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 4
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SEC. 6. On the 17 of Sept. Montgomery
5. What memorable event took place on the 17th of June! What were the forces engaged ? What was the effect of this battle ? What was done by Congress ! Who was appointed commander ] W net expedition was planned? Who conducted it?
C. When and by whom was the siege of St. Johus commenced? What Res the state of the garrison !
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
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having received a reinforcement, procee- ded to St. Johns and commenced the siege. The garrison consisted of the principal part of two British regiments, and compri- sed nearly all the regular troops in Cana- da. They were well supplied with artille- ry, provisions, and military stores.
While maintaining the siege, Montgomery made an at- tempt to detach the Indians who had joined Carlton gov- ernor of Canada, and to obtain the assistance of the Cana- dians generally. Success attended these exertions, and a considerable number joined the Americans.
SEc. 7. During the siege, Col. Allen and Maj. Brown, having been sent out on an excursion into the neighboring villages, a- greed without the consent of Montgomery, to make a descent upon Montreal. Al- len's force amounted to eighty men and Brown's about two hundred.
Allen was to cross over with his party to the north of the city, and Brown to the south. Accordingly in the night Allen crossed the river ; but by some means Brown and his men failed and Allen was left without any adequate sup- port.
Instead of returning Allen rashly determined to defend himself. Carlton attacked him with some kandred men, and after a severe conflict, took him and thirty five of his men prisoners. He immediately ordered them to be load- ed with irons and in that condition sent to England.
SEC. 8. Oct. 18 Majors Brown and Liv- ingston with a party of Canadians took pos- session of the fort at Chambly. The gar- rison consisting of one hundred men, were taken prisoners.
7. What did Col. Allen and Maj. Brown attempt ! Relate the particulars.
8. What took place at Chambly ! What was obtained by the capture "
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
By the reduction of this fortress they obtained possession of one hundred and twenty barrels of gun powder, besides other stores, and what was considered more valuable, the colours of the seventh regiment, which were transmitted to Congress.
SEC. 9. While Montgomery was pres- sing the siege of St. Johns, Carlton attemp- ted to pass over from Montreal with eight hundred men and relieve it. But as they were landing, Col. Wayne with about three hundred Green Mountain Boys, attacked and compelled them to retire in disorder,
SEC. 10. This defeat decided the fate of St. Johns. The garrison left without hope, on the 3d of Nov. surrendered to Gen. Montgomery by which a large quantity of stores and a considerable number of can- non, fell into the hands of the Americans.
Montgomery, then proceeded to Montreal, and found that Carlton had evacuated it before his arrival. He imme- diately sent a detachment to intercept the retreat of tho British at the mouth of the Sorelle.
The detachment on Nov. 17 took Gen Prescott, with one hundred and twenty men prisoners, besides getting posses- sion of several armed vessels, loaded with military stores and other valuables which they were attempting to convey to Quebeck.
Sec. 11. November 9th, Gen. Arnold ar- rived at Point Levi, near Quebeck, with about 700 men. On the first of December, Montgomery, with 300 more, joined him at Point au Trembles, and on the 5th, at the
9. What did Carlton alteropt ? Relate the particulars.
10. When was St. Jobno surrendered ? What did the Americans obtain ? Relate the events which followed.
It. Who arrived with reinforcements ? What place did Montgomery then invest ? What took place on the 31st December !
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HISTORY OF. VERMONT.
head of the united forces, appeared before Quebeck.
December 31st, in an attempt to storm the city, Gen. Montgomery was killed. The Americans were compelled to retire, with the loss of their distinguished and enterpri- sing commander, and near half of their troops.
SEC. 12. 1776. When Congress receiv- ed intelligence of the misfortunes at Que- bec, they ordered a reinforcement of troops, and sent Gen. Thomas to command them. They amounted, when they arrived at Que- bec, to about 1,900 men.
- The small pox bad broken out in the American army du- ring the winter, and the men were too reduced to admit of any effectual evertions, and as the British were daily ex- pecting reinforcements, it was resolved, May 5th, to make the best retreat in their power.
