USA > Vermont > A history of Vermont, from its first settlement to the present time : with a geographical account of the country, and a view of its original inhabitants. For the use of schools > Part 2
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Of all the sounds that discord has produced, the Indian war-whoop is the most dreadful and appalling. It is de- signed to animate and increase the ardour of the assailants, and to intimidate those who are attacked. When it is given, all immediately rush to the conflict. No regard is paid to discipline or subordination ; with fury and impetuosity, and burning with a desire of vengeance, forgetful of order and fearless of danger, their only aim is at carnage and desola- tion.
3. Who presides over a tribe ? On what does his authority depend ? How are publick transactions performed ? Have they any records or written laws ? What become their depositories ? In what manner are their councils conduc- ted? . By whom are they managed ? What is considered the most honourable employment ? How is it carried on ? What is said of the war-whoop ? What attention is paid to discipline ? Ilow are the prisoners disposed of ?
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
The battle is soon decided, when the victorious party strip and scalp the dead; making a swift and sudden re- treat, they carry off the plunder, leaving the mangled bodies of their enemies naked and unburied. A herald goes forward to announce the event, and the tribe immediately collect to celebrate the victory. When they are assembled, the chief warrior relates the particulars of the expedition. When the names of the dead are announced, the friends and relatives pour forth the most bitter lamentations ; and when the victory is proclaimed, by a most singular transition, every one forgetting his own loss, joins in the shouts and triumph of his people.
Of the prisoners, the women and children are disposed of according to the will of their captors. The men are appointed to supply the places of those who have fallen in battle. If the relatives receive them, they are adopted into the family, and succeed to all the privileges of the de- ceased. When not received, they are generally put to death by the most excruciating tortures.
SEC. 4. The victim is bound to the stake. Slow fires are kindled around him, and ev- ery species of cruelty and torture that sav- age ingenuity can invent, is tried upon the sufferer. In this dreadful situation, con- suming by a slow fire, he remains unmoved and undaunted, without a groan or a tear escaping him.
To revile, insult and defy his tormentors, and to bear with unalterable fortitude the utmost that his enemies can infliet, are the greatest triumphs of the warrior. Calm and composed under the most intense sufferings, the hero proud- ly dies, singing his own death song and taunting his enemies. "Intrepid and brave I feel no pain, and I fear no torture ; I have slain, I have conquered, and I have burnt my ene- mies, and my countrymen will avenge my blood. You are a nation of dogs, of cowards and women ; you know not how
4. In what manner are the prisoners sometimes put to death? How do the warriors conduct when put to the torture? What are prominent features of the Indian character? What are their notions of religion? Are there any now remaining in the State? What has driven them off? Where do the Indians now inhabit ! Are they increasing or decreasing !
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
to conquer, to suffer, or to torture ; prolong and increase my torments, that you may learn from my example how to suf- fer and die like men."
With such fortitude the sufferer perseveres under every method of torture, until wearied with cruelty, some one puts an end to the tragedy by sinking his tomahawk in the head of the victim.
Gratitude and revenge are two very prominent features in their character. It has been said of them, that they never forget a friend, or forgive an enemy. Their notions of religion are limited. They believe in a Supreme Being, whom they call the Great Spirit, who governs the universe, and in the existence of an inferior order of good or bad spirits, and the immortality of the soul.
These were the original inhabitants of this fertile tract of country, then a wilderness, but which is now gladdened by the labours of a hardy and happy population of industrious freemen. Hore, amidst the immense forests, they roamed, undisputed masters of the soil, which was not destined al- ways to remain a useless and unimproved waste.
Not a vestige of them now remains-gradually the en- croachments of the whites have pushed them farther and farther on, and they now chiefly inhabit the country west of the Mississippi. But as our country goes on increasing, onr enterprising citizens ate continually emigrating towards the Pacifick, and ere long every trace of the wild and noble Indian will be stricken from the face of the earth.
SEC. 5. Native Animals. The native anim- als are numerous. "There are about thirty- six kinds of Quadrupeds, which are larger and more vigorous than those of the same species in Europe .*
5. Are the native animals numerous ? How many different kinds of quad- rupeds are there ? How do they compare with the same species in Europe ? Which are the principal ! Which is the largest! Describe it .- How large have they been kaswu to grow ? Are they now plenty ?
