Class Fs^ -Smm^ J ^o Goppglitl^ ,0 ^fy< w, COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. =9^ f><. :^ i CUKIOSITIES IN AMEKICAN HISTORY THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS : R Vermont and the New York Land Jobbers PHILIP Hl.^''SMITH, AUTHOR OF " ACADIA : A LOST CHAPTER IN AMERICAN HISTORY ; " "•HISTORY OF DUCHESS COUNTY;" ETC. i/&r- a V PAWLING, N. Y.: Philip H. fcMiTH, Publisher 1885 ^^W-.'^ Entered according to Act of Congress, in tlie year 1885, by Philip H. Smith, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. P REF ACE. In the history of a country whose growth has been under drcumstances Hke our own, every lo- cality abounds in unrecorded deeds of moral hero- ism as worthy of notice as are many facts and events which have become fixed in the historic literature current among the masses. Even were such deeds to find a place in local history, they will necessarily be circumscribed in their influ- ence, and at best be so hidden among common- place matter as almost to escape notice ; while to attempt giving them the attention they deserve in a general history would be futile. In the present attempt to render a compara- tively unknown episode of our country's history the theme of a small volume, both these diffi- 4: THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS culties will be avoided ; and by bo giving it the j)rominence it deserves, thereby afford a better understanding of the inner workings of the stu- pendous machinery of our system of government. The by-ways of our country's annals are fruitful in just such interesting and instructive themes. One of the lessons herein taught is that posi- tions of honor and trust are not always jjroof against cupidity and corruption ; or, to speak more plainly, under color of law men have been known to perform the most lawless acts. The story of the Vermont troubles has one rare qual- ity — the poor hard-working tettlers were ulti- mately successful ; and for once the cause of the humble cottager prevailed against the machina- tions of the favorites of royalty. CONTENTS. — Introduction - - 7-10 I. Geographical Outline and Settlement 11-14 II. Origin of the Land Troubles 15-23 III. Resisting New York Claimants 24 44 IV. Mandatory Laws of New York 45-48 V. Affair at Westminster 49-52 VI. Attitude of Congress 53-56 VII. Fall of Ticonderoga 57-69 VIII. Expedition into Canada 70-90 IX. Establishm't of a Civil Government. 91-97 X. Battle of Bennington , 98 109 XL PrivateNegotiat'ns with the British.110-127 XIL Conclusion , 128-130 INTRODUCTION. Some ODG has truthfully remarked that the charactei- of a people is largely determined by the natural features of the country they inhabit. The peasantry of mountainous Switzerland are proverbial for their bravery and hardihood, their strong and innate love of liberty, and their pure and exalted patriotism. Accustomed from infan- cy to danger, dependent upon their own resourc- es, mingling day by day among the sublimest works of Creation, their aspirations acquire a buoyancy, and their spirits an independence, that leaves an impress on their Uves amounting to a national characteristic. Thus the brave pioneer, innured to hardship, and depending on his ax for shelter, and on his 8 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS r;il(^ for food aud protection from wild beast and lurking Indian, will acquire a fertility of re- source and vigor of limb, as in a measure to re- munerate him for the privations he endures. The oiiginal settlers of the New Hampshire Grants, — that territory now known as the State of Vermont, — were of this sturdy, fearless, and independent sort. It seemed as though they had diawn inspiration from the snow-clad, storm-riven mountains, at whose base their lowly thatched cabins were nestled. The long and hard winters taxed the energies of the new settlers for the necessaries of life, and precluded the introduc- tion of luxuries that only degenerate. The stub- born wilderness was to be felled ; the latent pro- ductiveness of the soil developed ; hand to hand encounters with wild beasts were not infrequent ; common safety- demanded a unity of strength against the crafty foe, and necessity begat friends at the same time it rendered friendship a mutual safeguard; and this unity of purpose, thus nur- tured and sustained, afterward displayed itself in THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 9 one of the most unique chapters in the aiiiials of American history. The people of these Grants, known to the world as the Green Mtmiilain Buys, were worthy the wild and romantic country in whirh they hved, and the stirring times in which they acLcil. VermoDt was uever organized as a separate colo- ny under England, and from the first that plucky little community refused to submit to the domi- nation of the older colonies on her borders. Her people seemed to imbibe a spirit of independence from the free air and the everlasting mountaina. New York claimed a jurisdiction over her soil, and a like demand was put forward by New Hampshire and Massachusetts. But the brave Green Mountain Boys, under the guidance of such natural leaders as the A.llens, Baker, Warner, and others of like invincible spirit, kept the greedy land-grabbers at bay. In short, Vermont never had a government odier than the supreme will of her own people, nor acknowledged the authority of any earthly potentate, until she was admitted 10 -The GiiEE^ MOtJi^fAt^ BOYS on an equal footing into the Union of States^ a9 the Fourteenth luminary in the blue field of the hation^s emblem. Yet had this people no inconsiderable shard in the work of achieving that independence which made the present of our country a glorious possi". bility. They secured what they believed to be their own rights, at the same time they contrib* Uted to the adjustment of the claims of hersis* ter crmmunities. There Ir no pretension, in the present pages^ to giving what Will be new to specialists in Ver- mont history. But to the general reader, and to the student of the philosophy of human events^ there i« much, we hope, both new and instructivOi The film bearing of the brave and hardy settlera of the Hampshire Giants, and the important part they played in the War of the Eevolution, give to the mateiial of this little book somewhat of a liational interest. Indeed, but for timely services of the Green Mountain Boys, it is more than pos- sible the cause of America might have been lost. Indians fisliing by torchlight. CHAPTEB I. GEOGRAPHICAL OUTLINE AND SETTLEMENT. Stephen A. Dong-las has been credited with the Iremark that Vermont is an exc^ellent place to emi- grate fiom. Though small in area, with a surface Bingnlarl}' broken by mountain ranges, wracked by frosts and covered with snows five months of the year, yet her internal economy has proved fa- vorable to the growth of both brain and brawn : in the halls of Congress, as well as in the pur- suits of science and literature, she maintains her place right gallantly. That long and irregular lake on the north- west boundary bears the name of the great Eu- ropean discoverer and explorer, Chami^lain, who here sought, and vainly, for a northwest passage to Cathay. The loveliness of its shores, and the 12 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN E0Y3 unsnrpassecl pieturesqueness of its islands, endear it to the tourist. Twice it has been the scene of a naval combat. The Green ?»roiinirdi;s,* from which the state takes its name, ]'un Ifingthwise through the cen- tral portion, about midway between the Connec- ticut River on the east and Lnhe Champlain on the west. The sides of tliese mountains are did with the perpetual verdure of their haidy ever- greens, the verdant mosses and winter grasses * In 17G3, Eev. Ramnel relerr?, tlie first clerprj'mnn who paid a visit to tLe thirty thousand settlors in that conntry. in the presence of a nnniber of landed proprietors, performed the ceremony of chiving a new name to tl -e province, ' ' on the top of a rock standinq- on a hip;]! mountain, then named Pis- gah, because it provided the company a clear sipjTit of Lake Champlain to the west, and of the Cvw/*^ "Viewing " a New York sheriff with beech rods. THE GREEN MOUNTAIN' BOYS 35 Allen and a number of vUieu went in search of him. They found the oiiender at Bolton, one hundred and thiity miles through an almost unbroken wil- derness to the north of Bennington. They broke bis instruments and aliCwod him to depait, with an admonition never to be seen in those parts again under pain of death. Only the partial arm- istice, and the efforts for a restoration of peace then in progress, saved Mr. Cockburn a severe whipping. Governor Tryon next essayed the plan of es- tablishing a colony of emigrants under the New Yoik proprietors. The settlers were to be Scotchmen, and the colony was to be located at New Haven Falls. Allen was duly apprised of this, who, with a number of trusty followers, re- paired to the place and began the construction of a block fort. The Scotch emigrants wisely sent S'Jtne agents to view the country before coming in with their families ; and learning the nature of the dispute as to title, refused to have any more to do in the matter. 36 THE GEEEN MOUNTAIN B0T3 One evening while Colonel Ethan Allen and Levi Roberts were at the house of a friend by the name of Richardson, they were surprised by two sergeants and ten soldiers from the garrison at at Crown Point, all of them well armed. Allen and Roberts were well known to the soldiers, and realized they were caught in a trap, as, stimulat- ed bj' the reward on their heads, the soldiers would be certain to take them before the New Yoik authorities. But even in this dilemma, Al- len's jjresence of mind did not forsake him. Both he and Roberts had their side arms about them, and he judged the soldiers would not immediately risk an open encounter. Calling for liquor, he began to make merry with the men; and such was his address, and his powers of conversation, that they were actuallj^ forced to join in the rev- elry. It was not long before the sergeants were dismayed at beholding their men, one by one, yielding to the seductive influence of their po- tations. Yet the doughty Colonel kept lustily calling for more liquor; and with well-feigned THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 37 hnskiness of voice, pressed all to diink. swearing they would merit his eternal displeasure if they refused. At length, after nearly all had rolled from their chaiis. stupefied by the quantities of liquor they had swallowed, Allen demanded to be shown to bed. He was answered that the sergeants had engaged the only spare beds in the house. He refused their offer to give up one of the beds to himself and Roberts, with a maudlin remark that two such jolly subjects of the King should have the best the house afforded, and declared his in- tention to sleep in the barn. Leaving their guns in the house to disarm suspicion, Allen and Roberts suffered themselves to be conducted to the barn by the sergeants, where they were locked up for the night. The Colonel was apparently so far overcome with liquor as to require the assistance of two men to enable him to walk ; and he reeled about, and dropping down helpless upon the straw, fell off into a diunkeu slumber. Even Roberts began to 38 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS have serious misgivings as to the condition of his Colonel, whom he had seen drain glass after glass during the evening, enough to turn the heads of half a dozen men. Bat no sooner had the foot- steps of the retreating sergeant dieel away, than the labored breathing of the Colonel suddenly ceased; and sitting up, drew off his boots and poured therefrom the rum that Roberts was ready to swear he had seen disappear down Al- len's throat. Allen knew the soldiers bad only repaired to the house to allow himself and his companion time to get sound asleep, when they v.ouid return and surprise them. What was to be done, must be done quickly. But Allen had no intenlion of leaving without their rifles. While they debated as to the best method of securmg them, those coveted weapons were brought them by Miss Bichardsou, who had found means to privately remove them from a window ; then making their egress from the barn, they hastily sought the safety of the dark foreist. An hour later the ser- THE GREEN MOUNT/ IN BOYS 39 geants went to secure their prisouers, whom they expected to Hud helplessly drunk, but the birds had flown. Oue Hough, of Clarendon, was persuaded to accept the office of Justice of the Peace uuder New York, and attempted to otHciate as such. He was taken before the commiltee of safet}', where he plead in justification that he was authorized by the colony of New York. The committee caused the resolution of the Convention of the New Hampshire Grants to be read to him, forbid- ding all persons holding any office uuder New York, and then pronounced judgment on the prisoner that he "be taken and tied to a tree, and there, on his naked back, to receive two hundred stripes ; his back being