USA > New York > Warren County > Queensbury > A history of the town of Queensbury, in the state of New York : with biographical sketches of many of its distinguished men, and some account of the aborigines of northern New York > Part 28
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Throwing aside all questions of ease and personal comfort, he went forward to the field with the regiment, and from that time until it was mustered out at Albany, Mr. Bates probably passed more time with the regiment and participated more thoroughly in its vicissitudes and hardships and dangers, than any other officer either field, line or staff. It is not my purpose in this place, to recapitulate the deeds and sufferings of the 22d Regiment, but it may be appropriately stated, that many of its survivors from the fields of Gainesville, 2d Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericsburg and Chancellorsville, have reason to remember with gratitude, the kindness and attention, the indefatigable labors, and earnest devotion of their chaplan, while in camp and quarters, Ther e was not a day but
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262
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSBURY.
9th of June, 1861, on which occasion, a series of resolutions was adopted, expressing in handsome terms, its appreciation of Mr. Bates's services and patriotism, but declining for the present to act upon his proposition.
This resignation was renewed, and accepted in June, the fol- lowing year, and on the 12th of July, 1862, the Rev. Edwin E. Butler, was called to the vacancy, and remained uninterruptedly in charge to July, 1871, at which time his resignation was ac- cepted. During two or three years of this period, the Rev. J. A. Russell, a presbyter of the church, being at the time principal of the Glen's Falls Academy, occasionally officiated in the absence of the rector, and in a few instances on other occasions, assisted in the ministrations. In the journal of the convention for 1863, Mr. Butler reports that the " stone church commenced in 1854, is nearly completed. Within the past six months, the parish has raised the sum of $6,500 for its completion." Nevertheless, the work crept along as it were at a snail's pace. The church was but little more than enclosed at this time; and it remained for nearly two years longer in an unoccupied state.
Over eleven years had now elapsed since the ground was broken and work commenced. Through the active exertions of the building committee in the fall of 1865, a vigorous and finally successful movement was instituted to complete the build- ing. Fresh subscriptions were made, the contract taken, and the work rapidly pushed forward to its consummation. The first service conducted in the new edifice was the marriage of
what he was busy in some genial act of charity, writing letters for the boys, visit- ing the sick in hospital, sending money home to the waiting wives, and a thousand nameless acts of goodness, scarcely appreciated at the time, but which contribute largely to make up the Christian life.
The remains of the 22d Regiment were mustered out at Albany on the 17th of June, 1863, and Mr. Bates returned to the quiet walks of his ministerial duties in civil life.
Through his patriotism he had lost his parish here, but another opening very speedily presented. For in the month of July following, he assumed the rector- ship of St. Paul's church, Oak Hill, Greene co., N. Y., where he remained until the time of his death, which occurred on the 14th of January, 1868. His final ill- ness was brief, but little more than a week elapsing from the date of his attack to the time of his death, although his health had been giving away for the last two or three months of his life. His last sermon was preached on Christmas day, up to which time he had performed all his parochial and ministerial duties in full, and thus, with his armor on, almost to the very verge of life, he passed away to his reward.
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263
THE CHURCHES.
Mr. James W. Schenck, one of the building committee, and vestry.
The church was formally consecrated in June, 1866, by the Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter, bishop of the diocese, assisted by a large number of visiting and neighboring clergy.
In 1867, a committee was appointed at the diocesan conven- tion, which reported in favor of a division of the diocese. The following year the preliminary steps were taken, and the act of separation finally consummated, by which the diocese of Albany, was erected. It is greatly hoped that this act will work salutary results for the smaller and feebler parishes.
On the 29th of May, 1869, the Hon. Stephen Brown, in be- half of the executors of the estate of John J. Harris, deceased, offered the vestry a deed of gift of a fine stone chapel, situated near his late residence at Harrisena, in the north part of Queens- bury. This structure was built up in great degree of the beautiful Ottawa limestone, imported by the founder, specially for the purpose, from Canada.
Its erection and completion was one of the last acts of the testator's life ; his funeral the first service held within its walls. (Sunday, March 14th, 1869.)
