, of Com- 
 pany M, with a score of 22 ; the second and third by Privates W. 
 P. Springer, Company F, and R. H. Whitman, Company M, with 
 scores of 21 and 20 respectively. The range during these competi- 
 tions was in charge of Major Charles E. Nelson, Brigade Inspector 
 of Rifle Practice, assisted by Captain John D. Wyman, Inspector of 
 
186 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Rifle Practice, First Regiment; with Captain R. W. Hoyt, 11th 
 Infantry, and Captain H. R. Anderson, 4th Artillery, TJ. S. A., as 
 judges. 
 
 After guard-mounting on Tuesday, the 18th, Major Cushing's 
 battery gave an exhibition drill on the parade ground, which was 
 very instructive, and was highly enjoyed by the of&cers and men of 
 the brigade, as well as by the large number of citizens who had 
 assembled to witness it. The ground was subsequently occupied by 
 Fuller's Battery, which displayed a proficiency in drill that showed 
 much careful and painstaking work on the part of officers and men 
 during the past season. Each year, since being supplied with the 
 new model breech-loading rifles. Colonel Fuller, at the request of 
 the War Department, has submitted detailed reports of the work- 
 ing of the guns and equipments, noting defects observed, with such 
 suggestions as his well-known mechanical skill have enabled him to 
 make regarding improvements, many of which have received favora- 
 ble consideration from the Ordnance officers of the army. 
 
 During the afternoon of the 18th, a select battalion of the New 
 Hampshire National Guard, consisting of three companies, under 
 the command of Major Francis O. Nims, arrived, and were assigned 
 to quarters near Camp Vermont, as were also the 32nd Separate 
 Company from Hoosick Falls, N. Y., Captain Charles W. Eddy, 
 commanding, and the Light Guard Battalion of North Adams, 
 Mass., Major F. H. Fleming, commanding. 
 
 On Wednesday, the 19th, the regiment, battery, and visiting 
 troops took part in the parade in connection with the Dedication of 
 the Monument, erected to commemorate General Stark's victory at 
 Bennington, on August 16, 1777. Having been designated by His 
 Excellency as Chief Marshal on this occasion, the brigade was tem- 
 porarily under the command of Colonel Julius J. Estey, First 
 Regiment, and did the State great credit by its excellent appear- 
 ance. The column for parade included 88 different organizations, 
 civil and military, 12 bands, 6 drum corps and 108 carriages with 
 invited guests, aggregating nearly 4,500 men. It was pronounced 
 by competent judges to have been the largest and finest ever wit- 
 nessed in Vermont. The marching of the troops, as the column 
 passed in review before President Harrison, elicited much well- 
 merited applause. After the parade the troops had the rare 
 pleasure of witnessing a dress parade of the West Point Cadets, 
 which cannot fail to be of benefit to them in future encampments. 
 
 During Thursday forenoon the command was reviewed by His 
 Excellency, Governor Page, and in the afternoon was exercised in 
 skirmish drill with blank cartridges, the regiment being divided into 
 
THE CITY OF TENTS. 187 
 
 opposing bodies under command of Colonel Estey, and Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Kinsman. All the movements were executed to the sound 
 of the bugle, and a good degree of proficiency was exhibited. 
 
 As occasion offered each organization was carefully and min- 
 utely inspected by Captain Hoyt, U. S. A., assisted by Brevet 
 Lieutenant- Colonel JVT. D. Greene, Assistant Adjutant- General of 
 the brigade. * # * 
 
 From a strictly militarystand-point I believe the Encampment 
 to have been a very successful one, though more and better work 
 would have been possible, could the entire eight days have been 
 devoted to purely military duties; but, despite the fact that for 
 three days the camp was the rallying point of the thousands pres- 
 ent to participate in the Dedication of the Battle Monument, and 
 Celebration of the hundredth Anniversary of the Admission of 
 the State into the Union, much valuable work was done, and the 
 discipline of the command, with hardly an exception, was most 
 excellent, and the conduct of the men in every way commendable. 
 
 Camp was broken on the morning of Friday, the 21st, the 
 troops returning home by the same routes taken in reaching camp. 
 The weather was most favorable, and by noon the camp-equipage 
 had been packed and loaded. 
 
 I herewith transmit the reports of Colonels Estey and Fuller. 
 
 * * # 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 Wm. L. Gebbnlbaf, 
 Brigadier- General, Commanding. 
 Regimental Repoet of the Encampment. — 
 
 Hbadqtjaetees First Regiment, 
 Vbkmont National Guard, 
 Beattleboeo, Vt., August 28, 1891. 
 General Wm. L. Greenleaf, Commanding First Brigade, V. JST. G., 
 Burlington, Vermont. 
 Sir : — I have the honor to report that in compliance with Gen- 
 eral Order, No. 8, A. G. O., dated June 22nd, and General Order, No. 
 6, Brigade Headquarters, dated July 15th, the Annual Encampment 
 of this regiment was held on the grounds of the Soldiers' Home at 
 Bennington, August 14th to 21st, inclusive. * # * 
 
 Guard-mount was held at 3.30 o'clock, with details from such 
 companies as had arrived in camp. The companies arriving so late, 
 there was no time for drill Friday afternoon. Dress parade was 
 held at the usual hour. 
 
 There was quite a rain Saturday morning, but it cleared away, 
 so that it did not interfere with our routine of duty for that day. 
 
188 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Sunday was quietly observed, with inspection of quarters in the 
 morning ; services conducted by the Chaplain in the afternoon, and 
 dress parade in the evening. 
 
 Monday morning was devoted to competition for the Centen- 
 nial Trophy, which was won by Company F, and in the afternoon the 
 Webb medals were competed for. 
 
 Wednesday was devoted to the ceremony of the Dedication of 
 the Battle Monument, in which the regiment participated. 
 
 On Thursday morning the regiment was reviewed by His 
 Excellency, Governor Page, and the prizes awarded to the winning 
 teams and individuals, and the Service Medals were given out. 
 
 The regiment was inspected, — each Company separately, — by 
 Captain R. W. Hoyt, of the 11th United States Infantry. 
 
 I am happy to say that the conduct of the men during the 
 entire Encampment, so far as I have heard, was highly commenda- 
 ble. I think there was a marked improvement in the duties of the 
 sentinels on their posts, from the beginning to the end of the 
 encampment. The regular routine was so interfered with that not 
 as much battalion drill was had as would have been desirable, 
 although some very good work was done. * * * 
 
 The Morning Reports show an average attendance for the 
 entire Encampment of something over 97 per cent., which, I think, 
 is very creditable. 
 
 The cleanliness of the camp showed an improvement over any 
 preceding year. * # * 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 Julius J. Estey, Colonel, Commanding. 
 Aktillbrt Report of the Encampment. — 
 
 "Fuller's Battery": First Light Battery, V. N". G., 
 Brattleboro, Vt., August 24, 1891. 
 General Wm. L. Greenleaf, Commanding Brigade, V. N. G. 
 
 Sir: — In accordance with orders of the War Department, 
 Light Battery B, 4th Artillery, U. S. A., Major H. C. Cushing, com- 
 manding, left Fort Adams, Newport, R. I., August 3d, marching on 
 an average about twenty miles a day, joining my command at Brat- 
 tleboro on the 11th. On the 13th they gave an exhibition drill on 
 the fair grounds, which was greatly appreciated by several thousand 
 people, and, for purposes of instruction, my battery teams were out. 
 
 At 6 A. M., August 14th, both batteries left Brattleboro, and 
 marched to Marlboro, where they lunched, and then proceeded to 
 Wilmington, arriving at 2.15, P. M., where they were received by a 
 delegation of citizens, headed by an excellent band, and escorted 
 
% 
 
 THE CITY OF TENTS. 189 
 
 through the village to the fair ground; encamping there for the 
 night, and continuing their march, the following morning at 5 
 o'clock, through Searshurgh and Woodford. It rained very hard 
 from one o'clock until ten, and, also, during the descent of the 
 Western slope of the mountain ; but horses and men suffered no 
 injury, or unreasonable discomfort, reaching Bennington in good 
 condition at 2.15 P. M., and going into camp on the East side of the 
 Soldiers' Home. 
 
 On Sunday we performed routine duty, observing the day in 
 accordance with New England custom. 
 
 On Monday w;e got in a very heavy day's work. 
 
 The same may be said of Tuesday, with the addition of a full 
 dress inspection, by Captain Hoyt, U. S. A., and a heavy shower in 
 the afternoon. 
 
 On Wednesday we participated in the parade, passing in review 
 before the Governor of Vermont, and the President of the United 
 States, being attached to the First Grand Division. After returning 
 to camp, we performed a good afternoon's work. 
 
 On Thursday morning both batteries formed in line, and were 
 reviewed by His Excellency, Governor Page, after which we drilled 
 in his presence. In the afternoon the work performed was con- 
 siderable, closing as.it did with gun-practice. 
 
 On Friday morning we broke camp at five o'clock, and com- 
 menced our march across the mountains, arriving in Wilmington at 
 2.00 P. M. ; camping for the night on the fair ground, and resuming 
 the march at 5.00 o'clock, on Saturday morning. Two miles 
 to the East of Wilmington, we parted from Cushing's battery, they 
 taking the road through to Jacksonville and Greenfield, and we, con- 
 tinuing the march, arriving in Brattleboro at 11.45 A. M. 
 
 The distance covered from Bennington to Wilmington, is about 
 23 miles ; Wilmington to Brattleboro, 20 miles. 
 
 The march was conducted on a strictly military basis, the two 
 batteries marching and camping together, my battery conforming to 
 the movements of the Regulars. 
 
 So far as I know, this is the first time in many years, possibly, 
 since the War of the Rebellion, that Volunteers and Regulars have 
 campaigned together, and I have no doubt of its vast importance. 
 During the seventeen years of my command of this battery, it has 
 been my constant aim to conform in everything to the ways and 
 customs of the Regular service, believing that a good, working, 
 serviceable battery is the most desirable, and this experience has 
 strengthened that view. 
 
 My horses were superior for every duty required, and men were 
 proficient in their duties. * * * 
 
190 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 I desire to express my thanks to the Honorahle Secretary of 
 War, Redfleld Proctor, for detailing Cushing's Battery to march and 
 encamp with us, and to yourself, the Adjutant-General, and His 
 Excellency, Governor Page, for so heartily entering into and pro- 
 moting the same. Very properly, the Department left much to the 
 wise discretion of the officers, who labored with great zeal to make 
 the occasion one of profit, and the advantages derived are many. 
 
 I also desire to express my appreciation to Major Gushing, his 
 officers and men, for their cheerful willingness to place themselves 
 at our disposal, and in every way possible contribute to the success 
 of the occasion. 
 
 Number of officers, 8 
 
 ISTumber of Non-Commissioned, 9 
 
 Number of enlisted men, 63 
 
 Total, 80 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 Levi K. Fuller, Brevet-Colonel, 
 
 Captain First Light Sattery, V. N. G. 
 Centennial Rostee, N. G. V. — 
 
 Roster of the State Officers, and Militia. — The following are 
 the officers of the State Government, and Vermont National Guard, 
 together with such of their associates for this particular occasion, 
 as have been designated for publication. It is a matter of interest, 
 in connectioh with the Roster, to note that of the names thereon 
 but eight were present as officers in 1877. We give their rank at 
 that time, viz. : Theodore S. Peck, Colonel of First Regiment ; 
 William L. Greenleaf, Lieutenant- Colonel ; William Smith, Regi- 
 mental Quartermaster ; Julius J. Estey, Captain, Company I ; 
 Charles C. Kinsman, Captain, Company A ; F. W. Childs, Second 
 Lieutenant, Company I ; Levi K. Fuller, Captain, Battery ; P. F. 
 Connors, Second Lieutenant, Battery. Q'his fact emphasizes the 
 constant change going on in the ranks. The personnel of the pri- 
 vates has been changed equally as much : 
 
 Commander-in- Chief. — His Excellency, Carroll S. Page, Hyde 
 Park, Governor. 
 
 State Officers. — Hon. Henry A. Fletcher, Cavendish, Lieutenant- 
 Governor ; Hon. Chauncey W. Brownell, Jr., Burlington, Secretary 
 of State ; Hon. Henry F. Field, Rutland, Treasurer ; Hon. Luther 
 O. Greene, Woodstock, Inspector of Finance ; Hon. E. Henry Powell, 
 Burlington, Auditor of Accounts. 
 
 Commander's Staff. — Brigadier-General Theo. S. Peck, Burling- 
 ton, Adjutant and Inspector-General; Brigadier-General Wm. H. 
 Gilmore, Fairlee, Quartermaster-General; Brigadier-General J. C. 
 
THE CITY OF TENTS. 191 
 
 Rutherford, Burlington, Surgeon-General ; Brigadier-General F. E. 
 Alfred, Newport, Judge Advocate-General; Colonel Wm. Seward 
 Webb, Shelburne, Inspector of Rifle Practice. 
 
 Aides-de- Gamp. — Colonel Herbert F. Brigham, Bakersfleld ; 
 Colonel Wm. H. H. Slack, Springfield; Colonel Myron J. Horton, 
 Poultney ; Colonel Lyman F. Abbott, Bennington ; Colonel Harley 
 E. Folsom, Lyndonville ; Colonel Henry R. Cutler, Barton. Captain 
 E. N. Wright, Montpelier, Military Storekeeper. 
 
 On Duty at Headquarters. — Captain Herbert S. Foster, 20th 
 Infantry, TJ. S. A., Acting Assistant Adjutant-General ; Lieutenant 
 Fred A. Richardson, of Burlington ; Sergeants Marion Allen, Rich- 
 ard A. Shepard, George E. Cowlbeck, and Charles H. Stevens. 
 
 Brigade Commander, and Staff. — Brigadier-General Wm. L. 
 Greenleaf, Burlington. 
 
 Staff. — Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel M. D. Greene, Burlington, 
 Assistant Adjutant-General ; Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel Wm. Smith, 
 Burlington, Assistant Quartermaster-General; Major Robert J. 
 CofEey, Bennington, Provost Marshal ; Major C. E. Nelson, Derby 
 Line, Inspector of Rifle Practice ; Captain Max L. Powell, of Rich- 
 ford, A. D. C. ; Captain Allen H. Sabin, of Saxton's River, A. D. C. ; 
 Sergeant Ransom S. Buss, Bennington, Provost- Sergeant ; Ser- 
 geant H. B. Chamberlain, Bradford, Quartermaster-Sergeant. 
 
 First Begiment, Field and Staff. — Julius J. Estey, Brattleboro, 
 Colonel ; Charles C. Kinsman, Rutland, Lieutenant-Colonel ; George 
 H. Bond, Brattleboro, John H. Watson, Bradford, Calvin W. 
 Evans, Bennington, Majors ; James A. Lillis, Rutland, Adjutant ; 
 Charles H. Fuller, Montpelier, Quartermaster; John D. Wyman, 
 St. Albans, Inspector of Rifle Practice ; James N. Jenne, St. Albans, 
 Surgeon; Wm. D. Huntington, Rochester, Henry H. Lee, Wells 
 River, Assistant Surgeons; Rev. Howard F. Hill, Montpelier, 
 Chaplain. 
 
 Non-Gommissioned Staff. — D. S. Wells, Barre, Sergeant-Major ; 
 P. K. Peck, Rutland, Quartermaster-Sergeant; F. H. Chapman, 
 Rutland, Hospital Steward; Fred T. Austin, Northfl!eld, Drum- 
 Major ; Ruel L. Parker, Brandon, Chief Musician ; Charles F. 
 Collins, Montpelier, First Color-Sergeant; Thomas H. Robinson, 
 St. Johnsbury, Second Color-Sergeant; Edward C. Bennett, Ben- 
 nington, R. G. Guide, Loring D. Bingham, Bennington, L. G. Guide. 
 
 Officers of Companies. — Company D, of St. Johnsbury. — Cap- 
 tain, Abel W. Roberts; First Lieutenant, Charles W. Bonett; 
 Second Lieutenant, Heman S. Steady. 
 
 Company H, of Montpelier. — Captain, Osman D. Clark ; First 
 Lieutenant, Samuel A. Luke ; Second Lieutenant, Arthur G. Eaton. 
 
192 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Company F, of Northfleld. — Captain, Gilbert C. Bates ; First 
 Lieutenant, Frank L. Howe ; Second Lieutenant, George R. Cofrin. 
 
 Company I, of Brattleboro. — Captain, Fred W. Childs ; First 
 Lieutenant, Thomas A. Austin ; Second Lieutenant, J. Gray Estey. 
 
 Company E, of Barre. — Captain, Burt H. Wells ; First Lieu- 
 tenant, Frederick B. Mudgett ; Second Lieutenant, Daniel R. Bisbee. 
 
 Company B, of St. Albans. — Captain, John H. Mimms ; First 
 Lieutenant, Carleton A. Searle; Second Lieutenant, Charles D. 
 Watson. 
 
 Company C, of Brandon. — Captain, Josiah W. Symons ; First 
 Lieutenant, Bernice A. Carr ; Second Lieutenant, A. J. Dimmick. 
 
 Company G, of Bradford. — Captain, Calvin E. Clark; First 
 Lieutenant, Herbert P. Warren; Second Lieutenant, Frank R. 
 Johnson. 
 
