USA > Vermont > Washington County > Montpelier > Addresses delivered before the Vermont Historical Society and the Vermont Historical and Antiquarian Society > Part 5
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The long summer day was drawing to a close. It had been thus far spent by the Council, as had been several of the pre- ceding, in discussing the ways and means for doing something
"Tra Allen-see appendix.
1 Daniel CLipman.
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MR. THOMPSON'S ADDRESS.
to avert the doom that ling over their seemingly devoted State. But up to this hour their deliberations had been a holly fatloss. Project after project for raising mitary forces had been brought forward, discu ved and abend med, as imppracticable, till worried with the warsailing labors, and disheartened by the dinal pros- post before them, they were about to give up business for the day when the door-keeper, with wwwvonted baste and an agitated manner, entered the room, and amoneed to the astonished members the alarming tidings that one of their own masher, and till that day an active participater in their discussions, bod proved a Judas, and was now, with a band of his recreant neighbors, on his way to the British camp ! "This news fell like a thunder-clap on the Council, producing at first a sensation not often witnessed in so grave an assemblage. But no formal comments were offer- ed, and, after the commotion had subsided, all sank into a thought- ful silence, which we will improve by personal introductions of all the leading members of this body, when we are now to sup- pose sitting before us digesting the tidings just announced.
Separated from the rest by a sort of enclosure composed of tables strung across one end of the apartment, which was the large upper room of the old tavern in Manchester, and which had been hastily fitted up for the occasion, sat the President of the C'ou- cil-the venerable 'TnoMs CHITTENDEN, the wise, the prudout and the good, who was to Vermont what Washington was to the whole country, and who, though possessing no dazzling greatness, had yet that rare combination of moral and intellectual qualities which was far better -- good sense, great discretion, henesty of purpose, and an unvarying equanimity of temper, united with a modest and pleasing address. And by the long and continued exercise of this golden mean of qualities, he was destined to leave behind him, an honest and enduring find-a memorial of good deeds and useful over -! and quoted both in the đơn vịi .: the the superior brillarey af te
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MR. THOMPSON'S ADDRESS.
away and been forgotten. He was now over fifty, but so fine his physical endowments, and so good his habits, that time had left scarcely a trace on his manly brow ; and notwithstanding the simplicity of his deportment and the plainness of his dress, the large arm chair in which he was reclining, furnished by some con- siderate matron of the neighborhood, coukl not have found, in the broad land, an occupant who would have filled it with more native dignity, or one better fitted to restrain by courteous firm- ness, and by tact guide into safe and appropriate fields of action, the less diciplined and more fiery spirits of the body over whom he presided.
On the left of the President, on one of the plain benches that ran along the walls in front, immersed in thought, sat side by side, like brothers as they were, the two FAYs-those intelligent and persevering friends of freedom and State independence. Fur- ther along sat the two ROBINSONS, alike patriotic and active or able, according to the different spheres in which they were about to be distinguished-one in the tented field, and the other on the Bench, and in the Councils of the Nation. Next to them was seen the short, burly form of the uncompromising MATTHEW LYON, the Trish refugee, who was willing to be sold, as he was, to pay his passage, for a pair of two-year-old bulls, by which he was wont to swear on all extra occasions-thus sold for the sake of getting out of the king-tainted annosphere of the old world, into one where his broad chest could expand freely, and his bold, free spirit soar untranneled by the clogs of legitimacy. In his cagle eye, and every lineament of his clear, ardent and fearless coun- tenance, might be read the promise of what he was to become- the stern Democrat, and unflinching champion of the whole right and the largest liberty.
In contrast to him, on the opposite side, was seen the tall form, and the firm and thoughtful countenance of BENJAMIN CARPEN- TER, who, by his line of marked trees through a 30-mile reach of woods, had just arrived on foot with pack and canc, from his residence in Guilford, on the other side of the mountains.
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MR. THOMPSON'S ADDRESS.
Next sat the mild and gentlemanly NATHAN CLARK, the future Speaker of the Legislature ; and by his side the dark, rough fea- tured GIDEON OLIN, another embryo member of Congress, knit- ting his brows in an expression of mingled sternness and gloom.
