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 5
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
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Those from the towns on Connecticut river were in favour of receiving them; while those from west of the mountains were op- posed to it.
It was finally referred to a vote of the people, and from the management of those in favour of the measure, a majority were secured for it. June 11, a vote was carried admitting the sixteen towns, and also any others, on a vote of the majority of the in- habitants, and on their sending a repre- sentative to the Assembly.
These measures of course were alarming to New-Hamp- shire. The governor addressed a letter to Chittenden, gov- ernor of Vermont, claiming the sixteen towns, and urging him to use his influence with the Assembly to dissolve so irregular and dangerous a connexion.
Application was also made to Congress by New-Hamp- shire, to obtain the advice and interposition of that body. Aware of these measures, Vermont despatched Col. Ethan Allen to advocate ber cause, and to ascertain the sentiments of Congress generally with regard to their proceedings.
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He accordingly went; and on his return reported that Congress discountonaneed their acts relative to the connex- jon with New-Hampshire ; but if that was repealed, no op- position would be made, except from New-York, to their independence.
SEC. 3. The next Assembly met at Wind- sor, Oct. 1778, and considerable change of sentiment was apparent. They now reft ed to organize the sixteen towns, or do any thing more to extend their jurisdiction cast of Connecticut river.
3. What were the sentiments of the next Assembly? What did they re- fare to do ? Who withdrew ! What measures da! they take ? What did the Convention resolve ! What was their object ! What did the government of Vermont do !
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The representatives from the sixteen towns withdrew from the Assembly, and were followed by fifteen members from towns in Vermont, adjoining the river. A Convention of these thirty-one towns was called at Cornish, and invitations issued to towns on both sides of the river to mect with them.
This convention met in December, and resolved to pro- pose to New-Ilampshire to agree upon a division line, or submit the dispute to Congress, or to arbitrators, or they would consent that New-Hampshire should have jurisdiction over the whole grants.
It was now obvious that the object of the men who con- ducted these movements, was to form a new government, and locate the seat of it on Connecticut river.
The Assembly of Vermont, aware of the tendency of this course, and anxious to avoid the consequences of this con- nexion, passed a vote, February 12, 1779, dissolving the union which had subsisted between Vermont and the sixteen towns in New-Hampshire.
SEC. 4. 'The Assembly of New-Hamp- shire, thinking to take advantage of the divisions thus created, now laid claim to the whole territory of Vermont. New- York asserted her right, while Massachu- setts also put in her claim to a large part of the contested country.
The controversy with New-York had now assumed such a serions aspect that an appeal to arms appeared about to be made. There were several persons in the southeast part of the State, who were very much in favour of the govern- ment of New-York.
To some of these the governor of New-York had given commissions, on their asserting that they had a regiment of men who were opposed to Vermont. The government of Vermont directed Ethan Allen to raise a body of militia for the suppression of these hostile associations.
5. What pew claim was made to the territory of Vermont ? What was the state of the controversy with New-York? What commissions did the gov- ernvient of New- York issue? What ecurse did Vermont take? What was done by Allen ? What was done by Congress! Was the attempt at reconcil- iation successful? What was the policy of Congress ? What was the sub- stance of the address issued by the Governor and Council of Vermont?
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While the governor of New-York was attempting to effect his measures with the party that adhered to him in Vermont, Ethan Allen had marched into the scene of tu- mult, and made prisoners of the colonel and other officers acting under the authority of New-York, and put an imme- diate end to their short lived authority.
These proceedings had been laid before Congress, and commissioners were appointed by that body to attempt a reconciliation between the parties. Their endeavours, however, proved unsuccessful ; and it appears to have been the policy of Congress not to make a final decision while it was possible to avoid it.
'The affair now became seriously perplexing, and began to assume such an aspect as to threaten very serious conse- quences. The three States, New-Hampshire, Massachu- setts, and New-York, each claimed the disputed territory, while the inhabitants of it had declared their entire inde- pendence, and set up a new government of their own.