 Company K, of Bennington. — Captain, Henry D. Fillmore ; 
 First Lieutenant, Orrin W. Davis; Second Lieutenant, Ernest T. 
 Griswold. 
 
 Company A, of Rutland. — Captain, Theodore A. Davis ; First 
 Lieutenant, Benjamin B. Perkins; Second Lieutenant, Myron D. 
 Hayward. 
 
 Company L, of N"ewport. — Captain, Gardner D. Pratt ; First 
 Lieutenant, Jerry F. Lambert ; Second Lieutenant, E. C. Skinner. 
 
 Company M, of Richford. — Captain, Winfield S. Thayer ; First 
 Lieutenant, W. B. Locklin ; Second Lieutenant, E. E. Miller. 
 
 First Light Battery : " EuUer^s." — Captain and Brevet-Colonel, 
 Levi K. Fuller ; First Lieutenant and Adjutant, Edwin H. Putnam ; 
 Assistant Surgeon, D. P. Webster ; First Lieutenant and Quarter- 
 master, Thomas Hannon; First Lieutenant, P. D. Weld; First 
 Lieutenant, A. T. McClure; Second Lieutenant, P. F. Connors; 
 Second Lieutenant, L. P. Shields. 
 
 Hosier of CusJiing's Lattery. — Major, H. C. Cushing ; Captain, 
 H. R. Anderson ; Lieutenant, John T. Martin. This battery has 
 four cannon, 55 men, and 55 horses. 
 
 (Not) Buegoyne's Camp- Kettle. — A member of the Citizens 
 Committee of Fifty, contributes the following account of a " practi- 
 cal joke," but he fails to state that the aforesaid "kettle" was 
 returned to the genial Chairman of the Committee on Transpor- 
 tation as a "valuable package." It is, also, averred that the 
 manager of the Water Company, Mr. E. H. Putnam, " captured " 
 the "package" en route to its destination as marked. Between 
 the parties in the "secret" there has been considerable good- 
 natured fun, — but to the subject : 
 
 An amusing incident connected with the Celebration, the facts 
 
THE CITY OF TENTS. 193 
 
 of which are known to but few persons not immediately associated 
 with the affair, and whicli we believe, now for the first time appear 
 in print, was the " practical jolie " played, by members of the 
 National Guard, upon a company of Knights Templars, who were 
 in attendance in their own special car. As it transpires, some of 
 the officers of the "-Guard," who were "well up" in military 
 etiquette, had been guests of the aforesaid Commandery of Knights 
 Templars, and not having received the homage they conceived was 
 due to their rank, determined to seek redress, — after a friendly 
 fashion, of (Jourse, — by playing a practical joke. In the vicinity of 
 the " special car " was an immense kettle for melting lead, used by 
 the Water Company in laying their " mains " through the streets, 
 and weighing about a ton. During the Grand Parade, and while 
 the car was wholly unoccupied, a detail of the " Guard " surrep- 
 titiously loaded this "kettle" into the car. After the parade every 
 thing was in a tumult and hurry, and no notice was taken of the 
 strange cargo until the train was well under way ; when, upon near- 
 ing Rutland, the " thing " was discovered. No amount of enquiry 
 could reveal any knowledge of it ; and, after due deliberation, it was 
 decided to take, what many thought to be " General Stark's Camp- 
 Kettle," to Burlington, and have it returned to Bennington. 
 Accordingly the freight agent at Burlington was very innocently 
 informed, that " That thing wanted to be returned to Bennington." 
 With the intuition due to his class, he took in the situation, and the 
 kettle which had been sorely wanted, for its legitimate purpose, by 
 its owners was restored to them, just in time to save the. purchase 
 of a new one, which was to have been ordered by telegraph the day 
 of the return of the old kettle. To those familiar with the facts the 
 whole affair was decidedly funny and laughable ; and, no doubt, has 
 been the topic of many a " good time " to the participants since it 
 occurred, especially as the labor necessary to get the " kettle and 
 furnace " into the car is recalled. The wonder has been : How it 
 was ever gotten through the door, either in or out of the car ! 
 Cbntestnial Roster, N. G. N. H., and Amoskbag Vbteeans. — 
 
 Governor and Staff. — His Excellency, Hiram A. Tuttle, Gov- 
 ernor and Commander-in-Chief; Major-General Augustus D.^Ayling, 
 Adjutaiit-General, Concord ; Brigadier-General Albert N. Dow, 
 Inspector-General, Exeter; Brigadier-General Charles W. Stevens, 
 Quartermaster-General, Nashua ; Brigadier-General Oliver A. Gibbs, 
 Commissary-General, Dover ; Brigadier-General Charles H. Bartlett, 
 Judge Advocate-General, Manchester ; Brigadier-General Ferdinand 
 A. Stillings, Surgeon-General, Concord. 
 
 Aides-de- Camp. — Colonel Arthur E. Clarke, Manchester ; 
 Colonel George A. Sanders, Laconia; Colonel Frank W. Maynard, 
 Nashua; Colonel Rufus N. Elwell, Newton; ColonelJ. E. Pecker, 
 
 Concord. 
 
 Governor^ Council. — Hon. James Farrington, Rochester; Hon. 
 Henry B. Quinby, Lake Village ; Hon. Geo. A. Ramsdell, Nashua ; 
 Hon. John M. Whipple, Claremont ; Hon. Edwin C. Lewis, Laconia. 
 
194 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL 
 
 Brigade Commander, and Staff. — Brigadier-General J. W. 
 Patterson, Concord ; Lieutenant-Colonel Frank W. Rollins, Concord, 
 Assistant Adjutant-General; Major J. P. Wellrnan, Keene, Inspec- 
 tor of Rifle Practice ; Lieutenant-Colonel Irving A. Watson, Concord, 
 Medical Director ; Major Arthur H. Chase, .Concord, Judge-Advo- 
 cate; Captain George R. Leavitt, Laconia, Quartermaster; Captain 
 Frank L. Kimball, Nashua, A. D, C. ; Brigade Quartermaster-Ser- 
 geant, F. W. Truland, Laconia; Brigade Bugler, W. C. Hammond, 
 Concord. 
 
 Bennington Battalion, N. IT. N. G.; Field and Staff. — Major, 
 Francis O. Nims, Second Regiment, Keene; Adjutant, Frank B. 
 Perkins, First Regiment, Manchester; Quartermaster, Arthur M. 
 Dodge, Third Regiment, Hampton Falls ; Assistant Surgeon, Robert 
 Burns, Third Regiment, Plymouth; Sergeant-Major, Edvi^ard S. 
 Cook, Third Regiment, Laconia ; Quartermaster-Sergeant, George 
 E. Danforth, Second Regiment, Nashua ; Drum-Major Francis H. 
 Pike, First Regiment, Manchester. 
 
 Officers of Companies. — Company H, First Regiment, of Man- 
 chester. — Captain, J. Soley; First Lieutenant, Treffle Raiche; 
 Second Lieutenant, M. R. Maynard. 
 
 Company G, Second Regiment, of Keene. — Captain E. O. 
 XJpham ; First Lieutenant, John J. Colony ; Second Lieutenant, E. 
 M. Keyes. 
 
 Company C, Third Regiment, of Concord. — Captain, W. C. 
 Trenoweth ; First Lieutenant, Thomas P. Davis ; Second Lieuten- 
 ant, Alfred L. Trenoweth. 
 
 Amosheag Veterans; Commander, and Staff. — Major, command- 
 ing, Charles H. Bartlett, Manchester; First Lieutenant John 
 Gannon, Jr., Adjutant, Manchester ; Captain H. E. Burnham, Judge 
 Advocate, Manchester; Captain William L. Morrison, Chaplain, 
 Manchester ; Captain Miah B. Sullivan, Surgeon, Dover ; First Lieu- 
 tenant Charles E. Dodge, Assistant-Surgeon, Manchester ; Captain 
 Charles L. Harmon, Paymaster, Manchester ; Captain Moses Wad- 
 leigh. Quartermaster, Manchester. 
 
 Officers of Companies. — Company A. — Captain, Benjamin F. 
 Clark, Manchester; First Lieutenant, Sebastian Christophe, Man- 
 chester; Second Lieutenant, Chauncey W. Clement, Manchester. 
 
 Company B. — Captain, George H. Wilson, Manchester; First 
 Lieutenant, Frank P. Kimball, Manchester; Second Lieutenant, 
 Charles H. Moore, Nashua. 
 Centennial Roster, Massachusetts Delegation. — 
 
 Governor and Staff'. — His Excellency, William E. Russell, 
 Governor of the Commonwealth. 
 
THE CITY OF TENTS. 195 
 
 Staff. — Major-General Samuel Dalton, Adjutant-General; Briga- 
 dier-General Thomas Kittredge, Surgeon-General ; Brigadier-General 
 John W. Corcoran, Judge Advocate-General; Colonel Walter 
 Cutting, A. D. C. ; *Colonel Michajl T. Donahoe, A. D. C. ; Colonel 
 Francis Peabody, Jr., A. D. C. ; Colonel Spencer Borden, A. D. C. ; 
 Colonel George A. Keeler, Assistant Inspector-General; Colonel 
 Henry D. Andrews, Assistant Inspector-General; Colonel Henry 
 E. Russell, Assistant Adjutant-General ; *Colonel Horace B. Verry, 
 Assistant Quartermaster-General. 
 
 Honorary Staff. — Brigadier-General Benjamin F. Peach, Jr., 
 commanding Second Brigade, M. V. M. ; Brigadier-General Ben- 
 jamin F. Bridges, commanding First Brigade, M. V. M. ; Colonel 
 William M. Strachan, commanding Ninth Infantry, M. V. M. ; 
 Colonel Walter A. Bancroft, commanding Fifth Infantry, M. V. M. ; 
 Colonel Thomas R. Mathews, commanding First Infantry, M. V. M. ; 
 Colonel Embury P. Clark, commanding Second Infantry, M. V. M. ; 
 Colonel Henry Parsons, commanding Sixth Infantry, M. V. M. ; 
 Colonel J. Albert Mills, commanding Eighth Infantry, M. V. M. ; 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas F. Edmands, commanding First Corps 
 Cadets, M. V. M. ; Lieutenant-Colonel John W. Hart, commanding 
 Second Corps Cadets, M. V. M. ; Major George S. Merrill, First 
 Battalion Light Artillery, M. V. M. ; Major Horace G. Kemp, com- 
 manding First Battalion Cavalry, M. V. M. ; Lieutenant-Commander 
 John C. Soley, commanding Naval Battalion, M. V. M. 
 
 Executive Council. — Lieutenant-Governor William H. Haile ; 
 Hon. Isaac N. Keith, Hon. Arthur W. Tufts, Hon. Edward J. 
 Flynn, Hon. Byron Truell, Hon. Moses How, Hon. Ephraim Stearns, 
 Hon. William Abbott, Hon. Ashley B. Wright. 
 
 Legislative Officers. — *Hon. Henry H. Sprague, President of the 
 Senate ; Hon. William E. Barrett, Speaker of the House ; Captain 
 J. G. B. Adams, Sergeant-at-Arms ; Henry D. Coolidge, Clerk of 
 Senate ; *Edward A. McLaughlin, Clerk of House. 
 
 Heads of State Departments. — *Hon. William M. Olin, Secre- 
 tary of State; Hon. G. A. Marden, Treasurer and Receiver-General; 
 Hon. William D. T. Trefry, Auditor; Hon. Albert E. Pillsbury, 
 Atterney-General. 
 
 Committee on Federal delations. — Hon. George M. Towle, Hon. 
 James Donovan, Hon. George N. Carpenter ; Representative Hiram 
 B. Lane, Representative Charles H. Boodey, Representative Louis 
 E. P. Moreau, Representative Haile R. Luther, Representative 
 Myron J. Ferren, Representative Dudley J. Marston. 
 
 Special Committee, House and Senate. — Hon. Frederick S. 
 
 *Those marked with an asterisk were unable to be present. 
 
196 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 Risteen, Hon. Cyrus Savage, Hon. Aaron Low, Hon. George P. 
 Cooke, Hon. H. Torrey Cady; Representative J. Otis Wardwell, 
 Representative James H. Mellen, Representative Charles H. Baker, 
 ♦Representative Chas. F. Worcester, Representative Charles Moore, 
 Representative James A. Lewis, Representative Joseph P. Lomasney, 
 Representative Henry S. Dickinson, *Representative Robert B. 
 Capen, Representative Richard F. Barrett, Representative S. Edward 
 Howard, Representative James O. Parker, Representative Nathan 
 B. Flood, Representative Daniel R. Child, Representative George 
 H. Brown. 
 
 Representatwes of Boston Daily Press. — B. L. Beal, Boston Jour- 
 nal ; H. A. French, Boston Traveller; John B. Reynolds, Boston 
 Advertiser and Record; F. C. Brownell, Boston Herald ; J. C. Smith, 
 Boston Globe; C. H. Glidden, Boston Post ; J. E. Pember, Bostoti 
 News; T. B. Benton, Boston Transcript. 
 
 In Charge of Quartermaster'' s Department. — Major W. C. 
 Capelle. 
 
 Bearer of State Guidon. — Guidon-Sergeant E. E. Kemp, First 
 Battalion Cavalry. 
 
 Messengers to Party. — R. S. Church, William Robinson. 
 
 Colonel William M. Strachan, Senior-Colonel of the Massachu- 
 setts Volunteer Militia, was appointed to the command of a Division 
 by the Vermont Authorities. (See page 73.) 
 
 The Vermont Legislatubb. — Carriages had been provided so 
 that the members of the Vermont Legislature could ride, but when 
 the Grand Procession was made up, this fine appearing body of 
 men took their places in line, and marched to and from the Monu- 
 ment. At the head walked Lieutenant-Governor Henry A. Fletcher, 
 and at his side were Speaker Mann, Treasurer Field and Secretary 
 of State Brownell. Their position was the left of the Second Divis- 
 ion, and there were 115 Senators and Representatives present. At 
 the banquet these gentlemen had special seats assigned, but no 
 roster has been preserved, much to the regret of the Editor of this 
 volume. 
 Sunday Sbkviobs in Bennington Village. — 
 
 At St. Peter^s Church. — In St. Peter's Episcopal church, 
 August 16th, there were Celebrations of the Eucharist at 8.00 
 o'clock, and 9.45 A. M. At 10.30 the edifice was filled to its utmost 
 capacity with interested listeners. The Rev. William Bogert 
 Walker preached a practical discourse upon the subject: "God's 
 Providential Intentions ; or the Dangers and Safeguards of our 
 Country." His text was taken from Deut. xxx., 20. He spoke of 
 the dangers to our country from immigration ; the difficulties 
 between capital and labor, appearing thus early in our Nation's his- 
 
S UNDA Y SEE VICES. 197 
 
 tory ; from dishonesty, political intrigue and legislation for the few 
 against the many ; in the overwhelming quantity of vicious litera- 
 ture. The safeguards of our country are an open Bible and a Living 
 Church. Add to patriotism, which is loyalty to country, loyalty to 
 God and His laws, and God will bless this land and make it great. 
 
 The Choral Evensong was inavoidably curtailed on account of 
 the illness of some prominent ones concerned therein. 
 
 Eirst Baptist Church. — The Baptist church was very tastily 
 decorated. Shields of the National colors, with trimmings of flags, 
 covered the lower front of the organ, and the choir-rail was draped 
 with bunting. Small flags stood upright at each seat in the main 
 aisles. The Rev. Z. Marten preached from the text Joshua iv., 7 : 
 "These stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel 
 forever." He spoke of the enduring character of the Monument and 
 that it was a fit reminder of the sturdy piety and devotion to duty 
 which characterized the fathers. That this patriotism may be 
 impressed upon our hearts, in grateful remembrance, should be our 
 constant effort. We need as a preservative against the evils in our 
 Republic, unwavering faith in God, confidence in, and loyalty to, 
 the principles which have made us what we are. And, above all, a 
 National sense of honor that shall preserve us, both as individuals, 
 and as a Nation, from dishonesty, subterfuge, injustice, and atheism. 
 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. — The decorations in the Metho- 
 dist church were very elaborate, especially when the evergreen was 
 added for the evening concert. Streamers of bunting hung from 
 ■ the centre of the ceiling to the four corners of the room. A life- 
 sized portrait of General Washington was held in the place of 
 centre-piece above the platform. The motto : " The day the battle 
 was fought," was above the portrait, surrounded by flags. There 
 was also a centre-piece of flags on the wall at the rear of the room, 
 and sashes of bunting in all the windows. The Rev. A. D. Heaxt 
 preached a sermon of much power and eloquence. His text was 
 Joshua iv., 21-24, and the subject : " Lessons of the Day." 
 