dressed, he should depart out of the district ; and in the event of his return, unless leave was granted, he was to suffer death." It is needless to add the sentence of whipping was summarily executed. This occurred in Jan- uary, 1775, Hough had signalized himself as be- ing very active in procuring the outlawry acts 40 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS a^iaij;st Allen and others of the Green Mountain Eojs. Dr. Samuel Adams, of Arlington, was outspoken in h s denunciation of the Green Mountain Boys, and counseled the people to j^urchase lands under New York titles. The Djctor was cautioned to keep silent, and not needlessly incur their dis- l^leasure; but he declared he would free his mind, and, providing himself with a pair of good horse- pistols and other weapons, said he was ready to silence any man who dared to cross him. He was soon afterward surprised, and carried to the Green Mountain Tavern at Bennington, where the com- mittee heard his defense. Of course judgment was rendered against him, and preparations made to carry his sentence into execution. As was common in those days, a post some twenty or more feet in hight held the tavern sign. On the top of this sign-post was a stuffed cata- mount's skin, showing large teeth, looking and grinning towards New York. Dr. Adams was tied in an arm chair and hoisted up to the sign, THE GREEN Mount \IN coi's ^1 where he hung two mortal hours, as a punish- ment for his treasonable utterances. A large number of the citizens assembled to see the sen- tence carried out, and they were loud in their jeers and merriment at the Doctor's discomfit* ure. He was then let down, dismissed by the committee, and admonished to go and sin no more. Colonel Ethan Allen was once on a visit to his brother Heman, who was residing at Salis- bury, Conn. A plot was laid by some Yorkers to capture and convey him to the Poughkeepsie jail, and so obtain Tryon's promised premium. Rob- ert M'Cormick, who was on intimate terms with the famil}^, had been engaged to act as decoy. He was to spend the night with the family as their guest, and at a convenient hour, open the door and conduct the gang to the apartment where the Colonel slept, A sleigh was to be in readiness outside, in which their prisoner could be driven with all speed out of Connecticut. M'Cormick parted from his companions at 42 THE GREEN MOTJNTAlN BOYS some distance from Heman Allen's house. He Was kindly received, and offered a bed for the nif>ht. It was noticed he was unusually reticent, and quite reserved in his particijiation in the hos- pitalities tendered him. He made some indirect inquiries after Colonel Allen, who had ridden out that afternoon, but who was momentarily expect- ed to return. From these circumstances Heman was led to suspect some plot was on foot against his broth- er, and so f xpressed himself on that gentleman's return. The Colonel thereupon taxed M'Cormick at his unusual concern, and so pressed the poor fellow that he confessed there was a plot to cap- ture him, and that he had come for the purpose of privately informing him of it. M'Cormick de- parted soon after, and told the gang of what he had done. Preparations were made for defense by the household, but they remained through the night unmolested. The scene of this adventure was the birthplace of Ethan and Ira Allen, from which, at an early Old Catamount Tavern, THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 43 ag-f, they removed with their parents to the Hampshire Grants. Ethan was remarkable for the boldness with which he declared his oi^inions, and a self confidence that was abashed by no con- scionsness of ignorance. lie acquired a wide no- toriety as a pamphleteer durino- the Vermont troubles, there being no paper published there at that lime. His enemies tried to fix on him the stigma of an outlaw ; and even so careful a histo- rian as Irving- is led to make the observation that he was " a kind of Eobin Hood among the moun- tains." The late T. S. Arthur once wrote of him as being a "guerilla chief," forgetting that he acted under the direction of a ccmmittee of safe- ty — an authority universally adopted by the other colonies during the Revolution. Ira Allen was still further traduced. The Weste7'n Star, a paper published at Stockbridge, Mass., in 1797, styles him the "Vermont Land Jobber ;" and states he was at the time under ar- rest for treasonable designs against the govern- ment of Great Britain, concluding with the ob- 44 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS servation — "All humane men should shudder at the idea of a halter ; and many honest men will rejoice if Allen's liberation puts an end to his restless career in future." AUen^ it seems, had been charged with supplying the Irish, then in rebellion against England, with arms : after eight years of litigation he was acquitted. CHAPTER IV. MANDATORY LAWS OF NEW YORK. The spirit of opposition and resentment had risen so high because of the events recorded in the preceding chapter, that New York was led to adopt the most stringent measures of coercion. The law which the wisdom of that colony devised to meet the exigencies of the occasion was a curi- osity in American Legislation. It enacted that if any person opposed the civil officers of New York, or burned or destroyed property belonging to subjects of that colony, or assembled for riot- ous purposes, such offenders shall be adjudged guilty of felony, without benefit of clergy, and were to suffer death as felons. The law made it the duty of the Governor to publish the names of offenders indicted for capital offenses, with an or- 46 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS der requiring them to deliver theiu selves up in seventy days ; in default of which the courts iiiight award execution against them the same as though they had been tried and convicted — the death penalty to be administered without the benefit of clergy. All crimes, therefore, that had been com- mitted on the Grants, could be tried at Albany, and a neglect to obey summons to deliver one's person into custody, was equivalent to a convic- tion. Thus was sought to be evaded the danger- ous dut}^ of seiving processes on the Green Moun- tain Boys, and they would convict themselves by refusal to surrender without the inconvenience of a trial. If this law was remarkable, the answer of the Green Mountain Boys was no less so. Said they: "By legerdemain, bribery and deception, they [the New Yorkers] have extended their dominion far and wide. We are resolved to inflict immedi- ate death on whomsoever shall attempt the appre- hension of the persons indicted as rioters. We will kill and destroy any person that shall be pre- THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 47 sumed to be accessory, aicliug or assisting in tak- ing any of us; although they have a license by the law to kill us, and an indemniiication for so doing, they have no such indeinniHcation from the Green Mountain Boys. If New York insists on killing us to take possession of our vineyards, let them come on; we are ready for a game of scalping with them." These sentiments were an- nounced by handbills and in the papers through- out New England, with the design of deterring New York from attempting to enforce the law, as such an attempt would be certain to result iu an effusion of blood. The people of Vermont maintained in this that they were merely con- tendiug for justice, and that the officers of New York, who were calling upon the inhabitants of Vermont to obey the royal orders, were them- selves acting in open violation of the express com- mands of their King. A new interest may be awakened when the character of the claimants is considered. The Green Mountain Boys were the actual settlers. 48 THE GKEEN MOUNTAIN BOYS Each family had its log house in the midst of the clearing, Avith luxuriaDt crops of corn and pota- t< es t.^] owing among the charred stumps. Thrse pioneers had brought nothing into the woods with them except what could be carried on horseback ; some fcven brought in their goods on hand-sleds m winte], the infirm and children being drawn by husbands and brothers. A few cattle, sheep and hogs, shared rude sheds along with the hors- es. The rewards of industrj^ and thrift were be- ginning to be rtaliztd. Many families lived re- mote from each other, and weeks might often pass by without meeting a neighbor. There was plen- ty of room for the Yorkers if they wished to turn farmers, and were willing to caive a home out of the wilderness as others had done. But such was far from their purpose. Besides, a farm ready cleared, with a snug house and barn, is preferable to one in the unbroken wilderness, when either can be had for the taking — and so thought the New York laud jobbers. CHAPTER V. AFFAIR AT WESTMINSTER. Colonol Allen collected the documents relfitive to the several grants of the crown, includin.gf that to the Plymouth Colony, to Lord Say and Seal^ to tbe Dnke of York, and some other papers, and and in 1774 published them in a book. This had the effect of bringing the Vermont troubles into notoriety. The newspapers everywhere were cir- culating the proceedings, which resulted in stir- ring up public sentiment against the Crown, as it was supposed the Governor and Council of New York were sustained in their claims by the home government. Hitherto the opposition to New York had been confined principally to the inhabitants west of the Gieen Mountains. As tdready stated, the policy 60 THE GREEN MOtJNT^tN Bo¥9 of New York bad been to divide the people in their sentiment, by a concihatory course in re- spect to those living on the Connecticut Riven But now an incident occurred which had the ef- fect of arousing the spirit of opposition through- but the whole extent of the Hampshire Grants. In September, 1775, a meeting;' of delegates from the several colouies met at Philadelphia, to consult upon measures for the public safety. This was followed by an almost universal suspen- sion of the royal authorit3% the courts being closed, or adjourned without doing any business. New York alone refused assent to the patriotic measures recommended by Continental Congress. The court of justice for the County of Cumber- land, on the Hampshire Grants, was to be held in March of that year at Westminster. Much dis- satisfaction prevailed throughout the county, be- cause of the course adopted by New Y^'ork, and at- tempts were made to dissuade the judges from holding the court, without avail. Early in the morning of the day appointed, THE OtREEK mountain BOYS 51 the people of Westminsfcer and the adjacent towns took possession of the court house to pre- vent the officers of the court from entering. Tlie opposing party appeared, armed with guns, pis- tols and swords, and commanded the people to disperse. This being refused, the judges and their friends retired. About eleven o'clock at night they again appeared and demanded admit- tance ; being again refused, they opened fire, kill- ing one man and wounding several more. The wounded men, and some others, were seized and dragged to priso^.i. The next day the people flocked in from every part of the country. A coronor's inquest was in- stituted on the body of their fallen comrade, and a verdict returned of " willf u] murder by the Court Part}^," some of whom were immediately seizt d and placed in jail. ^hti news of this cTent spread far and wide throughout the Hampshire Grants, and fired the hearts of the stern yeomanry with an irrepressi- ble bitterness and rage against the authorities of 52 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS New York. A meeting of the committees of safe- ty was held at "Westminster the following month, at which spirited and patriotic resolutions were passed, among which was a declaration " that it is the manifest duty of the inhabitants, on the eternal and immutable principles of self-preserva- tion, wholly to renounce and resist the adminis- tration of the province of New York, until such times as the lives and property of the inhabitanta can be secured thereby." Indeed, such w^as the state of feeling, that but for the ominous occur- rences preceding the American Revolution, which for the time absorbed all minor considerations, New York and Vermont would have been brought to the direful issues of a civil war. CHAPTER VI. ATTITUDE OF CONGKESS. It must not be supposed, however, that in the overshadowing event of the great drama of the Revolution, the disputed claims to jurisdiction over Vermont were entirely forgotten. On the contrary, New York improved the very first op- portunity to make application to Congress for a recognition of her title to the territory. Then New Hampshire, inasmuch as she had made the original grants of the soil, memorialized Congress for a recogni'tion of her claims. Next Massachu- setts, fearing lest the others should proceed to carve up ihe disputed territory as they could mu- tually agree, interposed her plea for a portion, as coming rightfully under her jurisdiction. So, while Vermont was battling bravely with the com- 