Beyond these, leaning out of an open window, was THOMAS ROWLEY, the first Poet of the Green Mountains. He was here . because he was a publie favorite, a trusty patriot, and some- thing of a statesman. But like other poets he had his peculiar tem- perament, as might be seen even in this staid assembly. For, as if disgusted with a profitless debate, and determined not to be troubled by the disconcerting news just announced, he had turned to the more congenial employment of gazing out on the land- scape, over which his kindling eye might have been seen to wander, till it rested in rapture on the broad empurpled side and bright summit of the lofty Equinox mountain, whose contrasted magnificence was growing every moment more striking and beau- tiful in the beams of the setting sun.
At an end of one of the tables before the President, was also seen the stout frame and business like countenance of PAUL SPOONER, engaged in writing a despatch. And as the last, though not as the least of this contrasted assemblage, let us turn to the youthful Secretary of the C'oneil, IRA ALLEN. So much the junior of his colleagues was he, that a spectator might well won- der why he was selected as one of such a sage body. But those who procured his appointment knew full well why they had done so ; and his History thenceforward was destined to prove a con- tinued justification of their opinion. Both in form and feature, he was one of the handsomest men of his day ; while a mind, at once versatile, clear and penetrating, with perceptions as quick as light, was stamped on his Grecian brow, or found a livelier expres- sion in his flashing black eyes and other lineaments of his intellec- tual countenance. Such, as he appeared for the first time on the stage of public action, was the afterwards noted Ira Allen, whose truc history, when written, will show him to have been
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MR. THOMPSON'S ADDRESS.
either secretly or openly the originator or successful prosecutor of more important political mesures, affecting the interests and independence of the State, and the issue of the war in the North- era department, than any other individed in Vermont ; making him, with the many peculiar traits le pas-esed, one of the most remarkable men of the thees in which he so conspicuously lig- ured.
" I have finished," said Spooner, breaking the gloomy silence which had so long pervaded the assembly, -. I have finished the despatch, Mr. President, requiring the attendance of Gen. Bailey, the absent member from Newbury, and I have ventured to add the news of the defection of that miserable Squire Spen- cer !":
" Tis all well," responded the President ; " but I had hoped to have forwarded by the same messenger, a despatch requesting the aid of New Hampshire. But how can we expect they will do anything till we do something for ourselves-till they know whether they will find among us more friends to feed and assist, than enemies to impede them. And I submit to you, genile- men, whether it is not now high time to act to some parpose. If we can't vote taxes, we can contribute towards raising a military force if you will agree to raise one. Instead of being dishearte !!- ed by the conduct of the traitor Spencer, who has pediups pre :- identially left us before we had settled on any plan of operations which he could report to the enemy, let us show him, and the world, that the rest of us can be mex ! Thave ien head of cattle which, by way of example, I will give for the emergency. Bat am I more patriotic than the rest of you here, and hundreds of others in the settlement ? My wife has a valuable gold necklace ; hint to her to-day that it is needed, and my word for it, je-mor- row will find it in the treasury of freedom. But is my wife more spirited than yours and vih is ? Gentlemen, I wait your propositions."
*See Appendix
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MR. THOMPSON'S ADDRESS.
During this effective appeal, drooping beads began to be rais- ed-perplexed countenances began to brighten, and by the time he had closed, several speakers were on their feet eager to res- pond.
" Mr. Carpenter has the floor, gentlemen," said the Pres- ident, evidently wishing that discreet and fim man should lead off' as a sort of guide to the warm emotions he saw rising.
" I rose," said Carpenter, "to give my hearty response to the sentiments of the Chair. It is time, high time to act. 1 have no definite proposition now to offer ; but within one hour, 1 will have one, if others are not before me in the matter. For it is a criine to dally any longer, and from this moment action shall be my motto."
" Aye, action ! action ! responded several.
" Action let it be, then," said the impulsive Rowley, the next to speak ; " and I will make a proposition, that will give gentle- men all the action they will want, besides setting an example which will show works as well as faith-1 propose, Mr. Presi- dent, that each one of us here, before any more of us run away to the enemy, seize a standard,-repair singly to the different hamlets among our mountains --- cause the summoning drum to be beat for volunteers, whom we will ouen tres had to do battle with this Jupiter Olympus of a British General, who has so nearly annihilated us by force of Proclamation !"