 Second Congregational Church. — The pulpit and clevis-rail at 
 the Second Congregational church were draped in the National 
 colors, and at the rear of the audience-room was the motto : " Our 
 fathers trusted in thee ; they trusted and thou didst deliver them." 
 (Page 134.) The Rev. Charles R. Sej'mour preached from Psalms 
 xviii., 34, "He teacheth my hands to war." He showed that 
 although the Christian religion was a religion of peace, yet there 
 were also times when war was a stern necessity. God taught our 
 fathers to war when they fought in the cause of humanity. He 
 also taught those who fought in the Civil war to fight in the cause 
 of right. The speaker gave a brief account of the battle and closed 
 with an eloquent tribute to Vermont as one of the foremost States 
 in all the sisterhood for excellence in education, growth in religion 
 and faithfulness in patriotism, in spite of the drain upon her 
 resources by the emigration to other States. 
 
 Union Evening Services. — At the Second Congregational edifice 
 there was a union service of the Second Congregational and the 
 Baptist churches, with music as a special feature. There was 
 
198 DEDICATION AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 speaking by the two pastors, by Edward J. Hal], Colonel Olin 
 Scott, the Rev. C. 0. Cook, and others. 
 
 At the Methodist Church there was a patriotic concert by the 
 Sunday School. There were, also, elaborate floral decorations, and 
 prominent among these a miniature Battle Monument of pansies, 
 built nearly four feet high. The Methodist orchestra rendered 
 several selections, and the music was all of a patriotic character. 
 
 Centennial Telegraphic Service. — No better telegraphic service 
 could have been asked for by the large corps of newspaper corre- 
 spondents, in attendance at the Centennial, than was given by 
 Electrican J. M. Moffatt, of New York, audtiis assistants ; and " the 
 boys," of the fraternity were not slow to express their appreciation 
 of the facilities afforded. General Superintendent C. A. Tinker, of 
 New Yonk, is a Vermonter, and for that reason, as well as from a 
 business point of view, he was interested in having the Western 
 Union make a success in meeting the demands of this occasion. A 
 portion of The Banner office was devoted to this feature of the 
 Celebration. Two sets of the quadruples system were put in, 
 besides other instruments, giving the operators control of ten trans- 
 mission lines. The capacity of the ofBce was 20,000 words an hour, 
 which rather exceeded the demand. The company were at con- 
 siderable expense, in locating this temporary office ; 800 cells of 
 battery were sent here, and put up at The Banner office branch, and 
 at the depot. Every possible precaution was taken to prevent any 
 break in the lines ; Superintendent N. C. Humstone, of this division, 
 detailed Assistant-Superintendent C. H. Erwin, of New York, to 
 come here and look the ground over carefully, preparatory to 
 locating the office ; and the result showed that the plans were well 
 laid, and carried out. Aside from Electrician Moffatt, the working 
 force, at The Banner office branch, consisted of H. V. Shelley, 
 night manager at Albany ; J. McKenzie, W. L. Brandt, E. H. Sim- 
 mons, L. W. Windgate, and A. P. Kranshaar, of New York ; and 
 Miss Morrison, of Troy. Miss Root, of the local office at Benning- 
 ton, also rendered material assistance during the week, besides 
 attending to the commercial and miscellaneous despatches. The 
 force handled 100,000 words on this occasion. Lineman Miller 
 was on duty all the time, also, and on the watch for "breakers," 
 which, however, did not show up. 
 
 It was a splendid service, and we all knew it, was the verdict 
 of the press-workers. 
 
 The Town and Village Government. — The Selectmen (E. 
 S. Harris, Samuel C. Lyons, Frank Crawford), took early measures 
 to have a proper police force, which accounts for the good order 
 which prevailed, generally, and which was quite remarkable con- 
 sidering the large crowd in town. In this they were ably seconded 
 by the President and Trustees of the Village. John Robinson, 
 Sheriff, had fifty " specials " on duty, while John Nash, Chief-of- 
 Police, had two hundred special policemen at his order ; besides 
 these, there were thirteen uniformed police from Troy, N. Y., under 
 Sergeant Lane. Detectives Butler, of New York ; Kavanaugh, of 
 Rochester ; Knox, of Boston ; Ford and Forrest, of Troy, and 
 Sheriffs Conway and McGrath, of Hoosick Falls, were on duty here. 
 There were only forty arrests. 
 
MONUMENT TABLETS. 
 
 199 
 
 Members of the Centennial Committee were, also, appointed as 
 special police, and wore badges so designating them. 
 
 Othee Tablets in the Monument. — In the Look Out Room 
 (pages 100, 101), of the Monument, are four historical tablets. These 
 are of Barre granite, and. each measures, face surface, three feet 
 three inches by five feet nine inches. The tablets are twenty inches 
 thick and form a part of the solid, masonry of the structure. 
 
 Vt. Historical Society, Incoep. Nov. 5, 1838. 
 
 SEAL. 
 
 Peesidents. 
 Henet Stevens. 
 HiLAND Hall. 
 Geo. F. Houghton. 
 Wm. M. Hurd. 
 E. P. Walton. 
 
 The Vermont Historical Society's tablet is located above the 
 coliimns in the North side, and, like the others, is observed from a 
 perspective of from twenty to thirty feet. Aside from the inscrip- 
 tion the " emblem " is the seal of the society, in has relief. This 
 seal is a log cabin in the foreground with the flgure of an Indian in 
 the distance. 
 
 
 G. Lb. of V.T., F. & A. M., oeg'd 1794 
 
 emblem. 
 
 G. Ch. " " R. A. M. " 1804 
 
 
 G. Cl. « « R. & S. M. " 1854 
 
 
 G. Ct. " " K. T. « 1824 
 A. A. S. Rite " 1868 
 
 
 
 CORNER STONE LAID BY 
 
 
 GRAND LODGE AUG. 16th, 1887. 
 
 The Masonic tablet occupies the East side, under the ceiling, 
 and contains the record of that Fraternity in Vermont. The 
 " emblem " is a combination of the " working tools " of the Craft, 
 including the insignia of the 33°. The Corner-stone being laid by 
 the Freemasons it was eminently proper that the blue flag of the 
 Society should float from the cope-stone when it " was safely seated," 
 as noted. (Page 53.) This flag, and the gavel used in laying the 
 Corner-stone, are safely deposited in the archives of Mount Anthony 
 Lodge, No. 13, of Bennington. 
 
200 
 
 DEDICA TlOJSr AND CENTENNIAL. 
 
 
 INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS 
 
 Combination 
 
 1819. . 1889. 
 VERMONT. 
 
 
 1847 GRAND LODGE. 
 
 Emblem. 
 
 1871 GRAND ENCAMPMENT. 
 
 
 1888 PATRIARCHS MILITANT. 
 
 In the same relative position on tiie West side is the Odd Fel- 
 lows' tablet. The " combination emblem " is a sword and crook 
 crossed, held together by a crown. Suspended from the points are 
 the " three links," the distinctive badge of the Order. 
 
 G. A. E. 
 BADGE. 
 
 GRAND ARMY OP THE REPUBLIC. 
 
 -U. S. A.- 
 
 ORGANIZED OCTOBER 23, 1868. 
 
 The South side is the place of the tablet of the Grand Army of 
 the Republic. The " emblem " is a badge of the Order, and, like 
 the other three, is in has relief. The stripes in the hanger, are dis- 
 tinguished by two kinds of finish. 
 
 These tablets were gotten up by Special Committees of the 
 respective organizations named, and the expenses were borne by the 
 State bodies of each. The Sovereign Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F., had 
 some years ago placed a tablet of Vermont marble, suitably 
 engraved, in the Washington Monument ; and a number other 
 State societies moved to obtain tablets for the Bennington Battle 
 Monument, but were not in time. The Architect, however, made 
 blue-prints and assigned places, but as the space was not taken none 
 but these four were placed in it. For some reason all the newspa- 
 per descriptions of the Monument omit mention of these tablets, 
 and they are, also, overlooked in the " official " description, hence a 
 sketch of them to close this volume. 
 
 The four societies are to be congratulated upon the motives and 
 enterprise displayed by each to place such enduring records in the 
 highest battle monument on earth to-day. Momentous events hung 
 upon the issues of Bennington's notable battle ; and may its results 
 become symbolic of a like influence upon the societies represented, 
 when their present members, like the fathers of the State, shall 
 have put aside the sword and armor for the Crown. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 A. 
 
 Abbott, Colonel Lyman P., 65, 66, 140, 148. 
 
 Addresses: 
 Judge Noah Smith, 12; Hon. John W. 
 Stewart, 46 ; Introductory, by Hon. Whee- 
 lock G. Veazey, President of the Day, 78 ; 
 Welcome by Governor Page, 80 ; Transfer 
 of the Monument by ex-Governor Prescott, 
 President of the Association, 81 ; Hon. 
 Edward J. Phelps, 84 ; President Harrison, 
 97, 105 ; Governor Kussell, 109 ; Governor 
 Tuttle, ll'J ; General Oliver Otis Howard, 
 115 ; General Eussell A. Alger, 118 ; Secre- 
 tary of War Proctor, 119 ; Attorney-Gen- 
 eral Miller, 120 ; General Alexander S. 
 Webb, 121 ; General John G. MoCullough, 
 122 ; Ex-Governor Kice, 123 ; Colonel Albert 
 Clarke, 126 ; Dr. E. B. Sherman, 127 ; Major 
 Charles H. Bartlett, 129 ; Hon. Edwin S. 
 Barrett, President Massachusetts Society, 
 S. A. R , 131 ; Colonel Kittredge Haskins, 
 154; General John C. Underwood, 169; 
 Major A. B. Valentine, 164 ; Chaplain How- 
 ard F. Hill, 174 ; General Theo. S. Peck, 
 Colonel G. G. Benedict, Colonel Andross, 
 160. 
 
 Alger, General E. A., 104, 118, 142, 143, 148. 
 
 Appkopbiations : 
 To build the Monument, 30, 31, 34, 35; to pur- 
 chase site, 41 ; Vermont to celebrate 64 
 New Hampshire to attend Centennial, 64 
 Massachusetts for Centennial Expenses, 65 , 
 Knights Templars, 155 ; Independent Order 
 of Odd Fellows, 168 ; Grand Army of the 
 Kepublio, 161-163 ; Sons of the American 
 Eevolution, 163. 
 
 Architect of the Monument, 39. 
 
 Arch, 74-76. 
 
 Arrival of The President, 141. 
 
 Auxiliary Events, 154. 
 
 Awards, Centennial Trophy, etc., 185. 
 
 Banquet, 103. 
 
 Batchelder, James K., 33, 66, 140. 
 
 Bates, Edward L., 66, 103, 146, 147. 
 
 Barrett, Edwin S., 131, 148, 165, 167, 169. 
 
 Bartlett, Major Chas. H. , 129, 148, 172, 194. 
 
 Baum Cannon, 29, 72, 145. 
 
 Benediction: 
 Eev. Isaac Jennings, 53 ; Eev. Chas. Park- 
 hurst, D.D., 99. 
 
 Bennett, Colonel E. D., 66, 68, 103, 157, 192. 
 
 Bennington Battle, Celebrations of, 9-29. 
 
 Bennington Battle Monument Associa- 
 tion: 
 
 Incorporation, 29 ; First Organization, 31 ; 
 First Celebration of, 31-33 ; Second Incora^ 
 tion, 33; Organization of, 36, 37; Kecord 
 History of, 36^2. 
 
 Bennington Historical Society, 33. 
 
 Blazing Arch, Electric and Calcium Lights, 76. 
 
 Bliss, Chas. M,, 35, 36. 37. 38, 39, 40, 41. 
 
 Building Committee, 35, 36, 41. 
 
 Bull, Wm. C, 66, 75, 103. 
 
 Burgoyne's Camp-Kettle, 102. 
 
 Camp-Kettle ; 
 Burgoyne's, 102 ; (not) Burgoyne's, 192. 
 
 Canvas Pavilions, 103, 104. 
 
 Carney, John V., 66, 67, 103, 108, 147, 183. 
 
 Celebrations ; 
 of Bennington Battle, 9-29 ; Cost of, 35, 176. 
 
 Centennial; 
 Commission, 66, 140 ; Ode, 83, 146. 
 
 Oentehnial Sunday: 
 Services in Camp, 134 ; at Old First Church, 
 134 ; Historic Sermon, 135-139 ; Services in 
 town 196, 197, 198. 
 
 Chief Makshals: 
 Colonel Geo. W. Hooker, 44. 
 General Wm. L. Greenleaf, 67, 69, 144. 
 
 Childs, Asaph P., 66, 103, 150. 
 
 Chivalry, Decoration of, 159, 160. 
 
 Citizens Committee of Fifty, 66, 66. 
 
 City of Tents, 183-198. 
 
 Clarke, Colonel Albert, 126, 147. 
 
 Committees: 
 On Oration of, 1778, 12 ; Celebration of, 1805, 
 24-25 ; Bennington Battle Monument Asso- 
 ciation, and Centennial Year, 33 ; Commit- 
 tee of Design, 37 ; General and Working, 
 38, 41 ; Advisory, 39 ; On Building, 40, 41 ; 
 On Constitution, 56 ; Admission to the 
 Union, 61 ; OfBcial State, 64, 66 ; Citizens 
 Committee of Fifty, 66; Reception, 140; 
 Exercises, 140 ; Kcviewing Stand, 140 ; Ban- 
 quet, 140 ; Ladies, 140 ; Grand Stand, 140 ; 
 Knights Templars, 165; I. O. O. F., 158; 
 General Stark's Portrait, 166 ; General 
 Stark's Battle Flag, 166. 
 
 Contents, Table of, 5, 6. 
 
 Continental Salute, 44. 
 
 Contract to Build Monument, 35, 41. 
 
 Cope-Stone, 53. 
 
 Corner-stone, Laying of, 42-53. 
 
 Cummings, Silas W., 155. 
 
 Cushing, Major H. C, 77, 148, 145, 184, 188, 192. 
 
 Cushman, Henry T., 2nd, 66, 67, 103, 175. 
 
 Daley, Dr. Emmett B., 146. 
 
 Decorations, 74, 77, 104, 132, 134, and 197 ; of 
 
 Chivalry, 169, 160. 
 Dedication: 
 
 Ceremonies, 77-103 ; of Monument, 77-99. 
 Description of the Monument, 99-102. 
 Dinner at General McCullough's, 141, 142. 
 
 DiEECTOES: 
 
 See Eecord History, 35-42. 
 Design: 
 
 Committee of, 37 ; of Monument, adopted, 
 
 38 39. 
 Downs, Prof, H. W., 75. 
 Drennan, Major John S., 70, 142. 
 
 E. 
 
 Edmunds, ex-Senator Geo. F., 44. 140, 143, 147. 
 Estey, Colonel Julius J., 66, 70, 148, 186, 187. 
 
 Farnham, ex-Governor Koswell, 140, 143, 148. 
 Fletcher, Lleut.-Gov. Henry A., 66, 160, 196. 
 Fuller, Colonel Levi K., 41, 44, 71, 77, 148, 188. 
 
 Gibson, Irving E., ( 
 
 G. 
 
 , 103, 144. 
 
202 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Government, Village and Town, 198. 
 Goldsmitli, Prof. R. O., 146. 
 Grand Lodge of Freemasons 42, 43, 44, 45, 199. 
 Grand Army of the Eepublie, 43, 70, 72, 145, 
 
 16;;, 163, 200. 
 Greene, Colonel Luther O., 140, 148, 
 Greenleaf, Gen. "VVm. L., 44, 67, 69, 144, 148, 174, 
 
 184. 
 Guard of Honor, 70, 142. 
 
 H. 
 
 Hall, Alfred A., 42, 45, 1B4, 155. 
 
 Haskins, Colonel Kittredge, 154, 155, 156, 175. 
 
 Harrison, Benjamin, 69, 70, 74, 76, 99, 104, 105, 
 
 108, 132, 141, 144, 145, 160. 
 Hill, Kev. Howard F., 70, 134, 191. 
 Historic Tablets, 199, 200. 
 Holden, John S., 66, 103. 
 Hooker, Col. Geo. "W., 44, 140, 141, 160. 
 Howard, General O. O., 115, 143, 148. 
 Huling, Milo 0., 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 45. 
 
 Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 43, 44, 45, 
 
 169, 200. 
 Introductory and Incidental Events, 139. 
 Invitations, Of&cial, 64. 
 
 Jacob, Stephen, 11. 
 Jennings, Kev. Isaac, 33, 36, 40, 42, 53. 
 John A. Logan Mounted Post, 70, 142, 145, 
 161, 162. 
 
 K. 
 
 Knights Templars, 43, 72, 145, 154, 157, 199. 
 
 Legislative Acts : 
 Incorporating the Bennington Battle Monu- 
 ment Association (1853), 30; Incorporating 
 the Bennington Battle Monument Associa- 
 tion (1876), 33 ; Appointing Commissioners, 
 41 ; Vermont's Admission to the Union, 61 ; 
 Dedication of the Monument and Vermont 
 Clentennial, 63 ; Joint Resolution by New 
 Hampshire, 64 ; Resolve by Massachusetts, 
 65. 
 
 List of Illustrations, 7. 8. 
 