54 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS mou enemy devastating her borders, she had to contend with the plots and baneful policy of three beleaguering and powerful States ; and she oi.dy asked of Congress an independent sovereignty and even-handed justice. Thus were four factions asserting a right to a jurisdiction over the territory, and each demand- ing of Congress a recognition of its claims. That body chose the wisest course practicable. It ad- vised each party to refrain from a forcible exer- cise of authority over the disputed territory as a preliminary measure to future adjustment. To this New York, Massachusetts and New Hamj^shire readily agreed, and authorized Congress to settle the whole matter in controversy. But the Green Mountain State was of differ- ent mettle. She had already declared herself free and independent; she had boldly assumed the powers of government, and had exercised those powers in every part of her territory. She was not willing to surrender her sovereignty at the behests of a Congress by which her rights were THE GREEN MOUNTAIN HOYS 55 not respected, and in wLich she was not repre- sented. She was ready, as slie had ever b&en, to bear her share of the war with Great Britain, aud her isturdy Green Mountain lioys had more than once proved their valor and patriotism on the bloody held ; bat she would not consent to resign her just rights to the arbitrament of any body of men under heaven. In June, 1780, Congress declared " that the proceediiigs of the inhabitants on the New Hamp- shire Grants were highly unwarrantable, and sub- versive of the peace and v/elfare of the United States; and that they be strictly recpired to ab- stain m the future from ail acts of authority, civil or njiiitary, over those inhabitants who profess allegiance to other States." Undaunted by this reprimand, Vermont re- sponded, through her Governor and Council, that she conyidered the same subversive of her in- alienable rights ; that it was not in accord with the principal on which Congress grounded its own independence ; and that it was contrary to the to TTTE Gr.EEN MOUNTAIN BOYS p]< vision of the Federal Constitution forbicldivg Congress to meddle Avith the interDal policy of uniepresected territory. Vermont farther inti- luated that if the present coarse was persisted in, she would have no motive to continue hostilities with Great Britain, and maintain an important frontier for a country that treated her people as slaves ; but that it would remain for her to finally appeal to God and to an impartial world, to say who would be accountable for the awful conse- quences that must ensue. And now having outlined thus much in ad- vance by way of a better understanding of our subject, we will proceed to treat more in detaih PALL OF TICONDKROGA. On thfi iiiolit of the 17th of April, 1755, a lail* tprn was huno- out from an upper window of the North Church of Boston. Never did the beaing of a tallow dip go forth on more mom<^ntous er^ rand. As the feeble rays shot out into the ni^ht, few realized therein a symbol of the cause of Lib- ertv t!iat was so soon to be consecrated with pa- triot blood, and that was destined to create a ref- uge for the oppressed of every land. Hostile Biitish troops were silently threading the dark marshes, and this was the signal to the minute men to prepare for their coming. The British had placed guards on all the roads leading out of Boston to prevent all intelligence of the midnight sally from getting abroad; but 58 tiTE (^REEJJ MotTNTAllSr iBOrS the enemj^ Lad proceeded only a few miles when alarm guns, booming through the night air, and the Hanging of village bells, showed that the news of their approach was traveling- before them, and that the country was rising. An express vras sent back to Boston for a reinforcement, and Ma- jor Pitcairn was detached to press forward with all speed. About scvfenty of the yeomanry of the country had been drawn tip in military array near the church on the village green at Lexington. Pit- cairn halted his men within a short distance of the church, and ordered them to prime and load. They then advanced at double quick. The Ma- jor, riding- forward, shouted, " Disperse, ye rebels! lay down your arms and disperse! " The patriots refused to obey; nor Vvcre they put to Hight until eight of their little band were Idlled and ten wounded. The victors formed on the con moil, fired a volley, and gave three cheers for their inglorious tiiumph. Colonel Smith now iariived with the remainder of the force, and the THE GHEEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 59 march was resumed to the little village of Con- cord. There the alarm had preceded them, arousing the inhabitants in the dead hour of night. The church bell called together the inliabitants. The minute men seized their arms and paraded near the church. Efforts were being made to conceal the military stores. A horseman brought word that the British troops had fired upon the people at Lexington, and were then advancing in victori- ous array upon Concord. The excitement and indignation of the brave patriots were fully roused. Some of the militia marched down the road to meet the Euglish force, and reported it to be three times their own. They now retired to an eminence about a mile from the ceiitre of the to"\sm. About seven o'clock the British troojDS hove in •sight, with flags displayed and arms glittering in the morning sun. A strong detachment took post on the green, while parties were sent out to de- stroy the military stores. The yeomanry from GO THE GREEN MOUNTAIN B0T3 the surrounding countiy were pouring in with such arms as they could obtain, until the little war-gathering on the hight numbered nearly five hundred. At ten o'clock a bod}^ of three hundred dislodged the British from the north bridge, with a loss of two men lulled. By tbis time, the stores having been destroyed, the enemy prepared to re- treat. The British troops were jaded with their long night march, but there was no rest or safety for them short of Boston. On their return march, the adjacent rocks and stone fences formed con venient breastworks, from behind which rustic maikamen sent the deadly bullet full into their ranks. Some were shot down: others dropped from sheer exhaustion ; the rest hurried on with no care for their fallen comrades. Before reaching Lexington, Colonel vSmith received a severe wound in the leg. About two o'clock in the afternoon, they were met by a de- tachment one thousand strong, with two field- pieces. This Vvas the reinforcement that had THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 61 marched so gaily through Roxbmy to the tune of " Yankee Doodle," in derision of the rebels. The troops opened to the right and left, allowing the retreating soldiers to throw themselves into the hollow square to rest. A httie after sunset the purs^jit terminated at Charlestown common. A half hour afterward, a powerful body of men from Marblehead and Salem came up to jom m the chase. Thus the mmisteiial troops narrowly escaped being cut off. The British loss was seventy- three killed, and one hundred and seventy- four wounded; that of the patriots forty-mne killed and thirty -nine wounded. The cry for vengeance at this desecration of American soil resounded through the land. — ■ Measures were concerted in council ; the outrage was discussed in cabin and palace, and around the camp-fire of the hunter ; while the voice of suxDpli- cation from altar and dwelling was heard, asking the Almighty to bless the patriot cause. As by ccmmon impulse, public attention was turned to the British foi tresses of Ticonderoga 62 THE GKEEN MOUNTAIN BOYS and crown Point, against which retaliatory meas- ures could be employed vvitli the best tifect. As these forts were located near the homes of the Green Mountain Boys, and their hardy courage fitted them for a duty of this kind, requests were sent simultaneously from several of the provinces to Ethan Allen* and his followers to surprise and capture those places. The provincial Legislature of Connecticut, though not openly sanctioning the invasion, lent money from its treasury to those engaged in it, and appointed a committee to as- sist in raising troops and supervising their man- agement. The force finally er gaging in the ex- pedition was about two hundred and seventy ■* Irving describes Allen as "well-fitted for the enterprise by his experience as a frontier champion, his robustness of mind and body, and his fearless spirit. He had a rough kind of eloquence, also, that was very effective ^sith his foUowers." "His style," says another who knew him per- sonally, ' 'was a singular compound of local barbarisms, scrip- tural phrases, and oriental wildness : and though unclassic, and sometimes rmgranmiaticHl, was highly animated and forcible." General Washington wrote, '-there is an original somethini^in him which commands attention." THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 63 strong, composed of Greeu Mountain Rangers, with the exception of sixteen men from Connecti- cut and a score or so from Massachusetts. Towards the close of Aprii, 1775, it was evi- dent something of unusual interest was transj)ir- ing in the Hampshire Grants. The labors of the farm were neglected at a time when they would require most attention, and with one accord each sturdy husbandman shouldered his trusty rifle, and silentJy betook himself to a journey. The course of each led through the wilderness toward a central point near Bennington ; and, be- fore long, a motley array of mountaineers, in rough garb but of tried strength and valor, were gathered as though for some military exploit. Colonel Ethan Allen was placed at the head of the expedition, — James Eaton and Seth Warner being second and third in command ; the troops arrived at Shoreham. opposite Fort Ticonderoga, on the night of the 7th of May. Detachments were sent off to Skenesborough (now Whitehall), and other points, to secure all the boats they 64 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS could find for the transportation of the troops to th J opposite shore. About this time Benedict Arnold appeared among them, thirsting for military glory. He bore a colonel's commission from the Massachu- setts committee of safety, and attempted to as- sume command of the expedition. The Green Mountain Boys, however, would follow no leader but Allen, and Arnold was obliged to yield, en- gaging to act as volunteer, with the rank but not the command of colonel. The night of the 9th of May had arrived, but not so the boats for which detachments had been sent in quest. Yet it was deemed best not to de- lay the enterprise, and transportation was com- menced with the few boats at command. The work proceeded slowly ; day was about to break when Alien and Arnold, with only eighty-three men, had crossed. To wait another day would lead to discovery by the garrison. Allen drew up his men and announced to them his purpose. " It is a desperate atttmpt," said he, "and I ask no THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 65 man to go against his will. Yoa who are willing to follow, poise your firelocks." Not a soldier shrank from his duty. Guided by a boy, they mounted the hill si- lently and at a rapid pace. Day was breakiiig as Allen, with Arnold at his left hand, arrived at a sallv port. A sentry snapped his piece at him and retreated, closely followed by Allen and his men. Another sentinel thrust at Eaton with his bayonet, but was struck down, when he begged lustily for quarter. His life was spared on con- dition of his leading the way instantly to the quarters of the Commandant who was yet in bed. Allen thundered at the door, and demanded a surrender of the fort. The Commandant ap- peared at the door half dressed, " the frightened face of his pretty wife appearing over his shoul- der." By this time the Green Mountain Boys had formed on the parade ground, and were giving vent to hearty cheers. The garrison were made prisoners as they rushed forth in their confusion, having been startled out of their sleep. The C6 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS Commandant was bewildered at what be beheld, and addressing Allen, cried out, "By what au- thority do you act ? " "In the name of the great Jehovah and the Continental Congress ! " was the reply. Captain Delaplaee with forty-eight of his men, a great supply of much needed military and naval stores, and a valuable fortress, were among the trophies of this biilliant dash of inexperienced farmer soldiers. Colonel Seth Warner, who had now come over from Shorehnm with the residue of the troops, was sent with a detachment against Crown Point, an express having been previously dispatched to Captain Baker, of Onion River, forty miles dis- tart, to c( me wif h his company to assist. Cap- tains Warner and Baker appeared before Crown Point nearly at the same time; the garrison, con- sisting only of a sergeant and twelve men, surren- dered without firing a gun. Here were taken up- ward of a hundred cannon. On his way down, Captain Baker