SEc. 13. The next day General Carlton marched out to attack the Americans .--- They had already began their retreat, and now abandoned their artillery and bag- gage, and without attempting to face the enemy, retired in the utmost confusion ; but the British not being in a situation to pur- sue, only 100 men fell into their hands .- They proceeded to Sorelle, where Gen. Thomas died of the small pox.
In consequence of these and various other disasters, the American army became so reduced, as to make it necessary wholly to evacuate Canada, which was accordingly done on the 18th of June.
15. What did Congress do ? What disease broke out in the army ! What followed ?
!3. What prevented the retreat ? What caused the evacuation of Canada ? When did the event take place !
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
CHAPTER VIE
FROM 1776 TO 1778.
Declaration of Independence; Continuation of the War to the surrender of Burgoyne ; Re- vival of the controversy respecting the New- Hampshire grants.
SEc. 1. The British had now recovered possession of the whole province of Cana- da, and the shattered remains of the Amer- ican army took refuge at Crown Point,- The events of the whole campaign were unfavorable to the Americans, with some few exceptions.
Still, amidst all these misfortunes, the Americans remained firm and determined ; and notwithstanding their army was small and undisciplined, while their enemy's was strong and powerful, and gaining victory, still they were undaunted; and in defiance of all risk and danger, on the fourth of July, 1776, the Congress, then in session, pub- lickly declared the Colonies to be Free and Independent, under the name of the United States of America.
After enumerating the wrong's received, and declaring these to be sufficient grounds for separation, they solemnly and deliberately proceeded to declare it in the following words :
1 Wist did the British recover ! Were the events of that campaign favoir while ce unfavorable ! What were the feelings of the Americans : What deo- laration did Congress make ! When !
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
""We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in general Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connexion between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, dissolved; and that as free and independent States, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alli- ances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things, which independent States may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour."
SEC. 2. Thus was forever severed from the British crown the fairest part of her possessions. The struggle was no longer between subjects and their master; it be- came the determined stand of a whole peo- ple, who knew their rights, and were de- termined to maintain them; a contest for national existence, for life or death.
While the war was progressing in other parts of the coun- try with various success, important events were taking place in the north. After the evacuation of Canada, the Americans halted at Crown Point and the British at St. Jobns, and both were engagel for the remainder of the sum- mer in building vessels and making preparations for securing the command of Lake Champlain.
The Americans found themselves at length in possession of a naval force of 1 sloop, 3 schooners, and 5 gondolas, carrying 55 guns and 70 swivels, and manned with about 400 men. The British armament was much superior in the number and strength of vessels, guns, and implements of war.
2. What was the effect ? Where were the Americans located, and where the British ? How were they employed ? What was the comparative force of each !
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
Spc. 3. On the 11th of October, 1776, the American and British squadrons met, Col. Arnold commanding the former. Af- ter a short though obstinate contest, the British were forced to retire, not being able to bring all their force into action.
This battle was fought near Iste Valcour. The British had two gondolas sunk, and one blown up with 60 men .- The Americans lost one schooner and one gondola, and had several other vessels much injured. Arnold was convinced of the superiority of the enemy, and attempted to draw off bis fleet to Ticonderoga.
SEC. 4. October 13th, the wind proving favourable, the British pursued and over- took the Americans near Crown Point. sharp action here took place ; but the Brit- ish being greatly superior, were victorious. - The action lasted about four hours; but Arnold finding that no exertions could counterbalance the difference in force, and that defeat was inevitable, ran most of his ves- sels ashore and blew them up. Two gallies, two schooners, one sloop, and one gondola escaped to Ticonderoga.
The Americans, after the destruction of their vessels at Crown Point, set fire to that fortress, and made good their retreat to Ticonderoga. The works had been repaired and strengthened, and it was thought to be now in a situation to Bustain an attack.
Carlton landed at Crown Point, and after examining, and finding the works at Ticonderoga too strong and too well defended to be easily reduced, he resolved not to attack it. Winter approaching, he re-embarked his troops and return- ed to Canada.