 Letters : 
 Of General John Stark, 25 ; Attorney-Gen- 
 eral Miller, 120 ; Vice-President Morton, 
 177 ; President Bartlett, 177 ; Governor 
 Burke, 177 J Governor Bulkley, 177 ; Reuben 
 0. Benton, 177 ; Governor Boies, 177 ; Gov- 
 ernor Burleigh, 177 ; Governor Fleming, 
 
 178 ; Governor Fifer, 178 ; Chief Justice 
 Fuller, 178 ; Governor Eagle, 178 ; General 
 Chas. W. Darling, 178 ; Dudley C. Denison, 
 
 179 ; Secretary Blaine, 179 ; Major Charles 
 Colville, 179 ; ex-President Cleveland, 179 ; 
 ex-Governor Beaver, 179 ; Doctor P. O'M. 
 Edson, 179 ; Secretary Noble, 179; General 
 K. D. Mussey, 179 ; Senator Manderson, 181 ; 
 Governor Hill, 181 ; ex-President Hayes, 
 181 ; Governor Buckner, 181 ; Postmaster- 
 General Wanamaker, 181 ; ex-Postmaster- 
 General Vilas, 181; General "Baldy" 
 Smith 182 ; Secretary Rusk, 1S2 ; Governor 
 Nichols, 182 ; and others, 182. 
 
 M. 
 
 Massachusetts Delegation, 172-174. 
 Menu, 105, 149. 
 
 Miller, Wm. H. H., 120, 141, 143, 147. 
 MoCuUough, General J. G., 39, 122, 132, 141, 
 143, 147, 168, 169. 
 
 Moodus Drum Corps, 72, 171. 
 
 Monument: 
 Resume of History, 29 ; First Proposals, 31 ; 
 Committee on Location, 31 ; First Celebra- 
 tion in interest of, 31, 32 ; Second Move- 
 ment to Build, 32, 33 ; Second Celebration 
 in interest of, 35 ; Cost of Monument and 
 Contract for, 35, 36 ; Record History, 36-42 ; 
 Grand Lodge of Vermont, F. & A. M., 
 asked to lay Corner-stone, 42 ; Dedicated, 
 77-99. 
 
 N. 
 
 National Guard of Vermont, 44, 64, 70, 71, 134, 
 
 145, 183-199. 
 Newspaper Corps, 153, 154. 
 New Hampshire at the Centennial, 171, 172. 
 Ninth Vermont, Reunion of, 160, 161. 
 
 O. 
 
 OflBcial Acts and Preparation, 63. 
 
 Old First Church Organized, 54. 
 
 Orations: 
 Judge Noah Smith, 12; Hon. John W. Stew- 
 art, 46 ; Hon. Edward J. Phelps, 84. 
 
 Orator, First (of Bennington Battle), 9. 
 
 Page, Governor Carroll S. , 35, 44, 64, 65, 66, 67, 
 70, 76, 80, 82, 99, 103, 133, 134, 139, 141, 142, 
 
 144. 147, 150, 154, 167, 160, 162, 176, 188, 190. 
 Parade, Formation of Column, 70. 
 Parkhurst, Rev. Chas., 67, 78, 99, 144, 182. 
 Patriarchs Militant, 43, 44, 73, 74, 145, 167, 200. 
 Peck, General Theo. S., 44, 65, 133, 141, 143, 
 
 148, 160, 174, 184, 190. 
 People's Popular Banquet, 103. 
 Phelps, Edward J., 35, 37, 67, 84, 99, 104, 141, 
 
 143. 148. 
 
 Poet, First (of Bennington Battle), 11, 16, 
 
 Postprandial Exercises, 105-132. 
 
 Prayer, Rev. Dr. Parkhurst, 79. 
 
 Preface, 3, 4. 
 
 Presoott, ex-Governor Benj . F., 37,42,44,45, 
 
 81, 143, 144, 148, 166. 
 Presentation in "Camp Vermont," 174. 
 Preparatory Stage, 63. 
 Presidents of the Day: 
 
 Ex-Governor Prescott, 42 ; General Whee- 
 
 lock G. Veazey, 67. 
 Pbesidential: 
 
 Party, 142, 143, 144; Salute, 77. 
 Procession and its Incidents, 68-77. 
 Proctor, Redfield, 104, 119, 143, 147, 169. 
 Puiler, Colonel N. M., 73, 168, 160. 
 
 R. 
 
 Record History, Rev. Isaac Jennings, 36-42. 
 
 Of Chief Marshal, 69 ; of Adjutant-General, 
 
 133 ; of the Brigade, 184 ; of Regiment, 187 ; 
 
 of Artillery, 188. 
 Revolutionary Soldiers, 168. 
 Rice, ex-Governor Alex. H., 57, 123, 141, 142, 
 
 143, 147. 
 Rinn, J. Philipp, 39, 45, 99. 
 Root, Henry (3., 35, 36, 40, 41 , 66. 
 Roster of Troops: 
 
 Vermont, 190 ; Cushing's Battery, 192 ; 
 
 New Hampshire, and Amoskeag Veterans, 
 
 193; Massachusetts, 194. 
 Russell, Governor Wm. E., 104, 109, 141, 143, 
 
 148, 172, 173, 194. 
 
 S. 
 
 Soott, Colonel Olin, 33, 46. 72, 102, 165, 198. 
 Severance, Rev. M. L., 135-139. 
 Sibley, Geo. Byron, 175. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 203 
 
 Site of Monument, 40, 41. 
 
 Slierman, Elijah B., 127. 
 
 Smith, Noah, 9, 10. 
 
 Soldiers' Home Pedioated, 43. 
 
 SOKS OF THE American Revolution; 
 March in Procession, 72 ; Decorations, 134 ; 
 Headquarters, 140, 163 ; Annual Meeting, 
 164 ; New Hampshire Society, 1G5 ; Massa- 
 chusetts Society, 167 ; Rosters of Repre- 
 sentatives, 168-171. 
 
 Sou VEX IK: 
 
 Programmes, 68 ; Gold Medal, 108. 
 Staniels, Chas. E., 165. 166, 170. 
 Stark, General John, 25. 
 
 Stewart, John W., 33, 46, 66, 140, 142. 143, 170. 
 Stillson, Henry L.,4, 66, 68, 73, 103, 134, 153, 
 
 164, 169. 
 
 Telegraphic Service, 198. 
 
 Templar Hospitality, 174, 175. 
 
 32nd Separate Company, N. Y. N. G., 43, 71, 
 
 145. 
 Toasts, Ancient, 24. 
 Transportation, Railways engaged, 68. 
 Triumphal Arch, 74-'76. 
 Tattle, Governor Hiram A., 104, 112, 140, 143, 
 
 148, 171, 172, 193. 
 
 U. 
 
 Underwood, General John C, 73, 157, 158, 159, 
 
 160. 
 Union Celebrations, Vermont and New York, 
 
 26. 
 
 V. 
 
 Veazey, Wheelock G., 67, 78, 79, 81, 82, 83, 96, 
 
 99, 105, 109, 115, 118, 119, 121, 123, 143, 147. 
 Valentine, Major A. B., 35, 36, 37, 40, 41, 66, 
 
 67, 72, 164, 165. 
 Vermont: 
 
 Legislature, 73, 196. 
 
 Independent State of, 53-62, 
 
 Historical Society, 199. 
 
 Centennial Ode, 83, 146. 
 
 W. 
 
 Ward, Wm. H., 35, 41. 
 Washington Centennial, 27. 
 Webb: 
 
 Dr. Wm. Seward, 70, 76, 141, 142, 147, 164. 
 
 General Alex. S^ 121, 141, 143, 148, 160. 
 Wells, General William, 44, 140, 143, 144, 148, 
 
 160. 
 West Point Cadets 72, 145, 186. 
 Woodbury, Colonel U. A., 140, 145, 148, 160. 
 
PUBLIC PRESENTATION AND 
 RECEPTION 
 
 OF MONUMENTS MARKING 
 
 The Catamount Tavern, The Patriot 
 
 AND Hessian Burial Place, General 
 
 Stark's Camping-Ground, 
 
 BY CITIZENS TO THE 
 
 Bennington Battle Monument and Historical 
 Association, June 23, 1897. 
 
 (Supplemental to the "Centennial Books" of 1877 and 1891.) 
 
 1[[lustrateO. 
 
 Bennington, Vermont. 
 
 Published by the Association. 
 
 iSqB. 
 
Perry & keeseman, 
 
 book printers, 
 
 Bennington, Vermont. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 At an adjourned annual meeting of .the Bennington Battle 
 Monument and Historical Association, held in Bennington, 
 February 3, 1897, among other business transacted, the follow- 
 ing was adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That a public presentation and acceptance of the monuments 
 erected by citizens of this vicinity take place the week of the gathering of 
 the Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Vermont, June next, in 
 this village; 'and that the Department of Vermont, G. A. R., be invited to 
 assist in the ceremonies, as an organization. 
 
 A committee of five, of whom Gen. J. G. McCullough was 
 chairman, was appointed to confer with the committee repre- 
 senting the citizens mentioned in the resolution, and a request 
 was made for the names of the donors to place on record in the 
 minutes of the Association. In the proper places will be found 
 the roll of these subscribers, and the committee chosen to rep- 
 resent them. 
 
 These committees met in joint conference with the De- 
 partment Commander, G. A. R., May 14, 1897, and decided 
 on the arrangements for the public exercises, which were car- 
 ried out to the satisfaction of all concerned, and honorable to 
 the gentlemen having the details in charge. It being then 
 known that the venerable president, Henry G. Root, who had 
 wintered in Southern California, would not be present, Maj. A. 
 B. Valentine, vice-president of the Association, was asked and 
 consented to preside. Frederic B. Jennings was named to de- 
 liver the oration and to present the three monuments, marking 
 historic sites in and about Bennington, and Governor Grout 
 kindly accepted an invitation to be present and receive the 
 trust of their custody, in behalf of the State and the Associa- 
 tion. Department Commander Puffer, in behalf of the Grand 
 Army of the Republic of Vermont, accepted the duties of exec- 
 utive committee for the ceremonies of the day, and the manner 
 this service was performed is set forth in his "general orders," 
 and in the Proceedings of the 30th Annual Encampment, ex- 
 tracts of which appear in this work. 
 
 At the regular annual meeting of the Association, held in 
 Bennington, January 12, 1898, a full report was made of the 
 exercises of June 23, 1897, together with a recommendation 
 that "the presentation and reception of the three monuments : 
 
208 MARKIN^G HISTORIC SITES. 
 
 one marking the site of the Catamount Tavern ; one on the 
 place of the burial of patriots and British soldiers, in the old 
 church-)ard ; and one on the site of the camping-ground of 
 Stark's army, the night before the battle, be printed in some 
 form ; thus supplementing the two volumes, already published, 
 relating to the Centennial Celebration of 1877, and the Dedica- 
 tion of the Battle Monument in 1891." 
 
 The following motion was adopted : "That the chair appoint a com- 
 mittee of three, on the publication of the report of the proceedings of the 
 dedication of the three monuments, June 23, 1897. The chair appointed : 
 Henry L. Stillson, Samuel B. Hawks, and Harry T. Cushman. The meet- 
 ing voted that A. B. \'alentine be added to and be the chairman of the com- 
 mittee. 
 
 In persuance of the preceding action this supplemental 
 brochure is submitted, as an additional contribution to local 
 and state history and as in many ways throwing further light 
 upon a most interesting subject. 
 
 Henry L,eonard Stillson, 
 
 for the Committee. 
 "The Study," Bennington, Vt., August 25, 1898. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Attempts to mark historic sites ; the Bennington Battle Monument 
 and Historical Association ; Amendments to original charter of 
 1876/ the object of the Association, and latest code of hy-laws ; 
 Marking Historic sites, — the Catamount Tavern, the Patriot and 
 Hessian Burial Place, General Stark''s camping-ground August l-i, 
 1777 ; comments upon these subjects as they relate to history. 
 
 These supplemental pages should be read in connection 
 with the publications of 1877, and 1891, in order to properly 
 understand the events which led up to the exercises of June 23, 
 1897. The permanent marking of the sites of the "Catamount 
 Tavern," the "Patriot and Hessian Burial Place," and "Gen- 
 eral Stark's Camping- ground, August 15, 1777," was the logi- 
 cal sequence to the erection of the Bennington Battle Monu- 
 ment, and the natural outcome of prior marking of historic spots 
 in and about Bennington in connection therewith. At one 
 time a number of places were marked by oak posts, both in 
 Bennington Centre and on the battle-field, by committees and 
 members of the Historical Society, so that when the Associa- 
 tion succeeded the aforesaid society, nothing could have been 
 more se:nsible than that the incorporated body should become 
 the custodian. Its lawful right to assume this trust is shown in 
 the amendments to the charter of the Bennington Battle Monu- 
 ment Association. For the full text of the original reference is 
 made to pages 33, 34, of the Centennial Book of 1891. 
 
 Amendments in Part. — At the session of the L,egislature 
 of 1880, it was enacted that "Section i, of the Act incorporat- 
 ing the Bennington Battle Monument Association, approved 
 November 28, 1876, is hereby so amended that said Associa- 
 tion may take and hold by gift, purchase, devise and otherwise, 
 real and personal estate to the amount of one hundred thousand 
 dollars, and the same manage and dispose of for the purposes 
 of said corporation." 
 
 At the same session it was enacted that "The Governors 
 of the states of New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, shall be 
 ex -officio m&mh&rs, of the Bennington Battle Monument Associa- 
 tion, and the Governors of Vermont, New Hampshire, and 
 
•210 MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 
 
 Massachusetts, shall be ex-officio members of the Board of Di- 
 rectors of said Association." 
 
 At the session of the Legislature in 1890, it was enacted 
 that "The management, control, and general care of said Ben- 
 nington Battle Monument, and of the lands around the same, 
 owned by the state of Vermont, shall at all times hereafter be 
 confided to said Bennington Battle Monument Association, 
 which shall at all times have full liberty and authority to make 
 any necessary repairs, changes, additions, or improvements in 
 and about the same ; it being expressly understood, however, 
 that nothing in this Act, or section contained, shall be con- 
 strued as granting to said Battle Monument Association author- 
 ity to contract debts of any nature in the name of the state of 
 Vermont ; or for which said state might become liable, for any 
 of the purposes intended to be covered and described by this 
 section." 
 
 At the L/Cgislative session of 1896, it was enacted, "That 
 the Act entitled an Act to Incorporate the Bennington Battle 
 Monument Association, approved November 28, 1876, be 
 amended as follows : 
 
 ^^ First, The Bennington Battle Monument Association 
 shall hereafter be known as Bennington Battle Monument and 
 Historical Association. 
 
 ^'■Second, Membership of said Association may, at the dis- 
 cretion of the Association, be extended to a number not ex- 
 ceeding one hundred. 
 
 '■^ Third, Section one of said Act to incorporate Benning- 
 ton Battle Monument Association is hereby amended by strik- 
 ing out" provision that seven members be elected, annually, 
 from the Bennington Historical society, that had voted to dis- 
 band and named this Association its residuary legatee. 
 
 Also, at the same session, it was enacted : 
 
 "Sec. I. Bennington Battle Monument and Historical 
 Association is hereby empowered to erect and maintain a pedes- 
 tal, surmounted by a bronze catamount, marking the site of 
 the Catamount Tavern in the public highway, in the village of 
 Centre Bennington . 
 
 "Sec. 2. If any person wilfully and without authority or 
 right, removes, injures or destroys, or procures, or -causes to be 
 removed, injured or destroyed any monument or marker erected 
 by, or in the custody of, the Bennington Battle Monument and 
 Historical Association, intended to mark any spot of interest 
 connected with the .early history of Vermont, or the battle of 
 Bennington, or injures any fence or other erection, trees or 
 shrubbery in or about the grounds owned by, or in the custody 
 
MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 211 
 
 of, said Association in the town of Bennington, or in the town 
 of Shaftsbury, he shall be punished in the same manner as pre- 
 scribed in sections 5007 and 5008, in Vermont Statutes." 
 
 Under the charter of the Association, as amended, the en- 
 larged field of labors and conditions of greater or more varied 
 trusts necessitated a new code of by-laws, and a statement of 
 the object of the Association became of paramount importance. 
 
 ASSOCIATION BY-IvAWS. 
 
 The Object of the Association. — Whereas. The state of 
 Vermont having entrusted this Association with the care of 
 the Benington Battle Monument, and its surrounding grounds, 
 and patriotic citizens having erected other monuments in com- 
 memoration of important events in the history of the state, and 
 having asked this Association to accept the care of them, the 
 first object of the Association shall be to discharge the trust im- 
 posed upon it, and Fee to it that the confidence shown is not 
 misplaced. * * * * 
 
 It shall be our duty to extend and complete the work thus 
 begun, and collect and preserve the history of this common- 
 wealth, especially that which relates to the New Hampshire 
 Grants, the Battle of Bennington, and the organization of the 
 state. Also, it shall be our duty to provide a home and abid- 
 ing place for the Association, and other patriotic organizations, 
 by the erection of a memorial hall or other buildings suitable 
 for the purpose, and for the collection and preservation of rel- 
 ics, a cabinet and historical library. 
 
 Membership. — The name of any person desiring to become 
 a member of the Association must be presented by a member, 
 and referred to a special committee of three;, appointed by the 
 Association in such manner as it may see fit, which committee 
 shall report at a subsequent meeting held not less than one 
 week after the name of the candidate has been proposed. If a 
 vote of two-thirds of the members present shall be cast in favor 
 of the candidate, he shall be declared elected, and when he 
 shall have signed these by-laws, or given a written assent to 
 the placing of his name thereto, and not before, he shall be 
 admitted to full membership ; provided, however, that if the 
 person so elected fails to comply with the conditions imposed 
 for the period of one year, then the vote of admission shall be 
 void and of no effect. 
 