intercepted two small boats which THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS G7 had been sent to give the alarm to St. Johns, on the Sorel River. Arnold now insisted on being given the com- mand of the fortress, as being the only officer clothed with legal authority. Allen was too pop- ular to be eclipsed by the assumptions of Ar- nold ; and the Connecticut committee, which had accompanied the enterprise, gave an instrument in writing investing Allen with full command of the fort and its dependencies, until he should be in receipt of orders from the Connecticut Assem- bly or Continental Congress. Arnold was forced to content himself, meanwhile, with a statement of his grievances to the Massachusetts Legisla- ture. Just at this time a new project was set on foot "which had the effect to appease the restless spirit of Arnold. The detachment originally sent to Skenesborough arrived with a schooner and sev- eral bateaux. Allen and Arnold arranged to con- tir.ne their conquests by an attempt to surprise St. Johns, the frontier post of Canada. Arnold, 68 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS "wbo had been a seaman in bis youth, took com- mand of the schooner, which had been furnished with cannon and ammunition from the fort, while Arnold and his Green Mountain Boys embarked in the bateaux. Arnold outsailed the other craft, surprised the post of St. Johns, and made its garrison prisoners; captured the King's sloop of seventy tons, with two brass pieces and seven men ; took four bateaux and destroyed several others; and then, learning that troops were on the way from Montreal and Chamblee, spread his sails to the breeze and swept up the lake with his prizes and his prison- eis, and some valuable stores. On the way he met Allen and the bateaux. Salutes were exchanged, cannon answering to musketry. Learning from Arnold the particulars of his victory, Allen determined to push on and occupy the vacated post. The Canadian rein- fo cement had already taken possession on his ar- rival, so he returned to Ticonderoga. This series of brilliant exploits was hailed as THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 69 if in requital for the recent acts of Britisli atroci- ty, and as an omen of a brighter future for the colonies. To the adherents of the Crown it must have been the occasion of astonishment and alarm. It drew public attention to the prowess of the Green Mountain Boys ; and their leaders, from being denominated outlaws, were now ex- tolled as patriots. The capture of those frontier posts impressed the American people with a sense of their ability to cope with the disciplined soldiers of England, and helped some to decide for independence who had trembled in the balance, and at the same time contributed to render preparations for de- fense more prompt and effectual. CHAPTER VIII. EXPEDITION INTO CANADA Although these dashing exploits met with the unqualitied approval of public seutimeut through- out the country, yet Congress for a time wavered as to the disposition of the captured fortresses. An endorsement of those victories by that bod}' would destroy ail chances of an ultimate recon- ciliation with England, of whicli some entertauied strong hopes ; others thought the day for a peaceable settlement had passed, and insisted that those victories should be followed by energetic action. The Green Mountain Boys kept posses- sion of the forts until Congress had, so to speak, legitimated their capture, and by its order. Colo- nel Hin man's regiment of Connecticut troops was dis, matched to relieve thtm. THE GREEN MOUNTiMN BOYS 71 Another question had arisen as to which should have the credit of capturing the posts, Al- len or Arnold. Both had sent dispatches to the provincial authorities, with an account of the cap- ture, each claiming the honor of victory. " Colo- nel Allen,'' wrote Arnold to the Massachusetts committee of safety, *' is a proper man to head his own wild people, but is entirely unacquainted with military service ; and as I am the only per- son who has been legally authorized to take com- mand of this place, I am determined to insist on my rights, . . and shall keep the fort at every hazard, until I have further orders." The Massa- chusetts authorities referred the matter to Con- gress. Allen had written to the Albany committee for men and provisions to enable him to maintain his conquest. That committee feared retaliatory measures from Gi eat Britain, and asked advice of the New York committee; but tliat body was al- so unequal to the task of acting in a matter of such moment, and referred likewise to Coni^ress. 72 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS Both Allen and Arnold were ambitious for fur- ther laurels, and each were anxious to lead an ex- pedition into Canada. Allen wrote to the New York authorities in this strain : '' If the Colonies would suddenly push an army of two or three thousand strong into Canada, they might make an easy conquest, except a reinforcement from England should prevent it. Such a diversion would weaken Gage, and insure us Canada. I wish to God America wouid, at this critical junc- ture, exert herself agreeably to the indignity of- fered her by a tyiannicai ministry. She might rise on eagles' wings, and mount up to glory, freedom and immortal honor, if she did but know and exert her strength. Fame is now hoveling over her head. A vast continent must now sink to slavery, poverty, horror and bondage, or rise to unconquerable freedom, immense wealth, inex- piessibie felicity, and immortal fame. I will lay my life on it, thac with fifteen hundred men and a proper train of artillery I will take Montreal. Provided I could be thus fur^iished, and if an ar- THE GREEN MOUNT YIN BOYS 73 my could command the field, it would be no insa- perable difficulty to take Quebec." A letter in similar strain was written by Arnold to the Gov- ernor of Connecticut. About this time Captain Kemember Baker was killed by an Indian in the British service. This being the first blood shed in the northern depart- ment, his death made more noise in the country than wou'd the loss of a hundred men toward the close of the war. On the arrival, at Ticonderoga, of Colonel Hinman's Connecticut troops, the greater part of the Green Mountain Boys returned to their homes. Ethan Allen and Seth Warner repaired to Con- gress to get pay for their men, and to solicit au- thority to raise a new regiment. They were re- ceived with distinguished marks of honor by that body. The same pay was awarded them that was given to the Continental troops ; and it was recom- mended to the New York Convention that a corps of Green Mountain Boys should be raised to serve under officers of their own choosing. 74 THE GREEN MOtJNTAlN B05fS To the Convention of New York Allen and Warner accordingly repaired — the province on whose statute books was recorded an unrepealed act of outlawry against them — and boldly asked for an audience. There was at first some demur- ring as to their admission to the Hall of Assem- bly ; but patriotism, and an overruling necessity, plead in their behalf. A regiment of Green Mountain Boys, five hundred strong, was de- creed, and the people of the Grants were notified of the resolve, and requested to raise the regi- ment. Congress was not at first inclined to favor an invasion into Canada, but subsequent develop- ments induced a change in its plans. The recent exploits on the Lake had produced a favorable ef- fect on the Canadians, and it was thought they would fl(;ck to the patiiot standard were it un- furled among them with an imposing force. Be- sides, another effectual blow in this quarter might paralyze all hostility, if given before there had been time to rally. THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 75 That body thought GeDeial Scha3'ler a fit leader for the undertaking, in which sentiment it was heartily seconded by Washington. Schuyler at once set about his duties amid difficulties that well nigh distracted him. He had calculated on being joined at a certain date by the regiment of Oreen Mountain Boys which Allen and Warner bad undertaken to raise in the Grants. But a qaarrel had ensued between those brothers in arms, which fiiled the Green Mountains with dis- cord and party feuds. The election of officers took place on the 27th of July, by committees from the different townships. Ethan Allen had been passed by, and Setli Warner nominated a Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment. This was a •crushing blow to the ambition of Allen. He said in his letters from camp : "■ I find myself in the favor of the officers of the army, and the younger Green Mountain Boys ; but the old farmers on the Hampshire Giants, who do not incline to go to war, and whom I have saved from the en- croachments of New York, have met in a commit- 76 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOrS tee meeting, and in their nominations have wholly omitted me." Allen repaired to Ticonderoga, where he was retained to act as pioneer on the Canadian frontier. The expedition against Canada had been de- termined on. Arnold, more fortunate that his ri- val, had attained the object of his ambition, which was no less than the command of a force against Canada: he was to proceed by way of the Kenne- bec River. At the beginning of September, Gen. Schuy- ler, w^ho commanded the main expedition, was stationed with his little army at Isle Aux Noix, at the outlet of Lake Cham plain. From this point he sent out Colonel Ethan Alien and Major Brown to reconnoitre the country, distribute friendly addresses among the people, and ascer- tain their feelings. Then proceeding along the Sorel River, he approached the fort at St. Johns, when a cannonade opened, and a slight acti(;n en- sued. Night coming on, they cast up a small in- trenchment and encamped. Owing to unfavora- THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 77 ble intelligence tliey withdrew to Isle Aiix Noix to await the arrival of artillery and reinforce- ments. Meanwhile, Allen returned from his reconnoi- teriug expedition, of which he gave a most en- couraging report. The Canadian captains of the militia were ready, he said, to join the Americans whenever they should appear with sufficient force. He had held talks, too, with the Indians, and found them well disposed. He was con- vinced that an inroad into the province would meet with a hearty cooperation. Preparations were made for a second invest- ment of St. Johns, and Ethan Allen was sent to beat up for recruits among the people he had lately visited, while Major Brown was dispatched with one hundred and thirty men to make friends in the vicinity of Chamblee, and form a junction with the army as soon as it should arrive at St. (Johns. General Schuyler had been for some time the victim of a complication of maladies. When ev- 78 THE GKEEN MOUNTAIN BOYS erj thing was in readiness for his departure, he was attacked by a severe access of his disorder, which compelled him to turn over the conduct of the expedition to General Kichaid Montgomery. He then set out in a covered barge for Ticonder- oga. An hour after his departure he met Colonel Warner with one hundred and fifty Green Moun- tain Boys, the first that had reported of the new regiment. Some had deserted, and the remain- der were at Crown Point, whence they were about to embark. About three hundred of the regiment finally joined the expedition. The investment of St. Johns was begun, yet it proceeded but slowly. A letter had been received, meantime, from Colonel Allen, giving high hopes of further reinforcement. '* I am now," wrote he, "at the palish of St. Ours, four leagues from Sorel to the South. I have two hundred and fif- ty Canadians under arms. As I march they gath- er fast. You may rely on it that I shall join you in about thiee days with five hundred or more Canadiau Volunteers. I coald raise one or two THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 79 thousand in a single week's time; but I will first visit the army with a less number, and if njces- sary, go again recruiting. Those who used to be enemies to our cause come, cap in hand, to me ; and I swear by the Lord I can raise three times the number of oar army in Canada, provided you continue the siege. The eyes of all America, na}' of Europe, are or will be on the economy of this army, and the consequences attendmg it." Colonel Etliau Allen Vvas on his way to St. Johns when he met Major Brown with his detach- ment. A conversation ensued, during which Brown remarked that the garrison at Montreal did not exceed thirty men, and might easily be surprised. Alien's nature was instantly aroused. Here was an opportunity for another bold stroke like that at Ticonderoga. A plan was forthwith agreed upon. Allen was to return to a point nearly opposite Montreal, and cross the river, by means of canoes, a little below the town in the night ; while Brown agreed to cross with two hundred men a little above; and the two detach- 80 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS nients were to