On the 3d of July following, the gift was formally accepted by a vote of the vestry. Six days later the building was conse- crated by the bishop of the diocese, several of the neighboring clergyman being present and assisting in the ceremonial. Since that date up to the first of July, 1871, services have been held regularly during the summer months on every alternate Sunday afternoon, in this little chapel, by the rector in charge of the church at Glen's Falls.
On the 17th of July, 1869, the vestry passed a vote relinquish- ing the missionary stipend, of which this parish had been nearly a constant beneficiary from the beginning; and in addition to which, large appropriations have been received from time to time from the Parochial Aid Society, and the Northern Con- vocation, for the maintenance of the services.
Thus for the first time, during all these years, and without any appreciable increase in the wealth, resources or membership, the church became self supporting; and though still feeble, and weak, yet with a substantial if not attractive church edifice, and no debt to hamper or impair its energies, it is to be hoped that its day of grace and prosperity is not now far removed.
264
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSBURY.
The statistics of the church will be found annexed in a tabu- lated form.
Supplementary to the foregoing, which was written some years since, the writer considers it proper to add that Rev. Mr. Butler's relations to the parish were dissolved by his resignation on the 20th of June, 1871, taking effect on the first of July following. For two years, the church languished without a pastor. Occasional services were held by neighboring and visit- ing clergymen. An attempt was made in the fall and winter of 1872 to establish lay services. Through the kindness and laborious efforts of the Rev. Mr. Cookson of Fort Edward, lenten services were held in the spring of 1873, and two were con- firmed at the bishop's next visitation.
During all this period, negotiations, more or less actively prosecuted, were in progress with various clergymen to fill the vacant pulpit. The vestry were critical, and the outlook in a run down parish, with a people difficult to please, was not so enticing to the clergy, that there was much of a scramble for the vacant pulpit. At length, however, the man for the place was found, and a formal call was made and accepted by the Rev. Russell A. Olin (a) of Manlius, Onondaga co., N. Y., who
(a) RUSSELL A. OLIN was born in the town of Madrid, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., on the 22d of January, 1839.
His mother died when he was but three years of age. His father followed the pursuit of farming. When the subject of this sketch was nine years of age his father married again, after which, the child sojourned awhile with relations in the adjoining town of Canton, finding his home with various connections and friends in the vicinity, up to his twentieth year. From his thirteenth year, he taught in the district schools, and the village academy, winters, working at farm labor, or attending school, during the summers, until the fall of 1859, when he entered Brown University, Providence, R. I. Here he remained for nearly two years, when he left college for a while to teach. For a few months following, he held an appointment as tutor in a private family. Succeeding this engagement, he was induced to accept a position as teacher of mathematics in Burlington College, New Jersey, which he held for nearly two years. In the summer of 1862, he enlisted as a private in the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry, a regiment, esteemed in Philadelphia, much as the seventh is in New York city. He was in active service in Kentucky and Tennessee, participating in the battle of Stone River, Dec. 30, Jan. 1st, 1863. After this, in consequence of ill health, he was detailed for light duty at Brigade head quarters in Nashville, and for the same reason, was discharged from the ser- vice during the following month.
Having recovered sufficiently to admit of resuming his studies, he entered Ho- bart College the following May, last term sophomore, and graduated with first honor, in July, 1865. Became candidate for holy orders in the Protestant Episcopal church. While studying for the ministry, he held the position of first assistant teacher in De Veaux College for boys, Suspension Bridge, N. Y.
265
THE CHURCHES.
came in the early summer of 1873, and removed with his family to the parish, in the early part of July following. Since then, the services of the church have been systematically and regu- larly conducted, and services established with steadily increasing congregations, across the river at South Glen's Falls, and at the chapel in Harrisena. At the first confirmation held during his incumbency, in March, 1874, a class of twenty-seven was added to the church, the largest number ever received into its fold, at any one time since the parish was organized.
Wardens.
Adsit, Arunah M. jr., 1867,* 8, 9, Holden, Austin W., 1854, 5, 6, 7, 70, 1.
Beach, John, 1842, 3, 4, 5.
Bolles, George F., 1862, 3, 4, 5. Carter, William C., 1840, 1.