 Honorary Members. — Honorary members may be admitted 
 to honorary membership in the same manner, who shall have 
 all the privileges of members, except that of taking part in 
 business meetings thereof, or holding office therein. 
 
•21-2 ^MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 
 
 Officers. — The officers of this Association shall be a Presi- 
 dent, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, whose duties 
 shall be such as devolve on Hkc officers of similar Associations. 
 
 There shall, also, be a Board of thirteen Directors, of 
 whom the governors of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massa- 
 chusetts are by law members ex-officio. 
 
 The Board of Directors shall be the executive officers of 
 the Association, and, except as otherwise ordered, all the busi- 
 ness of the Association shall be done through them, and no 
 money whatever shall be drawn from the treasury except on 
 order of a majority of the Board. 
 
 A Board of Auditors, consisting of three members of the 
 Association, shall be annually elected to perform the duties in- 
 cident to their office. 
 
 All officers shall be elected at the annual meeting, by bal- 
 lot, and shall hold their offices until the next annual meeting, 
 or until their successors are elected ; and a vacancy in any 
 office of the Association may be filled by the Board of Direc- 
 tors, until the next annual meeting. 
 
 Committees. — A special committee of three, which shall be 
 called the "Historical Committee," shall be appointed by the 
 Association at its annual meeting, in such manner as it may 
 see fit. The duty of this committee shall be such as its name 
 would indicate, and such as the Association may from time to 
 time designate, and it shall be competent for the Association 
 at any annual or special meeting to appoint any other commit- 
 tees, as from time to time it may think best, whose duties 
 shall be indicated at the time of their appointment. 
 
 Meetings. — The annual meetings of the Association shall 
 be held on the second Wednesday of January, at such time and 
 place as shall be designated by the Association, or a majority 
 of its Directors; provided, however, that if for any reason the 
 annual meeting should fail of being holden, a special meeting 
 of the Association may be called to do the business of the an- 
 nual meeting. 
 
 Special Meetings. — Special meetings of the Association 
 may be called by the Directors, a'nd the Secretary shall, also, 
 call a special meeting on petition of seven members of the 
 Association, which meetings shall be called by publication in 
 the Bennington village newspapers, at least one week before 
 such meeting is to be held, and it shall be the duty of the Sec- 
 retary to give similar notice of annual meetings. 
 
 Quorum. — Seven members of the Association shall consti- 
 tute a quorum for the transaction of business. 
 
CATAMOUNT MONUMENT, BENNINGTON CENTRE. 
 
MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 213 
 
 Alterations or Amendments. — These by-laws may be al- 
 tered or amended at any meeting of the Association ; provided 
 notice has been given of such amendment at a previous meet- 
 ing, held at least four weeks before action is taken upon the 
 proposed amendment. 
 
 Repeal. — All previous by-laws and amendments thereto 
 are hereby abrogated. 
 
 THE THREE MARKERS. 
 
 Marking Historic Sites. — During the summer of 1895, 
 the patriotic gentlemen, hereafter named, led by President 
 Henry G. Root, and others of the Association, inaugurated the 
 movement that led to the permanent markers, since transferred 
 to the custody of the Bennington Battle Monument and Histor- 
 ical Association. While there was a general response to the 
 suggestion, yet to Mr. Root should be given the credit for the 
 movement and its successful issue. The sites are three in num- 
 ber, and are illustrated in this work. 
 
 That of the ' ' Catamount Tavern ' ' occupies the site of 
 a former marker (now transferred to the Patriot and Hessian 
 Burial Place), the illustration of which and inscription thereon 
 is shown opposite page 8, in the Book of 1891. By way of 
 contrast appears the same scene, relatively, in this publication. 
 The inscription is as follows : 
 
 SITE OF THE 
 
 CATAMOUNT 
 
 TAVERN, 1767. 
 
 The date here attached is placed two years earlier than the 
 inscription of the one which it supplanted, to which reference is 
 made, above. There is no positive evidence as to the exact 
 year in which this historic hostelry was erected. The " about 
 1769," of the earlier marker was the one in common use by 
 concurrent publications, while the later (1767) is based upon 
 the now known fact that Landlord Fay came to Bennington in 
 1765, and as early as 1768-9, the "tavern" was a noted place,, 
 well-known as a resort of prominent patriots. From this it is- 
 inferred that the date of 1767 is none too early as a probable 
 year of the erection or completion of this building, the irrepa- 
 rable loss of which is certainly one of the calamities that has^ 
 befallen Bennington, and, the State of Vermont. 
 
 The architect of the battle monument, J. Ph. Rinn, de- 
 signed the catamount monument ; and the bronze ' ' catamount, ' '' 
 
214 
 
 MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 
 
 completing it, is by G. Moretti, sculptor. The base is of Ascut- 
 ney granite, 2 5-8 x 5 2-3 x 7 feet, — one solid block, — and the 
 corners are curving like the larger structure. The figure of the 
 "catamount'' is of heroic size and was modelled from life, 
 The whole monument is of such artistic proportions that, 
 especially in perspective, the monument ranks among the finest 
 on the continent. 
 
 The Patriot and Hessian Burial Place is in the churchyard 
 of the Old First Church of Christ, Bennington Centre. Here, 
 under the historic spire, patriot and " hireling " of the Revo- 
 lutionary struggle alike repose in peace. The marker is of 
 Barre granite, 2 7-12 x 4 1-4 x 6 feet, — one solid stone. The 
 inscription is in two parts : 
 
 AROUND THIS STONE 
 
 LIE BURIED MANY 
 PATRIOTS WHO FELL 
 IN THE BATTLE OF 
 
 BENNINGTON 
 AUGUST i6th, 1777. 
 
 HERE ALSO REST BRITISH 
 
 SOLDIERS, HESSIANS, WHO DIED 
 
 FROM WOUNDS AFTER THE 
 
 BATTLE AS CAPTIVES. THEY WERE 
 
 CONFINED IN THE FIRST MEETING 
 
 HOUSE BUILT IN VERMONT, 
 
 WHICH STOOD ON THE GREEN 
 
 WEST FROM THIS BURYING GROUND. 
 
 BENNINGTON 
 
 HISTORICAL SOCIETY 
 
 1896. 
 
 In the front row of graves in this yard, shown in the Old 
 First Church illustration, lies the dust of such noted Vermont 
 names as these : Captain Moses Robinson, Captain Elijah 
 Dewey, Rev. Jedediah Dewey, Captain Stephen Fay, Captain 
 Samuel Robinson, lyieutenant James Breakenridge, and others. 
 
 It is known that many of the Hessians remained in the 
 United States after the close of hostilities, that they settled in 
 various places and became, like the later immigrants from the 
 Germanic States, among the best of our adopted citizens. To 
 the writer, the character given these troops of Great Britain, 
 "hirelings," etc., has always seemed a harsh verdict, although 
 
MARKING HISTORIC SIT£:S. 215 
 
 true from the American standpoint of the time, and that there 
 must have been mitigating circumstances, or the subsequent 
 life of the survivors was "an enigma of history." We are 
 glad, therefore, to find the comments of Wm. L. Stone in an 
 introduction, in 1886, to a translation of " Pausch's Diary," 
 which had then been recently discovered by Edward J. Lowell in 
 the State Library at Cassel. Captain Pausch was Chief of the 
 Hanan Artillery, and a man of culture, evidenced by the ' ' High ' ' 
 German in which he wrote. Professor Stone says: "This 
 MS. of 170 pp. details the fate and fortune of Pausch and his 
 men irom May 15, 1776 (the day they left Hanan), to the 
 close of Burgoyne's last battle, October 7, 1777. Hanan is on 
 the main. The vessels in which they embarked, conveyed 
 them to a transport at the mouth of the Waal, which took 
 them to Spithead, to Quebec and so to the river Sorel. The 
 whole transit occupied three and one-half months. To guard 
 against desertion in passing through the free states on the 
 Rhine, the vessels were either anchored in the middle of the 
 river, or were moored to islands. The transport had been en- 
 gaged in the Guinea slave-trade, and so was fit for the German 
 slave-trade. She started with one recalcitrant gunner in irons. 
 ^he Journal^ also, dwells freely on the personal experiences of 
 its author and his men, while in Canada ; and we thus get 
 glimpses into the private life of these execrated Hessian sol- 
 diers, which make us lament their hard and unhonored fate." 
 
 There is no doubt about the brave fight of these Hessians 
 at the battle of Bennington, and it is shown by the field to-day 
 that it was no easy task for the "embattled farmers " to take 
 the fortified heights defended by trained troops and artillery. 
 Now, if these Hessians were fighting for a foreign king against 
 their will, if the vessels were obliged to keep from land, en route 
 to England, for fear of desertions, and individuals died from 
 homesickness during Burgoyne's march toward Albany after 
 their arrival in America, as this diary shows, is it not fair to- 
 infer that the fortunes of the day might have been different had 
 these Hessians been fighting for Fatherland instead ? If one 
 gunner was in irons on the way to Canada to keep him at all, 
 did he shoot any better at Bennington than he travelled to reach 
 that decisive field ? All this is to the credit of the men whose 
 unknown graves, on (to them) a foreign soil, this monument 
 marks. 
 
 Of the camping-ground of General Stark's troops, before 
 the battle, the Association owns a plot of land 75 x 100 feet. 
 It has been improved and slopes gently to the highway. In 
 the foreground rises the monument of rough Barre granite^ 
 
216 
 
 MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 
 
 2 1-2 X 4 X 5 feet, and in the rear is a flag-staff 75 feet high. 
 These grounds can be seen from the Bennington and Rutland 
 railway trains, north of the battle-field, and the flag, from the 
 pole, can be discerned for a long distance. The inscription is 
 from ex-Gov. Hiland Hall's version of General Stark's famous 
 saying, as follows : 
 
 GENERAL JOHN STARK'S 
 
 CAMPING GROUND 
 
 AUGUST 14, 15, 16, 1777. 
 
 'THERE ARE THE RED COATS, 
 
 AND THEY ARE OURS, 
 
 OR THIS NIGHT 
 
 MOLLY STARK 
 
 SLEEPS A WIDOW." 
 
 The version used in the Centennial Books of 1877, and 1891, 
 ■differs slightly from the above, and is accredited to New Hamp- 
 shire. It was inscribed upon the arch of 1877, situated at the 
 intersection of Main with North and South streets, Bennington 
 village. 
 
 During the years 1895-6 the money was raised and these 
 monuments were made- and placed in position, thus completing, 
 for all time, the permanent marking of the principal sites of 
 historic interest in Bennington. Moreover, it is safe to affirm 
 that no other locality is better marked. The battle monument 
 stands as the contribution of the National government, the 
 States of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts ; the 
 three markers in question attest the liberality of patriotic citi- 
 zens, — the whole speaking volumes for the interest taken in 
 this historic locality. 
 
CAMPING-GROUND MONUMENT, NEAR NORTH BENNINGTON, 
 
THE CELEBRATION. 
 
 Presentation and Reception of the Monuments Marking three Historic 
 Sites, in and about Bennington. — The action taken by the Donors 
 and by the Bennington Battle Monument and historical Association. 
 — The Names of Contributors and Preparations for the Event by the 
 Committees and the Grand Army of the Republic. — The Procession 
 and Incidents of the Bay. — Public Transfer of the Monumentsi 
 Addresses Delivered at the Dedication of Catamount Monument, 
 and Reception by the Governor in the name of the State and Asso- 
 ciation. — The Campfre at the Vermont Soldiers' Some. 
 
 PART I. 
 Records of the Association and Committees. 
 
 Extracts from Association Minutes. — At the annual 
 meeting of the Bennington Battle Monument and Historical 
 Association, held January 20, 1897, the following communica- 
 tion was received : 
 
 " To the Members of the Bennington Battle Monument and His- 
 torical Association : 
 
 " Gentlemen. — In behalf of those who caused to be 
 erected monuments, marking the sites of historic interest, we 
 purpose, if agreeable to you, to turn over to the custody of 
 your society, the granite pedestal, surmounted by a bronze cat- 
 amount, marking the site of Catamount Tavern ; and the stone, 
 suitably inscribed, on the spot in the old. churchyard, where 
 are buried Patriots and British soldiers (Hessians), who were 
 killed or died from wounds received at the battle of Benning- 
 ton ; and, also, the stone which marks the site where Stark 
 and his army encamped the night before the battle. 
 
 " Trusting that this offer will meet with your approval we 
 remain, Yours Truly, 
 
 H. G. Root. A. B. Valentine. Daniel Robinson." 
 
 F. A. Jennings. M. C. Huling. 
 
 The following resolutions were offered by Hon. L. F. Ab- 
 hott, and were adopted unanimously : 
 
218 MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 
 
 ' ' Whereas, A number of gentlemen have generously 
 erected a massive and elegant stone, surmounted by a bronze 
 catamount of great beauty and value, to mark the site of the 
 Catamount Tavern ; and have placed a fine block of granite, 
 suitably engraved, on the spot where were buried patriots who 
 fell in the battle of Bennington, and Hessians who died from 
 wounds after the battle ; and have, also, secured a site and 
 placed a suitable mai'ker on the field where Stark and his army 
 encamped the day before the battle, and near, if not on the 
 ground where he uttered the historic words of confidence and 
 defiance which are quoted on the stone ; and 
 
 "Whereas, The gentlemen mentioned, through a com- 
 mittee appointed by them, have asked the Bennington Battle 
 Monument and Historical Association to accept and care for 
 these monuments of enduring stone and bronze ; therefore be it 
 
 ' ' Resolved^ That this Association hereby gladly accepts the 
 trust, and pledges itself to protect and care for the monuments 
 marking three places of great historic interest. 
 
 ' ' Resolved^ That a committee of five be appointed, to con- 
 fer with the committee, representing the subscribers to the fund 
 raised for the purpose mentioned, regarding a day when the 
 trust may be publicly given, and publicly accepted." 
 
 It was also 
 
 " Resolved, That John G. McCullough, Irving E. Gibson, 
 Henry L,. Stillson, Harry T. Cushman, and Olin Scott be a 
 committee to represent this Association, to act with the com- 
 mittee representing the citizens mentioned, which committees 
 shall have full charge of the ceremonies of the occasion." 
 
 The following gentlemen are the citizens, represented by 
 the committee referred to in the resolution offered by Mr. 
 Abbott : John G. McCullough, F. B. Jennings, H. W. Put- 
 nam, J. Wool Griswold, John S. Holden, A. B. Valentine, E. 
 D. Welling, W. Seward Webb, Wm. E. Hawks, Olin Scott, H. 
 G. Root, James Colgate, Daniel Robinson, EH Tiffany, Wm. 
 H. Bradford, F. S. Pratt, E. W. Bradford, Geo. F. Graves, J. 
 H. Walbridge, M. C, Huling, H. C. Lindloff, N. M. Puffer, 
 Mrs. A. B. Valentine, Wm. R. Morgan, E. H. Putnam, Frank 
 Blackmer, L. A. Graves, William Campbell, L,. F. Abbott, H. 
 C. White, H. S. Bingham. C. E. Dewey, E. J. Tiffany, J. Ed. 
 Walbridge, I. E. Gibson, C. W. Thatcher, F. O. Graves, S. 
 H. Blackmer, J. T. Shurtleff, E. S. Chandler, Harry T. 
 Cushman, E. A. Booth, C. A. Pierce, H. M. Harris, H. D. 
 Fillmore, S. B. Hawks, Layman Rogers, R. M. Houghton, John 
 V. Carney, E. L,. Sibley, Elijah Dewey, G. A. Packer, John 
 Robinson, Burt Brothers, C. H. Darling, L,. P. Norton, Geo. 
 
MAEKING HIS TO BIG SITES. 219 
 
 W. Harman, F. M. Tiffany, Geo. B. Wellington, Geo. W. 
 Worthington, Russell Coal Company, W. E. Putnam, Edward 
 Swift, J. Edward Isham, Norman B. Squires, A. P. Childs, H. 
 C. Simmons, William Sanford, Samuel Keye.s, A. W. Braisted, 
 Mary R. Sariford, Edward L. Bates, R. J. Coffey, M. B. 
 Houghton, W. D. Newton, H. E. Burgess, J. K. Batchelder, 
 Hobart Robinson, Sophia E. Park, J. Ph. Rinn, Henry D. Hall. 
 The conditions of subscription stipulated that H. G. Root, 
 F. B. Jennings, Daniel Robinson, A. B. Valentine, and Milo 
 C. Huling should represent the subscribers in the expenditure 
 of the fund, and in all matters pertaining to the enterprise. 
 
 Action Taken by the Committees. — At a joint meeting 
 of the committee appointed to act for the contributors to the 
 fund for the erection of three monuments marking historic sites 
 in and about Bennington, with the committee appointed by the 
 Bennington Battle Monument and Historical Association, and 
 the Department Commander of the G. A. R. of Vermont, held 
 at the office of A. B. Valentine, May 14, 1897, Major A. B. 
 Valentine was elected chairman, and H. L. Stillson, secretary. 
 