attack Montreal simultaneously at opposite points. The two parties, who were several miles from each other, mutually agreed that in the event of either being hindered from coming at the time appointed, eaily notice should be given to the othei'. The night proved windy, and Brown, judging it dangerous to attempt crossing the riv- er in canoes, went quietly to rest. Allen, appre- hending no danger from the wind, on the night of the i^4:th of September sent the few canoes in his possession repeatedly across the river, iirst taking the precaution of stationing guards in the roads to prevent any alarm reaching Montreal. As he had heard nothing to the contrary from Brown, he supposed that officer to be carrying out his part of the enterprise. The day advanced, but no signal came from Major Brown. It was evident he had not crossed. Allen would gladly have retraced the steps he had taken, but it was too late. Information had been conveyed to the town, and a force of forty THE GREEN MOUNT \IN BOYS 81 regular troops were sent out to attack him, A smart action ensued ; most of Allen's CaDrulian recruits gave way and £ed ; a number of Ameri- cans were slain ; at last he surrendered to Major Campbell, honorable terms being promised, to- gether with thirty -eight of his men who re- mainod faithful to him. The prisoners were marched into town and delivered up to Colonel Prescott, the Command- ant. Their rough appearance and rude equip- ments became the subject of much adverse com- ment. " Their leader," says Irving, " albeit a Colonel, must have seemed worthy of the band ; for Allen was arrayed in rough frontier style; a deer-skin jacket, a vest and breeches of coarse serge, woisted stockings, stout shoes, and a red woolen cap." We give Allen's own account of the reception he met with : "Re [the Commandant] asked rae ray name, which I told him. He then asked me whether I was that Colonol Allen that took Ticonderoga. I told him I was the very man. Then he shook his 82 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS cane over my head, calling me many hard names, among which he frequently used the word rebel, and put himself in a great rage." Notwithstanding Major Campbell's promise of honorable treatment of his prisoners, Allen was put on board the Gaspe schooner of war, and heavily ironed — Prescott giving him the parting assurance that he would yet grace a halter at Ty- burn. From his place of confinement he wrote the subjoined letter to the General : Honorable Sir : — In the wheel of transitory events I find myself a prisoner, and in irons. Probably your honor has certain reasons to me inconceivable, though I challenge an instance of this sort of economy of the Americans during the late war to any officers of the Crown. On my part, I have to assure your honor, that when I had the command and took Captain Delaplace and Lieutenant Fulton, with the garrison of Ti- conderoga, I treated them with every mark of friendship and generosity, the evidence of which THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 83 is notorious, eveo in Canada. I have only to add, that I expect an honorable and humane treat- ment, as an officer of my rank and merit should bear, and subscribe myself, your honor's most obedient servant, Ethan Allen." The following is appended by the British an- notator : "N. B. — The author of the above letter is an outlaw, and a reward is offered by the New York Assembly for apprehending him." After the prisoners had been conducted into Montreal, General Prescott gave orders to a ser- geant and file of men, to put to death some Can- adians who had been taken in arms wdth Colonel Allen. They forthwith went, with bayonets fixed, to execute their commision. Allen, under- standing their purpose, stepped between them and the Canadians, and told the guard to thrust him with their bayonets if they must shed hu- man blood, but to spare the Canadians who de- 84 THE GKEEN MOUNTAIN CO?S served no censure, as what they had done was in obedience to his orders. The guards hesitated, and Preseott being consulted, that officer revoked the order* During Allen's imprisonment he was confined on board a man-of-war, commanded by Captain Liftlejohn, who exercised much clemency towards his prisoner, and I'emoved his irons except vvhen military officers came on board. A dispute arose between the Captain and an officer, resultiiig in arrangments for a duel. The Ca])tain requested A]\eii to serve as his friend. The latter replied "if it v.'as consistent with his situation he would do himself the honor." The Captain answered that "he could change his dress, and go on shore in disguise, and no questions would be asked,'* The parties went ashore, but by the interposition of friends the dispute was settled. At a later period, Colonel Allen was put on board a ship under command of Captain Smith. * Ira Allen's History ('f Vermont. THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 85 He was heavily ironed, and confined in the most dreary jiart of the vessel. Wlien fairly out to sea, Captain Smith ordered Allen's irons taken off, and requested him to eat at his own table while he remained on shipboard. The Colonel came from his dark abode and thanked the Captain for his generous conduct, remarking "he did not know it would ever be in his power to return the compliment." That cfficer replied — "gentlemen did not know when they might render essential services to one another." On board was a great number of prisoners, who laid a plan to kill Captain Smith, and run off with the ship. When the project was ripe for ex- ecution, Allen was led into the secret. He firmly told them if they murdered Captain Smith they must also murder him, at which they were greatly alarmed. He quieted their fears by saying, " drop your plans, and I will be as faithful to you as I have been to Captain Smith." Here the matter ended, and the Captain never knew of his danger, nor of the service of his "lateful friend. 86 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS Information had been received by Gen. Wash- ington of the indignities heaped upon Colonel Allen, captured by Prescott when Ccmmandaut at Montreal, and who was now, himself, a prison- er in the hands of the Ameiicans. Washington wrote to General Kowe to ihe following import ; " Sir : — We have just been informed of a cir- cumstance, which, were it not so well authentic- ated, I should scarcely think credible. It is that Colonel Alien, who, with his small party, was de- feated and made prisoner near Montreal, has been treated without regard to decency, humauity, or the ruierf of war; that he has Leen thrown into irons, and suffers all the hardships inflicted upon common felons. " I think it is my duty, sir, to demand, and do expect from you, an eclaircissement on this sub- ject. At the same time, I flatter myself, from the character v/hich Mr. Howe bears as a man of hon- or, gentleman and soldier, that my demand will meet with his approbation. I must take the lib- erty, also, of inforiniug you that I shall consider THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 87 your silence as a confirmation of the report, and farther assuring you, that whatever treatment Colonel Allen receives, whatever fate he under- goes, such exactly shall be the fate of Brigadier Prescott, now in our hauds. The law of retalia- tion is not only justifiable in the eyes of God and man but absolutely a duty." Washington observed in a letter to Congress : *'My reason for pointing out Prescott as the ob- ject who is to suffer for Alien's fate, is that I am given to understand that Prescott is the cause of Allen's sufferings. I thought best to be decisive on the occasion, as did the generals whom I con- sulted thereon." Shortly afterwards, Washington received a letter from Levi Allen, a brother to the Colonel, and of like enterprising and enthusiastic charac- ter. It was dated from Salisbury, Connecticut, and enclosed affidavits of the harsh treatment his brother had experienced, and of his being confined on board of the Gaspe, "with a bar of iron fixed to one of his legs, and iron to his hands." Levi 88 7"I I GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS pi'oposed to go to England, where he supposed his brother was, raise a mob and set him free, bribe the jailor, or in some way deliver him from confinement. Washington kindl}^ advised against Levi's wild project. The measure of retaliation was actually meted out to Prescott, of which Washington sjjoke in his letter to Howe. The efforts of Washington and Congress to effect the exchange of Ethan Allen, " the brave, but eccentric captor of Ticonderoga," were merito- rious. The daring exploits of that chieftain had cost him a v/orld of trouble. " Thrown into pris- on as a felon ; threatened with a halter ; carried to England to be tried for treason ; confined in Pendennis Castle ; retransported to Halifax ; and now a prisoner in New Yoik." He wiites: ''I have suffered everything short of death. I am fired with adequate indignation to revenge both my own and my country's wrongs. I am experi- mentally certain I have fortitude sufficient to face the invaders of America in the place of danger, spread with all the horrors of war. Provided you THE GREEN MOUNT A.IN BOYS 89 can hit upon some measure to procure my liber- ty, I will appropriate my remaining days, and freely hazard my life in the service of the colony, and maintaining- the American Empire. I thought to have enrolled my name in the list of American heroes, but was nipped in the bud." Allen was finally exchanged for Colonel Camp- bell, after three years of captivity. Washington, in a letter recommending that something be done for him, observes : " His gratitude and firmness sr^emed to have placed him out of the reach of misfortune. There is an original something about him that commands admiration, and his long captivity and siiffeiings have only served to increase, if possible, his enthusiastic zeal. He appears very desirous of rendering his services to the States, and of being employed ; and at the satne time he does not discover any ambition for high rank." On the strength of this recommenda- tion. Congress voted Allen a brevet commission of Colonel. Montgomery, during his campaign in Canada, 90 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS retained Colonel Warner and his regiment of Green Mountain Boys, who contributed their ser- vices to the downfall of the strongholds of Cham- blee, St. Johns, and Montreal ; having served out the time for which they had enlisted, they were dismissed and returned home. In 1776, soon after the death of Montgomery at the storminof of Quebec, the Hampshire Grants raised a second regiment under Colonel Warner, which marched to Quebec, and gave essential re- lief to the besieging army of that place. At the beginnii->g of May the siege was raised in conse- qucDce of the bad state of health of the troops, and the arrival of reinforcements from England. General Sullivan conducted the retreat in a mas- terly manner; the army arrived at Crown Point in due time, in a deplorable state. CHAPTER IX. ESTABLISHMENT OF A CIVIL GOVERNMENT. This disastrous retreat exposed the frontiers of the Grants to an invasive war ; most of the in- habitants of Onion River and along the shore of Lake Champlain instantly removed, and the mili- tia was organized for the general defense. Inter- nal dissensions were rife regarding the establish- ment of a civil government. Some were for join- ing with New Hampshire; others were in favor of forming a new state ; and a few proposed unit- ing with New York during the war ; but this last too much effected the title to lands to be serious- ly considered. Vermont was likely to be devastated as a com- mon battle ground ; yet the people met in Con- vention at Dorset, January, 1776, and drew up a 92 THE GEEEN MOUNTAIN BOYS l^etition to Congress, iu which they declared their readiness to furnish their quota of men in sup- port of the war, and bearing an equal proportion of the expense, and asked that their rights uoight be secured them. Congress recommended that they submit to the authority of New York for the present, and assist their countrymen in the con- test with Great Britain. Colonel Allen being in captivity, Baker dead, Warner, Cockran, and others, engaged in tlis ar- my, the Council of the New Hampshire Grants w^as greatly weakened, and months passed with- out any decisive results. The government of the province was conducted by committees and con- ventions as before the war, though the bitterness of the dispute with New York seemed to be lost in the common cause of the struggling colonies ; for those who had been outlawed for high treason against the government of New York, now passed freely through that province. The following were some of the reasons for forming a new State: THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 93 A new government would perpetuate the name of the Green Mountain Boys, and the honor of their leaders. A new government would establish the title to their lands under the New Hampshire Grants, and