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Calendar No. 403. 
 
 63d Congress, ) SENATE. J Report 
 
 ■M Session. \ I No. 471. 
 
 COMMEMORATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBURGH. 
 
 April 30, 1914. — Ordered to be printed. 
 
 " • ^ ■ »»rr»i , V.4 »» 
 
 Mr. Root, from the Committco on the J^ihriiry, siibniittod the 
 
 lollowiniT 
 
 'in 
 
 REPORT. 
 
 [Toaccompany S. 3662.] 
 
 The Committee o?i the Library, to which was referred the bill 
 - ■-.662) entitled "A bill to promote the erection of a memorial in 
 cr-njunction with the celebration tf the centenary rf the Battle of 
 Plattsburgh, during the year nineteen hundred and fourteen, in com- 
 memoration of the one hundredth anniversary of Macdoiiough's 
 victory in the naval battle fought in the War of Eighteen hundred and 
 twtlve, the last naval engagement between English-speaking peoples/' 
 reports that it has considered the same and reports the following 
 substitute bill with recommendation that said substitute bill be 
 referred to the Committee on Appropriations and that the same be 
 included in the sundry civil bill and passed. Said substitute bill 
 reads as follows: 
 
 A BIL]> To promote the erection of a memorial in conjunction with the celebration, during the year nine- 
 teen hundred and fourteen, of the centenary of the liattle of Plattsburgh on land and on lake in com- 
 memoration of the one hundredth amiiversary of Macdonough's victory in the last naval engagement 
 between English-speaking peoples. 
 
 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United. States of America 
 
 in Congress assembled, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the 
 
 Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, the sum of $250,000 (out of 
 
 which, as hereinafter provided, the sum of |15,000 is to be paid to the commission 
 
 appointed by the State of Vermont) toward the erection of a memorial and in aid of 
 
 uhe celebration during the year nineteen hundred and fourteen, at Plattsburgh, New 
 
 ■^'ork, ill conjunction with the centenary of the Battle of Plattsburgh on land and lake 
 
 I in commemoration of the victory of Commodore Thomas Macdonough on Lake 
 
 iiiiplain, the same to be disbursed by the centenary commission appointed by the 
 
 u- of New York. 
 
 >>EC. 2. That the President is hereby authorized to appoint three citizens of the 
 
 ited States as commissioners of the said centenary celebration, who shall serve 
 
 hi^ut pay, but who shall be reimbursed and paid out of the money herein appro- 
 
 |)nated for their actual and necessary expenses in attending their official duties, of 
 
 ' vbom one shall be chosen from the Army and one from the Navy to represent the 
 
 I i' mal Government in the proposed celel^ration and in the erection of the proposed 
 
 ' morial in conjunction with the commissioners representing the State of New York. 
 
 Ik 
 
Z COMMEMOEATIOX OF THE BATTLE OF PLATTSBUKGH. 
 
 Sec. 3. That the making of the appropriation provided for in section one of t\\\fi 
 act shall in no way operate, hy implication or otherwise, to require the United States 
 to incur any further debt or obligation in connection with the erection of such memorial 
 or in connection with said centenary celebration. 
 
 Sec. 4. That the money appropriated by this act shall be paid out on the order of 
 the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States from time to time to the treasurer 
 of the organization engaged on the part of the State of New York in the erectiun of 
 said memorial and in promoting and holding the said centenary celebration, and, on 
 said Secretary being satisfied, the money appropriated will be disbursed for the objects, 
 uses, and purposes expressed in section one of this act, and as hereinafter specilind; 
 Provided, That no part of the sum hereby appropriated shall be available for the mid 
 centenary celebration of said Battle of Plattsburgh until the State of New York bLall 
 have appropriated the sum of $125,000 for purposes specified in section one of this 
 Act: And provided further, That said centenary commission ai^pointed by the State 
 of New York shall pay out of said appropriation of $250,000 the sum of $15,000 to the 
 commission appointed by the State of Vermont in aid of the celebration and erection 
 of a suitable memorial in said State as contemplated in the act of the Legislature of 
 the State of Vermont making an appropriation therefor. The provisions of sections 
 two and three of this Act shall apply also to the appropriation herein made for the Slate 
 of Vermont with like force and effect as though as to such appropriation the words 
 "the State of Vermont" appeared in the last line of section two in lieu of the words 
 "theStateof New York." 
 
 The printed report of the hearmg before a subcommittee of \]\\< 
 committee, held March 12, 1914, Senator Lea presiding, is attached 
 to and made a part of this report. 
 
 r 
 
 a OF s. 
 
 JUL 20 i9H 
 
HEARING BEFORE A SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE 
 
 COMMITTEE ON THE LIBRARY, UNITED STATES SENATE 
 
 SIXTY-THIRD CONGRESS, ON S. 3662 
 
 A BILL TO PROMOTE THE ERECTION OF A MEMORIAL IN CONJUNC- 
 TION WITH THE CELEBRATION OF THE CENTENARY OF THE 
 BATTLE OF PLATTSBURGH DURING THE YEAR 1914, IN 
 COMMEMORATION OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVER- 
 SARY OF MACDONOUGH'S VICTORY IN THE NAVAL 
 BATTLE FOUGHT IN THE WAR OF 1812, THE 
 LAST NAVAL ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN 
 ENGLISH-SPEAKING PEOPLES 
 
 THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1914 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 latement of — 
 
 William P. Dilliugham 6 
 
 Frauklin D. Roosevelt 7 
 
 Francis L. Stetson 8 
 
 George W. Stone IT 
 
 Thomas F. Conway 18 
 
 Frank L. Greene. 20 
 
 Uev. John P. Chidwick 22 
 
 Howard D. Hadley, presents letters 23 
 
 Senator Elihu Root, letters to 24 
 
 Senator James A. O'Gorman, letters to_^ - 25 
 
 4 
 
COMMEMORATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBURGH. 
 
 THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1914. 
 
 United States Senate, 
 Subcommittee of Committee on the Library, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 The subcommittee met at 10.45 o'clock a. m., pursuant to the call of 
 the chairman. 
 
 Present: Senator Lea (chairman). 
 
 Also present: Hon. William P. Dillingham, United States Sen- 
 ator from Vermont ; Hon. Carroll S. Page, United States Senator 
 from Vermont ; Hon. Frank L. Greene, a Representative in Congress 
 from the State of Vermont ; Hon. Peter G. Ten Eyck, a Representa- 
 tive in Congress from the State of New York; Mr. Francis Lynde 
 Stetson, 15 Broad Street, New York City, chairman Plattsburgh 
 Centenary Commission; ex-Lieut. Gov. Thomas F. Conway, 32 Nas- 
 sau Street, New York City, vice chairman Plattsburgh Centenary 
 Commission; Salvatore A. Cotillo, 273 Pleasant Avenue, New York 
 City, member Plattsburgh Centenary Commission; John Dorst, jr., 
 Akron, Erie County, N. Y., member Plattsburgh Centenary Com- 
 mission; Joseph S. Esquirol, 25 Crooke Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y., 
 member Plattsburgh Centenary Commission; Hon. Franklin D. 
 Roosevelt, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C, mem' 
 ber Plattsburgh Centenary Commission; Very Rev. John P. Chid- 
 wick, D. D., St. Joseph's Seminary, Yonkers, N. Y., president of the 
 Catholic Summer School of America, member of Plattsburgh Cen- 
 tenary Commission; Henry W. Hill, 471 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, 
 N. Y.J member Plattsburg Centenary Commission; Howard D. Had- 
 ley, assistant secretary Plattsburgh Centenary Commission; Platts- 
 burgh, N. Y., also representing Trades and Labor Assembly of 
 Plattsburgh; Jay A. Freeman, Plattsburgh, N. Y., president cham- 
 ber of commerce; W. H. Goff, mayor of Plattsburg, N. Y. ; W. E. 
 Parkhurst, ex-president chamber of commerce, Plattsburgh, N. Y. ; 
 Edwin G. Moore, president Young Men's Christian Association, 
 Plattsburgh, N. Y, ; Elmer F. Botsford, president Clinton County 
 Agricultural Society, Plattsburgh, N. Y. ; George W. Stone, presi- 
 dent Vermont-Macdonough Memorial Commission, Vergennes, Vt. ; 
 John Donnelly, Vergennes, Vt. ; Rev. L. A. Vezina, president board 
 of trade, Vergennes, Vt. ; Millard F. Barnes, Chimney Point, Vt. ; 
 Col. Charles D. Booth, Washington, D. C. ; Henry K. Averill, Wash- 
 ington, D. C. ; Henry A. Macomb, Philadelphia, Pa., grandson of 
 Gen. Alexander Macomb, commander of American land troops at 
 Plattsburgh Battle; Charles A. Murray, New York City, secretary 
 Catholic Summer School of America; Charles A. Barnard, city 
 
6 COMMEMOEATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBURGH. 
 
 judge, Plattsburgh, N. Y. ; Senator Eobert W. McCuen, Vergennes, 
 Vt., secretary Vermont-Macdonoiigh Commission; Ira A. Rowlson, 
 Plattsburgh, N. Y. ; John S. McDowell, Plattsburgh, N. Y. ; Frank 
 K. Ryan, Plattsburgh, N. Y. 
 
 The Chairman. The committee has assembled this morning for the 
 purpose of considering Senate bill No. 36G2, which is as follows : 
 
 [S. 3662, Sixty-third Congress, second session.] 
 
 A BILL To provide the erection of a memorial in conjunction with the celebration of the 
 
 centenary of the Battle of Plattsburgh, during the year 1914, in commemoration of the 
 
 one hundredth anniversary of Macdonough's victory in the naval battle fought in the 
 War of 1812, the last naval engagement between English-speaking peoples. 
 
 Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives of tlie United States 
 of Ameriea in Congress assembled. That there is hereby appropriated, out of 
 any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, 
 the sum of $250,000 toward the erection of a memorial in commemoration of the 
 A'ictory of Commodore Thomas Macdonough on Lake Champlain and in aid of 
 the celebration of the centenary of the Battle of Plattsburgh, to be held during 
 the year 1914 at Plattsburgh, N. Y., the same to be disbursed by the centenary 
 commission appointed by the State of New York. 
 
 Sec. 2. That the President is hereby authorized to appoint three citizens of 
 the United States as commissioners of the said centenary celebration, who shall 
 serve without pay. but who shall be reimbursed and paid out of the money 
 herein appropriated for their actual and necessary expenses in attending their 
 otficial duties, of whom one shall be chosen from the Army and one from the 
 Navy, to represent the National Government in the proposed celebration and in 
 the erection of the proposed memorial in conjunction with the commissioners 
 representing the State of New York. 
 
 Sec. 3. That the making of the appropriation provided for in section 1 of 
 this act shall in no way operate, by implication or otherwise, to require the! 
 United States to incur any further debt or obligation in connection with the 
 erection of such memorial or in connection with said centenary celebration. 
 
 Sec. 4. That the money appropriated by this act shall be paid out on the 
 order of the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States from time to time 
 to the treasurer of the organization engaged in the erection of said monument 
 and in promoting and holding the said centenary celebration, and. on said secre- 
 tary being satisfied, the money appropriated will be disbursed for the objects, 
 uses, and purposes expressed in section 1 of this act: Provided, That no part 
 of the sum hereby appropriated shall be available for the said centenary cele- 
 bration of said Battle of Plattsburgh until the United States commissioners 
 are satisfied that a sufficient sum has been appropriated by the State of New 
 York for that purpose, including the amount hereby appropriated, for the com- 
 pletion of said memorial. 
 
 Senator Dillingham, have you anyone you care to present to tl)e 
 committee ? 
 
 STATEMENT OF HON. WILLIAM P. DILLINGHAM, A UNITED 
 STATES SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF VERMONT. 
 
 Senator Dillingitainl Mr. Chairman, this movement was inaugu- 
 rated in the State of New York, and the bill which is before you 
 recognizes the New York scheme. Vermont simply asks to be let 
 into it, and in an informal conference had this morning between 
 the Vermont representatives here and the New York representa- 
 tives, I think they have come to a full agreement as to the terms on 
 which they shall come in. There is a perfect sentiment of mutuality 
 between the two States. The fact that this battle originated in both 
 States equally allots our claims, although Vermont's claims are not as 
 great as what New York asks for in the bill. I think the New York 
 delegation want to present to the committee in concise form the 
 
COMMEMOEATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBUROII. 7 
 
 scheme, the origin of it and the importance of it, and what they hope- 
 to accomplish, and when that is done the Vermonlers will be very 
 glad to speak their part in the matter, their interest in the matter. 
 I donbt not that the two connnittees will be able to suggest to the 
 conmiittee any amendment they may like to add to the measin-e. I 
 suggest that the New York delegation would like to present the claims 
 of New York to the committee so that Congress may have the l)ene(it 
 of the information they have gathered. 
 
 The Chairman. We will be very glad indeed to liear any repre- 
 sentative of either or botli States. I regret that all the members of 
 the subcommittee are not able to be here this morning, but we have 
 an official reporter so that the hearing will be laid before not only 
 the subcommittee but the full committee. I w^ill have to ask that the 
 hearing be limited to one hour, as I have an engagement which I 
 will be obliged to meet at 12 o'clock. 
 
 Mr. Stetson. Assistant Secretary Eoosevelt will be the first 
 speaker. 
 
 STATEMENT OF HON. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, ASSISTANT 
 SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 
 
 Mr. Roosevelt. Mr. Chairman, I appear here in a dual capacity; 
 in fact, a triple capacity. I happen to be the person in the Senate 
 of the State of New York who introduced the original resolution 
 calling for the appointment of a committee of the senate and house 
 of the State to make a report on the advisability of celebrating the 
 centenary of the Battles of Lake Champlain, meaning by that the 
 naval battle on the Lake and also the land battle which went on 2 
 miles away, simultaneously. That committee reported in favor of a 
 celebration on a national scale, and as a result a commission has been 
 appointed in the State of New York and it has hoped at this session 
 of the legislature to obtain an appropriation of $125,000 for that 
 celebration from the State of New York. I think, from information 
 I have, that there is absolutely no question but that it will go through 
 the legislature and will be signed by the governor. 
 
 I also appear here — and I think I can properly — as a representa- 
 tive of the Navy Department, to state to the committee that the cele- 
 bration of that battle is of real interest to that branch of the service. 
 Every naval officer, every person wdio has been connected with the 
 Navy, is interested in the Battle of Lake Champlain. They are par- 
 ticularly interested in it because of the fact that it is conceded by all 
 naval historians — in fact, by all historians of every kind, I think — 
 that the Battle of Lake Champlain, the naval battle of Lake Cham- 
 plain, was probably the greatest feat of arms that our Navy achieved 
 in the War of 1812. We have all heard, of course, a great deal 
 about the Battle of Lake Erie, and I do not for a moment want to 
 discredit the plaudits which Perry and his officers received in that 
 battle, but I think it is fair to state that perhaps the reason why the 
 American people to-day do not know as much about the Battle of 
 Lake Champlain as they do about the Battle of Lake Erie is because 
 of several very self-evident reasons. The first is that the Battle of 
 Lake Erie contains several picturesque features, such as the moving 
 of the American commander from his own ship after it was in a sink- 
 ing condition, practically, to another ship in a small boat. Another 
 
8 COMMEMORATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBUEGH. 
 
 reason is that that battle was the first victory that we ever obtained 
 over Great Britain in that war in which a fleet was engaged on both 
 sides. The second battle in which two fleets were engaged was the 
 Battle of Lake Champlain, but it came after the first battle, and did 
 not get perhaps the same applause as if it had been the first. 
 
 I drew the parallel last night in talking to Gov. Conway as to 
 what would have happened to this country in 1898 if the Battle of 
 Santiago had been fought on May 1 and the Battle of Manila Bay 
 had been fought July 3. The chances are that the Battle of Santiago 
 would have aroused the American people to the same pitch of ex- 
 citement that the Battle of Manila Bay did. Probably the relations 
 of the two battles would have been exactly changed. The impor- 
 tance of the Battle of Lake Champlain historically is, of course, very 
 great. It is more important historically than the Battle of Lake 
 Erie. I think that is conceded by all. In our War of 1812, as in the 
 Revolution, the weakness of the United States from the military 
 point of view was the line of cleavage running down from Lake 
 Champlain and Lake George to the headwaters of the Hudson and 
 then to New York. In the Revolution, Burgoyne attempted to effect 
 the cleavage right down through the center of the country. New 
 York was in the possession of the British and Burgoyne was luckily 
 stopped only a few miles before the British fleet, which had sailed up 
 the Hudson. Again, in 1814, a definite attempt was made by the 
 British to force that same line of cleavage. It is a historical fact 
 that when the ncAvs of the Battle of Lake Champlain reached Eng- 
 land about the 1st of November, 1814, it had a distinct effect on the 
 British attitude toward a termination of the war. The commis- 
 sioners were about to meet. If the British troops had obtained a 
 victory on the land at Plattsburgh and the British fleet had been vic- 
 torious, the British and the Canadians would have had access to 
 Lake Champlain, Lake George, and the upper waters of the Hudson. 
 The treaty of peace would probably have been far more difficult to 
 secure if they had won. I hope very much that the committee will 
 see fit to make this a national celebration. It should be a national 
 celebration. Two States at least are intimately connected wnth it, but 
 more than that, every State in the Union at that time was intimately 
 connected with it, because it brought very largely to a close our last 
 war with Great Britain. I believe that the expenditure of this 
 money by Congress could not be considered a wasteful or extravagant 
 act. To my mind that kind of expenditure does a vast amount of 
 good all through the country. 
 
 STATEMENT OF MR. FRANCIS LYNDE STETSON, CHAIRMAN 
 PLATTSBURGH CENTENARY COMMISSION. 
 
 Mr. Stetson. Mr. Chairman, as chairman of the Plattsburgh 
 Centenary Commission it becomes my duty to make a few remarks 
 to you in behalf of the bill before the committee. We are here ap- 
 pealing to the patriotic sons of the entire country to commemorate 
 an event which is of national importance, and certainly the chairman 
 of this committee — coming from the State w^iich furnished the hero 
 and the man who fought the next battle after this. New Orleans, 
 which I trust also will be appropriately commemorated — should be 
 interested. There we will celebrate the event and the man, but we 
 
COMMEMORATION OF BATTLE OF FLATTSBURGH. 9 
 
 will not celebrate the consumnuitioii of that event, because tliis was 
 after the declaration of ])eace and after the treaty of peace wiis 
 signed, but not known, because of the lack of speedy connnunicatioii 
 between England and America. The tieaty of peace liad been signed 
 on Christmas eve, 1814, and the Battle of New Orleans was fought on 
 the 8th of January, 1815, so those gallant lives were lost and that 
 brilliant achievement made to the imperishable glory of the Amei-i- 
 can people but without immediate conse(iuence upon the events of the 
 war between the two countries. That had already been deci(U"d. 
 And what had decided it? This Battle of Plattsburgh, not the 
 Battle of Lake Erie, because the war had continued for one year 
 and three months after the Battle of Lake Erie. Tt was decided by 
 the Battle of Plattsburgh, and for proof of that I appeal to the cor- 
 respondence between Lord Bathurst and Lord Castlehurst, in which 
 Lord Bathurst distinctly said that their i)lans had been entirely 
 changed by those methods. 
 