" Tom Rowley all over ! but a gallant push nevertheless," exclaimed Samuel Robinson in an under tone, "and yet Mr. President," he continued rising, " if our spirited colleague's pro- posal should be carried into effect, we shouldstill want a regularly enlisted force to serve as a nucleus to volunteers, especially under such officers as most of us would make. I therefore move we vote to raise a company of an hundred men, which will be as many as all the contributions we can obtain among our poor and dis- tressed people, will equip and support very long in the fick !. "
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MR. THOMPSON'S ADDRESS.
" And I," said Clark, "believing we may venture to go a little higher than that, propose to raise two companies of sixty each."
"No, no," cried several voices. "One company-means can be found for no more. "
" Yes, yes, the larger number -- 1 go for two companies," cried others.
" And I go for neither, Mr. President," said Tra Allen, dash- ing down his pen upon the table, by the side of which he had been sitting in deep cogitation. " I have heard all the propo- sitions yet advanced-see the difficulties of all, and yet I see a way by which we can do something more worthy the character of the Green Mountain Boys-and that too without infringing the Constitution or distressing the people. ! therefore more, Sir, that this Council resolve to raise a whole regiment of me ?, appoint their officers, and take such prompt measures for their enlistment, that within one week every glen in our mountains shall resound with the din of military preparations."
" Chimerical !" said one who, in common with the rest of the Council, seemed to hear with inuch surprise a proposition of such magnitude so confidently put forth, when the general doubt ap- peared to be whether even the comparatively trifling one of Clark should be adopted.
"Impossible-utterly impossible to raise pay for half of them," exclaimed others.
" Don't let us say that, till compelled to," said Carpenter in an encouraging tone. "Though I don't now see where the means are to come from, yet new light may break in on us by another day, so that we can see our way clear to sustain this proposition. If there should, we should feel like men again."
" Amen to all that," responded Clark, "and as the hour of adjournment has arrived, I move that our young colleague who seems so confident in the matter of means, be a committee of one, to devise those ways and means to pay the bounties and
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MR. THOMPSON'S ADDRESS.
wages of the regiment he proposes, and that he make his report thereof by sunrise to-morrow morning."
" I second that motion, so plase ye, Mr. President," cried Lyon in his usual fall determined tone and Irish accent-" I go for Mr. Allen's proposition entirely, manes or no maues. But the manes must and shall be found. We will put the brave gentleman's brains under the screw to-night," he added jocose- ly, " and if he appears empty handed in the morning, he ought to be expelled from the Council. Aye, and I'll move it too, by the two balis that redamed me !"
"I accept the terms !" said Allen -- " give me a room by myself, pen, ink, paper and candles, and I will abide the condi- tion."
"For your light, Mr. Allen, as your task is to find money where there is none to any common view, I would advise you to borrow the wonderful lamp of Aladdin, " gaily added Rowley, as the Council broke up and separated for the night.
At sunrise the next morning all the Council were in their seats to receive the promised report. They were aware that Allen had spent the whole night on the business committed to his charge ; for, hour after hour during that important night, they had heard the alternate scratching of his rapid pen, and the sound of his footsteps as he paced his solitary chamber, intensely revolving in his teeming mind the details of a plan, on the success of which with the Council he felt the last chance of making a stand against the invaders of the State minst depeed. This circumstance, to- gether with the expectation which his confident manner, and known fertility in expedients had previously created, that he would present some feasible plan for carrying out his proposal, though no one could conjecture its character, now caused his ap- pearance to be awaited with no little curiosity and solicitude .- They were not long kept in suspense. Allen, with his papers in hand, came in, and after announcing his readiness to report, calmly proceeded to unfold his plan, which was nothing more nor
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MR. THOMPSON'S ADDRESS.
less than the bold and undreamed-of step of confiscating. seizing and, on the shortest legal notice, selling at the post, the estate of every Tory in Vermont, for the public service !