provide that unappropriated lands might be disposed of to defray the expenses of the war. The active part taken by her citizens in the taking of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, would entitle the State to a favorable consideration by CoDgress. That upon the revolutionary principles adopt- ed by Congress, Vermont was the oldest State in America. A call was issued for a convention, which, after several adjournments, on the 15th of Jan- uary, 1777, declared the district of New Hamp- shire Grants to be a free and independent State. A declaration and a petition to Congress were drawn up, and a committee appointed to pre- sent the same. New York, alarmed at the possible conse- 94 THE GKEEN MOUNTAIN BOYS queDces of the measure, wrote to Congress, through the President of the Committee of Safe- ty, as follows : "I am directed to inform Congress that by the arts and influence of certain designing men, a part of this state has been prevailed on to re- volt. Information we have received would lead us to believe some persons in our sister States have fostered and fomented these divisions. But as those informations tend to accuse some of your honorable body being concerned in this scheme, decency obliges us to suspend our beaef. The Convention are sorry to ob^ierve that by confer- ring a commission upon Colonel Warner, with authority to name the officers of a regiment to be raised independently of the Legislature of this State, and withia that part of it which hath lately declared itself independent, Congress hath given too much weight to the insinuations of those who pretend that your honorable body are determined to support those insurgents ; especially as this Colonel Wainer hath been constantly and invaria- THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 95 bly opposed to the legislature of this State, and hath been on that very account proclaimed an outlaw by the late government thereof. It is ab- solutely necessary to recall the commissions given to Colonel Warner, and the officers under him, as nothing else will do justice to us.'' Congress voted to dismiss the petition of Vermont. Notwithstanding this rebuff, the people re- solved to draft a constitution for the new State. A committee was also appointed to visit the officer in command at Ticonderoga, and consult with him respecting the defense of the frontiers. While the committee was at that post, Bur- goyne appeared in force on Lake Champiain, and resting at Crown Point sent a detachment of three hundred, mostly Indians, to land at the mouth of Otter Creek, and ravage the frontier settlements. The commanding officer at Ticon- deroga refused to send off any of his troops in aid of the panic-stricken families, but allowed Coh Warner to go with the committee to raise a vol- unteer force from the Green Mountain Boys. 96 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS A hasty levy was raised, with which the raiders were promptly repelled. All who were members of the Convention left the militia and repaired to Windsor, July 4th. A draft of the constitution was laid before the convention and read. The matter under consid- eration was new, of great moment, and required serious deliberation ; it was debated step by step, and paragrai^h by paragraph. While absorbed in their duty, an express arrived with tidings that Ticonderoga had been evacuated, and that the whole frontier of the Hampshire Grants was ex- posed to the ravages of the enemy. At this awful crisis the Convention was for adjourning, as many of the members had families residing in the portions likely to be overrun by the enemy and their Indian allies. Indications of a terrible thunder storm among the mountains having put all thoughts of immediately going home out of the question, some of the more thoughtful called attention to their unfinished work. In the midst of the peals of thunder, the THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 97 incessant flashes of lightning and the tumult of the elements without, the constitution was read, paragraph by paragraph, for the last time ; and as the sun broke forth upon a smiling landscape, invigorated with the summer shower, Vermont was in possession of a constitution, and stood pledged to its support. A Council of Safety was instituted to act during the recess, the Convention ad- journed, and the members betook themselves to their homes. Three days afterward, this " outlaw " Warner and his proscribed Green Mountain regiment were engaged in deadly conflict, on the soil of Vermont, with the British and Indian foes of America, on the memorable battle field of Hubbardton, in which Warner's force was decimated to about ninety men. CitAPTER X. BATTLE OP BENNINGTON. The British were of opinion that the people of the Grants were opposed to the Revolution, land would join the standard of England the mo* ment a force was marched into the territory. This belief was founded on the dissensions with New York, the unsatisfactory resolutions of Con- gress, and the charges of outlawry brought against the people of the Grants by their neigh- bors. Bennington was a central place, whither the live stock had been collected, and whence the American army derived its supplies. It was like- wise a depot of wheeled vehicles and grain de- posits, and was guarded by relieving bodies of inilitia. Bennington was to be surprised. The THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 99 country was to be scoured from Rockingham to Otter Creek. All public magazines were to be sacked. All cattle belonging to royalists, and which could be spared by their owners, were to be paid for ; and all the rebel herds and fiocks were to be driven away. Colonel Skene, the noted royalist after whom Skenesborough (now Whitehall) was named, held a position in the expedition : indeed, it was owing largely to his representations that it was under- taken. Lieut.-Col. Baum was sent in charge of the detachment. He had in his command two hun- dred dismounted dragoons of the regiment of Riedesel, Captain Frazer's British marksmen, some Canadian Tories, and Indians, in all amount- ing to about five hundred men, with two pieces of cannon. It was expected the dragoons would supply themselves with horses in the course of the foray, and a skeleton corps of royalists would be filled up with recruits. Burgoyne encamped on the east side of the Hudson, so as to be near at hand in case assist- 100 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS ance was wanted. Baum set out from camp at break of day on the 13th of August, 1777. The state of the roads, the excessive heat, and want of horses and wagons, all contributed to render the progress slow and tedious. A few horses were brought in, and some wagons captured ; but the inhabitants managed to remove most of their ef- fects in time. The Indians killed or drove off all that came into their hands, unless they were paid in cash for their prizes. Baum found the people of Bennington ready to give him a reception. The veteran Stark was there, v/ith eight hundred New Hampshire mili- tia ; and Colonel Warner found himself at the head of about six hundred Green Mountain Boys, hastily collected to repel the invaders. Thus once more the cause of American Independence was to rest largely on the valor and patriotism of the outlawed Warner and his band of brave followers. Stark had, with difficulty, been prevailed on to take the command. He had a farm among the THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 101 Vermont Mountains, and his sympathies were in harmony with her people ; he, too, was smarting under a sense of the injustice of Congress. He only took up arms, he said, in a moment of exi- gency, to defend the neighborhood which other- wise would be exposed to the ravages of the enemy. On the 15th, Stark sent forward a detachment under Colonel Gregg, and on the following day advanced with his own men to support them. He met them about five miles ofi*, in full retreat, with Baum and his force a mile or more in the rear. Stark now halted, and deployed his men for action, Baum drew up his troops and formed them in a strong position on high ground at a bend of a little river, and began to intrench. Stark fell back to await reinforcements, and to entice Baum from his intrenchments. A skirmish took place in which thirty of Baum's men and two Indian Chiefs were killed. The incessant rain of the 15th prevented a 102 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS general engagement, but there was continual skirmishing. Baum employed the interim in strengthening his position ; and finding the op- posite force much larger than he anticipated, he had sent off in ail haste to Burgoyne for reinforce- ments. The latter immediately detached Col. Breyman with five hundred Hessian Grenadiers and infantry, and two six pounders, leaving behind him his tents, baggage and standards. So bad were tlie roads, that Breyman was nearly two days getting little more than tweiity miles. Meanwhile expresses had been sent in every direction by the Americans, and recruits were pouring in from all parts of the country : — among them, Colonel Symonds with a body of Berkshire militia. On the morning of the 16th, the sun was shining brightly, and Stark prepared to attack Baum in his intrenchments, although, for the most part, his men had only ordinary firelocks without bayonets. He separated his force into two divisions ; one was detached to the enemy's THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 103 left under Colo.iel Nicbols; a second, under CjI. Herrick, was sent to the rear of his right ; these two were to join and attack the British in the rear, while the third was to make a demonstra- tion in front. Col. Skene and other royalists, when they saw the Americans issuing from the woods on differ- ent sides, endeavored to persuade Baum that these were some of the Tories flocking to his standard. The Indians were the first to discov- er (he eiror. "The woods are full of Yankees," they shouted ; and retreated, yelling like demons, between the troops of Nichols and Heriick. Several of them were killed as they ran the gaunt- let. At the first sound of firearms. Stark, who had remained behind in camp, mounted his horse and gave the word forward! The homely speech made by him when in sight of the enemy is famil- iar to every school boy. " Now, my men ! there are the red-coats ! Before night they are ours, or Molly Stark will be a widow ! " 104 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS Bauiii found bimself assaulted on every side, but he fought with a dogged stubbornness and determination. He planted his cannon advanta- geously, and his fire was t£P»ctive. Stark, who was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and in engage- ments in the French war, says it w^as the hottest fight he ever saw. He inspired his men with his own impetuosity. They drove the royalists upon the Hessians, and pressing after them, mounted the works with incredible fury, A Hessian eye- Vv'itness declared the rebels fought with despera- tion, advancing to within eight paces of the loaded cannon to take surer aim at the artillerists. The latter were slain and the cannon captured. The royalists and Canadians took to flight and es- caped to the woods. The Hessians maintained their ground until the last cartridge was expend- ed ; then taking their broadswords, Baum and his men attempted to cut their way to a road in the woods. Many were killed in the attempt, and the survivors were taken prisoners. Taum was among the wounded. THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 105 The victors now dispersed ; some to collect the booty, or seek refreshments, and others to care for the wounded or look after the prisoners. At this juncture Breyman's tardy reinforcement came up, making its slow and toilsome way to the scene of action, with numbers augmented by many of the enemy that had fled. Stark made superhuman efforts to rally his men, but all were in hopeless confusion. Just as the day seemed lost to the Americans, the standard of Colonel Warner came in sight, borne by his six hundred Green Mountain Boys, fresh from repose, and eager for the fray; for were not the safety of their homes, and the fate of their wives and children, dependent on the issues of their arms ? The shock and tumult of battle broke out anew as these newly arrived reinforcements joined in deadly strife, and the ground was to be fought over once more. It was four in the afternoon when this second action commenced. Stark's men rallied, and entered again into the fight; Col. Breyman's command was driven before the 106 'tHE 6REE>I MOtNTAm BOtS patriot forces from wood to wood, and from hill to hill, until sunset. The last stand of the enemy Was at Van Shaick's mill, where, having expended all their ammunition, the enemy retreated under cover of night, leaving two field pieces and all their baggage in the hands of the Amel'icans. Burgoyne was awakened in the night with the intelligence that Baum had met and surrendered to the enemy. Next came word that Breyman Was