 Now, what were those plans? It is not generally understood or 
 known that that was in our moment of weakness. Our war had, up to 
 that time, with the exception of a few individual acts of bravery, 
 been one that was full of causes of mortification to our Nation, and 
 our weakness had been shown at a time when England was weak, but 
 now the revelation of that weakness was a great risk, because Eng- 
 land had become strong. With the unexpected termination of the 
 Napoleonic wars and the destruction of Napoleonic supremacy 
 through the battles of Leipzig and Dresden in 1813, the English 
 forces had been released, and they were prepared to continue the 
 course they had already begun of sending their army to this country, 
 and so confident were they at that time that now they must succeed 
 completely in overcoming the United States that they were already 
 engaged in arranging the terms of peace and the conditions of peace, 
 and those conditions were far enough known to be a matter of con- 
 sideration in this country. 
 
 The serious consideration was this: The British Government con- 
 sidered itself under obligations to the Indians and Tecumseh and 
 his associates who had rendered them great assistance and had ren- 
 dered us great annoyance, incidentally electing William Henry Har- 
 rison President of the United States because of his victory over 
 Tecumseh. Owing to that assistance the British people felt that they 
 must do something for the Indians and incidentally something for 
 themselves, and the combined purpose found its outlet in the project 
 of creating what is now the State of Indiana, with portions of Illinois 
 and Ohio, as a neutral State which should be set apart for the Indians 
 and which should be under the control of the Indians. Now, that was 
 what was threatening this country. We may laugh at it now. but 
 then it Avas no laughing matter. It was then seriously under con- 
 sideration. 
 
 Now, what was it that stopped that project? The thing that 
 stopped it, as Lord Bathurst's correspondence shows, was this vic- 
 tory in that bay, which is shown in this picture that I have here. 
 He Avrites that " while we were expecting everything it looks now, in 
 view of this late unfortunate occurrence on Lake Champlain. that we 
 shall obtain nothing.'' When the Duke of Wellington was appealed 
 to for advice, he declared, that, upon the best information received, 
 they were not able to make good their entry to that territory. Now, 
 
10 COMMEMOEATIOX OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBUEGH. 
 
 that news reached England about the 15th of October and the treaty 
 was signed on Christmas eve. and that thing Avas accomplished be- 
 cause of this battle. Therefore, as Admiral- Slahan said, " this, more 
 than any other, may be called the decisive battle of this war." There 
 was no further naval engagement. There was an engagement the 
 very next day at Baltimore, when the British troops, after burning 
 the Capitol at Washington, went to Baltimore and made an attempt 
 at Fort McHenry. which resulted in that glorious ode. our National 
 anthem, Francis Scott Key's "Star Spangled Banner." If you take 
 away the Star Spangled Banner there will not be much to celebrate 
 of what hai^pened in Baltimore. Still, he wrote the Nation's song, 
 and it is worth it. All that it cost and all that you choose to give 
 to Baltimore is properly given in recognition of that patriotic spirit 
 which stimulates American character wherever it goes. 
 
 Now, I have endeavored briefly to show the importance of the 
 event. I would like now to call j^our attention to the thrilling char- 
 acter of the scene itself. It appeals to me. because I was born there 
 and my grandfather fought in that battle. I knew many of its sur- 
 vivors. Here on this map you will find the historic bay; here is 
 the Saranac Hiver entering the bay. This [indicating] is sometimes 
 called Plattsburgh Bay. but generally Cumberland Bay. At that 
 time the little town of Plattsburgh had a population of about 2,500, 
 whereas it now has a population of 10,000. The frontier may be 
 represented by the top of the map. Sir George Prevost, with 13,000 
 of Wellington's veterans, had arrived in July or August and pro- 
 ceeded up the St. Lawrence River to Quebec, and then marched 
 down these two roads, down to what is known as Dead Creek. They 
 came in tAvo battalions. This battle was fought on Sunday, Sep- 
 tember 11. Five days before that, one column of Prevost's army, 
 u]X)n the Gth of September, had reached Culvers Hill. The other 
 column was marching down at the left. Reaching there they were 
 resisted. They were in charge of Lieut. Col. Willington, who was 
 a cousin of the Duke of Wellington. They were resisted by a group 
 of our people, our ancestors, in arms. 
 
 Five days before the battle Gen. Ralph Izard, against his pro- 
 test, had been sent away with 10,000 troops to Oswego, leaving a 
 few thousand men under the gallant Macomb, whose grandson is 
 here to-day, to stand against these 13,000 troops of Prevost. They 
 were rallied and added to by the general accessions of the country 
 people back of the lake and from the south until there were about 
 5.000 or 6,000 coming to meet the advance. Gen. John Wool, whom 
 1 knew to be one of the bravest of our men, was then a captain in 
 charge of another column. They resisted the advance of the troops 
 under Lieut. Col. Willington, and he was killed, and they fell back 
 to Halseys Corner, where they made another stand, and then again 
 fell back. Here [indicating on map] they made another stand, 
 where Gen. Brown had erected three forts, and there, Prevost not 
 finding the support from his fleet as yet, they rested. In the subse- 
 quent endeavor to cross the river there was such a controversy that 
 that river has ever since been known as the Bloody Saranac, because 
 it Avas dyed with the blood of the people who perished there. 
 
 Now, we pass to Avhat has happened. In the summer of 1813 
 Lieut. Smith, having taken two of the vessels that Macdonough had 
 provided, AA^ent down to Isle aux Noix, and there suffered a repulse, and 
 
COMMEMORATION OF BATTLE OF I'l.ATTSBUHO 1 f. 11 
 
 his two bouts were lost, captured hy the Hritisli. One of (lieiii, tlie 
 largest, which formed a part of Ihe fleet, was coiiniKiiided by ('apt. 
 Downie. He proceeded up the lake, and at 9 o'clock on Sunday, 
 September 11, 1814, rounded Cumberland Head and came to where 
 you see the red ships on this niap. There is present this most ad- 
 mirable gentleman, Mr. AA^erill, whose father Avas mentioned in the 
 resolution thanking those gentlemen for their part of the I)atth\ and 
 giving the gun that had been captured by Gen. Macomb to om; who.so 
 name is one of the most distinguished in (lie Slate of New York. A. C 
 Piatt. I called on hini in 18()7. when 1 came to New York, and he 
 was blind, and he said, " Stetson, I wonder if you are as good a 
 Democrat as your grandfather was." I said, " You mean my father.'' 
 fie said, '' No; your grandfather: they have all been good Democrats.*' 
 And that is true to the present time. 
 
 So. he rounded here on this morning at o'clock, and there he 
 found Macdonough's fleet waiting for him. Noav, Col. Roosevelt 
 has well pointed out — I mean Col. Theodore Roosevelt \n his history 
 of the War of 1811:^. not the present Assistant Secretary of the 
 Navy — that this was a battle in which an inferior force prevailed 
 against a superior force, not as in Lake Erie — and I would not 
 withdraw one of the laurels from the hero of Lake Erie — where the 
 conditions were reversed. Macdonough had 14 vessels against 16 ; 
 8(» guns against 95; 882 men against 1,000. He also had the dis- 
 advantage of the elements. The wind was then blowing from the 
 west and as he lav there he could not retreat, he could not draw 
 back toward the shore; he would have had to beat against the enemy's 
 face to do it, whereas, the British coidd withdraw at any nu)ment 
 with a favorable wind, if they saw fit. He had this other disad- 
 vantage that if he moved to that western shore, Prevost's army and 
 batteries being on the heights there, his fleet Avould be driven under 
 the fire of the land batteries of the British. Indeed, I might say 
 tliat this was one of the causes for which court-martial proceedings 
 were instituted against Prevost when he returned to England, be- 
 cause he had not shelled Macdonough's fleet from the shore, the 
 question being whether the army was within the range of th.e guns. 
 Prevost died while the court-martial was pending and so nothing 
 ever came from it. 
 
 Inunediately as they came in range Macdonough oi)ened fire on 
 Downie. Downie did nothing until he had come near Macdonough, 
 when he opened fire from his ship, the Confanre, on the Saratoga, 
 and at the first fire he almost blew the Sai-atoga out of the water, 
 destroying 40 of its men in that first fire. Before the battle had 
 lasted 10 minutes Macdonough had been knocked senseless — now, I 
 am talking about the man— l)y the shattering of the spanker boom 
 which had struck against his head and knocked him senseless to 
 the deck, but it did not knock him out. He arose and resumed the 
 fight and again he was knocked senseless. The head of his gun was 
 vbiown off and struck him and knocked him down senseless. Did 
 give up then? No. He resumed the fight. There is nowhere in 
 the^u^nals of war a hero such as he. As McMaster said in his 
 history, -itliowwasjlie time for surrender." His whole ship was 
 exposed ontlTaT'side. without the possibility of rettu-n. The last 
 gun had been broken and turned over into the hold. 
 
12 COMMEMORATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBURGH. 
 
 AVe have had bravery. Now for foresight. He had arranged 
 what we call springs to a kedge anchor, which was thrown out here 
 [indicating]. He gave the signal and the ship was turned and the 
 other battery was brought to bear on the Confance and he nearly 
 bleAv her out of the water. Downie was killed and they hauled down 
 the flag. The Linnet and the other ships dropped their flags and the 
 battle was over. Prevost saw what had happened there and he 
 surrendered. 
 
 That man was a hero, one of the greatest sea captains of his time, 
 and, as Col. Eoosevelt, Capt. Mahan, and Mr. McMaster all say, the 
 greatest figure in our naval history until our Civil War. 
 