Davis, Henry L., 1853.
Finch, Jeremiah W., 1867,* 8, 9, 70, 1. Harris, John J., 1858, 9, 60, 1. Hathaway, George F., 1865,* 6, 7.
8, 9, 60, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Hopkins, Heman K., 1852. Martin, Henry, 1842, 3, 4, 5. Martin, John H., 1846, 7, 52, 3, 4, 5, 6. Mills, John, 1846, 7. Schenck, James W. jr., 1857. Sheldon, N. Edson, 1840, 1.
He was ordained deacon, June 16th, 1867. Continued his theological studies for another year, holding an adjunct professorship of Latin in Hobart College.
Was assigned charge of the parish of St. James' church, Clinton, Oneida county, N. Y., and entered upon its duties in the July following. Was married 16th September, 1868, ordained presbyter 3d June, 1869, was appointed head master of St. John's school for boys in Manlius, Onondaga county, N. Y., in January, 1871, where he remained for something more than two years. In July, 1873, he re- turned to parish life, by accepting the rectorship of the church of the Messiah at Glen's Falls.
Since coming here, although the period of his relation with the church has been comparatively brief, he has greatly endeared himself to his congregation whose numbers are constantly increasing. Of genial disposition, fine presence, and high culture, he has the indescribable faculty of winning friends, and adhe- rents in every walk of life. His duties, arduous and exhaustive, are discharged with punctilious fidelity, and he takes rank with the most active and zealous priests of the diocese. A fluent, offhand speaker, a close reasoner, an impassioned ad- vocate, he is, slowly perhaps, but surely bringing the church up to its normal standard and level in the estimation of the community, and there is but one voice in the parish in regard to his usefulness, ability, and worth.
*To fill vacancy.
34
266
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSBURY.
Vestrymen.
Adsit, Arunah M. jr., 1866,* 7.
Arms, Lewis L., 1853,* 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 60, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Bass, William B., 1844, 5, 6, 7, 52, 3, 4, 5.
Bassinger, George H., 1870, 1.
Beach, Charles H., 1842, 3, 4, 5, 6. Martin, John H., 1842, 3, 4.
Beach, Titus, 1842, 3.
Blackwell, 1846, 7.
Butler, Benjamin C., 1852, 3, 8, 9. Philo, Henry, 1840, 1.
Cadwell, James E., 1852,* 67, 8, 9, Platt, Samuel R., 1842, 3, 4, 5.
70, 1.
Chambers, Christopher, 1866 .*
Cool, Alvin F., 1852.
Cool, Hiram M., 1852, 3, 9, 62, 3, 4.
Cool, Hyman J., 1853, 4, 5.
Cool, Keyes P., 1840, 1.
Cromwell, Dr. James, 1853.
Curtis, George, 1864, 5.
Davis, Henry L., 1844, 5, 6, 7.
Davis, Isaac J., 1859, 66,* 7, 8, 9.
Dix, James L., 1858.
Elliott, Henry, 1842.
Ferriss, Orange, 1840, 1, 60, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Finch, Jeremiah W., 1865, 6, 7.
Geer, Walter jr., 1840, 1.
Harris, Hiram M., 1859,* 61.
Haviland, Roger F., 1867,* 8.
Hitchcock, Adolphus F., 1842, 3, 4. Holden, Austin W., 1842, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Holdredge, Sylvester W., 1858.
Hopkins, Heman K., 1842, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 53,* 4 .*
Hopkins, Stephen D., 1868, 9, 70, 1.
Mabbett, Truman G., 1855,* 6, 7, 9 60, 1, 2, 3, 4.
McDonald, Leonard G., 1857, 8, 9, 60, 1, 7, 8, 9, 70, 1. McDonald, William, 1840, 1.
Martin, James E., 1852.
Phelps, Walter jr., 1852, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 60, 1, 2, 3.
Ranger, Frederic E., 1859.
Roberts, Charles, 1862, 5, 6.
Roberts, Hiram, 1858, 9.
Roberts, L. Q. C., 1843, 5, 7, Robinson, Frederic W., 1852, 3, 4. 5, 6, 7, 67, 8,
Rockwell, Hiram, 1871.