In consequence of certain resolutions passed by Congress, an address was now issued by the governor and council, de- claring, "That the State of Vermont existed independent of any of the thirteen States, and was not accountable to them for liberty, the gift of a beneficent Creator. That the State was not represented in Congress, and could not submit to resolutions passed without their consent. That they were and ever had been ready to bear their proportion of the expense of the war with Great Britain, whenever ad- mitted into the Union ; but they would not now, after four vears hard fighting, give up all worth contending for, the right of making their own laws and choosing their own form of government, to the arbitration and determination of any man or body of meu under heaven."
Sec. 5. The British general, aware of these controversies, and of the situation of Vermont, addressed a letter to Ethan Allen, with a view of inducing the Vermonters to espouse the royal cause, and giving encour- agement that by so doing, they should be
5. What proposals did the British make to Allen ? What course did Allen and the leading me take ? What communication did Allen make to Congress ? What was the substance of his letter ? What were the real for lings of the peo- ple in islation to the proposals of the British ?
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erected into a separate government under the king and constitution of England.
Allen, and the leading men to whom he made it known, took advantage of this, and other applications which follow- ed, and by affecting a favorable reception of the proposals, they prevented the incursions of the British army ; but by various pretences they avoided bringing the matter to a final decision.
'These proposals were afterwards transmitted to Congress, together with a letter from Allen, declaring the attach- ment of Vermont to the general cause, and avowing her right to make any arrangement she chose with the British for a cessation of hostilities on her part, provided the Uni- ted States still persisted in refusing to admit her claims to independence.
"Vermont," continued he, "would be most miserable, were she obliged to defend the other States, and be herself at the same time liable to be overrun by those claiming jurisdiction over her territory."
He concludes his letter in the following bold words: "I am as resolutely determined to defend the independence of Vermont, as Congress are that of the United States ; and rather than fail, will retire with the hardy Green Mountain Boys into the caverns of the mountains, and wage war with human nature at large."
No measure could be more hostile to the feelings of the people of Vermont than submission to the royal authority ; but they were fully determined, also, not to give way to the unjust claims of the other States, and rather than sub- mit, to defend their territory to the last drop of blood.
SEC. 6. Vermont, finding it impossible to gain admission into the Union, and being alarmed at the course pursued by New- Hampshire and New-York, made every ex- ertion in her power to augment her own internal strength and increase the popular- ity of her cause.
Such was the popular excitement of feeling on this sub-
6. What policy was pursued by Vermont? what the popular feeling ?
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
ject, that every man was nerving his arm for the conflict ; and had the attempt been made, to coerce them into the proposed measures, no doubt it would have terminated with a bloody issue.
SEC. 7. In October of the present year, a party of Indians from Canada made a descent upon Royalton. In this town and. its vicinity they took twenty-five prisoners, killed several, burned upwards of thirty houses, and destroyed a considerable num- ber of cattle.
Scc. 8. 1781. While New-Hampshire and New-York were extending their claims to the territory of Vermont, the government of that State adopted the same course to- wards them, and asserted a right to a large part of the territory of cach.
Great success attended this policy. At the next session of the Assembly, thirty-five towns from New-Hampshire were represented, and several in New- York petitioned that body to exercise immediate jurisdiction over them.
A committee was accordingly appointed to confer with the petitioners, and the articles of union were drawn up and agreed to by delegates from twelve districts in New- York, ten of which were soon after represented in the As- sembly of Vermont.
SEc. 9 .. August, 1781. Now-Hampshire and New-York continuing to press their claims to the territory of Vermont, Con- gress passed a resolution, appointing a com-
7. Who made a descent upon Royalton ! What depredations did they com- mit?
8. What risims did Vermont now set up! What was the success ? How maty towas were represented from New- Hampshire !. What petition was pre-
9. What resolution was passed by Congress ? What was the condition of their admission !
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mittee to confer with the agents of Verpprost on their claim to independence and ad!" sion into the Union; but making it an ,in- dispensible preliminary to that measure ----
'That Vermont relinquish all claim to jurisdiction cast of Connecticut river, and west of a line running from Massachusetts to the 45th degree of latitude, said line be- ing twenty miles distant from the Hudson river."