 Now, I would like to know if that is not something that should be 
 lodged in the minds, in the affection, and in the memory of the Amer- 
 ican people? We have asked our legislature for $125,000. I have 
 here letters from the governor of the State, the speaker of the assem- 
 bly, the president of the senate, and the leaders in both houses, all 
 asking that this be done. The National Government appropriated 
 $250,000 for the Perry victory celebration. We feel that the States 
 of Vermont and NeAv York, both of whom unite here in presenting 
 this cause, may properly ask for the same amount. How Avill we use 
 this? Well, in part only for the celebration. We would be glad to 
 have the whole of Congress come over, and we think it would be none 
 too little for the Congress of the United States to take advantage of 
 the opportunity and. either in a body or by its representatives, come 
 to the celebration. I trust the chairman will be one, because we 
 entertained him in New York for four years. I trust you will all be 
 there, and I hope the celebration will be as much of a success as was 
 the centenary of the Battle of Lake Erie one year ago. 
 
 We think that where the head of the Cumberland Lighthouse is 
 now there should be a big lighthouse, such as will be at Crown Point, 
 where France will erect the monument " La France." We feel that 
 a monument should be placed right at the site of the engagement. 
 On the other side, right at the mouth of the river, there is a beautiful 
 site which is appropriate for the purpose, and there, we think, the 
 State of New York and the Federal Government should unite in 
 building a monument to the combined service, the Army and the 
 Navy, embracing a recognition of the ett'orts, if not the achievements, 
 of the army under Gen. Macomb, who did all they could for their 
 country. They did their duty as well as they possibly could. They 
 had a few thousand volunteers compared with the regulars of Wel- 
 lington's. 
 
 Our friends in Vermont very properly ask that there should be 
 recognition given them, because Macdonough's fleet was built on 
 Otter Creek near Vergennes. Vergennes was a city before there was 
 any other city in that section. It was named after Benjamin Frank- 
 lin's friend Vergennes. I remember the story that was passed on 
 the streets. One day a fellow said, "Why is Vergennes a city?" 
 And the all-wise fellow said. " You know that under the Constitution 
 of the United States every State is entitled to one city, and Vermont 
 built Vergennes." Burlington is queen city of Vermont, but Ver- 
 gennes is the main city. It has the advantage of being the site of 
 this victory, and that is their claim for recognition. 
 
 The Chairman. We are very much indebted *^o you, Mr. Stetson. 
 
COMMEMORATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBURGH. 13 
 
 Mr. Stetson. I would like to present to you this little pamphlet 
 which embodies the story of the battle of r*lattsbui«i:li in concrete 
 form. 
 
 Senator Dillingham. I suppose those letters should <^(> in tlie 
 record as a part of your address. 
 
 Mr. Stetson. This is the official pamphlet of the centenary com- 
 mission. 
 
 Senator Dillingham. I Avas referring to the letters from the <i,o\- 
 ernor of the State and various officials that you mentioned. 
 
 Mr. Stetson. Well, I think they are all addressed to Senator 
 O'Gorman and not to me. If he feels that they should go in the 
 record, I am entirely willing to put them in. 
 
 (The pamphlet referred to is as follows:) 
 
 The Battle of Plattsburgh — Why jis Centennial is to he Celeurated. 
 
 Upou Sundiiy, September 11. 1814, at 20 uiinutes past 11 o'clock in the fore- 
 noon, the United States of America became established as a world power. 
 Among the events which comi)elled snch recognition none is more important 
 tliaii the decisive naval victory won by Commodore Thomas Macdonongh on 
 that fateful day on the waters of beautiful Champlain, at Plattsburgh. 
 
 No other naval battle in our history has had a more profound effect upon our 
 country's destiny. The influence since exercised by America in the world's 
 progress in large measure may be traced to it. 
 
 The heroism and sacrifices signalized then and also often during our struggle 
 for independence, as well as iu later days, served to show to manlvind what 
 could be achieved by the individual inspired by patriotism and struggling to 
 establish human rights as conceived by the forefathers of this Republic. 
 
 Great as were the victories w^on by American heroes in previous naval en- 
 gagements they fell short of the decisive importance which history has awarded 
 to the final aiul complete victory that settled forever the momentous conflict 
 in the Western Hemisphere. 
 
 This crowning achievement of our Navy was accomplished by Macdonough. 
 Thereafter the supremacy of democracy and the progress of its ideals and 
 purposes in our country were never again contested by any foreign power. 
 Their influence, which has spread throughout the world, has liecome the leaven 
 of progress everywhere in the struggle for human rights, and nations, at that 
 time hostile to tlieir existence, long since have come to recognize them as potent 
 factors in their own national lives. 
 
 Thus we find warrant for the honor our Nation and the State of New York 
 are about to pay to the memory of this devout Christian gentleman— this naval 
 hero first distinguished at Tripoli, this zealous young patriot— who ou Sei)tem- 
 ber 11, 1814, near Valcour, where the British had won the first naval battle 
 between fleets of English-speaking nations, led an American fleet to victory in 
 the last naval battle between English-speaking nations. 
 
 Recalling the well-night insurmountable obstacles overcome by him m build- 
 ing and equipping his fleet, and his model report to his Government, we are 
 impressed with his modesty and with the humility and reverence of his mind 
 and also with the traits possessed by him in common with so many other great 
 American patriots from Washington to Lincoln, an abiding trust in Almighty 
 (;od. courage, resourcefulness, determination, generosity, and magnaninnty 
 of spirit. 
 
 At the close of the battle his message to the Secretary of the Navy was: 
 
 " Sir: The Almighty has been pleased to grant us a signal victory on Lake 
 Champlain in the cai)tnre of one frigate, one brig, and two sloops of war of 
 
 the enemy." , -n- 
 
 No boasting of what he or thev had accomplished, although the building, 
 equipping, and manning of an efficient fleet within eight months m a wilder- 
 ness, was little short of a miracle. 
 
 L;ike Erie showed the advantage of having the odds on our side; Lake Cham- 
 plain, that skill, calm calculation, and preparedness can oft'set odds on the 
 other side. ... . , 
 
 Perry's brilliant victory, September 10, 1813, snatched as if by magic from 
 the jaws of defeat, was an achievement of high order which well merited its 
 
14 COMMEMORATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBURGH. 
 
 patriotic celebration by State and Nation during the past year, and the splen 
 did permanent memorial now being erected. Yet, important as it was, that 
 victory did not end the war, but was followed by some of our most humiliat- 
 ing reverses. 
 
 Encouraged by her subsequent victories at different places, Great Britain 
 planned an invasion from Canada, confident that its success would end the 
 war in her favor and ix)ssibly would reestablish British rule in the United 
 States. 
 
 In pursuance of this plan the British Army, outnumbering ours four to one, 
 marched upon Plattsburgh, and a superior British fleet, cooperating with the 
 land forces, came up the lake from the north. These in combination were to 
 crush out all opposition by destroying the American fleet on Lake Champlain 
 and by capturing or scattering our land forces in the Champlain Valley. 
 Thereupon the British Army was to proceed up the Champlain and down tlie 
 Hudson to New York City, which it was planned to capture in cooperation with 
 another strong British fleet. 
 
 Macdonough's victory in Cumberland Bay, resulting in the destruction or 
 capture of the entire British fleet, not only prevented the projected advance of 
 the enemy, but caused the British Army to return to Canada to escape like 
 disaster. 
 
 The event was decisive, and the treaty of peace was signed three months 
 thereafter, on Christmas eve, 1814. 
 
 The same patriotic feeling that actuated the Nation in celebrating and com- 
 memorating the victory of Perry at Put in Bay impels it in equally impressive 
 manner to celebrate and by a fitting memorial to perpetuate the victory of 
 Macdonough at Plattsburgh. 
 
 Due recognition and honor for events and men great in our Nation's history 
 attest and measure the greatness of the present. They supply inspiration and 
 incentive for still nobler achievements. 
 
 No fitting expenditure can be deemed amiss which tends to stimulate patriot- 
 ism and deep appreciation of worthy deeds which made possible the Nation's 
 existence and gave nobility to its national life. 
 
 The Plattsburgh Centenary Commission has been appointed by the State of 
 New York to " plan and conduct in the month of September, 1914, an appro- 
 priate public celebration of the centenary of the Battle of Plattsburgh." The 
 battle was fought on September 11, 1814, and the centennial celebration will 
 be held September 6 to 11, 1914. 
 
 THE BATTLE. 
 
 The Battle of Plattsburgh was fought both on the land and on the lake. 
 
 Prevost had a crack army of 14,000 veterans, while Macomb had compara- 
 tively a mere handful of men. It was the purpose of Prevost to aid Downie by 
 a land attack simultaneous with that on the water. 
 
 The British fleet, which was superior to the American squadron, consisted of 
 16 vessels, carried 95 guns and had about 1,000 men. The American flotilla 
 consisted of 14 vessels of all classes, carrying 86 guns, with 882 men. Fire 
 was opened by the Americans. It was returned by the British Confiance, but 
 not until after she had come to anchor about 300 yards from the American line. 
 Her first broadside killed or wounded 40 men, one-fifth of the force of the 
 Saratoga. The engagement then became general. In an hour the whole star- 
 board battery of the Saratoga was disabled. However, owing to the masterly 
 prevision of Macdonough, she was enabled to swing around and to bring her 
 port guns to bear upon the Confiance. This vessel also suffered severely. She 
 lost her commander, Downie, and struck her flag after two and a half hours' 
 fighting. The remainder of the British force were either taken or put to flight. 
 
 The British loss was about 200, including prisoners; the American, killed and 
 wounded, 112. The British lost all but 20 of the 95 guns they brought into 
 action. Macdonough was twice knocked senseless. 
 
 ERIE, CHAMPLAIN, TRAFALGAR. 
 