SEC. 5. 1777. The British formed a
3. What took place on the 11th October ? Describe it. What did Arnold attempt ? Why ?
4. What took place October 19th ? Describe it. . What was done by the Americans after this . Whit way done by Carlton ?
5. What plan did the British form ! How was it to be executed ? . Who commanded the northern Americanarmy ! Which army was superior ? What did Schuyler do ?
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
plan to cut off all communication between New-England and the other States. A powerful army was to leave Montreal, and proceed by way of Lake Champlain to the Hudson, and thus co-operate with the Brit- ish army at New-York, and a complete chain be formed between New-England and the rest of the country.
Gen. Schuyler was assigned to the com- mand of the northern department of the American army, assisted by Gen. St. Clair and other distinguished officers.
The American army, in point of numbers, and supplies of arms and military stores, was greatly inferior to that of the British. Schuyler, after inspecting Ticonderoga, left the works in charge of Gen. St. Clair, and chose Fort Edward as the strong hold for his army.
SEc. 6. July Ist, Burgoyne, who had command of the northern British army, lan- ded, and invested Ticonderoga with a force of 7,000 men, and a powerful train of artil- lery. The American garrison consisted only of 3,000 men.
St. Clair, deeming his force inadequate to maintain the fort, and finding Burgoyne had taken post on Mount Defi- ance, which completely commanded Ticonderoga, on the 6th of July evacuated the place, and retreated towards Fort Elward. .
St. Clair, by a circuitons route, procceded first to Castle- ton in Vermont, and thence to Hudson river, closely par- sued by a detachment sent by Burgoyne to intercept his retreat. They were overtaken on the 7th, and attacked in the rear, which was commanded by Warner and Francis .-
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6. Who commanded the northern British army ! What did he do July lat ? What was his force ? What the American? What course did St. Clair take ? Describebija retreat. Where did be retreat to ? What did Schuyler do!
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HISTORY OF VERMONT,
The action was warm and well contested ; but reinforce- ments arriving to the aid of the British, the Americans were compelled to give way, and the retreat soon became disorderly and precipitate. The cannon, baggage, and many of the troops fell into the hands of the British, and St. Clair with the broken remains of the army joined Schuy- ler on the 12th at Fort Edward.
'Their united forces now amounted to no more than 4,400 men. As Fort Edward was in a ruinous condition, Schuyler, on the advance of the British, abandoned the post and re- tired to Saratoga and Stillwater. Burgoyne soon after took possession of it.
Scc. 7. By these disasters, the whole western frontier of Now-England was left exposed to the incursions of the enemy .--- The northern settlements in Vermont were already broken up, and the inhabitants of these states being aroused to a sense of their danger, took measures to raise troops for their defence.
Vermont poured forth her daring Green Mountain Boys, and the rest of New-England her hardy yeomanry, and Gen. Stark, with about 1,400 men, repaired to Manchester.
Sec. 8. Burgoyne receiving information of a quantity of provisions being stored at Bennington, sent Col. Baum, with 400 reg- ulars and a party of Canadians and Indians and 2 pieces of artillery, to capture them. Stark, learning these movements, marched his troops immediately to Bennington.
Baum on his arrivat finding his force inadequate to cope with the Americans, halted on an advantageous position,
7. In what style did these disasters leave the New England frontiers ! What ofect did it have ? Where did Stark repair, and with how many men ?
8. What did Burgoyne do on learning there were stores at Bennington! Why did not Baum immediately execute it ! What measures did he take? What did Stark ! Relate the particulars of Bennington Battle. What effect did it have !
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and sent back an express to Col. Breyman, at Battenkill, for a reinforcement.
Stark had also previously sent orders to Col. Warner, who had been loft at Manchester, to join him with his regiment. Expresses were also sent in every direction, and the militia and volunteers were pouring in from all quarters.
Stark now determined on attacking the enemy in his on- treuchinents. Accordingly, on the 16th of August, a well directed attack was made, and an obstinate action main- tained for two hours. The British were, however, compel- lcd to retire, and Col. Baum was mortally wounded.
After the battle was decided, and the militia had began to disperse, Stark received intelligence of the approach of Col. Breyman witha powerful reinforcement for the British. Fortunately, at this moment Col. Warner arrived, with his regiment from Manchester.