Sec. 10. These resolutions of Congress were laid before the Assembly of Vermont in October. They then resolved not to submit the question of their independence to any power whatever, considering that as settled ; but were ready to refer the ques- tion of boundaries to arbitrators mutually chosen, or, if admitted into the Union, to Congress itself.
During the last part of the present year, the contest with New-Hampshire began to be quite alarming. An attempt was made to serve a writ under the authority of Vermont, in one of the towns which had separated from New-Hamp- shire and attached itself to the former State.
The authority was denied, and on the juterposition of au officer from New-Hampshire, he was apprehended, with two of his adherents. and imprisoned by the Vermont officer .-- The governor of New-Hampshire issued an order, calling out the militia to liberate the Sheriff.
The government of Vermont sent agents to compromise the matter, one of whom, a sheriff, was imprisoned by way of retaliation. Both governments were' now alarmed at
10. What resoletion did Vermont pass in October ? What was the state of - the contest with New-Hampshire? What affair took place ! Mention the particulara. How was it settled !
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this approach to hostilities, and were disposed to prevent any further violent measures.
CHAPTER VIII.
FROM 1782 To 1789.
Unsuccessful attempt for the admission of Ver- mont into the Federal Union. Termination of the Revolutionary War. Prosperous state of Vermont.
SEC. 1. Jan. 1, 1782, a letter was recei- ved by Governor Chittenden, from General Washington, in answer to one he had ad- dressed to him asking advice, in which he says : "I will take it for granted that the right of Vermont is good, because Congress by their resolve of the 7th of August imply it; and by that of the 21st are willing to confirm it, provided the new State is con- fined within certain limits." "It appears to me therefore, that the dispute of boun- dary is the only one that exists, and that being removed, the matter would be ter- minated to the satisfaction of all parties. You have nothing to do but to withdraw your jurisdiction within your own limits, and obtain an acknowledgment of your in-
1. What was Gen. Washington's opinion relative to the controversy ? When were the requisitions of Congress complied with? What was the report of the committee of Congress? Did Congress pars the resolution ? what was their policy ?
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dependence under the resolve of the 21st of August."
This letter appears to have had its in- tended effect; for in February, 1782, the Assembly met, and after some debate they resolved to comply with the requisition of Congress respecting the extent of their ju- risdiction.
In March this resolution was formally laid before Congress by the agents from Vermont, and notice given that they were empowered to negotiate and complete on her part all that was necessary to her ad- mission into the union. It was referred to a committee of Congress, who reported the following resolution :
"That the territory of Vermont as limit- ed and defined in the acts of Congress of August, 1781, be acknowledged by the name of Vermont, as a free, sovereign, and independent State; and that a committee be appointed to treat with her on her ad- mission into the Union."
Three several motions were made to appoint a time for the consideration of this report, and were all negatived. It was now apparent that Congress adhered to her former policy of evasion, and meant to avoid a decision if possible.
Sec. 2. The proceedings of Congress
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were viewed with indignation by the peo- ple of Vermont. They had complied with all the requisitions of Congress which were attached to their proposal for her admis- sion, and they now considered that Con- gress were absolutely under obligations to acknowledge their independence.
Vermont was now placed in a critical situation. The armies of the United States had been withdrawn from her protection, and being abandoned by Congress, she was ex- posed to the incursions of the whole British army in Canada.
SEC. 3. Conscious of her exposed situa -. tion, the government of Vermont supplied the lack of physical strength, by policy and address. The British had been and still con- tinued unwearied in their proposals to her, while on her part a correspondence had been kept up by the leading men without coming to a decision, by which the British were led to believe the state would recede from the union.
Every effort was made on the one part, to persuade Ver- mout to declare for Great Britain, while on the other, eve- ry art was used to avoid this step and yet prevent hostil- ities.