 "But it will always be a source of surprise that the American public should 
 have so glorified Perry's victory over an inferior foe and have paid compara- 
 tively little attention to Macdonough's victory against decided odds in ships, 
 men, and metal. * * * Lake Erie teaches us the advantage of having the 
 odds on our side; Lake Champlain, that, even if they are not, skill can still 
 
COMMEMORATION OF BATTLE Oi- rJ.ATTSBUKGII. 15 
 
 counteract them." (Roosevelt iu his "Naval War of 1812," Oescribing the 
 "Battle of Lake Erie.") " 
 
 Comparisou with the battle of Trafalt^ar is similarly interesting 
 Lord Nelson's victory ended Napoleon's scheme for an invasion i)f Kniriand- 
 Macdonough's victory ended the British scheme to regain her lost colonies by aii 
 invasion of New York and the cutting off of New England from the rest of tlie 
 States. Nelson and Macdonough each fought a superior foe and each defeated 
 his adversary with unsurpassed valor and courage. 
 
 Midshipman Lee, in a letter to his brother, after the Battle of l'laLlsi)nrgh 
 said: " There is one of our marines who was in the Trafalgar engagement wUli 
 Lord Nelson who says it was a mere flea bite iu comparison with it." 
 
 OBJECT OF INVASION. 
 
 "From information received and corroborated by the movements of the 
 enemy, there is sufficient grounds of belief that one great object of his campaign 
 was to penetrate, with his northern army, by the waters of Lake Champlaiu and 
 the Hudson, and, by simultaneous attack with his maritime force on New York, 
 to form a junction which should sever the communication of the States." (Gov! 
 Tompkins in his address to the New York legislature Sept. 27, 1814.) 
 
 In his general orders on September 14, after alluding to the designs of Pre- 
 vost (the British conunauder) Gen. Macomb said: "He brought with him a 
 powerful army and flotilla — an army amounting to 14,000 men, completely 
 equipped and accompanied by a numerous train of artillery, and all the engines 
 of war — men who had conquered in France, Spain, Portugal, the Indies, and iu 
 various other parts of the globe, and led by the most experienced generals of 
 the British army. A flotilla, also superior to ours, in vessels, men, and guns, 
 had determined at once to crush us both by land and water." 
 
 " It was evident, notwithstanding that the release thereby of a large British 
 army from service on the Continent would enable the common enemy to send an 
 overwhelming force across the Atlantic that might crush the American armies 
 and possibly reduce the States to British provinces; their hopes and the limit 
 of their wishes doubtless were that the changed asi^ect of foreign affairs and the 
 consciousness of the great i:)eril that might reasonably be apprehended would 
 cause the administration to seek peace on any terms. They were mistaken, as 
 the sequel will show." (Lossing's description of the Federal party's actions in 
 his introduction to the invasion of the northern frontier by the British in the 
 War of 1812— "Field Book of the War of 1812." p. 855.) 
 
 THE battle's importance. 
 
 " This lake, which had hitherto played but an inconspicuous part, was now 
 to become the scene of the greatest naval battle of the war." (Roosevelt in 
 his "Naval War of 1812.") 
 
 " The gallant Macdonough. with a much smaller force in men and guns than 
 his antagonist, had by his skillful dispositions and brave defense, won an im- 
 portant victory and completely disconcerted a deep-laid scheme of invasion." 
 (Charles Morris in the " Great Republic." Vol. III. p. 45.) 
 
 "To view it in abstract, it is not surpassed by any naval victory on record. 
 To appreciate its result, it is perhaps one of the most important events in the 
 history of our country." ( Secretary of Navy Jones to Hon. Charles Tate, 
 chairman of the Naval Connnittee of the Senate, Oct. 3, 1814.) 
 
 •• ' Tis not alcme the brilliancy of your victory in a naval view, but its im- 
 portance and beneficial results that will fix the attention and command the 
 gratitude of your admiring country." (Secretary of Navy Jones to Comman- 
 der Macdonough, Sept. ID. 1814.) 
 
 " The country generally placed this victory by the side of that of Lake Erie. 
 In the Navy, which is better qualified to enter into just estimates of force and 
 all the other circumstances that enhance the merits of nautical exploits, the 
 Battle of Plattsburgh Bay is justly ranked among the very highest of its 
 claims to glory-" (Cooper in his "History of the War of 1832.") 
 
 " Macdonough in this battle won a higher fame than any other conunauder 
 of the war. British or American. He had a decidedly superior force to contend 
 against, the officers and men of the two sides being about on a par in every 
 respect: and it was solelv owing to his foresight and resource thnt he won the 
 victorv." (Roosevelt in "" Naval War of 183 2."^ 
 
16 COMMEMORATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBUEGH. 
 
 " With the repulse of the British at Plattsburgh ended the most importaut 
 military operations on the northern frontier of New York. Peace came a few 
 months later." (Lossing in Harper's Weekly, 18G4.) 
 
 THE VICTORY DECISIVE. 
 
 "The Battle of Lake Chaniplain, more nearly than any other incident of the 
 W^ar of 1812, merits the word 'decisive' — decisive not merely in relation to 
 immediate military results, but in relation to political questions involved in the 
 pending negotiations for iieace." (Capt. A. T. Mahan, U. S. N., in his " Sea 
 Power in its Relations to the War of 1812.") 
 
 "As long as illustrious events shall be embodied in history, so long will the 
 victory on Lake Champlain. obtained under your ausi)ices, command the respect 
 of mankind." (Mayor DeWitt Clinton, of New York, to Commodore Macdon- 
 ough at a dinner given in the latter's honor some weeks after the battle.) 
 
 " The splendid triumph obtained by the squadron under your command over 
 a superior British force has secured to you an imperishable name in the annals 
 of the age. * * * At no period of the late eventful contest were conse- 
 quences so important dependent upon the fate of battles. A numerous and 
 well-appointed army of the eneniy, composed of veteran troops, led by expe- 
 rienced generals, and flushed with request conquests, penetrated our northern 
 frontier, and by the aid of a formidable naval armament threatened to ad- 
 vance into the bosom of our State. The storm of war was collected in one 
 cloud and its course directed to one point. In that awful moment of suspense 
 every hope was fixed upon your efforts to avert its fury, and the most sanguine 
 expectations of your country were more tlian realized. By a masterly position 
 you compelled the hostile fleet to approach your moorings to certain disadvan- 
 tage. By the precision of your fire, the promptness of yonr maneuvers, the 
 disciitline and spirit you had infused into your crews, and by your undaunted 
 and deliberate valor, you gained a victory as signal, as decisive, and as im- 
 portant as any inscribed upon the naval pillar of your country. Youca]itured and 
 destroyed almost the whole of the adverse squadron — you compelled the invad- 
 ing army to retreat — you saved our territory from rapine, our border dwellings 
 from pillage and destruction — their inhabitants from banishment, captivity, 
 or death." (Assemblj'man William A. Deur in an address to Commodore Mac- 
 donough at Hartford. Conn.. Feb. 13, 1817, on the occasion of the presentation 
 of a sword voted to liim by the State of New York.) 
 
 " That the thanks of Congress be. and the same are hereby, presented to Capt. 
 Thomas Macdonough. and through him to the officers, petty officers, seamen, 
 marines, and infantry serving as marines attached to the squadron under his 
 connnand for the decisive and si)]endid victory gained on Lake Champlain on 
 the 11th of September, 1814. over a British squadron of superior force." (Por- 
 tion of resolution expressive of the appreciation of Congress of the gallant con- 
 duct of Capt. Macdonough and his men, in awarding them gold and silver medals 
 after the victory on Lake Champlain.) 
 
 "The fight in Plattsburgh Bay was undoubtedly the greatest naval battle of 
 the war, and the victory stamped Macdonough as the ablest sea captain our 
 country produced down to the Rebellion." (From "History of the People of 
 the United States," by John Bach McMaster. Vol. lY.. p. 68.)' 
 
 A CELEBRATION FOR ALL. 
 
 The decisive result of this battle naturally and .iustly occasioned special re- 
 .ioicing in the valley of Lake Chamiilain and in the Hudson Valley, thus relieved 
 from war and from its horrid alarms. Naturally and .iustly, also, this result 
 was of momentous consequence to the whole country, particularly the Middle 
 West, for it quieted forever tlie pending proposal to carve a neutral State out 
 of territory now including the State of Indiana. 
 
 In a larger and continuing significance the result also is justly an occasion for 
 present general satisfaction on both sides. In the past year the Gettysburg 
 semicentennial has brouglit to many on either side the vain regret that the de- 
 cisive character of that titanic contest could not have been recognized without 
 'lelay and further useless loss of life and blood. As prolongation of the unhappy 
 War of 1812 would have brought neither joy nor glory, all may now rejoice that 
 tlie Battle of Plattsburgh was of final importance, and that it was then so re- 
 garded by the peace commissioners. 
 
COMMEMOEATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBURGH. 17 
 
 The magnanimity of Macdouougli toward the memory of the gallant Downle 
 and his fallen comrades has governed the people of riiitlshiirgli who liave hon- 
 ored and kept green their graves, annually including them within the trlhuteH 
 of Decoration Day. 
 
 Without, then, disparaging tlie valor of the forefatliers wlio here "Jeoparded 
 their lives in the breach," everyone, everywhere, may rejoice over the IJuttle 
 of Plattsburgh and its final contribution to a century, and it may be hoped to a 
 millenium, of international peace. 
 
 PLATTSBTTBGH CENTENARY COMMISSION. 
 
 Francis Lynde Stetson, chairman, 15 Broad Street, New York City. 
 Thomas F. Conway, vice chairman, 32 Nassau Street, New York City. 
 James A. Foley, chairman executive committee, 261 Broadway, New York 
 City. 
 
 Loren H. White, treasurer, Delanson, N. Y. 
 
 Charles J. Vert, secretary, Plattsburgh, N. Y. 
 
 Salvatore A. Cotillo, 273 Pleasant Avenue. New York City. 
 
 John Dorst, jr., Akron, Erie County, N. Y. 
 
 James A. Emerson, Warrensburg, N. Y. 
 
 Joseph H. Esquirol, 25 Crooke Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 Irving I. Goldsmith, Saratoga Springs, N. Y. 
 