Stark immediately fell upon Breyman, and the militia rallymg to his aid, tbe engagement was renewed and warm- ly contested till sunset, when the British gave way and were totally routed.
In these two engagements the Americans took about 700 prisoners, with their baggage and ammunition ; 207 British were found dead on the field, and 30 Americans.
Thus terminated the battle of Bennington, a most deci- zive victory, and one which diffused confidence and joy throughout the country.
SEC. 9. About the same time, a detach- ment of British under St. Leger, attempted to reduce fort Schuyler, but the garrison made a most gallant attack and the expe- dition entirely failed,
Gen. Herkimer marching to the relief of the fort, fell into an ambascade and was defeated and shin ; but a body soon collected and were despatched under the command of Arnold, on the same service. The Indians hearing of his approach, threatened to abandon St. Leger unless he gave up the siege, and he was forced to retreat to Montreal, with the loss of bis baggage and stores.
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3. What fort did the British under St. Leger attack ! Were they success- ful ) What effect did it have on the Indians !
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
" SEc. 10. The misfortunes of the British at Bennington and fort Schuyler, deprived Burgoyne of his expected support, and re- tarded the progress of the royal army. The savage barbarities of the Indians un- der Burgoyne, instead of intimidating the Americans, seemed only to rouse their in- dignant feclings.
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The situation of Burgoyne was extremely critical and not a little perplexing. General Gates who had succeeded Ger. Schuyler in command having controut of more abundant means, acted with more energy and efficiency. His army was constantly increasing by the militia which was pouring in from all quarters and continually surprising the outposts of the British.
To retreat was to lose the object of the expedition, and to advance wasfull of danger. Burgoyne however decided upon the latter; and accordingly on the 14 Sept. he passed the Hadson and advanced upon Stillwater, where the Amer- icans were encamped.
On the 19th September the two armies met, and a most obstinate though undeci- sive engagement ensued. The Americans Jost about three hundred and the British a- bout six hundred men.
October the 7th the battle was renewed, by a movement of Burgoyne towards the Jeft of the Americans, hoping to effect a re- treat thereby to the lakes. The action was warmly contested, and darkness put an end to it without the British accom- plishing their object.
10 What retarded the progress of Burgoyne 1 What is said of his situation ? Kriste the particulars of the battle of the 13th September. Was it derisive ! What renewed it ? When did the royal army surrender, andto whom ! Ho many moco were made priscoers !
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
Oct. 17, the royal army worn down with fatigue and finding no avenue of escape u- nanimously resolved. in council to capitu- Jate. They accordingly surrendered to Gen. Gates, and the army, consisting of 5,700 effective men, became prisoners of war to the Americans.
SEc. 11. The apprehensions of the peo- ple of New-England subsided with the sur- render of this army. The settlements in the western part of Vermont were resumed, and most of the inhabitants who had been engaged in the recent transactions returned to the cultivation of their farms.
The news of the surrender of Burgoyne excited the high- est transports of joy throughout the country. It was soon followed by an acknowledgment of the independence of the United States by France, and the conclusion of a treaty of alliance and commerce .*
The inhabitants of the New-Hampshire grants, more than those of any other part of the country, had experienced the evils resulting from the want of a regular, systematic form of government. During the present year their attention had been directed to this object, and this necessarily intro- duced the subject of their former controversy.
They had no regular government, but cach town managed its own concerns. But the difficulties and embarrassments of conducting their publick concerns without some general government, gave rise to the project of forming an inde- pendent state.
SEC. 12. Accordingly, January 16, 1776, a Convention met at Dorset, and drew up a
!!. What effect did this event have on New- England ? What offert did it bare on France ? What evils did the people of Vermont experience ! To wbut was their attention directed ? What was the state of their government ?
"Holland acknowledged their independence in 1282; Sweden in February, 1789 ; Denmark the saine ; Spain in March ; and Russia in July.