With a singular talent at negotiation Allen, in whose name the correspondence was principally carried on, suf- fered the British to deceive themselves with a hope of suc- cess, and completely effected his own views by entering into an engagement with them, that no hostilities should be carried on against Vermout.
2. How did the people view these proceedings ? What was the situation of Vermont at this time !
3. How did Vermont supply the want of strength ? What correspondence . was carried on ? What was the object on the part of the English! What ou that of the Vermonters ? What was the success of it! How many persony were in the secret of the correspondence ?
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HISTORY OF VERMONT.
Only eight persons in the State were in the secret of the correspondence ; Thomas Chittenden. Moses Robinson, Samuel Safford, Etban Allen, Ira Allen, Timothy Brown- son, John Fasset, and Joseph Fay. It was terminated with the war in 1783.
Meantime the contentions still continued between the Yorkers, (as they were called who. adhered to New-York) and those who were attached to the new government.
SEc. 4. The principal seat of contention was in the southeast part of the State.
During the year 1782 some people in Gulfford, with the aid of others from Brattleboro', attempted to exercise the laws of New- York over the citizens of that town.
The government of Vermont ordered out the militia to assist the sheriff of Windham county, and protect the courts of justice against the violent opposition of the Yorkers. Ethan Allen was despatched at the head of one hundred men, and on his arriving in town issued a proclamation declaring, "that unless the people of Guilford peaceably submitted to the authority of Vermont, the same should be made as des- olate as Sodom and Gomorrah."
This silenced the opposition and under Allen's martial len, the sheriff found little difficulty in collecting taxes and enforcing the authority of the new government.
In all these affairs great care was taken by the govern- ment, to avoid the effusion of blood. The punishment of of- fenders was as light as was consistent with the preservation of good order and maintaining the authority and independ- ence of the state.
New-York disappointed in her attempts to produce an insurrection, made complaint to Congress that their resolu- tions were publicly violated; and that Vermont bad pro- ceeded to exercise jurisdiction over the property and per- sous of' sandry individuals professing themselves subject to New-York.
SEC. 5. In December, Congress passed a resolution disapproving and severely cen-
4. Was the affair with New-York yet settled ? Where was the seat of con- tention ? What took place at Guilford + What measures did the government take ! Relate the particulars. Was the government rigorous in the punish- ment of od'euders ! What course did New-York take !
5. What resolution did Congress pass ? Was it just and po' ok ?
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suring the measures pursued by the govern- ment of Vermont ; declaring "that their acts were highly derogatory to the authority of the United States, and extremely danger- ous to the confederacy, and demanding the immediate and decided interposition of Congress," and requiring them to make in- mediate reparation to such as had suffered in consequence of them; and concluding with the following words,
"That the United States will take effec- tual measures to enforce a compliance with the aforesaid resolution, in case the same shall be disobeyed by the people of the said district."
Thus instead of fulfilling their own engagements, Con- gress thro' the influence of New- York was led to this unjus- tifiable act, which served only to increase the prejudice al- ready too strong, of the people of Vermont against their au- thority, and which served only to rouse their indignant feel- ings and make them the more determined to maintain their independence.
SEC. 6. 1783. The governor and coun- cil immediately sent a remonstrance to Con- gress, in which they reminded them of their nonfulfilment of the engagements in their act of Aug. 1781, altho' Vermont had com- plied with the conditions. They also re- ferred them to the articles of confederation, in which they were prevented from inter- fering in the internal affairs of the states ;
6. What was done by the Governor and Council ? Whyt was the substance of the remonstrance ! What other remonstrance was sent ? How did the pegy ple of Vermont regard the proceedings of Congress !
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much less therefore in those of Vermont, whose delegates they had constantly refu- sed to admit to a seat in their body.
They also asserted, "that Vermont had as good a right to independence, as Con- gress ; and as much authority to pass reso- lutions prescribing measures to Congress, as Congress had to them. That the inhab- itants of Vermont had been in full posses- sion of freedom from the first settlement of the country, and would not now be resol- ved out of it by the influence of New- York."