 John P. Healy, New Rochelle, N. Y. 
 
 Henry Harmon Noble, Essex, Essex County, N. Y, 
 
 Alexander W. Fairbank, M. D., Chazy, N. Y. 
 
 Franklin D. Roosevelt, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Henry M. Sage, Menands, N. Y. 
 
 Rev. John P. Chidwick, D. D., St. Joseph's Seminary, Yonkers, N. Y. 
 
 Henry W. Hill, 471 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
 Howard D. Hadley, assistant secretary, Plattsburgh, N. Y. 
 
 Senator Dillingham. Mr. Chairman, we have a Vermont com- 
 mittee here this morning the head of which is the Rev. Father Vezina, 
 of Vergennes. 
 
 Dr. Vezina. I yield to Mr. Stone. He will speak for the Ver- 
 monters. 
 
 STATEMENT OF MK. GEORGE W. STONE, PRESIDENT VERMONT- 
 . MACDONOUGH MEMORIAL COMMISSION, VERGENNES, VT. 
 
 Mr. Stone. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the committee, Ver- 
 mont and New York have been neighbors for a good many years. 
 There never has been a time, perhaps, when the representation of 
 Vermont and New^ York has felt more neighborly than this morn- 
 ing in the cause in which we are both interested. Vermont is a 
 modest State, and perhaps the part we played in the Battle of Platts- 
 burgh was a somewhat modest one. As Mr, Stetson has indicated, 
 Macdonough's fleet Avas built on Vermont soil, of Vermont trees, 
 cut in Vermont wilderness, the work of building it was done largely 
 by Vermont workmen, and in the battle itself Vermont volunteers 
 took an important part. We therefore are perhaps, in propor- 
 tion of the size of the State as compared with New York, equally 
 interested in the outcome of this bill that has been presented in the 
 Senate and has come before this committee. The fleet was built 
 at Vergennes on the Otter Creek, a name that we do not like very 
 well, because it is the largest river in Vermont and worthy of a 
 better name than "creek." But for historical reasons the name 
 seems to have remained. The ships were built during the winter 
 and with a great deal of dispatch and speed, and equipped with 
 
 S. Kept. 471, 63-2 2 
 
18 COMMEMOEATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBUKGH. 
 
 guns and ammunition that was in large part manufactured at 
 Vergennes. In the spring an attempt was made by the British to 
 bottle up this fleet in the river somewhat in the way that a more 
 i-ecent bottling act was accomplished, at least with some success, 
 although in this 1812 episode no success attended the efforts of the 
 British, by reason of the brave resistance of Lieut. Cassin at the 
 small fort at what was called Fort Cassin at the mouth of the river. 
 
 Briefly, the fleet emerged into Lake Champlain and the battle was 
 fought as Mr, Stetson has indicated. As I indicated at the outset, 
 Vermont is modest but we are enthusiastic. We heartily indorse 
 the position that New York takes in the matter. We feel that Lake 
 Champlain is altogether too little known among the present-day 
 citizenship of the United States. It is astonishing, I think, to find 
 how many people know so very little about Lake Champlain. Now, 
 Lake Champlain is the largest lake that is entirely in the United 
 States. It is probably the most beautiful lake in the United States, 
 as it is without question the most historic lake in the country. We 
 feel that fit recognition should be given to Lake Champlain, and for 
 that reason, as well as the others that have been mentioned, Vermont 
 stands by the side and in back of New York. 
 
 The Chairman. We will be glad to hear from anyone else, from 
 New York or Vermont. 
 
 STATEMENT OF HON. THOMAS F. CONWAY, CHAIRMAN EXECUTIVE 
 COMMITTEE, PLATTSBUKGH CENTENARY COMMISSION. 
 
 Mr. Conway. Mr. Chairman, I perhaps ought not to intrude my 
 views at this late moment, because the historic event that we all seek 
 to celebrate has been so well described and its effects and results 
 on our history have been so forcibly stated by the gentlemen who 
 preceded me that I would not attempt to take a moment of your time 
 except for the fact that what I have to say springs more from per- 
 sonal motives, although I am a member of tliis commission, and is 
 largely prompted by the fact that the Champlain Valley was and is 
 my home. I was there brought up. I believe there is not a nook, 
 a corner, nor a portion of its history with which I am not familiar. 
 Three or four years ago the early history of that locality in its 
 colonial times was celebrated in a most impressive manner, and 
 largely celebrated at the expense of our State, the State of New York. 
 As the Chairman well knows, in colonial times the Champlain Valley 
 was the contending point of differing civilizations, and the English 
 form ultimately prevailed. Later it became the home of democracy. 
 
 Recognizing those facts, the State of New York appropriated some 
 years ago the sum of $125,000 to celebrate the events that took place 
 there in colonial times, particularly on account of their great effect 
 in developing our civilization in State and Nation later. The United 
 States Government was not then appealed to to any great extent, but 
 the sum of $20,000 was contributed to pay the expenses of distin- 
 guished guests from Washington and abroad who honored us then 
 with their presence, and our sister Republic of France took such an 
 interest in the matter that she contributed that most magnificent 
 work of art. La France. 
 
 Now we come to the point when something of modern importance, 
 something of a more immediate effect upon our history, is needed. 
 
COMMEMORATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBURGH. 19 
 
 We think, having stood the test oi" an analysis of iU(J years of its 
 effect not only upon Yoriv State but upon the history of tlie country, 
 that the event should receive a fitting celebration and that there 
 should be placed there a memorial that for all time will direct the 
 mind of the youth of this country to an event of tremendous im- 
 portance to the country, and to the courage and heroism there dis- 
 played. If I thought that this celebration meant simply a gather- 
 ing of distinguished men and a week's exchange of views. I should 
 not have devoted one hour of time to the matter; neither do I 
 believe the distinguished chairman of the commission would have 
 done so. But believing that it is of great importance, and believing 
 that the time has come in our history, after a hundred years, when 
 we should analyze and place events in positions of relative impor- 
 tance to our history and our future, we find that here was one at 
 least that met every test. 
 
 There is not a historian of our country, there is not a man who 
 knows the facts, that does not believe that the results of that engage- 
 ment were among the most important in their effect upon our his- 
 tory. As the chairman has said, no one wants to disparage or mini- 
 mize the great victory of Perry at Put in Bay. The State of New 
 York, least of all, does not want to minimize it. But yet we can 
 not forget the fact that historians have commented upon, that there 
 the advantage in men, in arms, and in ships was all on our side. 
 In Champlain they were all against us. That shows what valor and 
 determination can accomplish even under adverse circumstances. 
 
 In connection with the victory of Macdonough there is a patriotic 
 feeling that wells up in the hearts of everyone who thinks of it. 
 Away back in the early days the first naval battle among English- 
 speaking peoples took place within 3 miles of wdiere Macdonough's 
 victory took place. We were then defeated, but later on we reversed 
 the situation. As I said before, New York State does not assume to 
 minimize the Perry victory. Our State contributed to the celebration 
 of that event in a fitting manner the sum of $150,000 by act of legis- 
 lature. That was appropriated for the purpose of celebrating the 
 anniversar}^ of an event which did not take place within the borders 
 of our State, but within the waters adjoining them. 
 
 Recognizing the importance of such a celebration and recognizing 
 the importance of placing memorials of gi-eat historical events 
 where they will be expressive of our national appreciation, we 
 think we should participate in this celebration and make it a national 
 celebration. The State of New York will generously aid in this 
 celebration, and I say to you, Mr. Chairman, that if my section of 
 the State was as rich in wealth or material things as it always has 
 been in patriotic impulses and readiness to give, whether it be their 
 blood or treasure, for public purposes, we would not be here, at least 
 would not be here seeking aid from the National Government. We 
 are largely an agricultural community. There are no large cities 
 from which we can draw aid and assistance as we could in the Perry 
 celebration, surrounded as it was by its wealth of resources. We 
 are a farming population largely, and so is our sister State Vermont, 
 to a large extent, and most of what we leave up there when we pass 
 away is a reputation. The father leaves perhaps enough for his 
 family to live on, perhaps it is not very large. You will find there 
 in our system of graded schools, our normal schools, our churches, 
 
20 COMMEMOEATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBUEGH. 
 
 and in our charitable institutions the evidences of where our surplus 
 wealth has been invested, and you will find that intelligence and 
 patriotism have resulted from that method of expenditure. We 
 have not enough left to properly memorialize this great event. 
 There is not an institution in which our civilization to-day finds its 
 best inspiration that does not flourish there. 
 
 Now, we appeal to Congress because we are poor in that sense. 
 We have a great Catholic summer school located within a mile of 
 this place. We have across the lake in the city of Burlington the 
 University of Vermont, one of the best institutions of learning in this 
 country, so that within a brief circle of this spot more young minds 
 are being formed and more characters are being formed than in any 
 other similar circle in the United States. 
 
 It is a very striking and singular thing — of course, this does not 
 relate to the centenary commission — that when I go to New York, 
 Washington, or elsewhere, this battle and all it meant, the sentiment 
 attached to it, and its lessons, which are interwoven with the very 
 lives of the young men and young w^omen of that valley, outside are 
 practically unknown. It is to correct that, among other things, and 
 to place there for all time to come a monument that will not only 
 perpetuate the past but will point out the way in the future that we 
 appeal to Congress to extend to us a helping hand to enable us to 
 carry out that object. It is pretty hard to explain when you en- 
 deavor to tell the youth of our country up there of the lessons to be 
 learned from those times, when they say, " Why is it that it has not 
 been commemorated ? Why is it that it has been neglected ? " Of 
 course, our answer would be, " We lack the wealth to supply Avhat 
 ought to be supplied to erect a fitting and proper memorial." 
 