Rogers, Halsey, 1841.
Sanford, George, 1840.
Schenck, James W., 1853, 4, 5,* 6. 8, 9, 60, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Schenck, James W. jr., 1860, 5, 6,
Sheldon, Nehemiah, 1840, 1.
Smith, Frederic, 1855.
Smith, John, 1856, 7, 9, 60, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 70.
Somers, John, 1854, 5.
Steiner, David C., 1869, 70, 1.
Stevens, John D., 1867,* 8, 9, 70, 1,
Thomson, Charles, 1854, 5, 6, 7.
Tucker, Dr. - , 1846, 7. Vanbenthuysen, John H., 1857
Wait, William A., 1863, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9,70,1. Wing, Abraham, 1840, 1.
*To fill vacancy.
267
THE CHURCHES.
Clerks.
Beach, Charles H., 1842, 3.
Bolles, George F., 1862, 3, 4, 5. Butler, Benjamin C., 1852. Carter, William C., 1840, 1. *
Holden, Austin W., 1844, 5, 53, 4, 9,60.
Ranger, Frederic E., 1856, 7, 8. Schenck, James W. jr., 1861, 5,* 6. Wait, William A., 1867, 8, 70, 1.
Collectors.
Bolles, George F., 1863, 4, 5. Butler, Benjamin C., 1852.
Creeley, George, 1854.
Davis, Isaac J., 1856, 7.
Holdredge, Sylvester W., 1858. Hopkins, Stephen D., 1867, 8, 9. Mabbett, Truman G., 1862. Noble, John T., 1853.
Holden, Austin W., 1843, 4, 59, 60, Stevens, J. D., 1870, 1. 1, 5,* 6.
Building Committee.
Arms, Lewis L.,
Ferriss, Orange, The original committee, reelected May 11, 1863.
Schenck, James W.,
Roberts, Hiram, added to the committee by vote of vestry, 20th May, '63. Curtis, George, elected 5th May, 1865, vice Roberts deceased.
Finch, J. W., added to the committee 22d May, 1865.
Treasurers.
Alden, John, 1859, 60, 2. Bellamy, Charles, 1861. Ranger, Frederic E., 1858.
Thomson, Charles, 1854, 5, 6, 7. Wait, William A., 1863, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,70,1.
Delegates to Diocesan Convention.
Adsit, Arunah M. jr., 1868, 70. Arms, Lewis L., 1861, 3.
Beach, Charles H., 1843, 4. Butler, Benjamin C., 1852, 3,9. Cadwell, J. E., 1852, 69. Carter, William C., 1840. Cool, Hiram M., 1852, 3, 62, 3, 5. Curtis, George, 1861, 2, 3, 5. Davis, Isaac J., 1867.
Ferriss, Orange, 1859. Finch, Jeremiah W., 1867, 8, 9, 70. Holden, Austin W., 1845, 6, 7, 53, 4, 5, 6, 8, 60. McDonald, Leonard G., 1865, 7, 8, 9,70. Phelps, Walter jr., 1860. Roberts, Charles, 1862. Schenck, James, 1856, 9, 60, 1.
*To fill vacancy.
268
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSBURY.
Abstract of Parochial Reports.
Families.
Individuals.
Baptisms, Infant.
Baptisms, Adult.
Confirmed.
Marriages.
Burials.
Communicants.
Added.
Removed.
Died.
S. S. Teachers.
S. S. Scholars.
1840,
. ...
·
· ·
. .
50
1841,
.
...
229
:
20:0
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1
19
1842,
2
22
1843,
1844,
1845
1846,
1847.
*
*
*
*
5
. .
1
35
2
33
8
2
2
25
1855,
28
150
14
5
48
3
48
18
1
.
50
1856,
30
170
6
2
2
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.
40
1858,
50
200
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47
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1
7
30
1860,
50
250
20
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1861,
54
104
4
3
5
1
7
50
12
20
10
45
1863,
14
58
11
A
IA
1
5
16
5
. .
3
2
7
45
1865,
68
150
19
20.
3
5
73
7
.