engaged in severe and doubtful conflict. iDrums beat to arms. The whole camp was roused, and Burgoyne was preparing to march his whole army to Breyman's assistance, when word came in that he was on his way back in safe- ty. The main army remained in camp at the Batten Kiln, but Burgoyne forded that stream and pushed forward until he met Breyman and his troops, haggard and fatigued from hard fighting and incessant marching in the hot weather. Four brass field pieces, nine hundred dragoon swords, one thousand stand of arms, and four ammuni- tion wagons were the fruits of the victory. Thir- THE GHEEN MOUNTAI"N BOyS 107 ty-two officers and four hundred and sixty-four privates were taken prisoners. The Americans lost one hundred in killed and wounded. The British killed could not be ascertained, as many had fallen in the woods. Stark remarked, that had there been another hour of daylight, the whole British force would have fallen into their hands. Tidings of the affair at Bennington reached "Washington just before he moved his camp from the neighborhood of Philadelphia, and it re- lieved his mind of a load of anxiety. In a letter to Putnam he wrote : "As there is not now tlie least danger of General Howe's going to New England, I hope the whole force of the country will turn out, and by following the great stroke struck by General Stark near Bennington, entire- ly crush Burgoyne, who seems to be in want of almost everything." The compliment paid to the troops of Ver- mont by General Burgoyne, was to this effect: ** The district of the New Hampshire Grants, a 108 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS wilderness little known in the last war, now abounds with the most active, rebellious and har- dy race of men on the continent, who hang like a gathering storm, ready to burst on my left." This was written shortly previous to his capitu- lation. This brilliant double victory at Ben- nington, by relieving New England from appre- hensions, and enabling the patriots to concen- trate their forces against Buigoyne, resulted in forcing that General to surrender, on the plains of Saratoga, as noble an army as was ever sent to subdue a country. The news spread through America and Europe, sealed the alliance between France and the United States, and so secured their independence. In the next chapter we will relate how this timely service of the Green Mountain Boys was requited by Congress. It is not within the range of human wisdom to say what would have been the effect on the American cause, had the de- mand of New York been complied with, and Stark and Warner been stripped of their com mis- THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 109 sioDS before tbe battle of Benniugton. The ene- my would have been left to devastate the country at then- pleasure, and by diverting the patriot stores in and around Bennington to the use of Burgoyne's aimy, thereby rendered his position well-nigh impregnable. CHAPTER XI. PRIVATE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE BRITISH. Brilliant and signal as had been the feats of these Vermonters with the sword, not less so were their acts of diplomacy. One can but be impressed with the spectacle of a handful of men accomplishing by policy what they could never have done by power — for years keeping at bay an army of British troops 10,000 strong, hovering over and in readiness to swoop down and devas- tate their exposed and unprotected frontier, at the same time the people were permitted to go on unconcernedly about their harvest. The claims to independence on the part of Vermont were still unacknowledged by Congress, and New Yoik was still importunate and vexa- tious. The British generals in America endeav- THE GREEN MOUNTAEN BOYS 111 ored to turn these circumstances to their own ac- count, by detaching Vermont from the cause of the Colonies, and making it a British province. The first intimation that the people of Vei mont had of this circumstance was conveyed in a letter from Colonel Beverly Robinson, dated New York, Mar. 30tb, 1780, and delivered to Colonel Ethan x4.11en in tbe street at Arlington in July. Alien communicated the contents of the letter to Gov- ernor Chittenden and some others, but returned no answer. Meantime, the village of Royalton had been sacked and burned by a party of three hundred Indians under a British officer, four of the inhab- itants killed, and twenty-five taken prisoners. It was arranged that the Governor should address a communication to General Haldimand, then com- manding in Canada, proposing a cartel for the exchange of prisoners,— the letter to be sent un- der a flag to the enemy's lines. In October, the British appeared in great force on tbe lake ; such was the alarm that the Legislature, tLen in ses- 112 THE GREfiN MOUNTAIN BOYS sion at Bennington, adjourned, many of the mem- bers taking arms and hastening to the frontiers. In a few days Colonel Ethan Allen received a flag from Carleton, with an answer to Governor Chittenden's letter respecting the cartel. With it was enclosed a proposition for a truce with Ver- mont. Allen agreed to the proposal on condition that the frontiers of Vermont should include the territory to the Hudson River. This truce, how- ever, was not publicly known ; the militia were im- mediately disbanded and allowed to return home. The militia of New York were also on their fron- tiers; not being in the secret, they were surprised to see the Vermont troops returning home, and still more to learn that the British were retiring to Canada. In February, 1781, Colonel Robinson wrote again to Ethan Allen, enclosing a copy of the for- mer letter. He was induced to make another trial, he said, " especially as I can now write with more autliority, and assure you, that you may ob- tain the terms mentioned in the above letter, pro- THE GRElEN Mount UN BOYS 113 vided you and the people of Vermont take a deci* Bive and active part with us." Allen returned no answer to either of these letters, but enclosed them both in a communica^ tion to Congress. In that letter he says: " I am confident that Congress will not dispute mj^ sin- cere attachment to my country, though I do not hesitate to say I am fulh^ grounded in opinion that Vermont has an indubitable right to agree on terms of a cessation of hostilities with Great Britain, provided the United States persist in re* jecting her application for a union with them 5 for Vermont, of ail people, would be most miser- able, were she obliged to defend the independence of the United States, and they at the same time at full liberty to overturn and ruin the independ- ence of Vermont. I am as resolutely determined to defend the independence of Vermont, as Con- gress that of the United States , and rather than fail, will retire wdth the hardy Green Mountain Boys into the desolate caverns of the mountains,- and wage war with the devil, hell, and human 114 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS nature at large." This somewhat forcible lan- guage was excusable under the circumstances. Early in that year, Vermont, by a vote of her Legislature, adopted the policy of the States of New York, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, that had been laying claim to the territory of the Grants, and put in her claim of jurisdiction over a. large part of each of those States. Thus Ver- mont was turning the weapons of her antagonists upon themselves. Numbers of representatives from the annexed districts took their seats in the Vermont assembly. At the time of extending her claims, she passed an act of general amnes- ty ; this liberal and wise act of lenity had the de- sired effect. The State of Vermont was at this time in a forlorn condition ; torn by intesiine divisions and the intrigues of her enemies in Congress: all the cannons, nay, eveiy spade and pickaxe taken by her valiant sons at Ticonderoga and Crowm Point were removed out of the State to Fort George ; Colonel Warner's regiment, raised in and for the THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 115 protection of Vermont, was put into Continental service, and stationed to defend the frontiers of New York, not half so much exposed as Vermont ; at the same time New York had recalled her State troops from Skenesborough, while an enemy, by- coming up Lake Champlain, might land within a day's march of hundreds of inhabitants who were remaining on their farms. Congress had inter- fered with the internal policy of Vermont, by cut- ting off her ways and means of raising money and men for self defense by the following : " Resolved, unanimously, that in the opinion of this body, no unappropriated lands or estates, which are or may be adjudged forfeited, or confiscated, lying in said district [Vermont], ought, until the final deci- sion of Congress in the premises, be granted or sold." We transcribe, on this topic, the words of Ira Allen : "Thus left, as she had reason to suppose, by the intrigues of those who claimed and coveted her fertile soil, to be a prey to the common enemy, similar to the fate of their brethren, descendants 116 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS from Counecticut, who settled at Wyoming and Susquehanna, and were mostly killed by a party of Indians ; their towns and villages burned, and their country depopulated (supposed to be throLigh the intrigues of land-jobbers), which has since be- come a prey to the Pennsylvania claimants, a junto similar to the New York monopolists, who were then taking every measure that the malig- nancy and avarice of human nature could suggest, for the destruction of the people of Vermont." That there was some foundation for this expla- nation of the Wyoming massacre, is made only too apparent by subsequent events. In April, 1781, Colonel Ira Allen was commis- sioned to settle a cartel with the British in Can- ada for the exchange of prisoners, and also to pro- cure an armistice between the British forces and Vermont. This was thought well-nigh impractic- able, as the British troops numbered 10,000 effec- tive men, which must remain inactive, not being able to annoy other States without first annoying Vermont, while the latter had only 7,000 men aa THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 117 an offset. But an armistice must be bad, or tbe frontiers evacuated until" assistance could come from tbe States wbose influence bad rendered Vermont defenseless. Allen arrived at Isle Aux Noix in due time, and was accorded apartments by Major Dundas, tbe officer in cbarge. At a convenient time x411en observed tbat CoDgress was endeavoring to bring Vermont into subjection to New York, but tbat tbey, ratber than yield, would see Congress sub- jected to tbe Britisb government, provided tbat Vermont could be a distinct colony under tbe Crown on safe and honorable terms ; and tbat the people were not disposed longer to assist a gov- ernment wbicb might subject them and their pos- terity to New York, under wbicb tbey could nev- er be safe in person or property. Tbe replication to these observations was, that the territory of Vermont could be a colon^^ under tbe Crov^-n, with privileges equal to those enjoyed by any other colony, and tbat those who assisted ill effecting such an event, would be duly hon- 118 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS ored and rewarded. Much conversation passed on the subject, of which General Haldiinand was duly informed. Nothing decisive was accom- plished, but the negotiation caused the army to remain inactive, which was a matter of congrat- ulation to Allen. The cartel was completed, and a verbal agree- ment entered into that hostilities should cease between Great Britain and those under the juris- diction of Vermont, until after the sitting of the Legislature of that state. On Colonel Alien's return several influential jjeopie waited on him, desiiing to be advised whether to lemain or re- move to the inteiior portions of the country. Allen told them to remain quiet on their farms, and not think it strange though they had no a] my to protect the frontier ; and that should any event make it necessary, for the safety of their families, to move, they might depend on seasonable infor- mation. This immunity of Vermont from the ag- gressions of the British, led the people on the borders to be all the more anxious to be annexed First Church in Vermont. THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 119 to her territory, as a measure of safety to their families aiid to their property. Grave suspicions having become rife that nego- tiations were being carried on between Veimont and the British in Canada, several men of discein- ment among the Whigs were sent from Vermont and the neighboring States to attend the sessions of the Legislature, to watch if there might be measures pursuing which would be eventually in- jurious to the common cause of the United States. On the other hand, the British in Canada v/ere anxious to know whether Alien and his friends would be faithful, and so conduct matters as to justify a cessation of hosthities. With these ob- jects in view, their