They concluded by soliciting admission into the union, agreeable to the promises of Congress heretofore made, and which a committee of their body had reported "to be absolute and necessary to be performed."
A remonstrance was also sent by the assembly at its next session in February, which was of the same tenour and spir- it of that of the Governor and council, and equally plain, spirited, and decisive.
Congress was not a little disappointed in the effect which their measures had produced. So far from intimidating the inhabitants of Vermont, they served to unite them in their determination to defend themselves against aggression and prevent the execution of those acts which they believed were passed by the influence of New-York.
Sec. 7. . Jan. 20, 1783, peace was conclu- ded between the kingdom of Great Britain and the United States of America. The military operations now ceased and the for-
7. When was peace concluded with Great Britain? What difficulties bad Congress now to contend with? What effect did the termination of the war have upon the Union ?
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mer colonies were acknowledged to be free, independent, and sovereign states.
Though now relieved from the apprehensions of a foreign enemy, still Congress had serious embarrassments and tronb- les to contend with. The want of sufficient power to enforce their authority, and the depreciation of the currency, ser- ved greatly to embarrass the general government.
The war by presenting a prospect of common danger, had served to unite and cement the union of the several col- onies. But being terminated, the several states exerci- sing their own authority paid little attention to the resolu- tions of congress, and confusion and disorder could not fail to ensue.
SEC. 8. While the general government of the states was thus struggling with their numerous embarrassments, the state of Ver- mont was highly prosperous. She was not burdened with any part of the enormous debt which oppressed the union, and the legislators having gained experience, and the people being disgusted with the former proceedings of Congress relative to them, the people of Vermont were not desirous of joining in the general confederation.
Nothing was now to be apprehended from the incursions of any enemy; the in- ternal affairs were as wisely and happily regulated as those of any other state, and it was no object for her to join a union which would involve her in the debts and conten- tions which were weighing heavy upon the others.
8. What was the situation of Vermont compared with that of the other States ! Were the people now anxious for admission into the union ! Why ? By whom was the Secretary arrested, and on what account ? What measures Jid Vermont take !
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1784. The ancient difficulties with New-York were by no means settled ; and altho' that state had probably little hope or desire of enforcing its demands, still they would not publickly and avowedly relinquish their pretended claims.
The sceretary of Vermont was arrested in New-York on account of his conduct in his own state. The subject of course was laid before the general assembly and they unan- imously resolved, that the lands in Vermont belonging to the citizens of New-York should be sold, until a sufficient sum should be raised to make full restitution to the secre- tary for all the damages which he might have sustained.
SEc. 9. New-York had made frequent attempts to disturb the government of Ver- mont, but they had generally recoiled up- on her and were never attended with suc- cess. She had made violent and unceas- ing exertions to obtain jurisdiction, but had uniformly met with a determined and effec -. tual resistance from the inhabitants.
She had assumed at one time the lan- guage of menace and threatened an attack, and at another had made fair promises. But she found that ber threats, promises, and power, were alike treated with indif- ference by the hardy and determined in- habitants of Vermont, and finally she was obliged to relinquish all hopes of subduing them by force, or entrapping them by pol- icy.
When Vermont first asserted her independence and assu- med the powers of government, the people were not fully united or unanimous in favour of the measure, some timid
3. How hyd New York conducted towards Vermont ? Was her policy suc- conful! Were the people united on the first organization of the government of Vermont ? Were they now ?
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ones fearful of the event, and others desirous of adhering to New-York. But the government began gradually to ac- quire strength and maturity, and the affairs being so pros- perously and happily conducted the inhabitants were satis- fied and inclined quietly to settle down under so promising' auspices.
SEc. 10. At the close of the war the prospects of Vermont, were far more flat- tering than those of any other state. The quality and low price of the lands which she had to dispose of, and the mildness and equity of the government, induced many to emigrate thither from the other states, and large additions were made to their num- bers and property in consequence.
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