1
7
45
1866,
70
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6
2
7
5
9
65
8
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6
50
1867,
70
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. .
. .
4
2
69
00
2
1
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45
1868,
. .
...
14
2
11
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4
85
15
4
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6
65
1869,
85
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5
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1854,
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102
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1859,
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23
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88 8 *
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1857,
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.
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6
1862,
44
1864,
50
150
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5
.
7
30
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1853,
31
120
25
.
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. .
.
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...
. . .
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1870,
.
7
5
PART II.
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER I.
DISCOVERIES BY SAMUEL CHAMPLAIN-ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE ALGONQUIN AND IROQUOIS INDIANS-MOHAWK CLAIMS TO THE TERRI- TORY AROUND LAKE GEORGE-TREATY HELD THERE-EXPLORATIONS BY HENRY HUDSON IN THIS REGION-FORT ANNE AND FORT NICHOL- SON BUILT-JESUIT MISSIONS AMONG THE MOHAWKS-FIRST DIS- ʻ COVERY OF LAKE ST. SACRAMENT BY FATHER JOGUES-HIS TORTURES AND DEATH-OLD FRENCH WAR-TREATY OF AIX LA CHAPELLE- DECLARATION OF WAR-ADVANCE OF GEN. JOHNSON-COUNCIL OF WAR AT FORT EDWARD.
IN the early part of the year 1608, two vessels were fitted out in one of the ports of France, and placed under the command of Samuel Champlain,(a) a bold and experienced navigator. On the thirteenth of April these vessels sailed for the New World, and in less than two months arrived in safety at a trading 1 post, which had been established in a previous voyage. Thence he sailed up the St. Lawrence river, and erected barracks at the mouth of the St. Charles river, where he and his people wintered, suffering much from the intense severity of the climate. Early in the spring, eager for adventure, and desirous of exploring the coun-
1 Tadoussac, where in 1603 Pontgrave and Champlain had left their ships, and in a small open boat had pushed their discoveries up the great river as far as Sault St. Louis, which had been visited by Cartier many years before.
(a) CHAMPLAIN, SAMUEL DE, governor of Canada, and founder of Quebec, from whom Lake Champlain takes its name, was born at Bronage in France. The first attempt to establish a French colony in Canada, after being prosecuted by Cartier from 1534 to 1542 was abandoned, but the enterprise was resumed about the beginning of the 17th century, and Champlain, who had obtained a reputation as a naval officer in the East Indies, was appointed pilot to De Chatte, the Lieut. General of Canada. In 1603, he ascended the St. Lawrence as far as the Falls of St. Louis, explored the country, and returned to France. The years 1604 and 1605 were spent in further explorations of the coast, and in 1607 went to Tadoussac. Quebec was founded by him in 1608, and the same year he dis- covered and suppressed a dangerous conspiracy which had for its object his mur
272
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSBURY.
try, he, with two of his companions, joined a war party of Hu- rons and Algonquins at the embouchure of the Richelieu river. This expedition, consisting of sixty savages, commanded by two distinguished chiefs, Yroquet and Ochasteguin, embarked in twenty-four canoes, and ascended Lake Champlain to Ticonde- roga, 1 where they landed, and through the aid of their allies, the French, with their fire arms, now introduced for the first time into their savage warfare, met, and defeated a large party of their ancient enemies the Iroquois. Some writers do not hesitate to assert that, during this excursion, Champlain ex- plored Lake George, and even visited that point on the Hudson river, now known as Glen's Falls. However this may be, there is little doubt but what this adventurous pioneer in the pathway of civilization, became fully informed in regard to the topo- graphy of the country. This region was in the direct pathway of the aggressive parties of the red warriors of the great Algon- quin nations at the north; the formidable Iroquois Confederacy at the south and west, and the allied tribes of the great Mohican stock, including the Schaghticoke Indians to the east. The elevated wilderness plateau,? bounded by the St. Lawrence, Lake Champlain, the Hudson and Mohawk rivers, was the favor- ite hunting ground of these various tribes, where, according to tradition, more than one struggle for conquest and supremacy had taken place, before the white man had made his advent upon
der, and the abandonment of the expedition. The early part of 1609 was occupied with contests with the Indians, in which he proved successful. He went to France in September, leaving the colony under the care of Peter Chavin, but returned in the spring of 1610. He again engaged in war with the Iroquois with similar success. In 1611 he went again to France, but returned in 1612, as lieut. governor under Charles de Bourbon. The winter of 1615 was spent among the Hurons. For many years he was actively employed in promoting the interests of the colony, which, however, was taken by the English in 1629, and Champlain, who had capitulated to Sir David Kirk, carried by him to France. In 1633, Canada having been restored to France the previous year by the treaty of St. Ger- main, he was appointed governor, which office he retained till his death in December, 1635. He published, in 1632, a history of New France; or Canada from its first discovery to 1631, containing a minute account of his voyages. He de- serves credit for his fidelity as an historian, and his skill and courage as an officer .- Appleton's Cyclopedia of Biography.