*The following is a comparative view of the weight of animals of the same species in Europe and America.
In Europe. In Vermont.
In Europe. In Vermont.
Bear,
153 lbs.
456 lbs.
Porcupine, 2 lbs.
16' Ibs. 63
Wolf,
69 .*
92
Beaver, 18 .6
Decr,
288 4
308
M'a mine, 8 0%.
1.1 OZ.
Red Fox,
13
20
Weasel,
!
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
The principal quadrupeds are the moose, bear, wolf, deer, fox, wild cat, raccoon, porcupine, woodchuck, pole cat, martin, hare, rabbit, weasel, ermine, squirrel, mole and mouse. The beaver, muskrat, mink, and offer abound in the rivers and lakes.
The largest animal known in Vermont is the Moose. It is of the same species as the Elk, and much resembles the borse. His head is large, neck short with an upright mane, sınall eyes, cars about a foot long and very bread and thick ; under the neck is a fleshy protuberance. The nostrils are large, the upper lip square, hanging over the lower. The horns are branched, about 5 feet long when fally grown, and extending about 6 feet from each other ; they weigh from 30 to 50 pounds, and are shed yearly. The hoofs are cloven ; his gait a long shambling trot, and his course very swift and straight.
He is of a grey, light brown, or mouse colour. ITis food is grass, shrubs, and the boughs and bark of trees. In sum- mer they go in families, and in the winter in droves. They have been found 7 feet in height, and to weigh from 13 to 14 hundred pounds. 'The females are less than the males. The Moose were formerly plenty, but are now nearly extermin- ated.
SEC. 6. The Bear is frequently met with, and is always of a black colour. This an- imal is less fierce and carnivorous than has been represented, and never makes an at- tack upon the human race unless much ir- ritated, or suffering with extreme hunger.
Its common food is corn, sweet apples, acorns, and nuts. At the end of autumn he is very fat, and generally chooses for bis place of retreat the hollow of some rotten irce, or some cave in the earth, where he passes the winter in a torpid state. Ilis greatest weight is 450 pounds.
SEC. 7. The Wolf is often met with, and is among the most ferocious and sanguinary of the animals found in Vermont. They
6. Is the Bear frequently met with ? Describe it .- How does it pass the winter !
7. What is said of the Wolf? What is its weight ? O
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
frequently herd together, and do much damage, destroying sheep and other domes- tick animals.
The wolf, in his general appearance, resembles the dog, and is no doubt of the same species. Ilis eyes are spark- ling, and there is much wildness and fierceness in his looks. His colour is a dirty grey, with some tinges of yellow about the legs and ears. They subsist on the flesh of other an- imals, and will sometimes attack men. His greatest weight is 92 pounds.
SEC. 3. The Deer is one of the most valuable animals. He is casily domestica- ted, is mild, docile, and very active. He has horns, which are shed every spring, and weigh from 2 to 4 pounds. The larg- est which we have any account of weighed 350 pounds. They are now nearly extinct . in this State, and are seldom found.
The Catamount is very ferocious and car- nivorous, and is of the species called Lynx or Ounce.
In form it resembles a common cat, but is as large as the largest dog. They were never numerous, or easily taken, but from their fierceness and activity are considered very dangerous. The largest weigh about 100 pounds, and are about 6 feet long.
SEC. 9. The Wild Cat is in many re- spects similar to our common cats ; but lar- ger, stronger, and is very fierce and raven- ous. Its greatest weight is 57 pounds.
The Pole Cat, or Skunk, is one of the most remarkable animals of which we have
8. What is said of the Deer ? What is their greatest weight ? What is said of the Catamount !
9. What is said of the Wild Cat? What of the Pole Cat? The Ermino ? Is its fur valuable ?
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
any account ; but as it is so common, it is unnecessary to describe it.
The Ermine is the most beautiful quad- ruped found in our forests. In form and activity it much resembles the weasel, but is rather larger. It is of a beautiful white colour ; its tail is tipped with black, and some of them have a stripe of dark brown or mouse colour extending along the back. This little brisk and sprightly animal has the most beautiful and delicate fur, and is itself one of the most elegant of animals. It weighs about 14 ounces, and its fur is very valuable.