 The following provisions were unanimously adopted : 
 
 ' ' First, That arrangement should be made for thepresenta- 
 tion of the aforesaid monuments to the Bennington Battle 
 Monument and Historical Association June 23d, next. 
 
 " Second, That A. B. Valentine, in behalf of the subscrib- 
 ers ; Gen. J. G. McCuUough, in behalf of the Monument As- 
 sociation's committee ; and Department Commander N. M. 
 Puffer, in behalf of the Grand Army Republic of Vermont, be 
 appointed an executive committee to arrange for the exercises 
 of the occasion. 
 
 " Third, That Frederick B. Jennings, of New York, be in- 
 vited in behalf of the subscribers, to publicly present the 
 markers mentioned to the Monument Association, and to make 
 an address in connection therewith. 
 
 ' ' Fourth, That Department Commander Puffer be requested 
 to take the entire charge of the procession on the occasion, and 
 all that may appertain thereto. 
 
 "Adjourned. 
 
 "H. Iv. STHvLSON, Secretary.'' 
 
 Action by the Grand Army of the Repubuc. — In 
 *' General Orders No. 15," Department Commander Puffer 
 said : "I would respectfully call your attention to the follow- 
 ing resolution received from the Bennington Battle Monument 
 and Historical Association : 
 
220 MASKING HISTORIC SITES. 
 
 " 'Resolved, That the public presentation to, and acceptance by, the 
 Association of the monuments marking places of historic interest, erected 
 by the citizens of this vicinity, take place the week of the gathering of the 
 Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Vermont. June next, in this 
 village, and that the Department of Vermont G. A. R. be invited to assist 
 in the ceremonies as an organization.' 
 
 ' ' ' Represetiting the committee in charge, I have the 
 pleasure of inviting you, in your official capacity, to take 
 charge of the procession which we hope will be composed 
 largely of veterans ; and to cooperate with the committee rep- 
 resenting the citizens referred to, and the Association. 
 
 " ' Yours truly, 
 
 " 'A. B. Valentine.' 
 
 " I consider it a deserved honor to accept the invitation, 
 inasmuch as the ceremony of laying the corner-stone, and dedi- 
 cation of our Battle Monument, was by other societies. It re- 
 mains for the Grand Army of the Republic to hand over these 
 marks of history to a perpetual society that will, not only keep 
 green the memory of our ancestors, but will establish memorials 
 that will mark the valor of you and your sons who accepted the 
 call of the immortal Lincoln." 
 
 Report of the Committee. — At the annual meeting 
 of the Association, held January 12, 1898, the following report 
 was presented and adopted : 
 
 ' ' To Bennington Battle Monument and Historical Association : 
 
 " Your committee, to whom was referred the matter of 
 making arrangements for a suitable ceremony at the public 
 presentation of the three monuments, lately erected by patriotic 
 and public-spirited citizens of the town of Bennington, and 
 presented to the Association and State, respectfully report : ' 
 
 "The 33d of June, 1897, was chosen as the day for the 
 ceremonies mentioned, it being at the time of the 30th Annual 
 Encampment, of the Department of Vermont, Grand Army of 
 the Republic, in Bennington. The veterans of Vermont heart- 
 ily and enthusiastically joined with us in making the ceremonies 
 on the occasion a success. Department Commander N. M. 
 Puffer acted as Chief Marshal, having charge of all that per- 
 tained to the procession. The procession was formed at the 
 Soldiers' Home, and under charge of the Chief Marshal and 
 aids, marched from the Home by way of School and Main 
 streets to the monument marking the site of the Catamount 
 Tavern ; the Bennington Rifles, the High School Cadets, with 
 the bands of Bennington and North Bennington, acting as es- 
 corts. ' The President of the Association, the Hon. Henry G. 
 
MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 221 
 
 Root, being unable to be present, the Vice-President discharged 
 the duties of presiding officer. Frederic B. Jennings, son of the 
 Rev. Isaac Jennings, who so long took an active part in this 
 Association, was chosen by the committee representing the 
 subscribers to be the Orator of the occasion, in the presentation 
 of the monuments to the Association and State. His Excel- 
 lency, Josiah Grout, a Director of the Association, consented 
 in behalf of the Association and the State to receive the monu- 
 ments. The Association is under many obligations to Mr. Jen- 
 nings for his able and exhaustive oration, and to Governor 
 Grout for his fine address of acceptance; and, also, to many 
 prominent citizens present, representing the States of New 
 Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York. Not less than 
 5,000 people were present, the day was fine, and all the con- 
 ditions were favorable to the successful carrying out of the pro- 
 gramme. While at previous exercises of this kind in Benning- 
 ton, larger processions and more people have been present, yet 
 none were better managed or more fully came up to our expec- 
 tations. There was no effort made to advertise and bring in a 
 large concourse of people, yet great interest was shown, and a 
 very much larger number were present than had been expected. 
 The Association and the people of Bennington have reason to 
 congratulate themselves on the success of the ceremonies of the 
 23d of last June. 
 
 ' ' It seems to the committee that an account of the presenta- 
 tion and reception of the three monuments : one marking the 
 site of the Catamount Tavern ; one on the place of the burial 
 of Patriots and British soldiers in the old churchyard ; and one 
 on the site of the camping-ground of Stark's army the night 
 before the battle, should be printed in some form, thus supple- 
 menting the two volumes already published relating to the 
 Centennial Celebration of 1877, and the Dedication of the Mon- 
 ' ument in 189 1. A very good way to accomplish this would be 
 to publish it under the same cover with the three hundred un- 
 bound volumes of the proceedings of the Dedication of the 
 Monument in 1891." 
 
 PART II. 
 The Procession and Speeches. 
 
 The Procession and Other Events.— The following 
 extracts from the "Unofficial Proceedings," of the 30th annual 
 Encampment, tell, also, the story of the day from the stand- 
 point of the Grand Army of the Republic : 
 
222 MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 
 
 '■'■ Wednesday, Jii7ie 2 J d. — The exercises following our en- 
 campment this year were of a different character than those of 
 former years, but not less interesting. The celebration in con- 
 nection with the Bennington Battle Monument and Historical 
 Society, brought a large concourse of people from other States 
 to assist in completing the work of patriotic citizens, who have 
 sacrificed time and money, the past thirty years, projecting and 
 erecting these memorials in honor of Vermont's early ancestry. 
 The mills and places of business were closed and every one 
 turned out to either participate in, or to witness, the parade and 
 exercises. At ten o'clock the Governor, escorted by Co. K, V. 
 N. G. and the Graded School Cadets, drove to the Soldiers' 
 Home, where the parade formed at 11:30, upon arrival of ex- 
 cursion train. The parade was made up as follows : 
 
 ORDER OF PROCESSION. 
 Detachment of Police in Uniform. 
 Ex-Department Commander Puffer, Chief Marshal, and Department Com- 
 mander Jewett, both mounted. 
 Aides, mounted— D. M. Blackmer, C. D. Gibson, -A. M. Downs, D. H. Rudd. 
 Capt. Jack Crawford, S. B. Hawks, and Wm. E. Hawks, jr., mounted and in 
 " Wild West" costumes. 
 Bennington City Band. 
 Detachment of Veterans. 
 Co. K, Bennington Rifles, Capt. C. F. Burnham, commanding. 
 Bennington Drum Corps. 
 Battalion, Graded School Cadets." 
 North Bennington Band. 
 Comrades of the Grand Army. 
 Veterans from the Soldiers' Home, Colonel Coffey, commanding. 
 Carriages with Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Orator of the Day, and other 
 
 invited guests. 
 
 The line of March was from the Soldiers' Home grounds, 
 North street, to Gage, to School, to Main, to the Catamount 
 Tavern Monument at Bennington Centre. The Graded School 
 Cadets in blue coats, caps, and white duck trousers were re- 
 ceived enthusiastically all along the line. The veterans from 
 the Soldiers' Home were, also, warmly applauded. A large 
 stand had been erected at the monument and the distinguished 
 visitors had seats thereon. Among these were Governor Grout, 
 L/ieut. Governor Fisk, ex-L/ieutenant Governor Mansur, ex- 
 Commander-in-Chief Palmer of New York, ex-Department 
 Commander lyinehan of New Hampshire, Gen. J. G. McCul- 
 lough, Frederic B. Jennings, New England Pension Agent 
 Cogswell, Gen. Gilmore, Captain Tutherly, Capt. Jack Crawford, 
 Auditor Hale, ex-Governor Stewart, Judge Hugh Henry, J. 
 Ph. Rinn, the architect of the Bennington Battle Monument, 
 
N. M. PUFFER, DEPARTMENT COMMANDER, G. A. R., 1896-7. 
 
MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 223 
 
 Department Commander Jewett and several Bennington gen- 
 tlemen, and a number of ladies, mostly prominent members of 
 the Woman's Relief Corps." 
 
 Address of Vice-President Valentine. — 
 
 Ladies and Gentlemen. — On account of the unavoidable 
 absence of the President, the Hon. Henry G. Root, it devolves 
 upon the Vice-President to preside on this occasion. 
 
 We meet under the auspices of the Bennington Battle 
 Monument and Historical Association, for the purpose of re- 
 ceiving in a public manner three granite monuments, marking 
 sites of great historic interest, erected by public-spirited and 
 patriotic citizens. 
 
 It seems fitting that their work should thus receive public 
 recognition, especially on this day of a great gathering of vet- 
 erans, who have united with us to make the occasion a success, 
 and what success is attained, will be due in a great measure, 
 to the active labor, and co-operation of the Grand Army of the 
 Republic, Department of Vermont. 
 
 It is especially appropriate that a man born near this spot, 
 one whose father took great interest in the objects of this soci- 
 ety, should represent the gentlemen making these gifts, and 
 among whom he was prominent. 
 
 We are fortunate, also, in the presence of the Governor of 
 the State, and a Director of the Association. As is well known, 
 Vermont made liberal provision for the commemoration of the 
 battle of Bennington, and this Association is but an agent to 
 carry out the wishes of the State. The fact that our National 
 government and the States of Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, 
 united with Vermont in this enterprise should not be forgotten. 
 
 As Governor of the State, and a Director of the Associa- 
 tion, His Excellency, Josiah Grout, will receive in the name of 
 the State and of the Association these granite markers. Chief 
 of them is the stone by which we stand, surmounted by a great 
 work of art in bronze, marking a spot of unequaled interest in 
 Vermont, for here Vermont was born. 
 
 I have the pleasure of introducing to you, our townsman, 
 Frederic B. Jennings, a native of Bennington, and son of the 
 Rev. Doctor Isaac Jennings, who for more than thirty-five years 
 resided in this village as pastor of the oldest church organiza- 
 tion in the State. 
 
 Oration of Mr. Jennings, Presenting the Monuments. — 
 
 Mr. President., Ladies and Gentlemen. — This strong and 
 admirable work of art has been erected by private subscription 
 
224 MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 
 
 to mark the site of the Catamount Tavern. At the same time 
 there have been erected two other historic monuments. One of 
 these stands, in the neighboring churchyard, over the grave of 
 patriots who fell in the Battle of Bennington. The other, west 
 of North Bennington, upon a beautiful hillside overlooking the 
 lovely valley of the Walloomsac, and almost within sight of the 
 battle-field, marks the spot where General Stark encamped the 
 day before the battle. 
 
 The Committee representing the subscribers has alloted to 
 me the pleasant duty of presenting these three monuments, on 
 their behalf, to the Bennington Battle Monument and Historical 
 Association. It seems fitting, in making such presentation, 
 that some reference should be made to the events which they 
 commemorate and to the lessons which they teach. 
 
 The world is filled with m-onuments erected for the most 
 pirt to commemorate the victories of war — victories which, 
 though bought with priceless lives, are yet sanctified by the 
 sacrifices made and glorified by their results. It would be ter- 
 rible indeed if the sad havoc of ' ' grim-visaged ' ' war were its 
 only, or even its chief, feature or result. It would be sad in- 
 deed if, glancing down the page of history and reviewing its 
 great battles, one could see only the saddened and desolate 
 homes, the lives suddenly cut short, with all their plans and 
 promise extinguished. There are other sides to the picture, 
 which thrill our hearts quite as much as they are saddened. The 
 heroism displayed^ the glorious achievements accomplished, the 
 principles vindicated, not only excite our admiration and arouse 
 our enthusiasm, but, best of all, they stir the latent foundations 
 of patriotism within us. They are not only a delight, but an 
 inspiration, and they reproduce and develop those qualities which 
 have made victories possible in the past, and will make those 
 victories ever after fruitful of like victories. 
 
 Who can hear unmoved the story of that gallant old man, 
 Stephen Fay, who sent five sons forth from this spot to the 
 battle, and, when the oldest was brought back dead, thanked 
 God that he had a son willing to die for his country, and that he 
 fell fighting bravely. His heroic and touching behavior almost 
 brings tears to our eyes, yet not tears of sorrow — for we do not 
 sorrow over the events of one hundred years ago — but tears of 
 exultation and patriotism at the bearing and conduct of the man. 
 
 Battles are not always justified by the material results which 
 follow. These could, many times, be accomplished by com- 
 promise or other peaceful means. Their cost in lives and treasure 
 is often greater than their direct results ; but who shall say that 
 they are not worth all they cost, for their maintenance of prin- 
 
MAMKING HIST HI G SITES. 225 
 
 ciple, their preservation of self-respect and their inspiration to 
 patriotism ! 
 
 However much we may look forward to and long for the era 
 of universal arbitration and peace, we must admit that there are 
 no stronger forces for patriotism than the great battles of the 
 world. Their memories, whether recalled in history or legend 
 or story, never fail to stir the blood, to fire the heart, and encour- 
 age and strengthen those qualities of determination, indepen- 
 dence, self-reliance and fortitude which create character, and 
 constitute true greatness, whether of the individual, the state, 
 or the nation. 
 
 It is fitting,. then, that we should preserve and cherish 
 these precious memories, not only for ourselves and our chil- 
 dren, but for all peoples and all times. 
 
 Thermopylae did not belong to Greece alone nor to its own 
 time alone, but its memory has come down through the ages 
 and taught all men the virtue of Spartan valor. So Benning- 
 ton does not belong to Vermont alone, nor even to those twO' 
 sister States which contributed so largely to its success, but to 
 all freemen everywhere. The fame of the Green Mountain 
 Boys, like that of the Spartans of old, shall live through all time 
 as the synonym of courage and daring. 
 
 The story of the battle has been so often and so eloquently 
 told that I need not detain you long in referring to it. 
 
 The British plan of campaign was to gain possession of the 
 valleys of the Hudson, and the Mohawk, thus separate New 
 England from the South, and break the union of the colonies. 
 
 Howe was already in possession of New York City with a. 
 considerable force, and was expected to advance up the Hudson 
 and form a junction with the northern forces at Albany. Bur- 
 goyne, with a strong force from Canada, was to proceed by the 
 lakes, retake Ticonderoga, the gateway of the North, and then 
 move down the Hudson, joining Howe at Albany. St. L,eger,. 
 with a smaller force, was to go up the St. Lawrence, take Fort 
 Stanwix, and then proceed down the Mohawk and rejoin Bur- 
 goyne. The junction of the three armies at Albany was thus 
 expected to complete the conquest of New York, and, had it 
 been accomplished as planned, would have been of the most ser- 
 ious consequences to the Colonies. The plan of the British was 
 being carried out with unvarying success. Ticonderoga had 
 fallen without a blow. At Hubbardton, after a desperate resist- 
 ance, the rear guard of the retreating Americans had been 
 routed. Burgoynehad thus far met with little loss, and already 
 looked upon success as easy and certain. He could almost hear 
 King George bursting into the Queen's apartments and exclaim- 
 
226 MARKING HISTORIC SITUS. 
 
 ing, "I have beat all the Americans." The English every- 
 where were exultant and the Americans dismayed. 
 
 But Burgoyne's anticipations of an easy and triumphal 
 inarch from Ticonderoga to the Hudson were not entirely ful- 
 filled. Relying upon assistance from the alleged loyalist feel- 
 ing on the Vermont frontier and in the northern part of New 
 York, he was greatly disappointed. Instead of receiving the 
 expected aid he was harassed at every step. Bridges were de- 
 stroyed, obstacles placed in his path and his progress retarded. 
 He succeeded in reaching the Hudson at Fort Edward, but with 
 so much delay that he had difficulty in providing subsistence 
 and ammunition for his men, and he subsequently wrote that 
 "the New Hampshire Grants in particular, a country unpeopled 
 and almost unknown in the late war, now abounds in the most 
 active and most rebellious race of the Continent, and hangs like 
 a gathering storm on my left." This storm was about to break 
 in a way little expected, and with results the importance of 
 which could not be foreseen. 
 
 Burgoyne sent a detachment of his troops under Baum to 
 capture the stores at Bennington and to disperse the yeomen 
 collecting there. They reached the farm by the river, near the 
 battle-field, on August 14th, and on the 15th entrenched them- 
 selves on the hill to the north. 
 