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
petition to Congresss: They avowed them- selves ready, to, bear their proportion of the war, and their zeal in the common cause. But they also declared, that they were not willing to put themselyes under the govern- ment of New-York. That when their ser- vices were wanted, they wished not to be called upon as inhabitants of New-York, but as those of the New-Hampshire grants.
This petition was referred to a committee of Congress, who reported, "That it be recommended to the petitioners to submit to New-York, and to assist their countrymen in their struggle."
But this not being satisfactory, a Convention afterwards met at Westminster, January 16, 1777, and published the following declaration :
"This Convention, whose meinbers are duly chosen by the free voice of their constituents in the several towns on the New-Hampshire grants, in publick meeting assembled, in our own names and in behalf of our constituents, do hereby proclaim and publickly declare, -That the district of territory comprehending and usually known by the name of the New-Hampshire grants, of right ought to be, and is hereby derfared forever hereafter to be considered as a free and independent jurisdiction, or state ; to be forever hereafter called, known and distinguished by the name of Vermont.
"And that the inhabitants that at present, or that may hereafter become resident within said territory, shall be entitled to the same privileges, immunities, and cufran- chisements which are, or that may at any time hereafter be allowed the inhabitants of any of the free and independent States of America.
. "And that such privileges and immunities shall be regula-
12. When did the Convention meet at Dorset ? What did they declare in their declaration to Congress ! Whint did Congress recommend ? When did the convention meet at Westminster ! Give the substance of their declara- tion What document was sent with the declaration to Congress! What was the substance of it ! How did Congress act in relation to them ? Were the Winsiufue pursued by Vermont justifiable ! Why !
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ted by a "Bill of rights," and by a form of government, to be established at the next session of this Convention."
They then sent a copy of this declaration to Congress, accompanied by a petition that it might be received, and that the district therein mentioned might be ranked among the independent American States, and their delegates be admitted to a seat in Congress.
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This declaration and petition were signed and presented by Jonas Fay, Thomas Chittenden, Heman Allen, and Reu- ben Jones. After some debate the petition was dismissed, and the declaration discountenanced by Congress.
This measure of the inhabitants of Vermont certainly was necessary, and particularly well timed. For New- Hampshire had rejected them, and they had not and never would submit to New-York. Of course it became necessa- ry to establish some government. And certainly the same right, which Congress had assumed in declaring the inde- pendence of the colonies, authorised them in taking the same step.
Sec. 13. The people of Vermont impu- ted the unfavorable reception of their pe- tition in Congress to the influence of New- York, and they became the more resolved and determined to maintain their indepen- dence in the same fearless and spirited manner in which it had been declared.
By the surrender of Burgoyne, the seat of the war was removed from their immediate vicinity, and their apprehen- sions of danger from that quarter were for the present re- moved. A fair field was now opened for them to form a more systematic and regular course in regard to the contro- versy with New-York, and to take measures to sustain the ground which they had taken.
13. What effect did the actions of Congress bave upon the people ?
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
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CHAPTER VII.
FROM 1778 TO 1781.
Continuation of the controversy ; British make proposals to Vermont ; Indian depredations ; Measures pursued by Vermont ; Disturbances in New-Hampshire.
SEC. 1. No controversy had arisen with New-Hampshire during this period ; and the government of that State had uniformly countenanced the conduct of Vermont, and had in communications with the Secretary, treated it as an independent State.
. March 12, 1778, a petition was presented to the Assembly of Vermont, from sixteen towns in New-Hampshire, declaring that they were unconnected with any State, and requesting to be admitted into union and confederation with them.
The original charter of New-Hampshire extended only 60 miles from the sea coast. All lands west of this were annexed to it only by royal commissions. The petitioners contended that these could be of force no longer than while the power of the Crown subsisted, and had now expired with the royal authority ; that it consequcatly devolved upon the people to determine to what government they should hereafter belong.
SEC. 2. This application was very em- barrassing to the Assembly of Vermont .----
1. What was the state of feeling between New-Hampshire and Vermont ? What petition was presented to Vermont March 12? What did they contend for !
2. How did it affect the Assembly ! How was it decided ! What did this causo New-Hampshire to do ! What measures were taken ?
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