The speaker having read his report, consisting of a decree of confiscation, drawn up ready for adoption by the Council, and a list of candidates or nominations of onieers for a regiment of Ran- gers, he quickly resumed his seat and patiently awaited the ze- tion of the Council. But they were taken by sach complete surprise by a proposition, at that time so bow in the colonies, 20 bold and so startling in its character, ilnit, for many minutes, nos a word or whisper was heard through the hushed assembly, whose bowed heads and working countenshees showed how intensely their minds were engaged in trying to grapple with the subject matter on which their action was so unexpectedly required.
Soon, however, low murmurs of doubt or disapproval be- gan to be heard, and the expression-Unprecedented step! Doubtful policy ! Injury to the cause ! became distinguishable among the more timid in different parts of the room, when the prompt and fearless Matthew Lyon, whose peculiar traits of in- tellect had made him the first to meet and inaster the proposition. which jumped so well with his feelings, and whose consequent resolve to support it was only strenedened by the tokens of rising opposition he perceived around him, now sprang to his feet, and, bringing his broad pahus together with a loud ship, ex- ultingly exclaimed : " The child is born, Mr. President ! My head," he continued, "has been in a continual fog, ever since we met, till the present moment. But now, thank God, I can see my way out of it, -I can now sce at a gluice how all we want, can be readily-aye, and righteously, accomplished ! 1 can already see a regiment of our brave mountaineers in arms be- fore me, as the certain fruits of this bold, bright thought of our young friend here.
" Unprecedented step is it ? It may be so with us timid Re- publicans ; but is it so with our enemies, who are this moment
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MR. THOMPSON'S ADDRESS.
threatening to crush us, because we object to receive their law and precedent ? How, in Heaven's name, were they to obtain the lands of hadf Vermont, which they offered the lion-hearted Ethan Allen if he would join them, bat by confiscating our es- tates ? What became of the estates of those in their country, who, like ourselves, rebelled against their goverment ? Why, sir, they were confiscated ! Can they complain, then, if we adopt a measure, which, in case we are vanquished, they will visit on our estates, to say nothing of our necks ? And can these recreant rascals themselves, who have left their property among us, and gone off' to help fasten the very law and precedent on us, complain at our doing what they will be the first to recommend to be done to us, if their side prevails ? Where, then, is the doubtful policy of our amicipating them in the measure, any more than seizing one of their loaded guns in battle and turning it against them ?
Injury to the cause, will it be ? Will it injure our cause here, where men are daily deserting to the British, in the be- lief that we shall not dare touch their property, to strike a blow that will deter all the wavering, and most others of any property, from leaving us hereafter ? Will it injure our cause here, to have a regiment of regular troops, who will draw into the field four times their numbers of volunteers ? If that be an injury, Mr. President, I only wish we had more of them ! With half a dozen such injuries, we would rout Burgoyne's whole army in a fort- night. I go, then, for the proposition to the death, Mr. President. Yes, by the two Balls that redamed me, I will go it !"
The ice was broken. This bold dash of rough, argumentative eloquence, so adroitly addressed to men of such mould, had reached cords that rose responsive to the touch, and gave a direc- tion to the naturally favoring current of their feelings, which was not to be diverted. 'The more ready and fearless, one after another, now stepped forward, removed obstructions, and gave additional force to the gathering impetus. The President, on
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MR. THOMPSON'S ADDRESS.
whom all eyes were turned, was seen nodding his approbation in spite of all his prudence. The timid rapidly gained strength, the doubters at length yielded, and, within two hours, this all impor- tant measure, which, in the eventful period of forty days, named at the outset, became the pivot on which the destinies of Ver- mont were turned, was unanimously adopted. The results were soon apparent. Doubt and despondeney gave place to confi- dence and courage. Commissioners, and other officers, wore ap- pointed and dispatched in every direction to seize the marked estates, and the whole enginery of sequestration was at once put in motion. The work of enlistment under the ardent and active HERRICK and his subordinates, the military appointees of the Council, was commenced ; and within one week every village and hamlet in the Green Mountains were resounding with the roll of the recruiting drum, and the clang of war-like preparation .- With such energy and success, indeed, were these operations pushed forward, that within the astonishingly short period of fifteen days, a respectably filled regiment was collected and ready to take the field. All this had led to a confident and successful appeal to New Hampshire, for aid and cooperation. STARK came. The battle of Bennington was fought and won ; and the shout of victory, that went up from the banks of the Waloomsie, was a virtual proclamation of the Independence of Vermont .- For, her gallantry here, and her controlling hand in getting up an expedition, resulting so disastrously to Bargoyne-so auspicious- ly to the country, gave her a right to command a boon, which she otherwise would have saed for in vain ; -- a boon which she did thus command, thus receive,-and thus ensare for herself her subsequent proud and happy destiny.