 And, Mr. Chairman, that is why we are here. I regret I had to 
 take so much of your time, but I wanted to give you a little local 
 color and some of the motives that prompted me to come here and 
 address you on this subject. We also realize the fact that to Ver- 
 mont, too, is due credit for what took place at that time, and she 
 should receive credit with us in whatever assistance Congress may 
 give us. 
 
 STATEMENT OF HON. FRANK L. GREENE, A REPRESENTATIVE 
 IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF VERMONT. 
 
 Mr. Gkeene. Mr. Chairman, I do not appear here as a member of 
 the Vermont commission, but as one who is very happily connected 
 with it, because its interests are mine, too. I dare say that having 
 had such a splendid exposition of the historical importance and the 
 sentimental associations which commend this enterprise to Congress, 
 it may be proper to perhaps suggest one other phase of it that, while 
 it has no strong weight as an argumentative proi^osition, nevertheless 
 it is to my mind very closely associated with this verj'^ peculiar his- 
 torical event which we seek to celebrate. I think, although I have 
 never seen the idea brought out upon some substantial authority, you 
 are going to agree with me, after listening to the eloquent detail of 
 the battle by Mr. Stetson, that it was perhaps the most unique battle 
 in some respects in the history of the countrj^, because, in the first 
 place, it was a combination of land and naval forces, on the one hand, 
 
COMMEMORATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBUROII. 21 
 
 which is an unusual combination to fioht a batllc aiiywhert'. In {[m 
 second place, it is unique because it was the opposition of an niior- 
 ganized and untrained democracy against the trained lrooi)s, seamen 
 and landsmen, of Europe, and the untrniiicd men won tlic vidorv. 
 That was what we may call in our ofl'hand way a neighborhood b;illki 
 between the people of Vermont and New York on the one hand and 
 the British regulars on the other. Our fathers and grandfathei-s went 
 into that battle, leaving aside the ax, scythe, and plow, and went over 
 to fight a neighborhood fight, and after the light was over they came 
 back to the farms and again took up the ax, the scythe, and the plow. 
 That is one of the reasons why it has never received the distinction 
 in history that it v/ould have had if it had been a meeting of distin- 
 guished organized forces on both sides. It was simply treated by 
 our people as an obedience of the first law of nature, and they left 
 the peaceful occupations that they were hoping to continue and went 
 off to fight, and then came right back again and never celebrated their 
 own victory and their own glory. 
 
 From time immemorial— at least as far as we regard it in this coun- 
 try — that grand old Lake Champlain, true to its name, had been the 
 gateway to this country, and those men of 1814 were simply doing 
 what their ancestors had been doing every now and then during the 
 bloody days in the history of the wilderness from the time when the 
 white man first taught the Iroquois the sound of gunpowder, and the 
 sound of gunpowder has been echoing down through all the years 
 since then in the history of that section of the country. I want to 
 suggest that in so far as the State of Vermont is concerned in this 
 matter, she recognizes with great respect and great pride that the 
 celebration is destined to be in every respect a New York State 
 affair, so far as its broad outlines are concerned. We only sug- 
 gest that in as much as we furnished the shipj^ard, and our men 
 built the ships, manned the vessels, and joined with the land 
 forces in great numbers, that we are not immodest in asking Con- 
 gress to officially recognize the fact that our little Green Mountain 
 State had a finger in it too. And that being conceded, of course, it 
 must follow that in order to enable us to carry on our part of this 
 celebration, which we design to have on the site of that old shipj'ard 
 and that old arsenal where the powder was manufactured and the 
 shot was cast, we should have from Congress a modest sum for that 
 purpose. 
 
 The Chairman. What amount has the State of Vermont appro- 
 priated ? 
 
 Mr. Greene. I may say by way of explanation that the State of 
 Vermont did not originally consider this as a national celebration. 
 At first we intended merely to have a little celebration in the city of 
 Vergennes, to erect a tablet memorial, and the legislature appropri- 
 ated $4,000 for that purpose. After our legislature was through and 
 had gone away, the idea occurred to us that with the aid of our great 
 neighbor we might have a national celebration, wherefore our peo- 
 ple regretted that they had only planned a little celebration. Learn- 
 ing, too, that our friends were disposed to give us a share in the 
 program, we now feel that we may supplement what we have already 
 raised. The city of Vergennes has contributed $1,000 to add to the 
 State's $4,000, and we are asking Congress now to allow us to partici- 
 
22 OOMMEMOKATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBURGH. 
 
 pate with New York, perhaps by an amendment to this bill to give 
 us $15,000. The New York commission is quite willing that we 
 should have that allotment of the sum. 
 
 The Chairman. We are very much obliged to you, sir. 
 
 STATEMENT OF REV. JOHN P. CHIDWICK, D. D., YONKERS, N. Y. 
 
 Dr. Chidwick. Mr. Chairman, there is a phase of the matter that 
 has not been brought up as yet. I think we all recognize at the pres- 
 ent time that there is a general disposition to do away with the 
 memories of war and, so far as it is possible, to do away with war 
 itself, and it is possible that just such a sentiment will interfere with 
 a celebration of this character. 
 
 While, of course, it may be unfitting for me, as a clergyman, to 
 advocate anything in any way outside of that spirit, which seems to 
 be so widely prevalent, still, I believe that when God gives us a 
 country to protect we are unworthy of that country if we do not 
 protect it, and the battle which we wish to memorialize was a decisive 
 battle in a war for the protection of our country and to make it a 
 free and independent country, such as all the nations of the world 
 came to recognize it after the War of 1812. I think, down to the War 
 of 1812, England looked upon us as a wayward child that needed a 
 spanking to bring it home. It was the War of 1812 that decided 
 our position and gave us our standing in the world. The war was 
 brought about because we were forced to defend our rights and to 
 teach our children the lesson that while we deprecate war and while 
 we are thoroughly in sympathy with the spirit of the times which 
 counsels the doing away of the useless slaughtering of human life, 
 still, if God has given us a country to protect, we are unworthy of 
 that country if we do not protect it. The War of 1812 was such a 
 war for our protection. 
 
 Now, there is another phase of the matter. I remember during our 
 Spanish-American War the kindness that was shown by our officers to 
 the Spanish officers who were taken prisoners. We had the first prisoner 
 of the war and he was brought on board our ship. We took him at 
 Matanzas. He sat at our table and we talked with him about the war 
 and treated him most courteously. He was very much surprised ; he 
 did not know what had happened. He was anxious to see his wife 
 and child. He had been on furlough to see his family and had not 
 heard of the war, and we took him on board ship and held him as a 
 prisoner, much to his surprise. Afterwards we sent him to Admiral 
 Sampson and the admiral sent him ashore with a flag of truce. 
 
 That was a beautiful sight. It was also a striking thing at San- 
 tiago when Admiral Phillips said to the sailors, "Don't cheer, boys; 
 those poor fellows are dying." These are all sentiments in the history 
 of our modern wars. But there is not a more beautiful sentiment — 
 teaching us to govern our passions, our resentment, and our anger 
 and to look upon all those with whom we are at war with pity — than 
 the sentiment of Macdonough, who, the previous day, had prayed to 
 God for victory and after the battle sent word to Washington that 
 " In the providence of God, the victory has fallen to us to-day," and 
 then the next day he gathered the dead of the English and Ameri- 
 can Armies and laid them together to rest on the hillside in token of 
 
COMMEMORATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBURGH. 23 
 
 the peace that he wished to exist between the two <^n':ii peoples of 
 the world. 
 
 To-day we are, of course, wishing that all English-speaking peoples 
 should be united; that is the wish on this side and on the other side. 
 And where can we put a monument that will speak more oloqucritly 
 that sentiment than on the spot where Macdonough, in his moment 
 of victory, gathered together those whom he had fought and phiced 
 them side by side with his own men on the hillside? I believe that 
 the people of Plattsburg, every Decoration Day, have gone out and 
 decorated those graves. 
 
 Why should this sentiment in any way act against the proposed 
 celebration? Why should the sentiment of doing away with all 
 things and memorials of war contradict this sentiment : That here, 
 if every volume of the records of the war tragedies of the Avorld is 
 closed, is the concluding chapter, the last and most glorious chapter, 
 where people who fought, and fought like tigers, during the moment 
 of conflict, still were so Christianlike and so brotherlike that after 
 the battle they were gathered together and laid to rest and honored 
 by both peoples year after year on their Memorial Days. 
 
 So, Mr. Chairman, I hope that this sentiment which might perhaps 
 militate against this movement might not be permitted to do so. and 
 I do sincerely hope that the movement will take on that national 
 character, because while we love peace and deprecate war we must 
 insist upon our people remembering this: That hateful as war may 
 be, there are some circumstances when it is perhaps necessary; that 
 the robber, the thief, the invader, the unjust man must not triumph; 
 that justice must triumph, right must triumph, God must triumph, 
 principle must triumph, and for us not to protect and defend what 
 is right and what is God-given renders us unworthy to be called 
 Americans and Christians. 
 
 And, Mr. Chairman, it is to perpetuate that sentiment that we ask 
 for this contribution from our National Treasury to aid lis in this 
 celebration. 
 
 The Chairman. I regret very much that my colleagues on the 
 committee were unable to be present and hear the statements that 
 have been made, but the hearing has been taken down, and the other 
 members of the committee will read it. 
 
 (Mr. W. E. Parkhurst, of Plattsburgh, N. Y., presented a petition 
 signed by numerous residents of the city of Plattsburgh and vicinity, 
 respectfully urging the making of a suitable appropriation for the 
 celebration and a permanent memorial to commemorate the victory 
 of Macdonough and Macomb at the Battle of Plattsburgh on Sep- 
 tember 11, 1814. 
 
 Mr. Howard D. Hadley, of Plattsburgh, N. Y., appeared on be- 
 half of the Trades and Labor Assembly of Plattsburgh, N. Y., and 
 presented the following letters:) 
 
 Trades and Labor Assembly. 
 Plattsburgh, N. Y., March 9, 191J,. 
 