1 It is but proper to say that some authors have reached the conclusion that the headland of Crown Point was the scene of the engagement here recorded.
The Beaver Hunting Place, is the name given in the English charts to the deserts between Lake Ontario, the river St. Lawrence, and the Lakes George and Champlain, and the river of Soree .- Chastellua's Travels in North America, Eng. Translation, vol. I, p. 390. Translator's note.
273
MOHAWKS CLAIM COMPENSATION.
these western shores. Amid the dense forests and stupendous mountain ranges embraced in this territory, the red man to a period within the memory of those now living, has reigned the paramount chief. As lately as the year 1792, the Cahnawaga, and St. Regis Indians, as the heirs and representatives of the ancient Mohawks,1 sent a deputation to the government of the state of New York, claiming compensation for the tract of country embraced between Lake Champlain and the river St. Lawrence, and whose eastern and southern boundaries were defined by a line drawn from a point between Fort Edward and Lake George to the junction of Canada creek with the Mohawk near the village of Little Falls in Herkimer county, and thence to the head waters of the Mohawk on the west. No result fol- lowing this application, a similar effort was made in 1793, and again in 1794. During the following year this claim was brought to the attention of the New York legislature by a special message from the governor, and a commission was appointed to investigate the claim. At the same session a joint resolution passed the legislature, indemnifying the deputies for their ex- penses, and also providing for them suitable presents or gratui- ties. No satisfactory conclusion being reached, an arrangement was entered into for a treaty to be held at the head of Lake George the ensuing fall. Commissioners were accordingly ap- pointed, notices sent to the tribes interested, and provision made for defraying the expenses of the council, including the cus- tomary appropriation for presents. In addition to the barracks, storehouses and other buildings connected with old Fort George, which were placed in readiness for the expected guests, an am- ple supply of tents and camp equipage was despatched from Albany, together with provisions and other supplies, and for three weeks a carnival of amusement was held, so striking and impressive that for a half a century the memory of it was vividly borne in the minds of the surviving witnesses. Daily horse-back parties from the Corners, as Glen's Falls was then often called, and visitors from all the adjacent settlements and villages, visited the scene, attracted by the unique display,
1 Properly speaking these tribes represented what are known in the Catholic Annals as " the domiciliated Indians," namely those who had become converts to the Romish faith, and were associated at the several mission stations along the border, partly for religious and partly for civil purposes, but chiefly as a protection against the incursions of savages in the English interest from the south. They are frequently spoken of as the Seven Nations of Canada.
35
274
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF QUEENSBURY.
or to witness the ball play, the mock fights, the mimic dances, and other athletic sports and amusements of the young braves, and fledgeling warriors. During the progress of the treaty, which was conducted with all the ceremonious gravity, charac- teristic of the deliberations of the aborigines, the council was visited by Gov. Jay, and his military staff and some of the principal official dignitaries of the state. What with the glitter- ing and showy uniforms of that day ; the gaudy trappings and bizarre decorations of the chiefs ; the stately and sedate bearing of the deputies, this assemblage constituted an imposing and memorable event which Lake George has probably never paral- leled from that day to the present. Although nothing was positively accomplished by this treaty,1 it was another step in the progress of events, which ended in a final and satisfactory adjustment of the points at issue.
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