SEC. 10. The Beaver is an amphibious animal, and discovers the greatest sagacity in its habits of life. They were formerly found weighing from 50 to 60 pounds, but now seldom exceed 30.
His head is large, ears short, and the teeth broad and prominent. His fore legs are short, and the toes long and separate, as if designed to answer the purpose of fingers ; the hinder legs are long, with webbed toes for swimming. The tail is large, broad and scaly, resembling the body of a fish. His colour is a dark brown, nearly black.
They build their habitations in the water, sometimes in a natural pond, but more commonly by a small stream, on which they erect a dam. They select a tree having the proper inclination, and cutting round it with their teeth, fall it across the stream. They then cut smaller timber and lay it in mud, using their tails for trowels, and arrang- ing it in such a manner as to form a bank impervious to the water. These dams are about & feet thick at the bottom
10. What kind of an animal is the Beaver? What is said of his sagacity ? Describe him .--- How do they build their habitations ? What valuable articles do they furnish ?
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
and 2 at the top, on which are waste ways to carry off the water.
"They are a social animal, and wherever a number are found they immediately associate together. Their cabins are of an oval form, and have one story under and one above the water, and are proportioned in size to the number of inhabitants. The walls of the lower apartment are two or three fect thick, those of the upper are thinner, and plastered with mud.
The winter never surprises them unprepared for it. Their cabins are completed by September, and their stock of provisions laid in, which consists of bark, the twigs of trees, and various kinds of soft wood. Before a storm all are em- ployed in repairing and strengthening their dams. When domesticated they retain their habits of industry, and never appear more happy than when building a dam. They af- ford the castor used in medicine, and their fur is very valu- able.
SEC. 11. In Vermont are to be found most of the Birds known in the northern climate. Some, fitted by nature to endure the severity of our weather, remain during the winter; others migrate to more south- ern latitudes.
The lakes, ponds and rivers abound with several varieties of Fish. The Serpents, Reptiles and Insects are less numerous than in some other States.
The principal fish are, the sturgeon, trout, pike, bass, cel, perch, sucker, dace and shiner. The principal serpents are, the rattle snake, black snake, green suake, adder, striped and water snakes.
The reptiles and insects form too large a list to be here enumerated.
11. What is said of the Birds? Do they all remain during the winter? Are there many Fish? Serpents?
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
CHAPTER III.
SETTLEMENTS FROM 1724 TO 1767.
First Settlement in Vermont by the English, Set- tlement by the French, French Wars, Com- mencement of the New- York controversy.
SEC. 1. Settlement by the English. The English, in 1724, from the province of Mas- sachusetts, effected a settlement and erect- ed a fort on Connecticut river, which they called Dummer. This fort was in the south- east corner of what is now Vermont, and within the present limits of Brattleboro' in Windham county. At that time the State was a complete wilderness, inhabited only by Indians.
The original charters , of the colonies were derived from the King of Great Britain, and owing to the imperfect sur- veys of the country, were very indefinite with regard to . their boundaries. The territory at present known as Ver- . mont, was situated between the colonies of New-Hampshire and New-York, and both claimed it as included in their charters.
Fort Dummer, when built, was supposed to be in Massa- chusetts ; but was afterwards acknowledged to be in New- Hampshire. It was not till many years after its settlement that Vermont received its name, and became a separate . State.
SEC. 2. In 1731, the French having erec- 1 .. .
3 1. Where was the first settlement made and what was it called ? At what time ? By whom? What was thestate of the country at that time? From whom were the original charters of the colonies received? In what were they defective? Between what colonies was Vermont situated? In what colony was Fort Dummer supposed to be ? Where was it found to be ?
2. Where was the next settlement made ? When and by whom? Were the French and English frequently at war ! What effect did it have onthe it settlements !
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
ted a fort at Crown Point, (in the colony of New-York,) commenced a settlement on the east side of Lake Champlain, within the present limits of the town of Addison.
While the English had been planting their colonies at the south and cast, and extending their settlements to the north, the French were establishing theirs upon the St. Lawrence, in Canada, and gradually advancing south upon Lake Cham- plain.