 Meanwhile the new-born State of Vermont, though startled 
 by the news from Ticonderoga and Hubbardton, was not dis- 
 mayed. Exposed to the incursion of the British forces, she 
 promptly prepared to defend herself and the New England States 
 behind her. Expresses were sent in all directions. Vermont 
 called upon New Hampshire, and the White Mountains re- 
 sponded to the Green by hastily collecting their militia and 
 sending them forward under Stark. Stark, while on the way, 
 was ordered to join Schuyler at Stillwater. The Council of 
 Safety, then in session upon this spot, having received reports 
 of Baum's expedition, urged Stark to remain and assist in the 
 defense of the Grants, to which he promptly assented. On the 
 14th, Stark with his militia, re-enforced by the Vermont farm- 
 ers and assisted by Warner, marched out to meet the enemy. 
 He was unable to bring them to an engagement, and encamped 
 at the spot which has been marked by one of the monuments 
 which we dedicate to-day. 
 
 It rained all day on the 15th, and nothing was done, save 
 lo send out small parties to harass the enemy. During the 
 night, a company of Berkshire militia arrived with Parson Al- 
 len, who complained to Stark that the Berkshire people had 
 often been called out to no purpose, and expressed their eager- 
 
MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 22T 
 
 ness to begin the fight. Stark replied: "As soon as the 
 Lord shall once more- send us sunshine, if I don't give you 
 fighting enough, I will never ask you to come out again." 
 On the 1 6th, the sun rose bright and clear, and Stark prepared 
 to redeem his promise to the fighting parson. Having ar- 
 ranged his plan of attack with great skill, and inspired his men 
 by pointing out the redcoats and announcing in those words, 
 which have become historic, his determined purpose to win the 
 fight or die upon the field, he and his brave men marched forth 
 to battle. 
 
 There was no beating of drums, no inspiring music, no 
 dazzling uniforms, no bright swords or guns flashing in the 
 sunlight, no martial array. They were simply a band of reso- 
 lute, determined farmers, armed, perhaps, with rusty flint- 
 locks, certainly in the crudest way, but also armed with the 
 irresistible determination to win that battle. They were fight- 
 ing for their homes and their country — homes which they had 
 won, in contests with the forces of nature, against odds as great 
 as those they were about to encounter. 
 
 They had met and overcome great hardship and danger in 
 the past and thus had acquired those qualties of endurance, de- 
 termination and courage which made them invincible. What 
 matter, then, that they were yeomen untrained in the art of war, 
 rudely equipped, without cannon, without experience, without 
 bayonets, perhaps without proper or sufficient arms ? What 
 matter that they had to charge an almost impregnable position 
 fortified and defended by the trained forces of Germany ? They 
 were hirelings. What matter that the wild savages, skilled in 
 the warfare of the woods, were also opposed to tliem ? They, 
 too, were hirelings. The American farmers were freemen. 
 They had right on their side. They had stout hearts, cool 
 heads, strong arms. They were filled with a courage born of 
 the conviction that their cause was just, nerved with the strength 
 of their indignation, at their wrongs, crowned with the glory of 
 true patriotism, and nothing could withstand them on that fair 
 August day. They charged the intrenched British with resist- 
 less fury, seized the smoking guns and turned them upon the 
 enemy, and drove the veteran troops before them. Re-enforced 
 by Warner's regiment, which had just arrived, they renewed 
 the attack against fresh foes under Breymann and completely- 
 routed them. 
 
 The numbers engaged on either side were not greatly dis- 
 similar, but the British forces were unable to resist the . fierce 
 onset of the yeomen, and were almost annihilated. Two hun- 
 dred and seven of the British were killed, and more than seven 
 
2'2S MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 
 
 hundred taken prisoners, while of the Americans only fourteen 
 were killed and forty-two wounded. 
 
 The achievement of the Americans, with so little loss to 
 themselves and such great loss to the enemy, was phenomenal 
 and difficult to understand. God must have fought on their 
 side that day — the God of the Hills — and they must have 
 been filled with the rugged strength of the mountains that 
 looked down in benediction upon the result. 
 
 This signal victory filled all true American hearts with joy. 
 Its glad light dispelled the gloom which had followed the pre- 
 vious British successes. Despondency gave place to exultation 
 and hope. The disaffection of lukewarm supporters of the 
 American cause was arrested. The fact that a body of un- 
 trained yeomanry could thus annihilate an army of German 
 regulars, whose reputation for bravery and discipline was well- 
 known, gave a new impetus and inspiration to the American 
 cause. Re-enforcements poured in upon Schuyler at Stillwater 
 and Lincoln at Manchester. Burgoyne became disheartened at 
 the dangers which increased around him, and the subsequent 
 defeats at Stillwater and Bemis Heights, and Burgoyne's sur- 
 render at Saratoga, followed as the natural and necessary re- 
 sult of the glorious victory of Bennington. Thus this battle, 
 though small in the numbers engaged, was truly great, not only 
 in the bravery exhibited, but also in its results. 
 
 We may well, then, again celebrate this splendid victory. 
 We cannot too often recall the gallant deeds of August i6, 
 1777, or pay our tribute of praise to the memories of the brave 
 men who won the battle. 
 
 It is the old story of one hundred years ago. It has been 
 told by father to son, sung in anthems of joy and praise, re- 
 hearsed in the eloquent words of the orator and the poet 
 <;ountless times, and yet the story is ever new and ever fresh, 
 and will remain so until patriotism is dead and the illustrious 
 deeds done in its name and under its inspiration cease to arouse 
 admiration and pride. 
 
 But we chiefly celebrate, to-day, the victories of peace no 
 less renowned than those of war. 
 
 In erecting this monument to commemorate the Cata- 
 mount Tavern of those early day.-^, we especially recall and per- 
 petuate the memories of those events connected with the land- 
 orant controversy with New York, which created or developed 
 not only the warriors who won the battle, but also those patriot 
 statesmen, to whose wise and determined counsel and action 
 the birth of the State of Vermont is largely due. 
 
FREDERIC B. JENNINGS. 
 
MARKING HISTORIC SITJ£S. 22t) 
 
 The record of those events in the early history of Vermont, 
 from the settlement of the New Hampshire Grants down to the 
 establishment of the State, would largely constitute a history of 
 this inn. Captain Stephen Fay came to Bennington among the 
 earlier settlers in 1766, and soon after erected the house which 
 was then known as ' ' Green Mountain House " or " Landlord 
 Fay's. " The people of the Grants were then engaged in their 
 controversy with New York. They had purchased their lands 
 under grants from the Governor of the Province of New Hamp- 
 shire, whose jurisdiction over the territory as far west as the 
 Hirdson River had been acquiesced in by New York for a cen- 
 tury. 
 
 With the utmost difficulty and hardship and danger they 
 had rescued their homes from the wilderness. The woods had 
 been felled, the lands tilled, their humble but happy homes es- 
 tablished, and the settlers were just beginning to enjoy the 
 fruits of their hard contest with nature, when they were rudely 
 alarmed to find a harder and more protracted contest awaiting 
 them. 
 
 New York speculators had looked on with covetous eyes 
 while the territory adjoining them was being subdued by the' 
 hardy settlers. Through personal and political influence they 
 obtained patents from the Governor of the Province of New 
 York, covering lands included in the New Hampshire Grants. 
 An order of the King, procured by New York influence in 
 1764, extended the boundary of New York to the Connecticut 
 River. This could not affect the vested rights of the inhabi- 
 tants holding under grants from the Governor of the neighbor- 
 ing Province, acting as the King's agent, and, when the matter 
 was laid before the King's Council by a representative sent 
 from this town in 1767, an order was promptly made forbidding 
 any interference with existing grants, or any new grants, by 
 New York, until the King's further decision should be known. 
 But the New York Governor, heedless of the King's order, and 
 tempted by the fees which he was unable to resist, continued 
 to issue patents. 
 
 The alarm of the settlers, which had been somewhat al- 
 layed, was again excited by the attitude of New York and the 
 claims of its patentees, who sent surveying parties into the ter- 
 ritory and endeavored to secure possession of the lands covered 
 by their patents. 
 
 Suits in ejectment, brought in the New York courts, were 
 uniformly decided in favor of the New York claimants. 
 
 Ethan Allen, who had vainly defended the settlers in some 
 of these suits at Albany, was advised to go home and recom- 
 
230 3IARK1XG UlSTOmC SITUS. 
 
 mend submission on the ground that "might made right." Al- 
 len understood the indomitable spirit of his neighbors better 
 than his advisers, and retorted that "the Gods of the Valleys 
 are not the Gods of the Hills, " and, when asked for an ex- 
 planation, replied that "if they would come to Bennington the 
 meaning should be made clear to them." He fulfilled his 
 promise, and, in the subsequent years of this controversy, it 
 must have been made quite clear to the Yorkers that among the 
 rugged hills of Vermont "right made might. " 
 
 The settlers were not opposed to the jurisdiction of New 
 York, provided their vested rights were recognized and pre- 
 served, but they were unwilling to surrender or imperil those 
 rights. They had been trained in the hard but free school of 
 Nature ; they had breathed in the unconquerable spirit of lib- 
 erty with the pure air of the mountains ; they were devoid' of _ 
 fear and incapable of dishonor, and they recognized no power 
 which could rob them of their homes or deprive them of their 
 rights. 
 
 But they were peaceable and law-abiding citizens, and the 
 question which faced them was momentous. On the one hand, 
 submission meant the sacrifice of their property or its re-purchase 
 from New York and the surrender of their principles ; on the 
 other, opposition meant resistance to the authority of the law and 
 defiance of the comparatively powerful government of New 
 York. 
 
 Throughout this long controversy, and in all the struggles 
 of the early settlers, we can find no act entitled to greater glory 
 than their answer to this question, to which Vermont owes its 
 existence as an independent State to-day. How did they de- 
 cide it ? In the good old New England way, at a town meet- 
 ing — that " nursery of American independcxice " — held in 
 this village, and perhaps on this very spot, in 1770. 
 
 We may well pause a moment to recall this important 
 scene. There were Allen and Warner and Robinson and 
 Breakenridge and Stephen Fay and their patriotic neighbors. 
 Parson Dewey no doubt opened the meeting with prayer, ad- 
 dressed to the God of the Hills and not to the gods of the Val- 
 leys, and we can well imagine that he prayed for wisdom and 
 strength and not for ignoble peace. The important question 
 was then presented and discussed in all its aspects. The posi- 
 tion was a critical one, more critical even than they understood, 
 for upon their decision hung the fate of the. future state. 
 
 The territory was sparsely settled ; their homes and vil- 
 lages were widely scattered ; communication was difficult ; 
 their means of defense scanty. It seemed almost suicidal to 
 
MARKING UISTOlilC SITES. 231 
 
 brave the Government of New York. It would have been so 
 easy to compromise. A tithe of what the long controversy was 
 to cost would have purchased their peace. 
 
 Did they hesitate? Did they falter in their decision? 
 Did they shrink from the difficulties and dangers before 
 thetn ? Not they ! Were these considerations of mere ex- 
 pediency advocated or even suggested by any one present? 
 No. We can emphatically answer, no. Had they been, we 
 can imagine with what forceful words Ethan Allen would 
 have brushed them aside. Such suggestions involved not 
 only the surrender of their homes, but the sacrifice of their 
 principles. Justice had been denied them. The New York 
 Courts had been packed. The law had shown itself unequal to 
 the occasion, aud nothing now remained but a direct appeal ta 
 force. 
 
 They promptly resolved to protect their property and main- 
 tain their rights, and that the execution of all writs issued by 
 the New York Courts should be resisted, if necessary, by force, 
 and to this resolution they ever after faithfully adhered. 
 
 Thus, in this village, and probably upon this spot, Ver- 
 mont's declaration of war against New York was made. In the 
 events whicTi led to it, the heroic love of liberty which inspired 
 it, aud the courage and persistence with which it was afterward 
 maintained, it may well be compared with the revolt of the Col- 
 onies against Great Britain which made our country free. 
 
 The spirit of liberty was abroad in the air. It had already 
 begun to stir the leaves throughout New England and in the 
 Southern Colonies. The electric speeches of Patrick Henry in 
 Virginia and of James Otis in Massachusetts, inveighing against 
 the Stamp Act and insisting upon the inalienable rights of 
 British freemen, had already rung through the land in trumpet 
 tones. The so-called "Boston Massacre " had just occurred, 
 and a town meeting in the Old South Church, guided by that 
 wise and far-seeing patriot, who has been called the " Father of 
 the Revolution," Samuel Adams, had insisted that the armed 
 regiments of the mother country in Boston were a menace to the 
 freedom of the people and must be withdrawn. 
 
 But, while events were thus rapidly shaping themselves for 
 the independence of the Colonies, they were not yet prepared 
 for open, forcible resistance. That other town meeting in the 
 Old South Church, which led to the heroic action of Boston in 
 refusing to permit the landing of the obnoxious tea, did not 
 occur until three years later. That was Massachusetts' declar- 
 ation of war, and it has been said that, " for the quiet sublimity 
 of reasonable but dauntless moral purpose, the heroic annals of 
 
232 MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 
 
 Greece and Rome can show no greater scene than that which 
 the Old South meeting-house witnessed on the day when the tea 
 was destroyed . ' ' 
 
 It was sublime in its exhibition of moral purpose ; it was 
 heroic in its disregard of the probable consequences ; it was 
 splendid in its spontaneous outburst of liberty — and yet, in the 
 display of all these qualities, in devotion to all these principles, 
 it is well matched by that other town meeting, held three years 
 earlier on this spot, at which the Green Mountain boys resolved 
 to maintain their rights at all hazards. 
 
 In July, 1771, a determined attempt was made by the 
 Sheriff of Albany County and a posse of three hundred men to 
 take possession of the Breakenridge farm, and this resolution 
 was put to the severest test. But the settlers did not waver. 
 They assembled here and marched to the farm fully prepared to 
 resist the attempt. The house was barricaded and filled with 
 armed men, while other bodies of armed men lay in wait out- 
 side. So complete were their preparations for resistance, and 
 so determined their attitude, that the Sheriff's posse were com- 
 pletely, routed, and retired without a blow. This was the first 
 instance of combined, armed resistance to the authority of New 
 York, which continued until the inhabitants of the Grants aban- 
 doned all attempt at an amicable settlement and established an 
 independent State. Upon this farm, then, or, perhaps better 
 yet, at the preceding town meeting in this village, was born 
 the future State of Vermont. 
 
 The resolution of this town meeting at Bennington was 
 generally approved at meetings held in the adjoining towns, 
 which followed its example in resisting all attempts of the New 
 York speculators to gain possession of their lands. At first the 
 settlers depended, for the protection of their homes from such 
 invasion, upon the individuals collected in the neighborhood, 
 but later a military organization was effected. This was first 
 accomplished in this village, and the idea was, no doubt, con- 
 ceived and the plans arranged in the Green Mountain House, a 
 few months after the Breakenridge affair. Etha'n Allen and 
 Seth Warner, who then lived here, were appointed the colonel 
 and captain of the organization. Thus was created the body 
 which afterwards assumed the name of ' ' Green Mountain Boys. ' ' 
 
 In December, 1771, Governor Tryon warned all settlers on 
 the Grants that his Government proposed to suppress all oppo- 
 sition to its authority by the most severe measures, and offered 
 a reward for the apprehension of Allen and Baker and others. 
 This proclamation only increased the spirit of opposition on the 
 part of the settlers, who retorted by offering a reward for the 
 
MARKING HISTOBIG SITES. 233 
 
 capture, and delivery at Landlord Fay's, of Duane and Kempe, 
 two of the most obnoxious of the speculators, who were de- 
 scribed as " common disturbers of the public peace." 
 
 Governor Tryon, becoming alarmed at the determined 
 opposition of the settlers, tried the effect of peaceable negotia- 
 tions, in which Captain Stephen Fay and Dr. Jonas Fay, his 
 son, represented them. These negotiations at first promised a 
 peaceful solution of the controversy, and were welcomed by the 
 people at Bennington with demonstrations of great joy. But 
 the hope thus created was short-lived. The negotiations proved 
 fruitless. The New York claimants continued to press their 
 claims, which were always successfully resisted by the settlers, 
 rather by their determined and threatening attitude than by 
 actual violence ; and during the whole controversy, lasting for 
 over twenty years, not a single person was killed or permanently 
 maimed. 
 
 During this controversy, which was largely directed by 
 meetings held at Landlord Fay's, a stuffed catamount was put 
 upon his sign-post grinning defiance at New York. In 1774 
 one of the settlers, who advocated purchasing title from New 
 York, was tried for disloyalty at the Green Mountain House and 
 sentenced " to be tied in an armchair and hoisted up to the sign, 
 there to hang for two hours as a punishment merited by his 
 enmity to the rights and liberty of the inhabitants of the New 
 Hampshire Grants." 
 
 Collisions, with the New York claimants, though less fre- 
 quent as they became satisfied of the determination of the Green 
 Mountain Boys, continued to occur until the breaking out of 
 the Revolutionary War. 
 