APPENDIX.
Extracts from Ira Allen's history of Vermont, and his address to the Legislature, in relation to a cargo of military stores bought by him in Europe, for the militia of Vermont, and seized by the British ;- published in 1808, now nearly ont of print :
"The members of the Convention repaired to Windsor, July Ith, 1777. A draft of the Constitution was laid before theia and road. The business being new, and of great consequence, required serions deliberation. The Convention had it under consideration, when the news of the evacuation of Ticonderoga arrived, which alarmed thea very much, as thereby the Frontiers were exposed to the inroads of the enemy. The family of the President of the Convention, as well as those of many other members, were exposed to the fue. In this awful crisis, some were for leaving pre- cipitately ; but a severe thunder-storm came on, and during the rain, they had time to reflect ; while other members, less alarmed at the news, called the attention of the whole to finish the Constitution, which was then reading for the last time. The Constitution was read through ; the Con- vention proceeded to appoint a Comeil of Safety to conduct the business of the State, and adjotirned withont dav."
" The members of the Council of Safety, appointed as aforesaid, agreed to meet and forin at Manchester, where they repaired without loss of time. Col. Thomas Chittenden was elected President, and Mr. Ira Allen (then 27 years old) Secretary to said Convention."
" The Council of Safety ll no paeffic money, nor had they any au- thority to lay taxes, or credit as a public body, to make or borrow money to answer the necessities of goverment. The goverment was in its infancy, and all expenses were supported at private expense. The Conn- cil were generally men of small property, yo brebis situation, it became necessary to raise men for the defence of the Fromiers, with bounties and wages. Ways and means were to be found out; and the day was spent in debating on the subject. Nathan Clark, Esq, not convinced of the practicability of raising a regiment, moved in Council, that Mr. Ira Allen, (the youngest member of the Council ; who insisted on raising a regiment, while a large majority of the Council were for only two companies of GO men each) might be appointed a committee, to discover ways and means to raise, arm and support a regiment, and to mele has report at sum-rise, on the morrow. The Council acquiesced, and Mr. Alien took the matter into consideration, and spent the night alone in correrting plans ; and he reported the ways and means, viz., that the Council should appoint. Com- missioners of sequestration, with authority to seize the goods and chattels of all persons who had, or should join the common enemy ; that all moveable property so seized should be sold at public vendue, and the pro- ceeds paid to a treasurer, to be appointed by the Council, for the purpose of paying a bounty of $10, and one month's pay in advance ; that every man furnish his own arnis, &c.
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APPENDIX.
The Council appointed Commissioners of sequestration, Ira Allen Troas- urer, and the officers for a regiment, (the nomination of which Mr. Allen had paid much attention to in the solitary hours of the night.) Samuel Herrick was appointed Colonel, and the men enlisted and sail bounties paid in 15 days, out of the confiscated property of the enemies of the new State. This was (supposed to be) the first instance of seizing and sellit. - the property of the enemies of American Independence."
"Abel Spencer, of Clarendon, who had been a stickler for New York, had been suddenly converted to an advocate for a new State, and so ingratiated himself, as a good whig, that he was elected a member of the Council of Safety. Mr. Allen declared he would not take a seat in the Council if Spencer did, and that he should not be surprised if Spencer should go to Burgoyne's camp ; which he did, and died with the British soon after."
An original letter written in Council by Spooner, in which h- alludes to Spencer's desertion, is still preserved in the collection of the Historical Society.
Though personal estate was only at first seized, probably to raise money for immediate necessities, yet the confiscation and sale of real es- tate was either put in train at the same time, or soon after.
VRRA
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THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY
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THE LIFE & SERVICES OF MATTHEW LYON.
THE MARBLES OF VERMONT.
DRESSES
PRONOUNCED OCTOBER 29, 1853,
BEFORE THE
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