 Mr. Howard D. Hadley. 
 
 % Senator O'Gorman, Senate Office Building, Washington. D. C. 
 
 Dear Mr. Hadley: In response to your letter of the 7tli instiuit, addressed 
 
 to Mr. Edward Werner, president of our Trade and Labor Assembly, we beg to 
 
 assure you that the project of the centenary celebration here next September 
 
 meets with the hearty approval of our organization without dissent of any 
 
24 COMMEMOKATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBUKGH. 
 
 kind. The great importance of the event historically, and the expectation of 
 the vast crowds of representative people it will bring here, tend to make it one 
 of the greatest celebrations in the history of this great Nation. As we are 
 unable con-veniently to send a delegate in person to represent us at this meet- 
 ing on Thursday if you see fit we wish to authorize you to speak for us there 
 at such meeting, with this letter as authority for such course. With sincere 
 good wishes from our whole organization for the best success of this under- 
 taking, we remain. 
 
 Yours, truly, 
 
 Edward W. Werner, 
 President of Committee. 
 
 B. S. Morrill, 
 Secretary of Cormnittee. 
 
 Cadyville, Clinton County, N. Y., March 9, 191^. 
 
 Mr. H. D. Hadley, 
 
 Assistant Secretary Plattshurgh Centenary Commission, 
 
 Plattsburgh, N. Y. 
 
 My Dear Mr. Hadley: Yours of the 7th instant is at hand. 
 I am sorry we did not know of the hearing at Washington at the time of 
 our Pomona meeting last Thursday. We would have liked to have sent a rep- 
 resentative. But it is impossible on such short notice 
 
 However, I deputize you to represent the Pomona Grange, of Clinton County, 
 N. Y., at the hearing. I will stand behind you and support you as we are all 
 deeply interested in this movement to bring about fitting recognition of the 
 Battle of Plattsburgh, one of the real decisive battles of our history. 
 Yours, very respectfully, 
 
 W. S. White, 
 Master Pomona Grange, of Clinton County, N. Y. 
 
 Plattsburgh, N. Y., March 10, 191 Jf. 
 Howard D. Hadley, 
 
 Hotel WlUard, Washington, D. C: 
 The Women's Cflvic League wish to acknowledge your letter and say that we 
 deeply regret not being able to send a representative to the meeting Thursday. 
 We wish you the best success and will do everything in our power to further 
 the interests of the celebration. 
 
 Marie P. Booth, 
 President Plattshurgh Women's Civic League, Plattsburgh, N. Y. 
 
 LETTERS TO SENATOR ELIHU ROOT. 
 
 The Chairman. The following letters addressed to Senator Elihu 
 Root will be incorporated in the report of the hearings : 
 
 Assembly Chamber, State of New York, 
 Albany, March 10, 19U. 
 Hon. Elihu Root, 
 
 United States Senate, Washington, D. C. 
 Dear Senator: Even in these days, when in the State of New York we are 
 striving at economy, all seem to be agreed that a bill should be passed in the 
 legislature this year, and approved by the governor, appropriating $125,000 
 toward the Plattsburgh Centenary Celebration. This must be done, if at all, 
 this year, as the hundredth anniversary is to be celebrated on September 11. 
 New York State is more interested than any other, but it is of course a national 
 proposition as well, and we are making our appropriation at this time feeling 
 that the Federal Government will do its share, just as it did with reference to 
 the Peri-y celebration. 
 
 I have been requested to write yon by Mr. Howard D. Hadley. assistant sec- 
 retary of the Plattsburgh Centenary Commission, urging you to do what you 
 can to provide a Federal appropriation. 
 
 With kind regards, I am, very sincerely, yours, 
 
 Harold J. Hinman. 
 
COMMEMORATION OP BATTLE OF PLATTSBURGH. 25 
 
 Assembly Chamber, State of New York. 
 
 ^^ ^ Tj Albany, March i), 19 IJ,. 
 
 Hon. Elihu Root, "' ' ' 
 
 Senate Chamber, Washington, D. G. 
 My Dear Senator: The State of New York proposes to iipproprinte $12r),000 
 for the celebration of a permanent memorial commemorating the Battle of 
 Plattsburgh. 
 
 In company with Chairman Francis Lynde Stetson and Assistant Secretary 
 Hadley, of the Plattsburgh Centenary Commission, I saw Gov. Glynn this moni- 
 ing, and he has agreed to sign the bill. The bill is now in the senate finance 
 committee, and Senator Frawley has agreed to report it out at once. It will 
 be passed promptly by the senate. Speaker Sweet, Majority Leader Hinman, 
 and Minority Leader Smith are all heartily in favor of the bill, and there is 
 not the slightest doubt but what it will become a law within a few days. 
 
 New York State hopes and expects that Congress will do as well for its 
 memorial commemorating Macdonough's victory as was done for Perry's 
 victory. 
 
 With high respect, I remain, very truly, yours, 
 
 A. Macdonald, 
 Chairman Committee on Ways and Means. 
 
 The Senate of the State of New York, 
 
 „ „ „ Albany, March 10, 191 J). 
 
 Hon. Elihu Root, -" 
 
 Senate Chamber, Washington, D. C. 
 
 My Dear Senator: The legislature of this State is now putting through a 
 bill appropriating $125,000 for a celebration and permanent memorial com- 
 memorating the Battle of Plattsburgh. 
 
 The bill has been introduced in the senate by Senator Foley and is now in 
 the senate finance committee, and Senator Frawley has agreed to report it out 
 at once. It will be passed promptly by the senate. Gov. Glynn has agreed to 
 sign the bill. Speaker Sweet, Majority Leader Hinman, and Minority Leader 
 Smith are all heartily in favor of the bill and there is not the slightest doubt 
 that it will become a law within a few days. 
 
 We hope and expect that Congress will appropriate the same amount for the 
 memorial commemorating Macdonough's victory as was done for Perry's 
 victory, viz, $250,000. 
 
 With warmest personal regards, I remain, very truly, yours. 
 
 James A. Emerson. 
 
 Assembly Chamber, State of New York, 
 
 XT X-, -r. Albany, March 9, 191.'/. 
 
 Hon. Elihu Root, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 My Dear Senator : I beg to address you at this time in the interest of a 
 bill pending in Congress known as Senate bill No. 3662. Our State is about 
 to appropriate, for the celebration of the centenary of the Battle of Plattsburgh, 
 $125,000. I am reliably informed that the governor is favorably committed to 
 this bill, and it is exceedingly necessary that Congress take prompt action on 
 the measure providing Federal assistance in this celebi*ation that the plans 
 and specifications may be made at the earliest date possible that the under- 
 taking may prove a success. 
 
 May I ask for your support and the best efforts for an early and favorable 
 consideration on this measure, and remain. 
 Yours, very respectfully, 
 
 T. C. Sweet, 
 
 LETTERS TO SENATOR JAMES A. O'GORMAN. 
 
 The Chairman. The following letters addressed to Senator O'Gor- 
 man will be printed in the record : 
 
 State of New York, Executive Chamber, 
 
 Albany, March 10, 1914- 
 Hon. James A. O'Goeman, 
 
 United States Senate, Washington, D. C. 
 My Dear Senator O'Gorman : I take pleasure in herewith introducing to you 
 Mr. Howard D. Hadley, secretary of the Plattsburgh Centenary Commission, 
 
t 
 
 26 COMMEMOEATION OF BATTLE OF PLATTSBUEGH. 
 
 the members of wliicli desire an appropriation of $250,000 from Congress f 
 the Plattsburgh celebration and permanent memorial. 
 
 Historians generally agree that the Battle of Plattsburgh was the greate 
 naval battle of the war, and that by his victory Macdonough stamped himsc 
 as one of the greatest sea captains which our country has produced. 
 
 I hope that Congress will see its way clear to enact a law making this appro- 
 priation, and I beg to add my assurances that so far as the matter is in my; 
 power. New York State will also add a substantial appropriation. I 
 
 Very sincerely, yours, 
 
 Martin H. Glynn. 
 
 State of New York, 
 Lieutenant Governor's Room, i 
 
 Albany, February 9, 1914- 1 
 
 Hon. James A. O'Gorman, 
 
 miited States Senate, Washington, D. C. 
 
 My Dear Senator : I am taking the liberty at this time of asking you to use 
 your good offices to secure favorable action on the bill which you have intro- 
 duced in the United States Senate appropriating $250,000 for the establishment 
 of a proper memorial to Thomas Macdonough at Plattsburg, N. Y. Senator 
 Foley, chairman of the New York State Plattsburg Centenary Conimission has 
 introduced a bill in the legislature calling for an appropriation of $150,000 id 
 order that New York State may participate with the Federal Government in 
 the erection of a suitable memorial to this man and the men who fought sc 
 gallantly under him on this historical occasion. 
 
 Practically every historic spot in the country has received recognition ir 
 this manner by the various States or Nation, and I firmly believe that the peoph 
 of this State and the Nation owe this small tribute to these men who had s-j 
 much to do with making this country what it is to-day. { 
 
 With the hope that you will do everythting possible to secure favorable coni 
 sideration of this measure, I am. 
 
 Very sincerely, yours, j 
 
 •^ Robert Magner. i 
 
 The Senate of the State of New York, 
 
 Albany, March 10, 191^. 
 
 Hon. James A. O'Gorman, 
 
 United States Senator, Washington, D. C. 
 My Dear Senator: I hope you will be able to secure the speedy passage c 
 the bill introduced by you providing for a memorial to Thomas Macdonough 
 
 The authorities in our State have all agreed to an appropriation of $125,00< 
 and the Government's participation should be proportionate. 
 
 Very truly, yours, ^^^^^ ^ ^^^^^ 
 
 (Thereupon the committee adjourned.) , 
 
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