 The patriotism displayed in this war by the inhabitants of 
 the Grants cannot be over-estimated. Mere considerations of 
 self-interest would have led them to espouse the royal cause, or 
 at least have made them lukewarm in their opposition to it. 
 British tyranny had not yet oppressed them. The last order of 
 the King had favored the protection of their property ; they 
 were even then expecting further favorable action from him. 
 On the other hand. New York had assailed thfeir rights and re- 
 fused them justice for many years. The Continental Congress, 
 influenced by New York, denied them representation, and ad- 
 vised submission to New York. Although fighting for the 
 common country, it was uncertain whether that country would 
 recognize them or admit them to the union of States, but this 
 did not deter them nor abate their patriotism or zeal. Their 
 love of liberty prevailed over considerations of self-interest. 
 
■'2U MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 
 
 Ethan Allen says : ' ' The battle of Lexington almost dis- 
 tracted them, for interest inclined them to the royal side in the 
 dispute, but the stronger impulses of affection to their country 
 impelled them to resent its wrongs " ; and, again, that " they 
 believed the cause of the country to be just," and that "resist- 
 ance to Great Britain had become the indispensable duty of a 
 free people." They accordingly resolved to take an active part 
 with the country. No more sublime example of disinterested 
 loyalty and patriotism can be found. Vermont was the north- 
 ern frontier and, throughout the early years of the war, was 
 exposed to the incursion of the forces from Canada, and yet, 
 although treated with hostility by New York, their appeals neg- 
 lect-ed by Congress, they continued with unfaltering courage to 
 defend the rights and fight the battles of the Colonies. In Can- 
 ada, at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, at Bennington, at Sara- 
 toga, during the invasion of Vermont, they rendered the most 
 splendid service to the common cause. 
 
 But they never lost sight of their purpose to protect their 
 rights against the unjust claims of New Yorjs, and, in that con- 
 nection displayed a wisdom and firmness no less conspicuous 
 than their loyalty and bravery. 
 
 At the very outset they petitioned Congress that they might 
 serve under their own organization, and, on June 23, 1775 — 
 just one hundred and twenty-two years ago to-day — Congress 
 adopted a resolution recommending the employment in the army 
 of ' ' those called ' Green Mountain Boys ' under such officers as 
 they should choose. ' ' 
 
 Later, when Congress, influenced by its New York mem- 
 bers, advised the settlers to submit to the Government of New 
 York and serve under its association, they determined to unite 
 the Grants in a separate district. They adopted a form of asso- 
 ciation, in which the subscribers solemnly engaged to defend 
 the United American States against all hostile attempts of the 
 British fleets and armies ; but, at the same time, they resolved 
 that any persons subscribing to any other association under the 
 province of New York should be ' ' deemed enemies to the com- 
 mon cause of the New Hampshire Grants." 
 
 Thus the settlers declared their independence of the State 
 of New York, and their resolute determination not to submit 
 to its government. 
 
 From this it was ah easy step to the formation of an inde- 
 pendent State, which was completed by the adoption of the 
 constitution at Windsor on July and, just before the battle of 
 Bennington. 
 
MABKIlSrO HISTORIC SITES. ii35 
 
 Such, in hurried outline, is the story of the events we cel- 
 ebrate to-day. The greatest praise has been justly accorded to 
 the Colonies for their spirited revolt against oppression and their 
 establishment of an independent nation. The history of that 
 contest is fully paralleled, in all its essential features, by the 
 grand story of Vermont. 
 
 In that contest with Great Britain the American freemen 
 were more true to their birthright of Anglo-Saxon freedom and 
 liberty than she. The American Declaration of Independence 
 was but the fuller and more triumphant song, to which the 
 Great Charter of English liberty, granted at Runnymede five 
 hundred years before, was the prelude. Vermont's declaration 
 of independence was part of the same song, inspired by the same 
 spirit, set to the same music, voiced by the same manner of men. 
 In all the events which led to that independence the Cata- 
 mount Tavern played a most important part. 
 
 Here the Committee of Safety of the town met. Here, 
 during the land-grant controversy, congregated the leading men, 
 who directed the sentiment of the neighboring settlers and 
 formed and executed those plans which made them successful 
 in that controversy. Here, in 1775 was perfected the plan for 
 the capture of Ticonderoga, and the Committee of the Grants 
 undertook its execution, placing Ethan Allen in charge. From 
 this place Allen and Warner and Herrick and their band of 
 brave Green Mountain Boys went forth upon that important 
 expedition. 
 
 Here sat the Council of Safety to whose activity and ur- 
 gency the success at Bennington was largely due. Here met 
 the first Assembly of the State in June, 1778, by adjournment, 
 after first forming at Windsor. Here sat the Governor and his 
 Council. 
 
 j^s we look out upon this lovely village street and recall the 
 scenes it witnessed one hundred years ago, we may well count 
 ourselves fortunate to proudly claim as part of our common 
 heritage this beautiful and memorable spot. Bathed in the 
 sunshine of the summer's sun, fresh with the verdure and fra- 
 grant with the flower-scented air of Spring, surrounded by the 
 mountains which look down upon it, and the peaceful valley 
 lying at its feet ; instinct with the memories of the days long 
 gone, of the wisdom and firmness and independence and valor 
 which emanated from this spot ; truly the ground whereon we 
 stand is hallowed ground. 
 
 Elsewhere the mountains rise to a greater height ; the sun- 
 light rests with the same glory on other hills ; the same fresh- 
 ness and fragrance of Spring carpets the fields and perfumes the 
 
23G 31 ASKING HISTORIC SI7'jES. 
 
 air of other valleys in our State. But I know of no place in 
 which the lessons of true patriotism can so well be learned as 
 here. Here was formed the determination and plan of resist- 
 ance to New York, which grew and developed during the years 
 of subsequent controversy, until it resulted in the creation of the 
 State. Here was born the noble band of Green Mountain Boys. 
 
 How has their example been followed and their spirit imi- 
 tated ? I do not need to ask in this presence. The loyal heart 
 of every Grand Army man present will furnish the ready answer. 
 In the dark days of '6i, when the life of the nation was in peril 
 and brave men everywhere were called out to save it, none re- 
 sponded to the call more promptly or generously than Vermont. 
 And, through the years of strife that followed, the gallant Ver- 
 mont Brigades made a new name for fidelity and courage not 
 surpassed by that of the Green Mountain Boys themselves. The 
 ashes of our heroic dead, upon the fields of Gettysburg, the 
 Wilderness, and upon the many battle-fields of the South, bear 
 silent but impressive testimony that the lessons,, which we com- 
 memorate to-day, were not taught in vain. The gallant deeds 
 of the Vermont Brigades furnish convincing proof that the spirit 
 of the Green Mouniain Boys is not lost, but still endures, and 
 that, in any time of stress and danger, Vermont and Vermonters 
 can always be depended on. 
 
 To perpetuate such memories as these, to create and en- 
 courage such a spirit as this, these monuments have been erected. 
 
 Not alone nor chiefly for the historic dead — the brave war- 
 riors and wise statesmen of those early days. Their names are 
 written on the scroll of Fame in letters of light more imperish- 
 able than any we can inscribe on these monuments of stone and 
 bronze — Stark and Warner, and Allen and Herrick, and Fay 
 and Chittenden, and the noble band of Green Mountain Boys. 
 
 " It needs no monumental pile 
 To tell each storied name ; 
 The fair green hills rise proudly up 
 To consecrate their fame." 
 
 These monuments have been erected rather to recall and 
 commend to present and future generations the principles they 
 successfully struggled to maintain, the qualities they displayed, 
 the lessons of liberty and patriotism they taught. 
 
 If we have interpreted aright the spirit and action of the 
 early settlers, the lessons to be learned are the same lessons of 
 patriotism, freedom and independence, which. have made, and, 
 if not forgotten, will continue to make, our country the freest 
 and greatest on earth — a patriotism which shall not give place 
 
JOSIAH GROUT, GOVERNOR, 1896-8, 
 
MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 237 
 
 to politics, a freedom which shall defy all interference with the 
 personal rights of the citizen, an independence which shall be 
 individual as well as national, shall preserve the franchise un- 
 sullied, the Government pure, and shall make our State, as well 
 as our Nation, a "government of the people, by the people, for 
 the people." 
 
 This catamount still stands as in days of yore, and shall 
 ever stand, in token of defiance ; but no longer of the State of New 
 York, with which we have been at peace for a hundred years; 
 no longer of Great Britain. Not such are our enemies to-day. 
 Our foes are no longer to be looked for from without. But, 
 wherever assaults in any form shall be made upon the free in- 
 stitutions which our fathers fought to establish and preserve, 
 there are our foes. And, wherever they are, whether within or 
 without, whether open enemies or false friends, whatever the 
 guise imder which they threaten our independence or assail our 
 freedom, if we are true to the spirit and teaching for which 
 this monument shall henceforth stand, we shall repel them 
 with the same determination and courage with which the early 
 settlers resisted all attacks upon their rights. 
 
 And now. Sir, we commit these memorials to the care of 
 the Bennington Battle Monument and Historical Association. 
 May it cherish and preserve them as we would have them cher- 
 ish and preserve the virtues they symbolize. 
 
 Long may they stand to tell the splendid story of the deeds 
 our Fathers wrought ; as long as yonder silent shaft shall uplift 
 its majestic proportions to the sky, as long as these Green 
 Mountains shall rise in rugged beauty above the peaceful val- 
 leys of our State, " while time rolls his ceaseless course," and, 
 so long as they shall stand, may the memories be preserved of 
 the events that cluster around this spot, and may the God of 
 the Hills and the Valleys continue to bless and prosper this, 
 beautiful State of ours. 
 
 Governor Grout's Acceptance of the Monuments. — 
 
 History points to no greater love of country than Ver- 
 monters have shown. A people conceived in patriotism, born 
 in adversity, and nurtured by resistance to aggression naturally 
 love the homes they acquire under such circumstances. 
 
 Our great little State is a striking illustration, or perhaps,, 
 you may say demonstration, of courage, fortitude and hardship 
 asserted in its early history by heroic diplomacy, original states- 
 manship and tireless energy. 
 
238 MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 
 
 Upon such conditions it has made a reputation with which 
 we may well be satisfied and in which the world manifests a 
 growing interest. 
 
 Our early life led us to an independence, bold as the lion 
 and free as the bird that flies, with a form ot government unique 
 and just, rather than surrender which our hardy forefathers, led 
 by Allen, Warner, and Baker, declared they would retire to the 
 caves of the mountains and wage eternal war with Nature. 
 
 The spirit of this independence and the justice of this gov- 
 ernment constitute, in essence, our dear little Green Mountain 
 commonwealth, the Vermont of 1897, and these characteristics 
 stand out in a boldness and freedom which challenge universal 
 admiration. 
 
 To-day we enjoy recalling some of those incidents which 
 gave us our happy life and interesting character. 
 
 We are on historic ground, in the midst of monuments re- 
 minding us of the heroism and sacrifice involved in that great 
 contention, devoted to securing the best liberty and humane 
 government. 
 
 The great monument on the hill stands for the battle-field 
 -on which Vermonters voluntarily fought to show their attitude 
 toward the Revolutionary struggle and that they loved the cause 
 of the Republic ; also to show knaves and speculators, from 
 whatever quarter they might come, that when "they ruled o'er 
 their lands, they would rule o'er their graves." 
 
 Long may that shaft stand, piercing the blue sky of God's 
 eternal home, in honor of that noble action and those brave, 
 noble actors. 
 
 Here, too, is a monument telling where the patriots who 
 fell on that battle-field are buried, also indicating the last sleep- 
 ing-place of the Hessians of that contest. 
 
 If the Hessians had not been here the Vermonters would 
 not.. So, in a sense, are we not under obligation to Burgoyne's 
 unfortunate movement up this valley 120 years ago for the 
 glory we would commorate by this occasion ? 
 
 We also see here a marker showing the traveler where the 
 brave Stark baptized his fiery soul for the onset of that fierce 
 battle, and announced the conditions of widowhood for his dear 
 Mollie. 
 
 Last, but not least, we see the lithe catamount with coun- 
 tenance defying the encroachments of that time, when his duty 
 required him to face the greedy Yorker, to earnestly protest 
 against his unwarrantable aggression, and smile with a watch- 
 ful blandness upon the wistful movements of other contiguous 
 neighbors. 
 
MAliKING HISTORIC SITES. 239 
 
 The great concernments of the patriots were considered in 
 the old Catamount Tavern, of which this snarling wild beast 
 was the significant sign, and the drastic enactments of those 
 considerings, promptly enforced, always received, we are t,old, 
 the gracioi;s approval of this agile king of the forest. 
 
 These smaller monuments, so suitable and suggestive, are 
 offered to the Bennington Battle Monument and Historical 
 Association and the State ; which offering is hereby, on behalf 
 of the donees, appreciatingly accepted ; thus placing them all 
 under one responsibility and the public under a common ob- 
 ligation to the generous donors. 
 
 Congratulating the happy village of Beiinington upon the 
 success of this occasion, the historic honors, that circle so 
 proudly about its hills and nestle so quietly in its beautiful 
 valleys, I desire to assure its good people that all Vermont feels 
 a just pride and desires a share in the interesting memories 
 awakened by these patriotic ceremonies. 
 
 Benediction. — 
 
 The Benediction was pronounced by the Rev. M. ly. Sev- 
 erance, pastor of the Old First Church. 
 
 The procession reformed, and marched to Bennington vil- 
 lage, where it was dismissed. 
 
PART III. 
 
 The Campfire in the Afternoon. 
 
 Speakers, and Letters of Regret. — The Proceedings 
 of the aforesaid 30th Annual Encampment, G. A. R., has these 
 further particulars : "At four o'clock, an open-air campfire was 
 held on the Soldiers' Home grounds. A grand-stand had been 
 erected, and seated thereon were the speakers, the prominent 
 guests and many veterans and ladies. Judge Hugh Henry, of 
 Chester, president of the Board of Trustees, of the Vermont 
 Soldiers' Home, presided over the exercises and introduced the, 
 speakers : Gen. J. G. McCuUough, Governor Grout, ex-Com- 
 mander-in-Chief John Palmer, Secretary of State, New York; 
 ^x- Department Commander Linehan, of New Hampshire ; 
 Thomas Cogswell, of New Hampshire, New England Pension 
 Agent; and Captain Jack Crawford. Other prominent men 
 were present, but were not called upon to speak owing to the 
 lateness of the hour. 
 
 "The speeches of General McCuUough and Governor 
 Grout were rnostly devoted to praise of the heroism, sacrifices 
 and the unsurpassed patriotism of the Green Mountain Boys 
 during the Revolution and the Rebellion. Mr. Palmer's tribute 
 to the valor and sacrifices of the citizen-soldiers, who rallied by 
 the hundreds of thousands to the defense of the Republic during 
 the dark days of the early sixties, was a most eloquent and fin- 
 ished effort, and was highly appreciated by all his old comrades 
 who were present. 
 
 "Mr. Linehan was introduced as the man who, 'by the 
 grace of God and the votes of Vermont, ' will be the next Com- 
 mander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. He re- 
 ferred to the heroic sacrifices of his old comrades, particularly 
 of those who claim Old Ireland as the land of their nativity. 
 Mr. Linehan is a native of the Emerald Isle, and his speech 
 betrayed the fact that he is an Irishman. His speech still retains 
 a brogue, though it is not particularly pronounced. His ad- 
 dress was full of wit, and most of his points were illustrated by 
 amusing stories of the words and deeds of the Irish soldiers who 
 had fought under the Stars and Stripes. 
 
 " It was a disappointment to the audience that Mr. Cogs- 
 well's time for speaking was so limited, owing to the near ap- 
 
"¥» 
 
 THE PATRIOT AND HESSIAN MONUMENT. 
 
MARKING HISTORIC SITES. 241 
 
 proacli of the time for the departure of his train. His opening 
 words gave promise of an interesting address. 
 
 "The exercises were brought to a close by Capt. Crawford, 
 who told some of his stories, and sang his version of ' Marching 
 Through Georgia. ' 
 
 " The weather was delightful during the week, and we be- 
 lieve all present carried to their homes pleasant memories of 
 their visit to old Bennington. " 
 
 Letters of Regret. — 
 
 From President McKinley : — Replying to your letter of re- 
 cent date, the President has requested me to express his regret 
 that his engagements are such that it will be impossible to 
 accept the invitation so cordially extended to him to attend 
 the Thirtieth Annual Kncampment of the Department of Ver- 
 mont, to be held in Bennington, June 32nd and 23d, in connec- 
 tion with which you are to have a reunion of Vermont Veterans. 
 The President notes with a great deal of pleasure your state- 
 ment as the interesting character of the celebration and wishes 
 me to assure you that nothing but the great pressure of his 
 ofhcial duties and necessary engagements would prevent his 
 visiting Vermont at the time indicated. May I ask you to be 
 good enough to convey to your associates of the Committee of 
 the Grand Army of Vermont the President's best wishes for a 
 most successful and inspiring reunion. (Signed by Secretary 
 Porter. ) 
 
 Ivetters were, also, received from T. S. Clarkson, Com- 
 mander-in-Chief, G. A. R. ; from Gen. R. A. Alger, Secretary 
 of War ; from Mark B. Taylor, Chaplain-in-Chief ; from Past 
 Commander-in-Chief Adams, Senator Morrill, Congressman 
 Powers, Governor Black of New York, Wm. Seward Webb, 
 and others. 
 
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