England and France, together with their Indian allies, were almost constantly engaged in a state of warfare. Vermont of course became the seat of hostilities, and from its local situation, was exposed to the depredations of both. This for some time served to retard the progress of the set- tlements.
SEC. 3. In 1748 peace was concluded between France and England, at Aix la Chapelle, and hostilities ceased. Induce- ments were again presented for a prosecu- tion of the settlements, and many, encour- aged by the prospect of an established peace, were disposed to try their fortunes in settling or speculating in Vermont lands. As these were generally supposed to fall within the limits of New-Hampshire, the applications were mostly made to that gov- ernment for grants.
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The governor of New-Hampshire wished to encourage these applications, and on receiving the customary fees and donations, was always ready to make out the grants, and issue the patents. No doubts were at this time entertained of the validity of a title, purporting to be made by thic King of Great Britain, and issued by the governor of a royal province.
3. When was peace concluded at Aix la Chapelle ? What effect did this 'have upon the colonics? To whom were applications made for grants of lands? To whom were they supposed to belong ? Why ?
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
A long controversy had been carried on between New- Ilampshire and Massachusetts, respecting their division line, which was finally determined by George the Second to be where it now runs. The government of New-Hampshire of course concluded, that their jurisdiction extended as far west as Massachusetts claimed.
The King had also repeatedly recommended to the As- sembly of New-Hampshire, to make provision for the sup- port of Fort Dummer, as having now fallen within their jurisdiction.
From these circumstances it was generally inferred, both in Europe and America, that the New-Hampshire possessions extended west of Connecticut river ; but how far, had never been decided, or called in question.
SEC. 4. In 1749, Benning Wentworth, then governor of New-Hampshire, charter- ed the town of Bennington, 6 miles north of the Massachusetts line and 20 cast of the Hudson river. During the succeeding 4 or 5 years he also made several other grants west of Connecticut river.
SEC. 5. In 1754 hostilities again com- menced 'between the English and French in America. This put a stop to the appli- cations for grants, and again the progress of the settlements was retarded.
In 1760 tranquillity was again restored, and the warlike operations were termina- ted in this part of America, by the surren- der of Canada to the English.
4. When and by whom was Bennington chartered ? Were any other grants made about that time?
. >5. What interrupted the settlements in 1754? "When was tranquillity again restored, and how was the war terminated? By whom was a survey of the Jands on Connecticut river made? What was the whole amount of grants made? How far did the grants extend ? Was the settlement of the country rapid ? On what was the claim of New-York to these Jands founded? What is said of this graut ?
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
In the course of the war, it being necessary for the troops frequently to pass and repass between New-Hampshire and Crown Point, they observed the fertility of the intervening lands, and npon the cessation of the war, they were eagerly sought after by adventurers and speculators.
The governor of Now-Hampshire dirceted a survey to be made of Conncetient river for 70 or 80 miles, and townships to be laid out on each side. In consequence of the increase of applications, new surveys were made and grants issued, until the whole amounted to 138.
The extent of the New-Hampshire grants was to within 20 miles of the Hudson, and thence along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. The settlement of the country was almost unparalleled in rapidity, and the progress of cultiva- tion was truly astonishing .-- So many were the applications, that by the fees and donations, and a reserve of 500 acres to himself in cach township, governor Wentworth accumu- lated an immense fortunc.
Alarmed at these proceedings, and fear- ful of losing the profits which arose from the disposal of these lands, New-York foun- ded a claim to them, on an inconsistent grant made by Charles the Second in 1664, to the Duke of York, including all the lands west of Connecticut river, and extending to the east side of Delaware bay.
This of course would interfere with the grants which had before been made to Massachusetts and Connecticut, and could have no chiect with regard to what had been settled by these governments, or what was claimed by thein west of Connecticut river.
'This indefinite and erroneous transaction of Charles the Second was the foundation for, and cause of all the troubles and controversies which afterwards arose, concerning the territory now included in the boundaries of this State. The bounds of it were by no means definite, and in many instan- ces contradictory ; and it neither established any colony of New- York, or gave her any powers to govern such a colony. Still it furnished a pretext on which to set up a claim, and indneed New-York to persevere in endeavours to establish it, until it came near involving them in a civil war.