representatives attended the sessions ; as the Assembly convened in the meet- ing house the spectators took seats in the gal- leries. Id a few days both houses joined in a commit- tee to consider the subject of Ira Allen's mission to Canada. The Governor proceeded to state the facts of the settlement of the cartel, and that 120 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS if fuitber paiticuJars were desired, Colonel Allen was then present and could best inform them. Ou being requested to speak, Allen made his state- ment, which showed the British had exhibited great generosity in the transaction ; and after stating sundry things, concluded with the remark that if any member, or auditor in the gallery, wished to ask further questions, he was ready to answer them. Those who were in the interest of the United States paid their compliments to Allen for his open and candid conduct. In the evening he had a conference with the Canadian spectators, who seemed to be equally well pleased. In July, Ethan Allen was informed by one of his neighbors that some of his friends from Can- ada wished to speak with him in the dusk of the evening of that day. At the time ajoi^ointed, Al- len, with only his cane in hand, cheerfully went to a British guard under arms, and received a packet. In the evening of the following day he met them again and returned an answer. This THE (iREEN MOltKTAlT? BO^S 121 mode of correspondence was continued ; find ^vhenever dispatches came in this way, General Ethan Allen or Colonel Ira Allen (they lived in the same house) went and received them and re^ turned an answer, not trusting the dispatches to any other person. It is worthy of remark that Sunderland^ their place of residence, was more than sixty miles from the frontiers, yet a sergeant and guard frequently passed with their aims in 1781 and 1782, without being discovered by any one who would inform against them. About this time there appeared in the news- papers of the day a letter from Lord George Gerijiain to Sir Henry Clinton, dated Whitehall^ Teh. 7th, 1781, which letter had been captured by the French and carried to Paris, from whence it had been forwarded to Congress, and by them or- dered to be printed. It ran thus : "Tiie return of the people of Vermont to their allegiance is aij event of the utmost importance to the King's affairs; and at this time, if the French and Washington really meditate an irrup- 122 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS tion into Canada, may be considered as opposing an effectual barrier to the attempt. General Haldimand, who has the same instructions with you to draw over those people, and give them support, will, I doubt not, push up a body of troops to act in conjunction with them, to secure all the avenues through their country into Canada; and when the season admits, take possession of the upper parts of the Hudson and Connecticut Rivern, and cut off the communication between Albany and the Mohawk country. How far they may be able to extend themselves southward or eastward must depend on their numbers, and the disposition of the inhabitants." This letter had greater influence on Congress than all other considerations that had yet been brought to bear ; and that body promptly direct- ed that a committee be appointed to confer with a like committee from Vermont, "on what terms it may be proper to admit Vermont into a federal union of these States." Accordingly, Vermont sent on her committee ; THE OREEN MOUNTAIN BOrS 123 while fcbey were iu Philadelphia they procured a copy of a letter fi-om the Governor of New Hamp- shire to the President of Congress, stating that his State could not furnish its quota of men or money in support of the war, as a third part of the State had revolted and joined Vermont. This draft Allen transmitted to the British Commis- sioners at Skenesborough, who laughed heartily with the Vermont committee. Those who are disposed to regard this action of Allen and his associates as inimical to the cause of American Independence, will do well to consider that the effect was to neutralize the strength of 10,000 British troops as opposed to a like number from Vermont; the final result to the cause would be the same as though both forces took the field and slaughtered each other, with the advantage to Vermont that she was saved from being overrun by a devastating army. Meanwhile the British Commissioners were becoming impatient. They stated as their in- structions, which they were not at liberty to de- 124 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS viate from without putting an end to the armis- tice, that his Excellency, General Haldimand, in pursuance of full powers vested in him by his Majesty, should issue his proclamation offering to confirm Vermont as a colony under the Crown, provided the people would return to their alle- giance ; that an ai my should come up the Lake in October with said proclamation, and the Leg- islature must accept the same, and with the Brit- ish take measures for their common defense. This was a sore strait for perplexed Vermont diplomats. It was deemed best, however, to have the proclamations brought up the Lake rather than incur the risk of a discontinuance of the armistice, in the present defenseless state of the frontier. The Legislature met at Charlestown eaily in October, and about the same time a powerful British army under St. Leger was landed at Ti- conderoga. A skirmish having occurred between a part}' of Vermonters under command of Ser- geant T upper and a number of the enemy, the THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 125 Sergeaiit was killed and his iiien retreated. St. Leger seut his clothes and effects, with an open letter, to General Enos, informing him of the fate of the Sergeant, and apologizing for his death. This dispatch and the apparel were publicly de- livered to General Enos,' which made no little noise among the troops. The preceding negotiations were not known to more than a dozen men in Vermont. An express came in with letters for Governor Chittenden, an- nouncing the arrival of the British at Ticondero- ga, in which were blended public matters and private negotiations. The messenger had not failed to j)ioclaim the extraordinary message of St. Leger, which occasioned large crowds to fol- lovv', to hear the news. On opening the letters the Governor saw it was not prudent to have them publicly read. At this confused moment Major Runnals came running in and demanded of Colo- nel Allen the reason why St. Leger was sorry the Sergeant v\^as killed? Allen replied he could not tell. E-unuu-ls repeated the question, to which 126 THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS Allen then made an evasive answer. This enraged Runnals, who again loudly demanded what rear- sons could possibly induce a British general to be sorry when his enemies were killed ? Allen re- torted with some warmth by advising Runnals to go at the head of his regiment and demand of St. Leger the reasons for his sorrow, and not stay there eating up the country's provisions and do- ing nothing while the frontiers were invaded. This mancBvre drew all attention, for the moment, from the letters. Meanwhile new ones were made out which were read in place of the originals for the satisfaction of the people. The crisis is approaching, yet the leaders in the stirring drama are not dismayed. A commu- nication from Alien to the British announces that matters are going on propitiously for their de- signs, but in view of unfavorable reports direct from the seat of war, suggested it would hardly be expedient to publish tlie proclamation just then. In less than an hour after this communi- cation reached Ticonderoga, an express arrived THE GKEEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 127 there with the news of the capture of Cornwaiiis and his entire army. Before night the Britibh had embarked all their troops and stores, and had set sail with all haste for Canada. Thus were the Vermont diplomatists relieved, at the last mo- ment, from their embarrassment and danger ; and thus were the frontiers of that State preserved from the horrors of war by the sagacity and dar- ing oi a few detei mined men. CHAPTEE XII. CONCLUSION. Years elapsed. Hostilities between Great Britaio aDd tbe American Colonies had ceased ; and on the 20ili of January, 1783, the prelimina- ry articles of peace were signed, which established the independence of the United States. The adoption of the Federal Constitution followed, which was ratified by the thirteen original States, and the first Congress assembled uuder it March 3d, 1789. During the period succeeding the peace, Vermont had been pursuing the even ten- or of her way, not over-solicitous about an organ- ic union with the States, and without any exter- nal foes to dread. But the ancient difi*erence with New York still remained unsettled. A new political generation had come upon the stage, in wliose bosoms the bitter feuds of their fathers \vere not perpetuated. One difficulty, however, presented itself. New York bad aforetime granted larfve tracts of land in Vermont, and the grantees were loudly com- plaining of the injustice in not being allowed to take possession of the property, or having its purchase price refunded. New York felt no very strong obligation to refund the money that had been extorted for those grants by royal governors before the war ; still she was disposed to favor a compromise. Public opinion and mutual inter- ests called for a reconciliation with Vermont, and her admission into the Confederacy of States, in- asmuch as the measure would increase the repre- sentation of New England in Congress. On the 23d of Octobor. 1789, committees from the respective Legislatuies of Vermont and New York met to arrange the settlement of the only issue remaining — the amount of compensation the claimants under the New York grants should re- ceive from Vermont. It was agreed that on pay- 130 THE GREEN MOTTNTAIN BOYS ment being made to her of $30,000, New York was to consent to the admission of Vermont into the Union, and to give up all claims to jurisdic- tion within the latter State. On the 18 bh of Feb- ruary, 1791, Congress, without a dissenting voice or vote, passed an Act "That on the 4th day of March, 1791, the said State, by the name and style of the * State of Vermont,' shall be received and admitted into their Union as a new and en- tire member of the United States of America." The End. ACADIA: A LOST CHAPTER in AMERICAN HISTORY. By Philip H._ Smith. This is a work of c\eop iviterest nnr) n'pnt liisforionl value. — American Catholic Quarterly Review. T thnnk von for the vohime nnd for the service yon have performed for students and renders of American History. Those who peruse your bonk Vv^ll hetter understand Long- fellow's beautiful x3oem, " Evangeline." — Benson J. Lossing, LL. D. It is what it claims to be, "A Lost Chapter in American History," and should find its way into the librnry of every student of our country's history. — Po'keepsie Enterprise. It is somethincc new, and as a stranger it will be made welcome. It is history as good as romance. — New Orleans Picayune. The subiect itself is explained most thoroucfhly. . Not the least interesting part of the book are the legends of the Gaspe Coast which are appended to it. — N. Y. Independent. Price $2. Ijiberal discount to the trade. Mailed to any address in any quarter of the world. PHILIP H. SMITH, Publisher, Pawling, N. Y. HISTORY OF DUCHESS COUNTY. BY PHILIP H. SMITH. For the first time it puts Dncliess County before the world hi a Hght of which none of us needs to be nshamed. — Joel Benton in Amenia Times. The most interesting and instructive events are blended * with the whole in a manner calculated to make it entertain- ing, as well as a valuable book of reference, — Fishkill Jour. For a long time there has been a general desire that some one should write a history of Duchess Cou.nty, and at length Mr. Smith has undertaken the work, the result being a hand- some volume of 500 pages. — Po'keepsie Eagle. Price $2, mailed to any address. Philip II. Smith, Piiblisbor^ Pawling, N. Y. ELIZABETH FPiY : LIFE AND LABOiiy OF THE EMINENT PHlLANTHKOPIbT, TBEaCHEU, AND PitlK^UN KEJj OKMEK. BY EDWABD RYDER. "Mr. Harvey, two daj's figo I saw the greatest curiosity in London, aye and in Eiigland too, sir, compared to wliicli Westminster Abbey, me 'iovver, the ijiiusn Xviuseum, nay Parliament itself, sink into utter insiyniticance ! i liave seen, sir, Eli^iubeili 1' ly m ^lewgute, and iiave wilnes^sed mi- raculous ettects ol uue Uurisiiamiy upon the most depraved oi human beings. "—J oim ixandoiph. We shall not look upon her like again ! and must try to preserve the impression or her majesty ot goodness whicli it is a great ijriviiege to nave beneld. — i^aroness ±>unsen. I could wish that your book might be found in every Christian famny. — i\ev. ^V. fc>. (Jlapp. 389 pp., 8vo., with full page portrait of Ehzabeth Fry. Price ^1, mailed to any aciaress. Philip H. Smith, Publisher, Pawling, N. Y. w v^3 m