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
SEC. 6. In 1763 a proclamation was is- sued by Colden, lieut. governor of New- York, claiming jurisdiction as far east as Connecticut river, and commanding the sheriff' of Albany county to make return of the names of all persons who had taken possession of lands west of the river, under grants from the governor of New-Hamp- shirc.
This proclamation could not fail to excite great appre- hensions among the settlers, as to the tenure by which they held their possessions. They consisted of lands, held by a grant from Now-Hampshire, and it now appeared, that the government of New-York was determined to call in ques- tion their titles.
Alarmed at these proceedings of New-York, and to quiet these apprehensions of the settlers, the governor of New- Hampshire immediately issued a proclamation, declaring the grant by which New-York claimed this territory, as . obsolete, and that New-Hampshire extended as far west as Massachusetts, and that the New-Hampshire grants would be confirmed even if the jurisdiction should be altered. He required the civil authorities to exercise their authority as far west as the grants had been made, and to punish all breaches of the peace. He exhorted the settlers to be in- dustrious and diligent in cultivating the land, and not to fear any of the denunciations of the governor of New-York.
Finding it unsafe to rest her claim upon so precarious a tenure as the grant of Charles, New-York applied to the King for a decision, representing that it would be more ad- vantageous and perfectly satisfactory to the settlers, that the disputed territory should be annexed to New-York.
SEC. 7. In 1761 it was decided by the Crown, that the western banks of Connec- ticut river, should be the boundary line be-
6. What proclamation was made by Gov Colden? What effect did it have ? What proctam pion did New Hampshire make? What did New . Vork then do ! 7 What i' cision did the King make in 1764? How was it regarded by the settleis? How by New- York ? On what was the decision founded : Was the construction get upon ne by New-York just and warranted!
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
tween New-York and New-Hampshire; thus giving the jurisdiction over the dispu- ted country to New-York.
This decision was not alarming to the settlers, as they conceived it was only intended, that after that time, they were to be governed by New-York ; and that it would not affect their titles, as they had purchased and paid for the lands which they possessed. But the government consider- ed it in a different light, and construed it as determining not only what was to be, but as what ever had been, the castern limit of their jurisdiction. Of course they considered the grants made by New-Hampshire as illegal, and of no au- thority.
It does not appear that in the decision the Crown had any reference to any former grants, but considered that the convenience of the people, and the occasion, required such a division; and therefore the construction put upon it by New-York was forced, improper, and unanthorised by it.
SEC. 8. Taking advantage of this decis- ion, and the construction they had put upon it, the government of New-York proceeded to form four new counties, and to grant charters for the land. The governor de- rived more enormous profits from the sec- ond grants, than New-Hampshire had from the first.
The settlers were ordered to surrender the charters derived from Now-Hampshire, and to take out new grants from New-York, at a great additional expense for fees .-- Here commenced the celebrated contro- versy, between Vermont and New-York, which continued 26 years.
B. What did New- York proccedto do? What was required of the settlers? Was this complied with ? How did they proceed against those who refused ? What were the decisions of the courts! Were they executed ! What did the settlers do !
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
In some cases this requisition was complied with, but more generally it was refused ; and in such cases new grants were made to such persons as applied for them, and would advance the fees. Suits were commenced in the courts of Albany, antt judgments were with Hule dificaliv.obtained against the ancient settlers, the courts uniformly deciding against the New-Hampshire claimants.
Though it was so easy to obtain judgments, still the New- York speculators were often disappointed ; for it was not found so practicable a thing to carry them into effect. The settlers soon began to combine to resist the authority of New-York, and when the officers come to execute their commands, they generally met will open opposition from the possessors, and were not suffered to proceed to drive the inhabitants from lands which they considered honestly bought.
These proceedings were far from discouraging or depres- sing the settlers, and only served to awaken in them a more united and determined spirit of opposition.
Sec. 9. These determinations caused the governor of New-York to call out the mili- tin to enforce his decrees. The people, however, were generally found to justify the settlers, and had no inclination to haz- ard their lives in a quarrel, which was de- signed for the emolument of a few specula- lors.
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